Patents Examined by Shahid Kamal
  • Patent number: 9576436
    Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Jackson
  • Patent number: 8992321
    Abstract: In a network game, player characters manipulated by individual players of video game apparatuses belong to the same party to battle with an opponent character. When a player character making a special move is not present in the party, the display screen of each video game apparatus becomes a screen focusing on the player character of the player who uses this video game apparatus. When one of the player characters makes a special move, not only the display screen of the video game apparatus corresponding to this player, but also the display screens of the video game apparatuses corresponding to the other player characters in the party become screens focusing on the player character which makes the special move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Jin Fujisawa, Takashi Anzai
  • Patent number: 8827805
    Abstract: Operations for a wagering game system include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect that the gaming effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include modifying a presentation setting or property so that a presentation of the gaming effect remains below the threshold presentation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vito M. Caporusso, Howard R. Pfeifer, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8753214
    Abstract: A game device is provided. The game device includes a first execution section, a game screen updating section, and a game situation data acquiring section. In the case where a first execution time which comes every first time period is reached, the first execution section generates game situation data. In the case where a second execution time which comes every second time period is reached, the game screen updating section updates a game screen based on game situation data corresponding to an attention time which comes a time period before the second execution time. The game situation data acquiring section acquires the game situation data corresponding to the attention time by executing interpolation processing based on first game situation data corresponding to a time which comes before the attention time and second game situation data corresponding to a time which comes after the attention time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zenta Ishida, Ryuma Hachisu
  • Patent number: 8721413
    Abstract: A puzzle game where the objective of the game is to create a target number of HEXA and DIA formations per level using a set of primary sub-formations. The game is further intensified by the introduction of secondary sub-formations and a set of Reward Buttons that are awarded for completing different formations. The present invention uses a novel way of scoring where points are calculated based on the formations created by a player and the time remaining in the level. Therefore, if a player finishes a level faster, the player gets additional points. There is also an Infinite game mode for PDA and mobile phone users that allows play until the battery in the device runs out or the device shuts off due to a low battery that has no set levels and set scoring based on various possible formations only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Skyecandy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jameel Akhtab Mohammed, Faiaz Seddiq
  • Patent number: 8715054
    Abstract: A gaming system with a free play mode. The gaming system has a game controller configured to process game play instructions in accordance with game rules to produce game outcomes. A credit meter is under the control of the game controller, the credit meter incremented or decremented in accordance with the game outcomes during normal play. A player interface is in data communication with the game controller. The player interface comprising a display that displays game outcomes to the player and operable to cause a free mode instruction to be communicated to the game controller. The game controller is configured to deactivate the credit meter in response to receipt of a free mode instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
  • Patent number: 8678922
    Abstract: A server for administering an on-line virtual environment comprises a data communication arrangement and a processor. The data communication arrangement receives a signal from a first entertainment device in communication with an instance of the virtual environment. The signal indicates that a user of that device has performed a predetermined action. The processor determines the availability of a second entertainment device, and is operable to switch the second device from a second instance of the virtual environment to the first instance of the virtual environment. The data communication arrangement is operable, if the second device is available, to transmit a signal to the first device indicating that a software controlled avatar within that instance should change modes to represent a user of the second device. The processor is operable to transfer control of a previously software controlled avatar within that instance of the virtual environment to the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Ealey
  • Patent number: 8678927
    Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to controlling a game with a mobile touch-enabled device. A thumbstick and a mode selection button can be rendered on a display of the mobile touch-enabled device. The thumbstick can be rendered on a reassignable area of the display and the mode selection button can be rendered on a mode selection area of the display. A touch (e.g., drag) from the mode selection area to the reassignable area can be detected, and an operation in the game can be controlled with the thumbstick represented as being at a depressed height in response to the touch in the reassignable area while the touch is detected without discontinuity of contact from starting the drag. Further, upon detecting discontinuation of the touch, a different operation in the game can be controlled with the thumbstick represented as being at a default height in response to a subsequent touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Monty Lee Hammontree, Tyler Edward Gibson, Emmanuel John Athans
  • Patent number: 8670846
    Abstract: This invention relates to system and method for conducting a competition. Specifically, the invention relates to a computer-implemented peer-to-peer anonymous evaluation to determine a winner of a competition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Lisa Warshaw, Olaino Hardaway
  • Patent number: 8662990
    Abstract: A primary game may display multiple bonus game selection symbols on a reel. The bonus game selection symbols allow the player to choose a bonus game. The bonus game simulates a play in an actual wagering game with a wager that would normally be higher than the wager in the primary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Clint A. Owen
  • Patent number: 8662988
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and program products relating to a multi-mode game play. A player places a bet through a player station to commence play in a first play mode of a multi-mode game. The first play mode may award a prize specified as a number of plays at a different (“second”) play mode. The second play mode has a different associated prize structure and a higher expected net value per play as compared to the first play mode. Once the player has played the specified number of plays at the second play mode the game switches back to the first play mode for additional plays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Thomas Graves
  • Patent number: 8657666
    Abstract: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Wudtke, Bryan Kelly, Micheal Shackelford, Vernon Bernard, Michael Stacey, John Garofalo
  • Patent number: 8651942
    Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Bayard S. Webb, Hans Elias, Zeke Brill
  • Patent number: 8636583
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Jr., Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8632384
    Abstract: A method of card game includes a main game and a side game. The main game includes the steps of dealing two cards to a banker and each player; determining a hand strength of each two-card hand and categorizing it in one of a highest special hand class, a paired hand class, and a standard hand class; dealing a third card if necessary; determining a hand strength of each three-card hands; ranking the hand strength; and determining a winner of the main game. After the main game is completed, the side game includes the steps of determining a category of the hand of the banker; determining a single valuation card of the banker; determining the point value and suite of the single valuation card; and determining a winner of the side game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Andy Tsung
  • Patent number: 8628399
    Abstract: A gaming system and method allowing use of three dimensional objects in a wagering game. The three dimensional object includes multiple sides which are viewable by a player. Each of the multiple sides includes a symbol. An active payline contains one of the symbols. The symbols contained by the active payline are used to represent a randomly-determined result from the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Alfred Thomas, Brad Schultz, Brett Russell, Russell Savio, Peter Aponte
  • Patent number: 8616979
    Abstract: A system and method comprising of a social networking game system comprising of: a standalone, wearable gaming device configured for activating an application program stored on a mobile displaying device, wherein the application program is configured for activating location determining means to start a monitoring session, and wherein the location determining means is also configured for tracking a game player's moving parameters during the monitoring session; the application program is further configured for converting the game player's moving parameters into game player's statistics; and communication means positioned within the mobile displaying device for transmitting the game player's statistics to at least one remote server, wherein the at least one remote server includes at least one processor and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to conduct a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8613656
    Abstract: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Wudtke, Bryan Kelly, Micheal Shackelford, Vernon Bernard, Michael Stacey, John Garofalo
  • Patent number: 8608561
    Abstract: When a game apparatus detects a double-touch in an area other than an area where an enemy character is displayed, the game apparatus causes a player character to perform a forward roll motion. On the other hand, when the game apparatus detects a touch operation onto the enemy character, a prohibition area is provided at a position of the enemy character. When the game apparatus detects a touch onto the prohibition area, even if the touch operation is the double-touch, the game apparatus prohibits the player character from performing the forward roll motion and causes the player character to attack the enemy character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamada, Shirou Mouri