Patents Examined by Julie Brocketti
  • Patent number: 6595856
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing the game program software and related data files used by a gaming device and for authenticating such files during game startup and play. In one embodiment of the present invention, a verification code is generated by the manufacturer for each software file and data file used by the game. The verification codes are stored in a non-volatile, tamper-proof, read-only memory device, which is (in some embodiments) securely attached to the gaming device. On some or every download of the game software and/or related data files into the gaming device, commencement of a game, or on the occurrence of certain pre-defined events, the stored verification code is used to validate the game software and data files. In some embodiments, verification is performed automatically on a periodic basis without operator or player action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sigma Game, Inc.
    Inventors: Alec Ginsburg, Darin T. Gifford, Robert J. Piechowiak
  • Patent number: 6585592
    Abstract: A gaming system is provided which permits the hold value to be determined independently of the distribution of winning outcomes, e.g., to avoid or prevent volatility in the hold value. Preferably each time a wager is placed, a hold value (such as a predetermined and/or fixed percentage) is retained and the remainder is allocated to one or more prize pools. If a pool is too large or too small, or if a pool's rate of growth is too large or too small, the central computer sends a message to all terminals which contribute to the pool, causing the terminals to modify operations so as to bring the pool size or rate of growth to within desired target ranges. Preferably, the current prize amounts corresponding to various potential winning game outcomes are displayed when a game is won, the displayed amount corresponding to the type of win paid. Preferably, a portion of wages is retained as a background amount to at least partially replenish a paid-out prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Hardy Lee Crumby
  • Patent number: 6585599
    Abstract: There is provided a game system capable of enhancing the pleasure of the game by improving elements which exert influence upon the selection of a character action. In a system including a display apparatus, an input apparatus, and a game control apparatus for displaying a plurality of characters including at least one character (111) set as operation objects of the player on a game screen (110), and causing respective characters to take action in accordance with a predetermined program while referring to the output signal of the input apparatus, counting synchronized to the progress of a game is conducted by counting devices provided so as to be respectively associated with the characters of operation objects. Upon arrival of a count value of one of the counting devices at a predetermined value, processing required to make a character (111) of the operation object take action is executed in response to directions given from the player via the input apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Horigami, Shinji Morimitsu, Tomohiro Maeyama, Yasushi Sakano, Jun Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 6582304
    Abstract: A system and method for performing integrated lottery ticket and merchandise transactions using a point-of-sale terminal that generates a single sales receipt containing all pertinent lottery ticket and merchandise transaction information. The lottery tickets generated include fractional value and “quick-pick” lottery tickets. A group of point-of-sale terminals are connected to a POS controller which communicates with a lottery data processing system. An encrypted authentication code also printed on the sales receipt allows the lottery player to verify all lottery ticket transaction information, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Sanjay K. Jindal
  • Patent number: 6582309
    Abstract: A game system has a display monitor for displaying a game image, a plurality of control buttons manually operable by a game player, and a memory for storing data representing timings to operate the control buttons, respectively. The game system has a control operation indicating function for displaying in the game image an image for indicating the timings to operate the control buttons based on the data stored in the memory, and an obstructing function for generating an obstructive effect in the image for indicating the timings to operate the control buttons, to obstruct an attempt of the game player to grasp the timings to operate the control buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Higurashi, Kiyoshi Mizuki, Shintaro Mukai, Masato Akiyama, Hiroshi Takeyasu, Ryo Komatsu, Hiroshi Naraoka
  • Patent number: 6579182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protected slot machine system including means of paying by smart card (300), a smart card reader-validator (200) and means (360, 400) of managing the credits available for games. In order to prevent any fraud with respect to the sums of money actually won in the game, the system has control means (200, 450, 300) able to record, on the card (300) of a player, game-significant information (D) specific to the said card and able to effect a verification of this information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Gemplus
    Inventors: Herve Orus, Frederic Foglino
  • Patent number: 6569014
    Abstract: An electronic gaming device and method for operating the same is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the device is a video poker machine that displays an initial hand of cards to a player. The player considers the initial hand and executes a game strategy by selecting certain of the cards to hold and others to discard, if any. A player's selection of cards causes a signal to be received by the device. The signal indicates which of the of the cards in the initial hand are to be held and which are to be dicarded. Based on the signal, the device determines a number of cards to be drawn. For each discard card, the device displays an additional draw card in place thereof and determines a payout based on a ranking of the final hand and the number of cards drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik
  • Patent number: 6569012
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a coding competition. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coding competition includes transmitting a coding problem to contestants, receiving computer code created by a contestant, determining a response of the computer code to test data, and evaluating the response of the computer code to the test data. In another embodiment, a method for evaluating a skill level of a contestant includes electronically communicating a coding problem to contestants, electronically receiving a software program in response to the coding problem from one of the contestants, evaluating the received software program, awarding points to the contestant based on the received software program, and determining a rating for the contestant for the competition based on the number of points awarded to the contestant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: TopCoder, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lydon, John M. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6565439
    Abstract: By transmitting function information indicative of functions of a game machine manipulation device CT10, previously stored therein, to a game machine main body 27 with a command from the game machine main body 27, it is possible to retrieve functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 required for the game machine main body 27 and to set the retrieved functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 in the game machine manipulation device CT10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shinohara, Toshio Honda
  • Patent number: 6565441
    Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the communication ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Arista Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Hames, Richard Leifer
  • Patent number: 6561906
    Abstract: The present invention is based on a process comprising the steps of previously recording movie data 212b and 212c in a CD-ROM in correspondence to streams of changes in depiction of a displayed image, detecting what stream a change in depiction is in response to a manual input made by the player, reading out movie data corresponding to the detected stream of changes in depiction from the CD-ROM, and causing a change in the image in display on the basis of the thus read-out movie data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Square Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6558253
    Abstract: A slot machine is described which allows a player to participate in an additional game of chance whenever a winning combination of symbols includes a special bonus multiplier symbol. In such instances, the award for the winning combination is multiplied by a randomly determined value, thereby increasing the attractiveness of the game. In the preferred embodiment, the bonus multiplier is selected using a weighted random number generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sigma Game, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank C. DeSimone, Robert J. Piechowiak, Charles R. Miller, Sr., Henry C. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6544040
    Abstract: A method of storytelling in an interactive system includes presenting a narrative, interrupting the presentation of the narrative in response to a user input, presenting information regarding at least one mental impression of a character in the narrative, and continuing the presentation of the narrative after presenting the information. The method can also include presenting the narrative, interrupting the narrative presentation to present a nonfictional analysis of the mental impression of at least one of the characters, and continuing the presentation of the narrative. A method of teaching in an interactive system can include presenting at least the first set of nonfictional psychological background information, and presenting a narrative in response to a user selection including a series of events demonstrating human actions and interactions consistent with the first set of nonfictional psychological background information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Cynthia P. Brelis, Daniel J. Siegel, Andrew L. Silver, Caroline S. Welch
  • Patent number: 6537154
    Abstract: A controller for a fishing game, in which, when a handle of the controller is rotated, a counter electromotive force is produced between both ends of a generator in the controller. When a short circuit occurs between both terminals, an electrical current which produces a force (that is, a load torque) acting in a direction which prevents rotation of the generator flows between both of the terminals. Therefore, a load torque can be applied to at least the handle without using a driving electrical power supply. When the electrical current flowing between both terminals is controlled through a load-generating device from the side of the body of a game device, a load torque which matches the content of the game being played can be applied to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Ohgoshi, Shuzo Ono
  • Patent number: 6533658
    Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. The device conducts a game of chance that preferably incorporates game elements that change and expire during the game. The device performs the steps of generating and displaying a subject game element having a first class. The step of displaying includes displaying an indicia of the first class. The device further assigns a second class to the subject game element, and displays the subject game element, thereby displaying an indicia of the second class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert R. Lech
  • Patent number: 6527555
    Abstract: A programmable device for the display of information, comprising, a spherical or curved element, such as a globe, which is programmable/reprogrammable for the display of geographical, political, meteorological, biological, and cultural information. A spherical or curved element having a plurality of optical lens segments is in operable communication with programmable electronic displays, for displaying and representing information on the spherical element. The programmable displays are secured to the inside faces of lens segments so that images are directed to the outside surface of the sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Storm
  • Patent number: 6527638
    Abstract: A remote gaming system whereby a player can gamble against a wagering establishment or state-run lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or portable computer device where it is unnecessary to establish an on-line connection with a host computer associated with the wagering establishment, the gaming computer having associated gaming software for providing at least one wagering opportunity and enabling the player to obtain gambling credit and cash-out any resulting winnings, the host computer enabling the player to purchase and redeem gambling credit at the remote location in one embodiment of the invention using cryptographic protocols such as through a series of authenticatable message exchanges between the player and the wagering establishment, the gaming computer and the host computer directly on-line, or the gaming computer having a detachable tamper-resistant or tamper-evident credit module associated therewith or for use with a personal computer being provided to the player with preinstalle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier
  • Patent number: 6524184
    Abstract: A gaming method according to the invention utilizes a first level game and a plurality of second level or daughter games. Each game at a particular level comprises a separate lottery-type game having a number or plurality of game records. Each game record includes a predetermined result. According to the invention, each first level game result is associated with a single value common to the result in each other first level game record. However, the result associated with each second level game record varies between various predetermined prize values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson C. Lind, Joseph R. Enzminger, David Shapiro, Clifton Lind
  • Patent number: 6517438
    Abstract: A game processing device processes a simulated game wherein an input device is modeled on an instrument required for a prescribed action in real life. This game processing device comprises game developing means for developing a game simulating said real-life action and providing a display indicating that said instrument has received an impact at a timing during said game corresponding to a time when said instrument would receive an impact during said real-life action; and instruction means for outputting an instruction signal to said input device indicating that said impact has been received at a timing during said game corresponding to a time when said impact would be received. When movement information indicating the movement of said input device and supplied by said input device reaches prescribed conditions, the development of the game by said game developing means is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Kenji Tosaki, Atsunori Himoto, Akitoshi Oikawa, Hisamichi Sugahara
  • Patent number: 6514140
    Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cias, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Storch