Credit/debit Monitoring Or Manipulation (e.g., Game Entry, Betting, Prize Level, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/25)
  • Patent number: 10661179
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes computer program instructions, which when executed by an information processing system, cause the information processing system to: store a plurality of game media in association with each of a plurality of players, the game media each having a plurality of parameters; place a first of the plurality of game media in a predetermined area among areas of a field, based on an operation by a first player, in association with a state of first parameter indicating that a first parameter among the plurality of parameters is valid; and specify one or more specific areas in which is placed a second game medium associated with a different state of parameter indicating that a different parameter, other than the first parameter, is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventors: Keiya Ohashi, Akiyoshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 10657767
    Abstract: Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. In another aspect, winning the bonus award may be based on payback percentage or outcomes of the base game. In yet another aspect, the timing of the next bonus award can be configured, or otherwise based on one or more conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: ACRES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 10643424
    Abstract: A system and method for hosting and managing a live game are disclosed which includes a live gaming table for live players and a live dealer. In an embodiment an application configures a player's mobile device to receive an invitation from a casino to play the table game based upon the player being, based upon location aware technology, being in or near the casino. Accepting the invention permits the player to reserve a position at the gaming table and displays a machine readable code at the player's mobile device. The player positions at the gaming table include video display and player input devices (VDPIDs) and a code reader to read the displayed code and access the player's electronic account. Using the VDPID the player may convert between electronic funds and physical gaming chips, participate in video bonus event play and back-bet on other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Yee, Jeremy A. Halter, Mark Lowell, Scott Hilbert, Dat Huy Ta, Sridhar Gondesi, William Jones, Joseph R. Hedrick
  • Patent number: 10643432
    Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a secure gaming device including one or more game protection elements for ensuring the integrity and unassailability of game outcomes while providing an appealing mix of game features involving a wide range of various potential payout awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jamie Abrahamson, Richard Newman
  • Patent number: 10639553
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods that collect data regarding game strategy decisions by human players during video game, and utilize the collected data to either adjust or replace behaviors of computer players and/or suggest game strategies to human players during video game sessions. The game strategy decisions may be harvested from human-vs-human and human-vs-computer video game sessions. The data may be harvested from online-connected video game sessions, which may be hosted over an online video game network. Depending on the embodiment, the harvested data can include information regarding game strategies used by players during the video game sessions, the game contexts in which the game strategies were respectively used, and the results achieved by the respective use of the game strategies. Systems and methods described herein may facilitate a computer player having behavior that is (at least partially) “crowd-sourced” based on game strategies used by online-connected video game sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Roy Harvey, Robert Lee Hyder, Mathew Daniel White, Jacob Landis Cossairt
  • Patent number: 10643239
    Abstract: A system is described for generating one or more rewards for use in a first application on a user processing device in response to user engagement of a second application on the user processing device. The system comprises a user processing device and a reward server arrangement. The user processing device stores instructions defining a first application and a second application. The user processing device further stores instructions defining a content delivery and reward implementation module. The content delivery and reward implementation module is operable to display on a user processing device content obtained from a content and reward delivery server arrangement comprising at least one server, to obtain one or more content viewing rewards from the content and reward delivery server arrangement, and to make the one or more content viewing rewards available for use in the first application. The user processing device further stores instructions defining a monitoring module and a reward module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: OUTFIT7 LIMITED
    Inventors: Samo Login, John Stephen Rankin, Primoz Strajnar, Igor Lautar, Boris Erzen
  • Patent number: 10643428
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise accepting funds, in the regulated gaming machine, from a player and correspondingly establishing player game credits. A game may be provided that comprises a plurality of in-game assets, each of which being configured to generate a wagering opportunity when interacted with by the player. One or more player interactions may be received, with at least one the plurality of in-game assets. For each generated wagering opportunity, it may be determined whether the received player interaction(s) resulted in a successful or an unsuccessful interaction with the in-game asset. For each successful interaction, a time elapsed until successful interaction and a wagering event may be generated. For one or more of the generated wagering events, the determined time elapsed until successful interaction may be used to select one of a plurality of payout schedules, each of which being associated with a different return to player (RTP) percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SYNERGY BLUE LLC
    Inventors: Michael Oberberger, Michael Low
  • Patent number: 10636247
    Abstract: Provided is a player tracking device which is operable, even when an IC card is taken into a gaming machine while a player is playing a game, to read or write information from or to another IC card or the like through a simplified touch operation. The player tracking device includes: a card unit for storing information pertinent to a play outcome on the gaming machine in an IC card through wireless communication; and a touch unit for reading information from another IC card through the wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noritoshi Kukita, Yuya Konno, Jun Haishima, Shigehiko Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 10629026
    Abstract: A distributed anonymous payment interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive processing device constructed to receive a request for processing a payment; communicate interactive processing device data and a request for an anonymous payment identifier; receive the anonymous payment identifier; lock the interactive processing device for a period of time; communicate anonymous payment identifier; receive gaming session data; unlock the interactive processing device; the process controller or wager controller constructed to: create an anonymous payment identifier; associate the anonymous payment identifier with the interactive processing device data; communicate the anonymous payment identifier; create a gaming session based on the anonymous payment data, the anonymous payment identifier, and the interactive processing device data; communicate gaming session data; the interactive payment controller constructed to: receive a value bearing item; the payment controller constructed to: communica
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 10621820
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine is provided. In an entertainment game, utilization of an entertainment game element by a player may trigger a wager in accordance with a gambling proposition. Based on the outcome of the wager, the player may be awarded an intermediate in-game resource for use in the entertainment game. The intermediate in-game resource may be used by the player to acquire an entertainment game resource or element that may be used to enhance the player's play of the entertainment game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Scott Shimmin
  • Patent number: 10621824
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods which utilize a player identification device to provide to electronic gaming machines certain gaming system functionality and features otherwise not associated with or available in association with the electronic gaming machines existing gaming establishment management systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Matthew Levin
  • Patent number: 10614661
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide management of virtual goods. In some embodiments, a gaming platform can be used to provide a secure ledger system for recording money transfer, play action, bets, analytics, gaming statistics, and the like, which are associated with virtual goods. Non-limiting examples of virtual goods comprise: characters; badges/icons; gameplay attributes; virtual money; cryptocurrencies; tokens; digital gifts; gameplay levels/add-ons; and prizes, among other examples. In some examples, gaming systems can directly interact with the distributed multi-ledger architecture for secure and transparent transactions which can also be accessed by auditors, tax authorities, partners, and/or other entities. Some examples may use private and/or public blockchains as part of the distributed multi-ledger gaming architecture. For instance, multiple distributed network nodes may be utilized to manage transaction records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AMERICORP INVESTMENTS LLC
    Inventor: Jordan Simons
  • Patent number: 10607441
    Abstract: Secondary gaming functionality is implemented relative to a casino gaming machine by a secondary controller which is associated with the gaming machine. In this manner, primary gaming functionality, such as primary wagering games and the award of primary awards and/or player reward points, may be implemented by the main game controller of the gaming machine. In addition, however, secondary gaming functionality may also be implemented at the gaming machine, such as secondary wagering games and the award of secondary awards and/or player reward points, via the secondary controller. The secondary controller may only implement secondary gaming functionality in response to a secondary wager placed by a player beyond a primary wager which enables the primary gaming functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Tipping Point Group, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 10600282
    Abstract: A fraud detection system which detects fraud in a game of performing collection and redemption of chips in accordance with a win or lose result includes a camera which captures an image of chips contained in a chip tray of a dealer, an image analyzing apparatus which analyzes the image captured by the camera to detect an amount of the chips contained in the chip tray, a card distribution device which determines a win or lose result of a game, and a control device which compares the win or lose result of the game and the amount of the chips contained in the chip tray before and after collection and redemption of the chips to detect fraud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 10600285
    Abstract: A method and system comprises integrating a contest framework into a game. The contest framework at least comprises means for communicating with a transactional server, a plurality of listeners being configured to monitor interactions during a play of the game for communication to the transactional server, and means for displaying notifications from the transactional server. The transactional server is at least configured for processing received interactions in conjunction with a progressive jackpot contest associated with the game and communicating notifications regarding the processing to the contest framework. A communicating with the transactional server at least comprises associating the game with a progressive jackpot contest and setting parameters for the progressive jackpot contest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Jackpot Rising Inc.
    Inventor: William Garrett Webb
  • Patent number: 10600278
    Abstract: Reel-based wagering games comprise displaying a number of game reels; evaluating payout conditions associated with the number of game reels; based on evaluation of the payout conditions, displaying a bonus reel; and evaluating payout conditions associated with the number of game reels and the bonus reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Sara Minor
  • Patent number: 10600275
    Abstract: A method, system and architecture providing an input device that facilitates access to an online gaming site and/or one or more casino-style games available online, e.g., available via an online gaming site. The input device may be configured to exchange information, e.g., information for use in authorizing the input device for use by a player in playing one or more casino-style games. The input device may be configured to prohibit its use without such authorization. The input device may be configured to work with a particular gaming site, or sites, and/or a particular game, or games, and to not work with any other gaming site(s) and/or game(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Milo Borissov, Rossi McKee
  • Patent number: 10593146
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electronic gaming machine that includes a processor that generates augmented reality (AR) data for multiple AR devices that are communicatively coupled to the machine. The AR data is user specific to each of the AR devices. An output circuit transmits the AR data to the AR devices. The AR devices generate display data to corresponding users that includes a physical environmental image and the AR data that is specific to the AR devices. The physical environmental image includes shared game data that is viewable by the users via the corresponding ones of the AR devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Patrick Danielson, Dwayne Nelson
  • Patent number: 10586423
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting a remote device based on event outcomes includes a network associated with at least a server configured to receive event data of a particular event, classify components of the event data, and allocate components of the event data to tables including assignable coordinates. During the particular event, users within the network are able to provide user outcome entries to the assignable coordinates based on a prediction of which assignable coordinate will reflect the occurrence of an outcome of the particular event. Upon conclusion of the particular event, a determination of optimal user outcome entries provided to assignable coordinates associated with the outcome of the particular event is made, and a token is transmitted to a remote device associated with the user that provided the optimal user outcome entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Nathan Thomas
  • Patent number: 10586428
    Abstract: The present system incorporates mobile computing devices to play games, such as electronic pull-tabs, in a plurality of venues, each having a local wireless network. Each network communicates with a central system that generates decks of game outcomes and associated awards. All wagers and awards for each game are tracked on the central system, which also provides each game award and associated outcome from a deck stored on the central system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Warren White, Mark N. Dailey, William Dale Hermansen, Anthony Morelli, Alex White, Cyrus A. Luciano, John G. Schmitz, Andrew King, Patrick B. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10580272
    Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for receiving first video data comprising one or more frames having a scene with a person and perform a facial detection process on the first video data to detect a facial region in each frame having the scene with the person. Embodiments also include generating second video data from the first video data, the second video data to include a blurring effect applied to the facial region detected in the first video data, providing the second video data for display on one or more devices, and receiving a tag indication from at least one of the one or more devices, the tag indication to indicate a portion of the second video data having suspicious activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Edwards, Michael Mossoba, Abdelkader M'Hamed Benkreira
  • Patent number: 10580254
    Abstract: A game management system manages a casino game performed in a plurality of tables in casino facilities. The game management system includes: a camera obtaining an image by capturing bet gaming tokens; a control device specifying a betting amount on the basis of the type and the number of gaming tokens in the image by specifying a betting target on the basis of a position of the gaming token in the image; a card distribution device determining a game result of the casino game; an arithmetic device calculating a profit of a casino manager for each table and each game of the plurality of tables, on the basis of the betting target, the betting amount, and the game result; and a recording apparatus recording the profit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 10580263
    Abstract: A method includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and minimum bet for a play on the gaming machine, with the pay tables each including a number N of prize levels and each prize level corresponding to a respective numerical prize value for a win on the gaming machine while the corresponding bet configuration is in an active state at the gaming machine. The minimum bets for the different bet configurations are unequal and are related by a translating ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration activation input selects one of the bet configurations and that bet configuration is placed in the active state. Game play inputs received while the selected bet configuration is in the active state are resolved according to that bet configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Alexander Watkins, Daniel Eulenfeld
  • Patent number: 10573129
    Abstract: Various technology for operating an electronic gaming machine (EGM) is disclosed. The EGM may comprise (a) a communication module; (b) a virtual ticket interface converter module; (c) an input device; (d) a payment device; (e) a payout device; (f) a memory device; and (g) a processor executing instructions stored in the memory device. The processor, when executing the instructions stored in the memory device, may intercept communications between the input device, the payment device and the payout device using the virtual ticket interface converter module such that financial transactions between a player and the EGM are routed through a virtual mobile wallet account notwithstanding the virtual ticket interface converter module authenticates the financial transactions with the EGM as if the financial transactions were physically performed using the payment device and the payout device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Kevin Higgins, Erik Petersen
  • Patent number: 10573127
    Abstract: A first virtual item is provided to a user in response to purchase made by the user. A second virtual item is provided to the user free of charge according to a certain provision rule. The provision rule is changed according to purchase information related to the first virtual item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., HAL LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Yumi Todo, Hiroshi Onishi
  • Patent number: 10559166
    Abstract: There is disclosed a gaming machine. The gaming machine includes an electronic arrangement configured to receive digital currency data from an electronic device that is remote to the gaming machine. The digital currency data represents a store of value of a digital currency. The gaming machine further includes a data transfer arrangement configured to transfer the digital currency data via a data network to a data storage arrangement that is remote to the gaming machine. The gaming machine further includes a data recording arrangement configured to create record data representing a record of a unique attribute of the digital currency data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Luke Millanta
  • Patent number: 10553068
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more awards based on the accumulation of symbols over a predefined quantity of plays of a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Andreas Zehetner
  • Patent number: 10549199
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing one of a plurality of different versions of a game based on a player selected skill level. The gaming system displays an indication of a plurality of different skill levels. Each of the skill levels is associated with a different version of a game. The gaming system receives a player selection of one of the skill levels, displays a play of the version of the game associated with the selected skill level, and determines an outcome for the play. If the selected skill level is a designated skill level, the gaming system randomly determines the outcome. If the selected skill level is greater than the designated skill level, the gaming system receives a quantifiable skill input from the player in association with the play, and determines the outcome based in part on the received quantifiable skill input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Leandro Basallo, Timothy L. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 10553074
    Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the player period drawing entries are generated proportional to play on electronic gaming devices, play of the promotional game, or retail purchases. Some players receive a multiplier for their drawing entries to enhance chances of winning the promotional game. In one embodiment, the multiplier is removed for a player after a cutoff threshold for prizes awarded to that player is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 10549201
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to altering a probability of fulfilling a game objective in a game space. The game objective may be associated with a set of potential reward items, the set of potential reward items including a first item. Probabilities of the first item from the set of potential reward items being provided to individual users as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rates of usage of the game space by the user. The probability of the first user being provided with the first item as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rate of usage of the game space by the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 10546452
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing zero, one or more awards in association with one or more dynamic displays of such awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Timothy Kennedy, Kelsy J. Foster
  • Patent number: 10546464
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a wagering system associated with a first wagering facility, the system communicably coupled with a network and including a memory operable to store betting odds on a plurality of wagering events hosted by the first wagering facility. The system further includes a processor coupled to the memory and operable to receive a first bet on a particular event via the network, the particular event comprising at least one of the wagering events hosted by the first wagering facility. If a second bet is received within a predetermined period of time after the first bet is received, then the processor recalculates the betting odds on the particular event based upon both of the first bet and the second bet. If a second bet is not received within a predetermined period of time after the first bet is received, then the processor recalculates the betting odds on the particular event based upon the first bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 10529185
    Abstract: A management system and a gaming table. A server associates credits for each user with unique identification information and stores the credits. The server also performs controls by outputting an error if the following do not match: the amount indicated by chip information for a chip present in a predetermined sector; and the amount to be added to or subtracted from the credits that are associated and stored with the identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC.
    Inventors: Hisao Oguchi, Takashi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 10529183
    Abstract: A fraud detection system which detects fraud in a game of performing collection and redemption of chips in accordance with a win or lose result includes a camera which captures an image of chips contained in a chip tray of a dealer, an image analyzing apparatus which analyses the image captured by the camera to detect an amount of the chips contained in the chip tray, a card distribution device which determines a win or lose result of a game, and a control device which compares the win or lose result of the game and the amount of the chips contained in the chip tray before and after collection and redemption of the chips to detect fraud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 10529180
    Abstract: A gaming system which enables a player to exchange progressive awards of corresponding progressive award levels of different multi-level progressive award (“MLP”) configurations. Following the determination of a progressive award of a specific progressive award level of a specific MLP configuration, the gaming system enables the player to accept that determined progressive award or forfeit that determined progressive award for another progressive award of a corresponding progressive award level of a different MLP configuration. The gaming system thus enables a player to swap or replace one progressive award of one progressive award level of one MLP configuration for a different progressive award of a corresponding progressive award level of a different MLP configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Pratik Jhanb, Adam J. Thompson, Clyde A. Ruckle
  • Patent number: 10515405
    Abstract: An individual consumer borrower accessing a person-to-person lending website is provided an opportunity to have a loan request wholly or partially satisfied by a financial institution at loan terms from the financial institution. The financial institution, for example, can receive information about a person-to-person loan request, determine whether to authorize a financial institutional loan, offer a loan to the individual on terms determined by the financial institution, and issue the loan to an individual consumer borrower responsive to approval of the terms. Prior to an auction, the individual consumer can choose an immediate loan offer having financial institution terms or choose to solicit individual consumer loan offers with more favorable terms through the person-to-person lending website. The financial institution can also offer a gap filling loan for a deficiency amount so that the loan request can be partially satisfied by individual consumer loan offers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: METABANK
    Inventor: Trent Sorbe
  • Patent number: 10515317
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a machine learning algorithm is used to train an engagement score model to calculate an engagement score for a particular member indicating a probability that the particular member would increase engagement with the social networking service if provided with statistical information about confidential data submitted by other members. Member usage information is obtained corresponding to a first member of a social networking service. Then a plurality of features are extracted from the member usage information corresponding to the first member. This plurality of features is inputted into the engagement model to obtain an engagement score for the first member. It is then determined whether or not to provide statistical information to the first member about confidential data submitted by other members based on the engagement score for the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Krishnaram Kenthapadi, Ahsan Chudhary, Ryan Wade Sandler, Anthony Duane Duerr
  • Patent number: 10510207
    Abstract: A gaming system includes logic circuitry and a gaming machine for conducting a casino wagering game. The logic circuitry receives, via an acoustic input component of the gaming machine, an acoustic capture signal representative of a player account identifier corresponding to a player account from a mobile device, determines the player account identifier represented by the capture signal, and associates a gaming session on the gaming machine with the corresponding player account. In addition, the logic circuitry, in response to receiving in a prescribed manner, via the acoustic input component, an acoustic maintain-session signal from the mobile device, maintains the association between the gaming session on the gaming machine and the corresponding player account for a period of time, In response to failing to receive the maintain-session signal in the prescribed manner, the logic circuitry terminates the association between the gaming session and the corresponding player account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Lyons, Ronald Gray
  • Patent number: 10510208
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first plurality of identifiers associated with a first plurality of gaming chips present in a chip tray, the first plurality of gaming chips having a stacked configuration, determining whether each of the first plurality of identifiers associated with the first plurality of gaming chips is valid, determining a value of the first plurality of gaming chips present in the chip tray, utilizing the first plurality of identifiers, identifying an outcome of a game involving the first plurality of gaming chips, calculating a payout associated with the outcome, identifying a second plurality of identifiers associated with a second plurality of gaming chips present in the chip tray, determining a value of the second plurality of gaming chips present in the chip tray, and confirming that the value of the second plurality of gaming chips corresponds to the payout associated with the outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Dominic M. Kotab
  • Patent number: 10504329
    Abstract: A gaming machine, system, method, and program product provide a new slot machine game in which a gaming meter or continuum displays advancement toward a highest state. The gaming continuum and includes a game activation display function that, based on a random selection associated with a wager activation, either partially fills the gaming continuum to provide a losing game outcome or totally fills the gaming continuum to provide a winning game outcome, the gaming continuum entering a decay state after each game outcome. The decay state includes displaying an advancing level of the gaming continuum decreasing toward a lowest state. If a wager activation occurs before the lowest state is reached, the instantaneous level of the continuum is used as the starting state of the subsequent game round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Mariscal, Jason Yet-Fai Chan, Michael John Khoury, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10503804
    Abstract: Described is a system (and method) for automating the process of generating variations of a website that may be continually evaluated to improve a user interaction flow. The process may be based on a genetic algorithm that creates improving generations of websites. For example, the system may automate the creation of different layouts for a website and evaluate the effectiveness of each layout based on a particular user interaction goal. The most effective (e.g., top performing) layouts may be determined and then “bred” as part of an iterative improvement process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Austin Walters, Jeremy Goodsitt, Ahn Truong, Reza Farivar, Mark Watson, Fardin Abdi Taghi Abad
  • Patent number: 10497205
    Abstract: Equivalent exchange operation of exchanging a game medium for another type of game medium is performed in a shorter time. A game medium accommodation device includes: a tray mechanism configured to hold a plurality of accommodation cases stacked in an up-down direction along a reading surface continuing in the up-down direction, each of the accommodation cases accommodating a bundle of game media aligned in a horizontal direction; and an antenna board disposed on the reading surface. The game medium accommodation device reads electronic information relating to the game media and stored in the game media, by radio communication between the antenna board and the game media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Shinsuke Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10490022
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of authenticating a memory of a gaming machine uses a computing device having a processor communicatively coupled to a memory. The method includes identifying a first subset of the memory including one or more operational data components associated with operating the gaming machine. The method also includes identifying a second subset of the memory. At least some of the second subset of the memory is distinct from the first subset of the memory. The method further includes authenticating the first subset of the memory while the gaming machine is in a disabled state. The method also includes enabling operation of the gaming machine after said authenticating the first subset of the memory if the authentication of the first subset of the memory is successful. The method further includes authenticating the second subset of the memory while the gaming machine is in an enabled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Oberberger
  • Patent number: 10482722
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for administering game play include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input indicates a selected play option from a plurality of play options. All play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Winning combinations of the game symbols are determined, wherein each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. A payout is determined and multiplied by a multiple correlated to the selected play option when a substitute multiplier symbol appears as one of the game symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SG Gaming ANZ PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ross M. Gilbertson, Andrew B. Masen, Qin You
  • Patent number: 10482711
    Abstract: Devices and methods for generating and/or communicating using optically formatted image data are provided. One method includes receiving first gaming information from a first wager-based gaming device via a local area network. The method further includes receiving from the first wager-based gaming device a request to include the first gaming information in a machine readable optically formatted image data. The method further includes generating the machine readable optically formatted image data or instructions for creating the machine readable optically formatted image data. Data encoded in the machine readable optically formatted image data comprises a unique identifier and the first gaming information. The method further includes sending the generated machine readable optically formatted image data or the instructions for creating the machine readable optically formatted image data to the first wager-based gaming device. The machine readable optically formatted image data is output to a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David Carrico, Danny Miles
  • Patent number: 10475285
    Abstract: A casino gaming system includes gaming machines which are configured to accept and read tickets. The ticket may comprise cash-value tickets or non-cash value/promotional tickets. The tickets may also include secondary feature triggering indicia. The player may present the cash-value ticket having a feature triggering indicia or a non-cash value/promotional ticket to a gaming machine, such as by inserting it into a media reader such as a bill acceptor. Associated monetary value or non-monetary credits may be credited to the machine. In addition, if the ticket includes a feature triggering indicia, when such an indicia is detected, the gaming machine preferably triggers or initiates the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Everi Payments Inc.
    Inventors: James Palermo, Timothy Richards, Brian Watkins, Jim McHugh, Scott Howard Betts, Raymond Dumbeck
  • Patent number: 10475282
    Abstract: In a gaming method and system, a player is permitted to move funds from a gaming machine at a casino, such as funds won at the gaming machine or input into the gaming machine, with a funds account which the player can utilize to fund remote or mobile gaming. When a player of a gaming machine is identified, such as by detecting or sensing the player's mobile communication device or by a player's use of a player card or the like, a gaming machine may be configured or triggered to activate one or more funds association options, such as to offer the player the opportunity to associate funds provided to the gaming machine with their account for use in remote or mobile gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Tipping Point Group, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 10474316
    Abstract: A video gaming system is disclosed that includes one or more game processors, one or more video displays, an apparatus for a player to control the play of the game, and a memory device. The memory device stores a set of fixed instructions to control the game processor and is configured to: enable the player to interact with the game interface to select a game from a list of games offered by the video gaming machine, wherein the game is represented by a game bubble floating in the game interface; display a game selection interface to enable the player to select the game and add the game in a control panel, wherein the control panel is configured to display multiple games selected by the player; and enable the player to switch among the plurality of games and control a game play of the plurality of games concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Hilbert, Joseph R. Hedrick, David Ponce, Yogendrasinh Hematji Rajput, Prateek Kumar Baishkhiyar, Ravi Subramanian, Pratima Mary Yedluri
  • Patent number: 10475286
    Abstract: In various embodiment, the gaming system provides a new gaming currency which is in addition to and different than current known land-based gaming establishment currencies, such as monetary credits, promotional credits and player tracking points and also in addition to and different than current known casual or social game currencies, such as virtual currencies. This gaming currency is accumulated and redeemed in association with the plays of games occurring at land-based gaming establishments as well as in association with the plays of casual or social games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bryan Upton, Cameron A. Filipour
  • Patent number: 10475058
    Abstract: A system and method for incentivizing users to alter virtual item balances in an online game are disclosed. The incentives may include rewards for users to reach balance goals. The balance goals may specify target balances of virtual items to be reached in user inventories, and a time by which such target balances must be reached in order for the users to receive a reward. Such target balance may include minimum or maximum balances levels, a range of absolute balance levels, a change in the current balance levels of virtual items in the user inventories and/or any other target balances. Determinations whether a given user has reached such target balance in accordance with a balance goal may be made at or before the time specified in the balance goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie Schultz, Luc Pieron, Sam McLellan