Patents Assigned to WMS Gaming
  • Wagering game system with player rewards
    Patent number: 8771082
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Michael J. Blankstein, Rory L. Block, Allon G. Englman, McLaurin H. Files, Mark B. Gagner, Brian R. Gamache, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Shridhar P. Joshi, Alfred Thomas, Jamie W. Vann, Matthew J. Ward
  • Configuring and controlling wagering game presentations
    Patent number: 8771066
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining content from content sources that are accessible to a wagering game machine and determining presentation requirements for the content. The operations can further include determining a presentation template that the wagering game machine can use to present the content according the presentation requirements. The presentation template can have pre-configured presentation areas, one of which can be configured to present the content according to pre-defined configuration settings. The operations can further include determining that one pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template content can present the content in accordance with the presentation requirements, and presenting the content in pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark C. Pace, Vikram Swamy
  • Wagering game with symbols collection
    Patent number: 8764537
    Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed in which players collect symbols and/or symbol combinations that are indicative of a randomly selected outcome. The symbols and/or symbol combinations may be collected anytime they appear on the wagering game terminal, or they may be collected only if they appear in a certain manner or at a certain time. Players who manage to complete a predefined collection of symbols and/or symbol combinations are awarded a special event game, such as a bonus game, a jackpot, and the like. The players may carry over the symbols and/or symbol combinations they have collected across multiple gaming sessions and multiple gaming terminals. In this way, the players may retain the benefit of their previous gaming experiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Jaffe, William Wadleigh
  • Wagering Game Employing A Threshold-Based Game Enhancement
    Publication number: 20140179396
    Abstract: A gaming method of conducting a wagering game includes conducting one or more successive plays of the wagering game via one or more display devices in response to a triggering event. For each of the one or more successive plays, the method includes determining one or more award amounts based on the displayed outcomes of the one or more successive plays. The method further includes aggregating, via one or more processors, each of the one or more award amounts determined over the successive plays to calculate an aggregate award amount and determining, via at least one of the one or more processors, whether the aggregate award amount is greater than a threshold amount. The method includes providing an enhancement to the wagering game in response to the aggregate award amount being greater than the threshold amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Pamela S. Smith, Noel Steere
  • WAGERING GAME WITH ASCENDING FEATURES
    Publication number: 20140179398
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering game initiated by a wager. The wagering game further includes an ascending-feature game outcome that triggers an ascending feature in which symbols displayed in a symbol array are changed into different symbols, including higher-value symbols, that may be subsequently evaluated for winning symbol combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Vandaele
  • Generating casino floor maps
    Patent number: 8758102
    Abstract: This describes generating casino floor maps. In some embodiments, the casino monitoring system can analyze captured data of casino floor objects. The system can determine metadata related to any of the casino floor objects and generate one or more overlay objects for each of the casino floor objects. The system can create a casino floor map by superimposing the overlay objects over the captured data (e.g., superimpose the overlay objects onto a live video stream). The system can present the floor map on any suitable device. The system can detect a selection of the overlay objects on the casino floor map and present metadata for a casino floor object associated with the selected overlay object. The system can also determine details of people on a casino floor via close-range biometric scans and measurements. The system can use the scans and measurements to assist people in the casino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Rory L. Block, Jacob C. Greenberg, Vernon W. Hamlin, Laurie E. Lasseter, Craig J. Sylla, Mark K. Trego
  • Method and apparatus for placement of a product or service in a gaming system
    Patent number: 8762199
    Abstract: There is described herein methods and apparatuses for the placement of offerings in gaming systems. According to an embodiment of a method, a game on a gaming system is operated by at least one processor, where the game includes one or more generic elements. A branded element is dynamically substituted for a selected one of the generic elements of the game during operation of the gaming system, where the branded element serves to advertise a product or service of a third party. Systems for establishing and tracking and controlling placements are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Schwartz, Jeffrey Lichtman
  • Controlling event-driven behavior of wagering game objects
    Patent number: 8758125
    Abstract: A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more events that occur within a wagering game. The wagering game can feature a wagering game object that can automatically (e.g., intelligently) respond to the one or more events. The behavior controller system can use event-driven behavior controllers, such as a behavior tree. The behavior controller system can determine, and activate, tasks on the behavior tree that cause the wagering game object to respond to the one or more events. In some embodiments, the behavior controller system can also prioritize tasks that may be performed by behavior trees to prevent conflicts between wagering game objects during a wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Michael J. Irby, Victor T. Shi, John L. Walsh
  • Gaming network with associated community/progressive features
    Patent number: 8758123
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for operating a gaming machine on a gaming network is disclosed. The gaming machine allows playing a wagering game and includes a storage device to store an instruction set for the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. An interface is coupled to the storage device and is capable of communication with the network to receive at least a part of the instruction set for the wagering game from the network. The wagering game provides access to a community event over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Frattinger, Michael W. Mastropietro
  • Community game having online and land-based game play
    Patent number: 8758120
    Abstract: A method includes presenting a community game that includes land-based game play and online game play. The method includes selecting either the land-based or online game play as an affected game play, wherein the affected game play is to have at least one result in the community game that is affected by the other game play that was not selected. In response to a determination that a generation of the at least one result is needed for the affected game play for the community game, the method includes receiving, from the other game play, a result from a game. Also in response to the determination, the method includes affecting of the at least one result of the community game for the affected game play based on the result of the game at the other game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
  • Authentication using multi-layered graphical passwords
    Patent number: 8756672
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a computerized method includes presenting multiple choices for attributes of a multi-layered graphical password, wherein each of the attributes is associated with one of a plurality of layers of the multi-layered graphical password. The multi-layered graphical password is for use in accessing a system. The method includes receiving selections from among the multiple choices, wherein the selections identify a group of the attributes of the multi-layered graphical password. The selections are associated with a user attempting access to the system. The method includes authenticating the user based on the group of the attributes of the multi-layered graphical password. The method also includes allowing the user access to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Rory L. Block, Douglas B. Childs
  • Power conservation in wagering game machines
    Patent number: 8753192
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide power management on a wagering game machine. Inrush power may be reduced by staggering application of power to various power supplies in a wagering game machine. A processor or timer may control the activation of power supplies. Further power management may be provided by placing wagering game machine peripherals in a power consumption mode appropriate to the activity or lack of activity on a wagering game machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Gloria M. Sosnoski
  • Instant player profiler
    Patent number: 8753199
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that automatically generate a player profile. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can present a plurality of pictures on a wagering game machine, kiosk, or other network device. The plurality of pictures includes aesthetic content. The wagering game system can receive player input indicating a preference for the aesthetic content of at least one of the plurality of pictures. The wagering game system can generate a wagering game player profile to store player preferences associated with wagering games and wagering game machines. The wagering game system can assign values to the player preferences based on the preference for the aesthetic content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Muthu Velu
  • BROWSER BASED WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS AND CONFIGURATION
    Publication number: 20140162783
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a request to present wagering game content via a web browser associated with a wagering game machine, wherein an identifier is associated with the request, wherein the identifier is stored in a setting associated with the wagering game machine via a first mode of the wagering game machine, and wherein the request is provided via a second mode of the wagering game machine different from the first mode. The operations further include generating a document associated with the identifier, wherein the wagering game content is included in the document. In some examples, the document is in a format presentable via the web browser. The operations further include providing the document for presentation via the web browser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Frattinger, Matthew J. Ward
  • WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140162769
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include detecting, by one or more processors, one or more events of a first event type, a second event type, and a third event type. Embodiments further include, in response to the detecting the one or more events of the first event type, the second event type, and the third event type, determining, by the one or more processors, non-cash awards of a first award type, second award type, and third award type, respectively, to provide to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Shridhar P. Joshi, Mark C. Pace, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Wagering game system with independent volume control
    Patent number: 8747223
    Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio system operable to play a first type of sounds at a volume regulated by a master volume control and operable to play a second type of sounds not regulated by the master volume control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Paul Radek
  • Bonus game for a gaming machine
    Patent number: 8747207
    Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Benjamin T. Gomez, Robert J. Wilson, Jr., Roger A. Delott
  • Gaming machine chair
    Patent number: 8747225
    Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
  • Community game with player-configurable parameters
    Patent number: 8747219
    Abstract: A method includes receiving wagers from a player to play respective plays of a plurality of plays of a wagering game having event eligibility that includes a time value and a multiplier value. The method includes increasing at least one of the time value and the multiplier value as a function of the plurality of plays of the wagering game and decrementing the time value as time elapses. In response to a triggering event while the event eligibility is above an eligibility threshold, the method includes allowing the player to participate in one or more special events. The method includes allowing the player to configure at least one of a desired value of the multiplier value and a maximum value of the time value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracey L. Wright, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew C. Guinn, Joel R. Jaffe, Robert L. Kyte, Bradley D. Schultz
  • Service controller for servicing wagering game machines
    Patent number: 8747221
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for servicing wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, over a wagering game network, service information originating from a wagering game machine, wherein the wagering game machine is configured to receive a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include, based on the service information and a service plan associated with the wagering game machine, determining a service action. The method can also include performing the service action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R Cramer, Grover T. Surratt, Alfred Thomas