Patents Examined by Michael O'Neill
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring casinos and gaming
    Patent number: 6712696
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and providing a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Gaming device with multi-purpose reels
    Patent number: 6702675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game for a gaming device which involves using reels for more than one purpose. The gaming device uses reels to display and determine outcomes, such as awards and penalties. The game also uses the same reels to perform exhibitions for the player. As exhibitions, the reels can be animated, used to form a background screen for exhibitions or used for any combination thereof. This type of game increases player entertainment and excitement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard W. Poole, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Manual lever with locking function for mounting CPU enclosure
    Patent number: 6699128
    Abstract: A removable processor enclosure apparatus for use in a gaming machine having a housing defining an interior portion, and a first electrical connector disposed in the interior portion. The enclosure apparatus includes an enclosure containing the CPU electrical components therein, and is adapted for sliding receipt in the interior portion of the gaming machine housing between a mounting condition and a removal condition. In the mounting condition, the enclosure is mounted to the housing and electrically coupling a second electrical connector of the enclosure to the first electrical connector of the housing. In the removal condition, the enclosure can be removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John Leagh Beadell, James W. Stockdale
  • Game image display method and game control method
    Patent number: 6688980
    Abstract: When a replay condition is established in advance of a game, a reproduced image which replays a specific scene in the advance of the game is displayed. In displaying the reproduced image, a parameter in the specific scene in the advance of the game is corrected for replay, and the specific scene is reproduced based on the corrected parameter. When the game display is resumed, a stored parameter is read. Suitable replay images can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Susumu Hirai, Masaru Sugahara
  • Gaming device having an ordered designation of bonus values in multiple value sets
    Patent number: 6688975
    Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a plurality of value sets and a plurality of inputs which a player can make. After a player makes particular inputs, the gaming device stores in memory or designates certain values in certain value sets which are associated with the input outcomes. After a terminating condition occurs, the gaming device awards the player with certain stored or designated values. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring casinos and gaming
    Patent number: 6688979
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table, including the placement of wagers. A processor processes image date to locate wagering pieces, identify the value of each wagering piece, the amount of the wager, and to verify the authenticity of the wagering pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: MindPlay, LLCC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Systems and methods wherein a lottery number combination is associated with a limited number of occurrences
    Patent number: 6688976
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate lottery ticket transactions. A request to purchase a lottery ticket is received, the lottery ticket being associated with a lottery number combination, such as a limited number of lottery tickets or a limited number of players. An indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with a limited number of occurrences is also received. For example, an indication that the lottery number combination is to be associated with only a single lottery ticket may be received. A price associated with the lottery ticket is determined based on the received indication. According to one embodiment, the price is increased by a predetermined amount based on the received indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Tulley, John M. Packes, Jr., James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Patrick J. Buckley, Peter J. Vogel, Magdalena M. Fincham, Norman C. Gilman, Keith Beamer, Russell Pratt Sammon, William P. Van Vooren, Andrew P. Golden, Michael F. Steib
  • Bar top gaming unit
    Patent number: 6688984
    Abstract: A bar-top gaming unit includes a housing having a top panel which is movable between open and closed positions. Components of the gaming unit are configured to minimize the size of the unit and maximize component access. A display is mounted to the movable top. A gaming controller is located inside the housing beneath the display, the controller providing or generating game play information for display by the display. Peripheral devices are located at either end of the housing on either side of the gaming controller and peripheral. The peripheral devices may comprise a receipt printer and a currency validator. In one embodiment, the gaming unit includes access points besides the top panel, as well as a number of security features including a locking or latching mechanism for individual elements such as the top panel and a cash box associated with a current validator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
  • Operating device for game machine
    Patent number: 6682426
    Abstract: An operating device used in a game machine for playing a television game includes a main body portion of the operating device and first and second grip portions protruding from one side on respective end parts of the main body portion. A first operating unit is mounted on one end of the main body portion and a second operating unit is mounted on the opposite end of the main body portion. The first and second operating units are provided with a plurality of thrusting operators protruding from the upper surface of the main body portion and a plurality of signal input elements actuated by the thrusting operators. A third operating unit and a fourth operating unit are arranged facing each other on the proximal ends of the first and second grip portions. Each of the third and fourth operating units has a rotation member and a plurality of signal input devices actuated by the rotation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Teiyu Goto, Hiroki Ogata
  • Gaming system including portable game devices
    Patent number: 6676522
    Abstract: A gaming system including hand-held, portable gaming devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to present at least one game to a player and includes a portable gaming device or interface having a display for displaying game and other information to a player. The portable gaming device is capable of receiving and sending information to a remote device/location. A game server generates game data, and transmits the game data to the portable gaming device and receives information, such as player input, from the portable gaming device. A payment transaction server validates payment and establishes entitlement of a player to play a game via the portable gaming device as provided by the game server. In one or more embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more stationary gaming machines capable of printing tickets having a value associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rick Rowe, Mike Oberberger
  • Method and system for examinations
    Patent number: 6678499
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and method for enabling examinations. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms which support interaction with a computer system or network. Each form is printed on sheet material such as paper and includes coded data which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system via a sensing device operated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Jacqueline Anne Lapstun, Paul Lapstun
  • System and method of data handling for table games
    Patent number: 6676517
    Abstract: A table game system is provided. The table game system includes a position system that generates position data, such as the positions of one or more players and the value of cards, dice, roulette wheels, or other game table positions. A wager system generates wager data, such as the wager placed by each player at each position. A payout system receives the position data and the wager data and generates payout data, such as by using the position data to determine the outcome of the table game and the wager data to determine the payout data based on the outcome of the table game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Beavers
  • Game enhancements via wireless piconet
    Patent number: 6676524
    Abstract: A gaming experience is enhanced by employing a game saver drive that is linked with the other devices involved in the game playing experience via a wireless piconet, and that intelligently saves game status information. This information can be used to resume an in-process game at a future time, or to provide for recovery in the case of inadvertent game interruption, such as system failure or crashing. Thus, a system according to one embodiment of the invention includes a game control unit, a video display device, a user input unit, and a game saver unit. The game saver unit is wirelessly linked to at least one of the game control unit, the video display device and the user input unit, and the game saver unit saves status information regarding an in-process game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Botzas
  • Software implementation of a handheld video game hardware platform
    Patent number: 6672963
    Abstract: A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Link
  • Computer system and method of displaying images
    Patent number: 6672961
    Abstract: An on-line multi-player virtual reality game is provided. Software is implemented to provide an improved level of detail from various points of view within the virtual reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventor: William Roger Uzun
  • Gun-shaped controller and game device
    Patent number: 6672962
    Abstract: The gun-shaped controller comprises a controller 1 in the shape of a gun and a trigger lever 7, and a cross-shaped directional key 9 to be operated with a player's finger is arranged in the upper part of a grip 4. By comprising the cross-shaped directional key 9, it is possible to move the character on the screen or the character's visual field with this cross-shaped directional key 9 in addition to the conventional action of shooting targets on the screen. Thus, the gun-shaped controller is compatible with roll-playing games and adventure games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Naoji Ozaki, Tomoyuki Sakurai, Yutaka Okumura, Junichiro Matsuura, Makio Kida, Masayuki Sumi, Akihito Hiroyoshi, Yutaka Yokoyama
  • Method for teaching interpretative skills in radiology with standardized terminology
    Patent number: 6669482
    Abstract: A training method for improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing variability in the interpretation of radiologic exams. Exam images, whether presented on radiographic film, on photographic paper, or on a computer monitor, are interpreted using standardized feature descriptors, such as in BI-RADS. The exam interpreter uses the feature descriptors to characterize findings in exam images and provides an assessment and conclusion concerning the presence of biologic processes that would have caused the image finding. Evidence for the presence or absence of these biologic processes is obtained. Measures of diagnostic accuracy are calculated from these data and all this information is tracked and associated with the exams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Peter E. Shile
  • Method of playing a game involving forming a matrix display of identifiers and comparing to group of randomly selected identifiers
    Patent number: 6666767
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of playing a game. The game is played by a player obtaining from a set of identifiers, at least four elected identifiers, but no more than a maximum number of elected identifiers preset for a given game. The player obtained identifiers are formed into a matrix display. A game controller randomly, and independently elects a group of identifiers from the set of identifiers. The group of identifiers are compared to the matrix display to determine corresponding identifiers in the matrix display before subsequently determining if there are complete identifiers at all intersections along matrix lines. The game controller awards a prize to the player if the number of matrix lines with identifiers at all intersections along matrix lines is one or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Marcel Dayan
  • Multimedia wagering system
    Patent number: 6666769
    Abstract: A multimedia wagering system consists of a race providing system for facilitating wagering on race events, and a plurality of multimedia wagering terminals in communication with the race providing system for wagering on the race events. The race provider includes means for selecting race events for wagering. The wagering terminal includes a multimedia display for displaying the selected race events, a user interface for placing a wager on the selected race event, payout means for providing a payout on the selected race events, and data processing means in communication with the multimedia display, the user interface and the payout means for facilitating wagering on the selected race events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Futuristic Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Stronach
  • Gaming device having outcomes which replicate the laws of physics
    Patent number: 6666766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates and displays a pachinko-type game and outcome on a screen connected to the processor. The gaming device initially provides a preliminary game that yields the number of attempts or objects that the player has in the pachinko-type game. Next, the game displays the pachinko-type game screen having a player selectable starting area. The starting area is large enough so that when the player picks a certain position of the area, the object falls from the selected position, hits a plurality of pegs and lands in an award position. The selected start position affects which award position that object eventually falls in accordance with the probability distribution predicted by the laws of physics. The player's award, however, is not effected by which start position the player selects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Anna Sheila C. Parrucho, Cari L. Blomquist