Patents by Inventor Ali Saffari
Ali Saffari has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9449468Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
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Publication number: 20160078724Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Applicants: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
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Patent number: 9245419Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
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Publication number: 20150243122Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicants: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc., MGM Resorts Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
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Publication number: 20150141132Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.Inventors: William R. WELLS, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
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Patent number: 9005005Abstract: Novel methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to sets of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. Some implementations provide a system wherein separate pay tables and bingo pools are formed according to the number of paylines played on slot-type game themes and/or the number of hands played on poker game themes. In some such implementations, players will be limited to predetermined numbers of lines (or hands) played, e.g., only 1, 3, 5 or 9 lines. In alternative implementations, a player's options regarding the number of lines played will depend, at least in part, on how many other players are playing any given number of lines on a slot game.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Tracy Powell, Justin M. Krum, Bryan D. Wolf, Ali Saffari
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Patent number: 8968086Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
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Patent number: 8814706Abstract: An electronic gaming machine including a candle mount for securing a candle device to the gaming machine and providing wireless communication capabilities to the gaming machine is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated alone or in combination with other stages convey information about the status of the gaming machine. A gaming machine with an existing candle device can be retrofitted with a candle mount that includes a wireless radio device that is operably coupled to the gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
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Patent number: 8814681Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Leap Forward Gaming, Inc.Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig Paulsen
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Patent number: 8641513Abstract: A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: William R. Brosnan, Bryan D. Wolf, Stephen W. Morro, Terrence Lee McCreary, Jr., M. Ali Saffari, John W. Chamberlain
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Publication number: 20140031125Abstract: An electronic gaming machine including a candle mount for securing a candle device to the gaming machine and providing wireless communication capabilities to the gaming machine is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated alone or in combination with other stages convey information about the status of the gaming machine. A gaming machine with an existing candle device can be retrofitted with a candle mount that includes a wireless radio device that is operably coupled to the gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Leap Forward GamingInventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
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Publication number: 20140031119Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Leap Forward GamingInventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A. Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, JR., Thomas Quick
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Publication number: 20130316784Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: IGTInventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
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Publication number: 20130252712Abstract: A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Leap Forward GamingInventors: William R. WELLS, Ali Saffari
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Patent number: 8506387Abstract: A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: William R. Brosnan, Bryan D. Wolf, Stephen W. Morro, Terrence Lee McCreary, Jr., M. Ali Saffari, John W. Chamberlain
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Patent number: 8506384Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game (or vice versa). Some implementations of the invention provide multi-card bingo games. A player may be required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase one or more additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop of a bingo game. A player may be provided the option of purchasing a block of more than one additional bingo number after the main ball drop.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
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Patent number: 8460091Abstract: A gaming device for a gaming machine is described. The gaming device can be configured to implement commands related to performing maintenance operations on the gaming machine. The commands can be initiated from a remote device, such as mobile device, separate from the gaming machine and the gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming peripheral can be coupled to a power switching device on the gaming machine. A number of devices on the gaming machine, such as game controller, can be configured to receive power that is routed through the power switching device. The gaming device can be configured to receive a command from a remote device to cycle power on the gaming machine using the power switching device. In one example, the power can be cycled on the gaming machine to clear an error condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Leap Forward GamingInventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari
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Patent number: 8449379Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing wide area bonusing over a gaming network from a gaming machine provider. Player identification information associated with a player is received. Gaming machine data is also retrieved. The gaming machine data is associated with the player identification information, and includes information particular to one or more gaming machines played by the player. One or more criteria are applied to the retrieved gaming machine data. A player bonus is issued according to the application of the one or more criteria to the retrieved gaming machine data. The gaming machine data can identify a brand of gaming machines played by the player.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Richard Rowe, Ali Saffari
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Patent number: 8419542Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bonusing system implemented on gaming machines and associated network devices on a network. According to some implementations, a central system qualifies or eliminates sites and/or types of gaming devices for participation based on criteria such as contribution level, games available, date range, location, device manufacturer, denominations available, etc. In some implementations, the qualification or elimination process is performed at a site (e.g., by a site controller) according to criteria obtained from the central system. The methods of the present invention may be de-coupled from player tracking methods.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Ali Saffari, Chris Reddicks, Mark Bansemer, Anisur Chowdhury, Bryan Wolf
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Patent number: 8282480Abstract: A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Leap Forward GamingInventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig Paulsen