Patents Assigned to WMS Gaming
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Patent number: 9076285Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine has increased versatility, while having reels that are aesthetically similar to traditional mechanical reels. In one embodiment, the slot machine includes a plurality of optical fibers having first ends optically coupled to a surface of an image display device and seconds ends defining a curved display surface for displaying simulated mechanical reels to a player. In another embodiment, one or more of the mechanical reels has a transparent window at a location where a symbol would normally be present. A video display displays a video symbol in the transparent window. In yet a further embodiment, one of the plurality of mechanical reels has a miniature image display located at selected ones of the symbol regions for providing video symbols for the game. In yet further embodiments, a symbol region can produce more than one symbol in response to exposure at certain wavelengths or polarizations of light.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Jacob C. Greenberg
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Patent number: 9070249Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a request to configure a wagering game machine for presentation of a wagering game effect. The operations can further include, in response to detecting the request, evaluating, a position of the wagering game machine against criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect. The operations can further include, based on the evaluating the position of the wagering game machine against the criteria for presentation of the wagering game effect, modifying an availability of at least one of a plurality of options to configure the wagering game machine for the presentation of the wagering game effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Radek, Edward G. Brunell, Wingate K. Williams, Brian L. Yarger
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Patent number: 9070254Abstract: A gaming system includes a credit detector adapted to detect a wager to play a wagering game, one or more displays adapted to display, in response to the wager, a base game and a secondary game, the base game providing a trigger that provides an opportunity to play the secondary game, the secondary game including a plurality of decision points, each decision point requiring a selection of one of a plurality of paths and a controller operative to respond to the selection of the path at the one decision point and provide a next decision point for a subsequent selection of another path, a state of the secondary game remaining persistent during repeated plays of the base game so that selected paths in the secondary game are combined to provide non-linear unlocking of a bonus award.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jeremy M. Hornik, Daniel P. Louie, Jeremie D. Moll, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9064368Abstract: A gaming system and methods for conducting a wagering game allowing player selection of a base game and a game feature. A gaming system includes a display displaying a plurality of game icons and a plurality of game feature icons. Each of the game icons indicate a respective different base game and each of the game feature icons indicate a respective different game feature. An input device accepts a player selection of one of the plurality of game icons. The input device further accepts a player selection of one of the plurality of game feature icons. A controller selects a base game in response to the player selection of one of the plurality of game icons and selects a game feature in response to the player selection of one of the plurality of game feature icons. The controller operates the selected base game incorporating the selected game feature.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Edwin Hoeks
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Patent number: 9064383Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining possible wagering game events that can occur for a wagering game. The operations can further include determining a subset of the possible wagering game events and configuring an award ladder game to award prizes in a stair-step fashion based on occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include ordering a plurality of awards, or prizes, on an award ladder in an order of value and configuring the award ladder to award the plurality of awards in a sequential order of value according to an order of occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include configuring the award ladder to reset when the plurality of awards have been awarded.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: James Palermo, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9064372Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
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Patent number: 9058721Abstract: Embodiments of a wagering game system manager are described herein. In one embodiment, a wagering game system includes a plurality of wagering game machines. The wagering game system can also include a plurality of wagering game managers, wherein each of the wagering game managers is configured to acquire a different set of manufacturer-specific wagering game information from ones of the wagering game machines. Additionally, the wagering game system can include a multi-system manager configured to generate an interface including a plurality of views, each view to presents one of the different sets of manufacturerspecific wagering game information.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Mary M. Burke
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Patent number: 9058724Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include obtaining data provided from a first application. In some examples, the first application is a wagering game application presented on a wagering game machine. The operations can also include determining a subscription level associated with a second application. The subscription level indicates access to the data from the first application. Further, the operations can also include, providing a service to the second application. In some examples, the service is one of a plurality of tiers of services that correspond to the subscription level. In some examples, the service has one of a plurality of degrees of access to the data from the first application according to the subscription level.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Mark C. Pace, Larry J. Pacey
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Patent number: 9058714Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device configured to receive a wager, at least one display device configured to display a wagering game, one or more thermal devices configured to produce a thermal effect, at least one controller in operative communication with the one or more thermal devices, at least one memory device storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one controller, the one or more thermal devices to produce a thermal effect according to an aspect of the wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Vernon W. Hamlin, Dion K. Aoki, Charles R. Bleich, Mary M. Burke, Joel R. Jaffe, Timothy C. Loose, Craig J. Sylla
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Patent number: 9058720Abstract: Systems described herein include wagering game systems having a portal container with one or more portal applications running within the portal container. The portal container includes a login application that receives player credentials and logs into various servers using the login credentials. The login application serves as a proxy for the portal applications that communicate with the servers.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Magesh Gangadharan, Mark B. Gagner
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Patent number: 9058717Abstract: A gaming system with asymmetric customization capabilities and a method of enabling asymmetric customization of a wagering game are disclosed. A plurality of selectable game-play features are provided for utilization during the wagering game. Players accessing the game-play features are unequally limited as to which features are available for modification, depending on means of access. All features, however, are available for game-play, regardless of means of access.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe
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Publication number: 20150161852Abstract: In a gaming system, a first player and one or more second player(s) contribute respective player reels. At least one game outcome is determined from an array of symbols randomly generated from the combination of the player reels. The at least one game outcome is shared by all players and used to determine awards for all players. The first player may subsequently join one or more third player(s) to determine new game outcomes from a new combination of player reels. In another gaming system, players select a combination of player reels from a pool of player reels to compete against each other. At least one game outcome is determined for each player from an array of symbols randomly generated from the player's selected subset of player reels. The players are ranked according to the game outcomes for the players, and awards are determined for the players according to the ranking.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Andrew C. Guinn, William Klein, Daniel P. Louie, Aaron John Schurman, Bryan Vandaele, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9053605Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account, from a network wagering venue, that is eligible to participate in a network-wide wagering game event, and selecting the player account to be a player that performs for an audience of other users from the network wagering venue. The player can win at least some portion of awards by playing a wagering game during the network-wide wagering game event. Audience member users can participate in the event using interactive features (e.g., betting features, chat features, etc.) presented in a presentation, or view, of the network-wide wagering game event. The operations can also include involving, or incorporating, the audience members, into the network-wide wagering game event in a variety of ways, such as assisting the player participant to perform better at the wagering game, engaging in side-bets, receiving awards, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
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Patent number: 9050527Abstract: A wand-shaped handheld device tethered to a fixed structure in a gaming system by one or more cables wound around reels. The handheld device includes a button on a top thereof as a secondary input means. Motors coupled to the reels wind the cables or apply an opposing force to a pulling force applied to the device. Sensors detect how far the cables are retracted or pulled relative to the fixed structure. Haptic feedback devices impart tactile vibrations that are transmitted along the cable(s) and to the handheld device as the motor is pulling the handheld device toward the fixed structure or a player grasping the device is pulling it away from the fixed structure. Wagering game graphics are coordinated with the movement of the device so that movements or selection of the graphics are affected by inputs made by moving the handheld device or pressing its button.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Christopher W. Chudek, Scott A. Massing, Jesse Smith, Walter E. Smolucha, Craig J. Sylla, Jamie W. Vann
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Patent number: 9053604Abstract: Systems and methods for trusted initialization of wagering game machines are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a wagering game machine, a request for an operating system image that includes a first component for booting the wagering game machine. The method can also include transmitting the operating system image to the wagering game machine, wherein the operating system image also includes a second component for procuring software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine. Additionally, the method can include receiving a request for the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine and transmitting the software that authenticates content on the wagering game machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Craig J. Sylla
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Patent number: 9047731Abstract: A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include detecting an account rule, wherein the account rule includes an activation event, wherein upon occurrence of the activation event a transfer of funds is initiates between a wagering game session and account and one or more other financial accounts. In some embodiments, the operations also include detecting the occurrence of the activation event. In some embodiments, the operations also include initiating the transfer of funds between the wagering game session account and one or more other financial accounts.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Erhard W. Rathsack, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 9047730Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account, from a network wagering venue, that is eligible to participate in a network-wide wagering game event, and selecting the player account to be a player that performs for an audience of other users from the network wagering venue. The player can win at least some portion of awards by playing a wagering game during the network-wide wagering game event. Audience member users can participate in the event using interactive features (e.g., betting features, chat features, etc.) presented in a presentation, or view, of the network-wide wagering game event. The operations can also include involving, or incorporating, the audience members, into the network-wide wagering game event in a variety of ways, such as assisting the player participant to perform better at the wagering game, engaging in side-bets, receiving awards, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
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Patent number: 9039517Abstract: An illustrative method controls a gaming device that supports wagering on games. A communication is received at a gaming device coupled to the gaming network from another gaming device coupled to the gaming network. A determination is made by the gaming device if proprietary information is present in the communication or requested to be transmitted by the communication from the gaming device to the another gaming device. A determination is made by the gaming device whether the another gaming device is a trusted source. The gaming device processes the proprietary information associated with the communication only if the gaming device determines that the another gaming device is a trusted source.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Dale R. Buchholz, Srinivyasa Murthy Adiraju, Christopher J. Frattinger
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Patent number: 9039507Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include detecting a side wager placed by a social network user accounts connected to a communal wagering game, detecting that a jurisdictional rule prohibits a characteristic of the side wager, and altering the characteristic of the side wager to comport with the jurisdictional rule. In some examples, the operations can further include determining a request by a first of the social network user accounts to transact an exchange of one or more non-cash items associated with the communal wagering game with a second of the social network user accounts, and transacting the exchange.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Brian J. Barclay, Mark B. Gagner, Andrew C. Guinn
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Patent number: D730993Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Christian L. Castro, Joel R. Jaffe, Paul M. Lesley, Larry J. Pacey