Patents Assigned to WMS Gaming
  • Patent number: 8702495
    Abstract: A system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a feature having a plurality of selectable elements associated with respective outcomes. The feature further includes a path having a plurality of spaces. The plurality of spaces is associated with respective special rules. Each respective special rule is capable of being active or inactive. One embodiment of a method includes (a) successively selecting different ones of the plurality of selectable elements; (b) for each selected element, identifying a space of the plurality of spaces to be associated with the selected element; and (c) modifying the outcome associated with each selected outcome with the special rule associated with the identified space if the special rule for the identified space is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140106864
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, etc. to perform operations which, in some embodiments, include receiving, a request for concurrent presentation of a first wagering game and a second wagering game via a display device of a wagering game machine, wherein the first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, wherein the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations can further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations can further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20140106865
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that perform operations that, in some embodiments, include receiving a request for concurrent presentation of a first wagering game and a second wagering game via a display device of a wagering game machine. The first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, and the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds associated with the first wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 8696445
    Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one community display, a first gaming machine, and a second gaming machine. The at least one community display displays a communal game that includes a plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a communal value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines have a respective first and second video display for displaying the plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a first and second player value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines determine the first and second player values by applying a respective first and second value-enhancement parameter to the communal values associated with at least some of the plurality of elements. The first value-enhancement parameter is different than the second value-enhancement parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Larry J. Pacey, Peter R. Anderson, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Patent number: 8696437
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Shridhar P. Joshi, Philip B. Gelber, Michael W. Mastropietro
  • Patent number: 8696438
    Abstract: A system for playing a wagering game has basic and secondary games. The secondary game includes bonus games. Symbols are arranged in an array of symbol positions in a first display for the basic game. Each symbol position has a corresponding position in an array of bonus-game positions in a second display for the secondary game. Each bonus-game position is linked to a different bonus game. The symbols displayed in the array of symbol positions are varied during play of the basic game. The symbols include secondary game trigger symbols. If a secondary game trigger symbol is displayed in a symbol position, the corresponding position in the array of bonus-game positions for the secondary game is identified. If a predetermined number of bonus-game positions are identified, the secondary game is completed by implementing each of the different bonus games linked to the identified bonus-game positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeffry L. Nauman, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140100030
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting environmental input from an environment surrounding a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further include analyzing the environmental input and determining a characteristic of the environment based on the analyzing of the environmental input. Further, in some embodiments, the operations further include adapting presentation of content via an output device associated with the wagering game machine based on the characteristic that was detected about the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mary M. Burke, Valentin M. Hossu, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20140101537
    Abstract: Wagering game systems can leverage web browsers to present wagering game content with a variety of technologies. For instance, an electronic wagering game table can present diverse wagering game content (e.g., multiple wagering games, portal games, social networking applets, hospitality menus, etc.) with a variety of technologies that interface with a web browser. Also, a single wagering game can be constructed from multiple technologies. A wagering game system can implement a framework that dynamically builds up a web page to use multiple technologies for presenting content with a web browser on a wagering game system. The framework can dynamically construct the web page, which can involve modifying objects, embedding objects, removing objects, and replacing objects that correspond to different technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Antkowiak, Daniel J. Gazdic, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Audrey F. Y. Ho, Jeffrey M. Leverenz
  • Patent number: 8690658
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Allon G. Englman, Peter R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8690669
    Abstract: A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Shridhar P. Joshi, Mark C. Pace, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8690682
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting a web browser on a display associated with a wagering game machine and receiving a request to present wagering game content on the display, via the web browser. The operations can further include determining a web address stored in a setting associated with a wagering game machine and sending the web address associated with the wagering game machine to a wagering game server. The wagering game server is configured to provide a webpage document described in the web address. The web address can be stored in the setting prior to the request to present the wagering game content on the display. The operations can further include receiving the webpage document from the wagering game server; and presenting the webpage document on the display of the wagering game machine via the web browser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Frattinger, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140094310
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises one or more display devices, a configurable joystick, and one or more memory devices. The memory devices store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the machine to dispose the joystick in a first joystick state during a first game part and, responsive to a trigger, dynamically reconfigure the joystick to a second joystick state for use during a second game part. A method comprises receiving an input to play a game, providing a configurable joystick in a first joystick state, conducting a first game part with the joystick in the first joystick state, dynamically reconfiguring the joystick from the first joystick state to a second joystick state responsive to a trigger, and conducting a second wagering game part with the joystick in the second joystick state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20140094276
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a community game on at least one display device. Dependent upon a first player playing an underlying wagering game via a first terminal, the first player is permitted to participate in the community game. The community game is distinct from the underlying wagering game. Not dependent upon a second player playing an underlying wagering game via a second terminal, the second player is permitted to participate in the community game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Ward, Mark B. Gagner, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Publication number: 20140094265
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeremie D. Moll, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140094275
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a virtual customized wagering game include providing a customization interface to a first player to allow the first player to customize a virtual wagering game to create a customized virtual wagering game. The customized virtual wagering game created by the first player is stored and is provided to one or more other players alone or as part of a casino created by the first player. The one or more other players are able to play the customized virtual wagering game, and in an embodiment such play may confer a benefit such as an amount of virtual currency or a customization feature on the first player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Abouchar, Michael Dicillo, Andrew Christian Guinn
  • Publication number: 20140094301
    Abstract: A gaming machine has a cabinet with a cabinet frame, a display device, a light source, and a directional transmissible layer with directional light planes arranged parallel to and offset from each other. The display device is located within the cabinet frame and is configured to display a wagering game. The light source is positioned above the display device, within the cabinet frame, and emits direct light and indirect light towards a player position in front of the gaming machine. The indirect light reflects off the display device prior to reaching the player position, causing light glare towards the player position. To reduce or eliminate the light glare, the directional transmissible layer is placed at least in part over the light source such that the directional light planes are horizontally aligned with the display device to prevent at least some of the indirect light from reflecting off the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Cornell, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, Miguel A. Vega
  • Publication number: 20140094278
    Abstract: Loaning in a gaming environment may be managed by determining a loan value associated with a first player account, determining a transfer of the loan value from the first player account to a second player account, and determining a wager of the loan value from the second player account in the primary game. A loan win amount attributable to a winning outcome of the primary game when the loan value is used may be determined, and respective shares of the loan win amount may be allocated to the first and second player accounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Abouchar, Jamie W. Vann, Andrew Christian Guinn, Daniel Louie
  • Publication number: 20140094308
    Abstract: A player-input device for a gaming system includes a light-transmissive button lens comprising interior and exterior surfaces extending to an outside perimeter. A textured surface is located along the outside perimeter of the button lens. A light source is disposed below a bottom edge of the button lens. The light source is operative to transmit light into the button lens such that the outside perimeter is illuminated at the textured surface. The textured surface is configured to dissipate the light over a substantial portion of the textured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Bradley D. Cornell
  • Publication number: 20140094266
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Dion K. Aoki
  • Publication number: 20140094319
    Abstract: A notification that the data in the critical memory is to be accessed may be received. The data in the critical memory may be reviewed to determine if a version update is required. It may be determined if the data in the critical memory requires a version update. If the data requires a version update, a related version algorithm may be used to retrieve the data from the critical memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Ranjan Dasgupta, Faith R. LeBrun Jennings, Nagaraju Magati, Kyle G. Nyenhuis, Mark J. Saletnik, Jorge Luis Shimabukuro