Patents by Inventor Brian Watkins

Brian Watkins 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: 8366535
    Abstract: A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response to a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Andrea R. Barton
  • Publication number: 20120295689
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with a first set of reels operable to randomly determine a primary game outcome and a pair of reels positioned about the first set of reels and operable to randomly determine an indicia pair outcome, the indicia pair outcome operable to modify the primary game outcome. In the event that the indicia pair outcome includes a matching pair of designated indicia, then a bonus (or feature) game may be triggered wherein the matching pair are locked in place while one or more free spins of the first set of reels occurs, and, awards are provided for each winning outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Owen, Brian A. Watkins, JP Cody
  • Publication number: 20120295688
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Clint Owen, JP Cody
  • Patent number: 8235787
    Abstract: A method includes displaying playing card face representations at an electronic player station. The displayed playing card face representations include card face representations that are included in a group of card face representations that has been assigned to the player in response to a bingo pattern achieved by the player in a bingo game. The player may then select one or more of the displayed card face representations to be replaced with one or more card face representations that are also included in the assigned group but have been concealed from the player. A prize is ultimately awarded to the player based on the card face representations remaining in the player's hand after replacement of the selected card face representations. This prize represents the player's prize for achieving the bingo pattern, but is based on the player's card hand produced after the player makes their selections and replaces the desired cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson C. Lind, Brian A. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20120122543
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Clint A. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120122545
    Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed including a dynamic wheel wherein a wheel game includes re-programming the wheel display and associated awards during successive plays. The dynamic wheel may be displayed in a wheel display area of a flat panel display device. The wheel display area along with other display areas may be defined by a bezel positioned over the display surface of the flat panel display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Clint Owen, Frank DeSimone, Jp Cody
  • Publication number: 20120122550
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a different type of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley W. Johnson, Allison L. Pope, Brian A. Watkins, Clint Owen, JP Cody
  • Publication number: 20110105214
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed wherein a reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously made some purchase or donation and has been assigned one or more sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the corresponding sweepstakes entries that have been assigned to the user. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: MULTIMEDIA GAMES, INC.
    Inventors: Clifton E. Lind, Jefferson C. Lind, Brian A. Watkins, Eric W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7878900
    Abstract: A reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously been assigned a number of sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the assigned sweepstakes entries. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user based on a set of game characteristics associated with the game presentation provided at the reveal station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton E. Lind, Jefferson C. Lind, Brian A. Watkins, Eric W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090124371
    Abstract: A game is provided including a prize progression graphic display at one or more gaming machines, each gaming machine being associated with a different player. The prize progression graphic includes a number of prize progressions with each respective prize progression including a respective prize and a respective set of progression segments. In one version, free spins are provided that produce, from the various players, a progress varying value or progression activation modifier. In another version, one of the prize progressions is shown in an active state. A number of selectable objects at each respective one of the one or more gaming machines, although other preferred forms of the game provides free spins rather than selectable objects. Each selectable object conceals a respective prize progression affecting element. Each respective prize progression affecting element comprises either a progress varying value or a progression activation modifier that modifies or changes the active state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Jason C. Gilmore, Brian A. Watkins, Todd D. Degani
  • Publication number: 20090124335
    Abstract: A game, preferably a video-based reel-type game, is provided having a persistent bonus mode. Methods, gaming machines, and program products are provided in various embodiments. One preferred game includes displaying gaming graphics in a first region of a graphic display device. In response to entering a player-chosen participation mode, such as, for example, “max lines” betting, the game displays a potential bonus award level, which can be maintained in response to certain gaming events such that it applies to the next game play cycle. In response to a game event having a bonus-award type, the game awards an amount based on the potential bonus award level. In response to a game event having a bonus-adjust type, the game randomly selects a new potential bonus award level from among a set of potential levels. Various adjustments to the bonus level may also be made in response to player bet-level changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Andrea R. Barton
  • Publication number: 20090124338
    Abstract: A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Andrea R. Barton
  • Publication number: 20070135209
    Abstract: A reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously made some purchase or donation and has been assigned a number of sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the corresponding sweepstakes entries that have been assigned to the user. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Clifton Lind, Jefferson Lind, Brian Watkins, Eric Brown
  • Publication number: 20070060344
    Abstract: A method displays a number of symbol locations with a respective graphic symbol at each symbol location. Each symbol location may comprise an actual reel or simulated reel which is capable of displaying any one of a number of graphic symbols included in a group of presentation symbols. This group of presentation symbols includes a target symbol. In response to a first player input, each of the number of symbol locations is caused to conduct a respective symbol change process one or more times to change the graphic symbol included at each respective symbol location to a respective one of the graphic symbols included in the group of presentation symbols. The symbol locations all ultimately stop at the end of a game cycle to show a respective graphic symbol included in the group of presentation symbols, and an award may be presented to the player at the end of the game cycle depending upon the particular graphic symbols shown at the various symbol locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Watkins, Galen Svanas
  • Publication number: 20070060290
    Abstract: A method includes operating a bingo player station in a first play mode in which the result for a respective bingo game play initiated through the bingo player station is assigned according to a first pattern list. In response to detecting a trigger event, the bingo player station is switched from the first play mode to a second play mode and then the bingo player station is operated in this second play mode. In the second play mode, the result for a respective bingo game play initiated through the bingo player station is assigned according to a second pattern list. The bingo player station is switched from the second play mode to the first play mode in response to a return event. Both the first pattern list and the second pattern list may share at least one result level and at least one common result indicator. However, the two pattern lists are different so that a given bingo pattern correlated to a prize in one of the pattern maps may correlate to a different prize or no prize in the other pattern map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Watkins
  • Patent number: 7162221
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided that allow wireless device users to “opt-in” to a direct marketing campaign by “clicking on” a conventional advertisement displayed within a wireless device and register to receive future promotions via one or more direct marketing channels. Likewise, users can “opt-out” of future direct marketing by “clicking on” content displayed within various promotional content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: InPhonic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Spitz, Brian Watkins, Steve Cox, Jay Thrash, Matthew Squire, Dana Borger
  • Publication number: 20060247019
    Abstract: A random number is generated using two or more designations taken from a ball draw and applied to affect a game. The random number generation process preferably results in a uniform distribution of random numbers across a certain range. The uniformity in which the random numbers may be distributed over a certain range allows the numbers to be employed to affect games in a uniform and unbiased fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Watkins
  • Publication number: 20060058096
    Abstract: A system, program product, and method that includes producing a result representation of a bingo-type game that is displayed at an electronic player station. The result representation is associated with a game result of the bingo-type game and includes a graphical representation unrelated to the bingo-type game. The game result may have a prize associated with it that may be adjusted by a player choice to modify the graphical representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Jefferson Lind, Brian Watkins
  • Publication number: 20040126814
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target analyte using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that has been imprinted with the target analyte. The MIP may be used as a working electrode in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy by either coating a substrate or being pressed into a disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Waheguru Pal Singh, Anthony Giletto, Jinseong Kim, Craig Andrews, Jerome Brown, Brian Watkins, Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin
  • Publication number: 20030114157
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided that allow wireless device users to “opt-in” to a direct marketing campaign by “clicking on” a conventional advertisement displayed within a wireless device and register to receive future promotions via one or more direct marketing channels. Likewise, users can “opt-out” of future direct marketing by “clicking on” content displayed within various promotional content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: David Spitz, Brian Watkins, Steve Cox, Jay Thrash, Matthew Squire, Dana Borger