Patents by Inventor Brian J. Barclay

Brian J. Barclay 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).

  • Patent number: 8393948
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that an online communal wagering game (communal game) requests additional players. The online communal wagering game can be provided by a wagering game provider. The operations can further include determining one or more social network user accounts (social network accounts) available to play in the online communal wagering game. The social network accounts can from different social network websites, servers, etc., across the Internet, or other communications networks. The operations can further include aggregating the one or more social network accounts into a communal wagering game session, controlling the communal game with bets from the aggregated social network accounts, and providing social communication content that the social network accounts can use to communicate, receive notifications, view game replays, trade items, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Brian J. Barclay, Mark B. Gagner, Andrew C. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20130040730
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a user request to initiate a group wagering game from a host wagering game player account, via a local-area networking device at a non-casino geographic location and providing group wagering game content to the local-area networking device in response to the request. The operations can further include detecting wagering activity from members of a group at the geographic location, providing wagering game outcome information related to the wagering activity, and assigning a portion of the wagering activity to the host wagering game player account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins
  • Patent number: 8360843
    Abstract: A wagering game system 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. 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
  • Publication number: 20120302326
    Abstract: A browser application and toolbar are described according to some embodiments. The browser application presents wagering game content in a toolbar. Some embodiments are directed to determining that a first player account uses the toolbar to access the wagering game content, determining that a second player account referred the first player account in response to determination that the first player account uses the toolbar, and providing a referral award to the second player account for referring the first player account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120295696
    Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with a first part (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) that presents first content associated with one or more wagering games and a second part (e.g., a main content display area) that concurrently presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers. Some embodiments are directed to determining, based on concurrent presentation of the first content and the second content, that one or more awards are available from a first of the content providers conditional upon performance of one or more activities indicated by a second of the content providers, and the browser application presents one or more indicators to indicate the one or more awards and/or the one or more activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120289313
    Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8262466
    Abstract: A network browser and toolbar objects are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar objects can be on a wagering game toolbar that is a part of the network browser. The toolbar objects indicate information associated with wagering games. The network browser and the toolbar objects can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar objects can cross market affiliate content and wagering game content using features of the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120214564
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account logged on to a wagering game network, determining a chat session initiated by the player account via the wagering game network; and determining wagering game news events to present via a gaming chat console for the chat session. The operations can also include automatically adjusting presentation requirements for the wagering game news events based on quantifiable player factors. In some embodiments, the operations can also include presenting an interactive game bot via the gaming chat console as a social contact, receiving textual chat game commands communicated to the interactive game bot, and controlling a wagering game via the textual chat game commands. In some embodiments, the operations can also include following chat activity for the selected chat social-contact groups and integrating chat activity with client applications and devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8246468
    Abstract: A network browser and wagering game toolbar (“toolbar”) are described herein. The network browser has a main display area that can display content. The toolbar can be in, or a part of, the network browser. The network browser and the toolbar can receive and display content. Specifically, the toolbar can receive and display wagering game content from a wagering game network as the main display area can receive and display content originating outside the wagering game network. In some embodiments, the toolbar can present content originating from one or more wagering game player accounts that provide audience participation in, or related to, wagering game activity presented on the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120202587
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that an online communal wagering game (communal game) requests additional players. The online communal wagering game can be provided by a wagering game provider. The operations can further include determining one or more social network user accounts (social network accounts) available to play in the online communal wagering game. The social network accounts can from different social network websites, servers, etc., across the Internet, or other communications networks. The operations can further include aggregating the one or more social network accounts into a communal wagering game session, controlling the communal game with bets from the aggregated social network accounts, and providing social communication content that the social network accounts can use to communicate, receive notifications, view game replays, trade items, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Brian J. Barclay, Mark B. Gagner, Andrew C. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20120184349
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include a recording of a first wagering game content from a first wagering game played during a wagering game session and generating an electronic (e.g., an “e-mail”) message, after the wagering game session ends. The operations can also include embedding in the electronic message an object that provides access to a second wagering game content. The second wagering game content includes a recording of the first wagering game. The operations can further include sending the electronic message to an electronic address for a wagering game player account associated with the wagering game session, and detecting access to the second wagering game content, via the electronic message. The second wagering game content can re-present the portion of the first wagering game content as part of the second wagering game content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming ,Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20120184363
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that an event occurs to a wagering game player account during a wagering game session, determining a player-owned social network account associated with the wagering game player account, connecting to the player-owned social network account, and presenting a notification of the event on the player-owned social network account. In some embodiments, the operations can also include providing social network rewards and wagering game awards for the event to the player-owned social network account, or to other social network accounts associated with the player-owned social network account. In some embodiments, the operations can also include determining social activity performed by the other social network accounts and presenting notifications of the social activity by the other social network accounts to the wagering game player account during the wagering game session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew Fowler, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120184353
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described. In some embodiments, the operations include initiating a wagering game title for presentation on a display device of a gaming machine, and receiving, from the gaming machine, player input indicating autoplay settings selected by a player for the wagering game title. The operations include initiating an autoplay mode for the wagering game title in response to receiving an autoplay trigger from the gaming machine, managing the autoplay mode for the player according to the autoplay setting selected by the player, and generating results for each wagering game of the wagering game title played during the autoplay mode. The operations include monitoring game events associated with the wagering games played during the autoplay mode to determine when to stop the autoplay mode, and stopping the autoplay mode for the player based on the autoplay settings selected by the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: VMS Gaming ,Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120184362
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a selection of a selectable object in a first area of a gaming display that is under control of a first application module associated with a wagering game session. The first application module can be for a social communication application or can provide social communication functionality. The operations can further include determining a selection purpose for the selection, determining transference instructions for an item representation of the selectable object, and transferring the item representation to a second area of the gaming display that is under control of a second application module. The second application module can be for a wagering game application or can provide wagering game functionality. The operations can further include performing a function associated with the second application module according to the selection purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20120094737
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include receiving a live video feed of a game event such as an image of a slot wagering game, a roulette game, a poker game, a sporting event, etc. The operations can further include compositing the live video feed with an additional image and including the live video feed in a webpage for a wagering game website. The operations can further include determining an event that occurs during the live video feed and causing the additional image to appear react or interact with images depicted in the live video feed. The operations can further include triggering a secondary wagering game and further compositing images from the secondary wagering game with the video feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120028718
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a wagering game player account and determining a social network account associated with the wagering game player account. The social network account can be associated with a social network. The operations can further include determining one or more applications from the social network that are associated with the social network account. The operations can further include integrating the one or more applications with a wagering game session for the wagering game player account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Jeffrey D. Hofer, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110269548
    Abstract: A wagering game system 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. 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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
  • Publication number: 20110218034
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described. The operations can include presenting a wagering game interface including a plurality of wagering game icons, a gameplay window, a bet panel, and a start panel. The operations can also include detecting a selection of a first wagering game icon associated with a first wagering game; presenting media representing the first wagering game within the gameplay window; detecting a selection of a second wagering game icon associated with a second wagering game; presenting media representing the second wagering game within the gameplay window; and scaling the first and second wagering games to fit within the game-play window. The operations can further include detecting input of bet information for the first and second wagering games via the bet panel, and initiating the first and second wagering games simultaneously in response to detecting a selection of a start trigger in the start panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110212767
    Abstract: The document describes operations for managing online wagering game casinos. In some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the operations include presenting wagering games to players in an online casino; facilitating messaging between the players and a wagering game attendant; reporting results of the wagering games to the attendant; and detecting, from the wagering game attendant, a request to present a community bonus opportunity to one or more of the players. The operations can also include presenting the community bonus opportunity to the players; detecting responses to the community bonus opportunity, wherein the responses are associated with the players; determining one or more winners of prizes offered in the community bonus opportunity; and awarding the prizes to the one or more winners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Darren Yat-man Ng, Tracey L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110201414
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include receiving login information to log in to an online gaming venue and determining a player account associated with the login information. The operations can also include presenting the online gaming venue on a personal computing device associated with the player account. The online gaming venue can include casino related data that indicates ambience of a gambling environment (e.g., a casino, a poker room, etc.), interactive objects to interact with the player account, and communication functions to share recorded activity and other personal information, between the player account and other player accounts within the online gaming venue. In some embodiments, the operations can also include determining indications of player emotions and presenting multi-media files in conjunction with player avatars to represent the indicated emotions within the online gaming venue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Daniel P. Louie, Scott H. Schulhof, Richard T. Schwartz