Patents Assigned to Leap Forward Gaming
  • Publication number: 20160098899
    Abstract: A gaming machine including a secondary processor coupled to a player tracking system for tracking game play of a patron using a virtual player loyalty card is described. A virtual player loyalty card can be created by associating an existing physical player loyalty card with a newly created mobile loyalty card account. The mobile card can be virtually inserted into an electronic gaming machine when a portable electronic device with an associated mobile application is in the vicinity of an electronic gaming machine. Once the mobile card is virtually inserted into the gaming machine, the patron's game play at the gaming machine can be tracked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: Timothy Allan PAGE, Christopher T. LUNDY, William R. WELLS
  • Publication number: 20160078724
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicants: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 9245419
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignees: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 9240100
    Abstract: A gaming machine including a secondary processor coupled to a player tracking system for tracking game play of a patron using a virtual player loyalty card is described. A virtual player loyalty card can be created by associating an existing physical player loyalty card with a newly created mobile loyalty card account. The mobile card can be virtually inserted into an electronic gaming machine when a portable electronic device with an associated mobile application is in the vicinity of an electronic gaming machine. Once the mobile card is virtually inserted into the gaming machine, the patron's game play at the gaming machine can be tracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: Timothy Allan Page, Christopher T. Lundy, William R Wells
  • Publication number: 20150243122
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicants: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20150141132
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 9022861
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8968086
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 8882589
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20140315620
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8814706
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine including a candle mount for securing a candle device to the gaming machine and providing wireless communication capabilities to the gaming machine is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated alone or in combination with other stages convey information about the status of the gaming machine. A gaming machine with an existing candle device can be retrofitted with a candle mount that includes a wireless radio device that is operably coupled to the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 8814681
    Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20140200067
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. WELLS
  • Patent number: 8696430
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Patent number: 8696449
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20140087849
    Abstract: A gaming machine including a secondary processor coupled to a player tracking system for tracking game play of a patron using a virtual player loyalty card is described. A virtual player loyalty card can be created by associating an existing physical player loyalty card with a newly created mobile loyalty card account. The mobile card can be virtually inserted into an electronic gaming machine when a portable electronic device with an associated mobile application is in the vicinity of an electronic gaming machine. Once the mobile card is virtually inserted into the gaming machine, the patron's game play at the gaming machine can be tracked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: Timothy Allan Page, Christopher T. Lundy, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20140031125
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine including a candle mount for securing a candle device to the gaming machine and providing wireless communication capabilities to the gaming machine is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated alone or in combination with other stages convey information about the status of the gaming machine. A gaming machine with an existing candle device can be retrofitted with a candle mount that includes a wireless radio device that is operably coupled to the gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
  • Publication number: 20140031119
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
  • Publication number: 20130252712
    Abstract: A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali Saffari
  • Publication number: 20130244756
    Abstract: A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming
    Inventor: William R. WELLS