Patents by Inventor Chad La Guardia
Chad La Guardia 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: 11928935Abstract: A method may involve determining which slot symbols will be presented on a display system for an instance of a slot game. The symbols may include one or more mystery symbols and one or more trigger symbols. The method may involve controlling the display system to present first visual effects corresponding to the instance of the game. The first visual effects may include moving symbols and landing of the one or more mystery symbols and the one or more trigger symbols. The method may involve controlling the display system to present second visual effects corresponding to the one or more mystery symbols. The second visual effects may include a first revealed mystery symbol image corresponding to a first mystery symbol. The first revealed mystery symbol image and the trigger symbols, taken together, may correspond to a feature award. The method may involve presenting third visual effects corresponding to the feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.Inventors: Hanna Lee Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching
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Patent number: 11847892Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) or another type of gaming device may be configured to provide games that involve “WYSIWYG” (what you see is what you get) symbols or “prize on” symbols. The gaming device may be configured to provide the value of all “prize on” symbols that land during a single instance of a game if a prize on trigger symbol, which also may be referred to herein as a blast symbol, lands during the same instance of the game. In some examples, the game may be a base game. According to some examples, a feature does not need to be triggered during the instance of the base game for the value of all prize on symbols that land during the instance of the base game to be awarded. In other examples, the game may be a feature game, such as a “hold and spin” game.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Erick Ching, Chad La Guardia, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Scott Hopkins, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230351851Abstract: A boost framework provides boosts that may be used in multiple different games, but enables the effect of the boosts to be respectively defined in each of the different games. Each of the multiple different games defines at least a base game mode and one or more boost game modes that one or more amounts of boosts may be used to activate. In this way, boosts may be provided for multiple different games without altering the return to player that has been respectively defined by each of the multiple games.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Jack Ahern, Andrew Pedersen, Chad La Guardia
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Publication number: 20230343179Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to (a) determine, during a base game, that a feature game trigger condition is satisfied; (b) activate a feature game within the base game; (c) display, a feature game play area associated with the feature game, the feature game play area including a plurality of zone patterns overlaid on the symbol display positions; (d) convert the symbol display positions into independent feature game reels; (e) generate a first game outcome by (i) holding a first set of feature game reels displaying the prize symbols while (ii) selecting and displaying a symbol for a second set of feature game reels; (f) determine that at least one zone pattern is complete with prize symbols; (g) apply a zone multiplier associated with the zone pattern to credit values within the zone pattern; and (h) award the incremented credit values to the player.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, JR.
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Publication number: 20230334936Abstract: Some implementations may involve providing a slot game in which the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a persistent moving symbol. In some examples, an initial persistent moving symbol position may be based, at least in part, on a first bet level. Determining a game outcome may involve determining whether a persistent moving symbol position is a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position. If an initial persistent moving symbol position is not a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position, a persistent moving symbol may be presented in a secondary persistent moving symbol position of a next game outcome. The secondary persistent moving symbol position may be closer to the prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position than the initial persistent moving symbol position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11790724Abstract: A local electronic gaming device may include a display system, an interface system and a control system that includes one or more processors. The control system may cause the display system to present visual effects corresponding to a metamorphic image, which may correspond to an award. The visual effects may include changes to the metamorphic image in response to local game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on the local gaming device and in response to networked gaming device game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on one or more other gaming devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson, Lane Alan Shapiro
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Patent number: 11734994Abstract: Some implementations may involve providing a slot game in which the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a persistent moving symbol. In some examples, an initial persistent moving symbol position may be based, at least in part, on a first bet level. Determining a game outcome may involve determining whether a persistent moving symbol position is a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position. If an initial persistent moving symbol position is not a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position, a persistent moving symbol may be presented in a secondary persistent moving symbol position of a next game outcome. The secondary persistent moving symbol position may be closer to the prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position than the initial persistent moving symbol position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20230245527Abstract: A gaming machine provides a spinning reel game having a base game, from which a hold and spin feature game may be triggered when a determined number of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. When the feature game is triggered, the configurable symbols may be held in place. The player may be provided one or more spins during the feature game in which to collect additional configurable symbols. Any additional configurable symbols may be retained on the display during subsequent spins until the feature game is completed. A trigger symbol, which may or may not be a configurable symbol, may cause reel expansion. The reel expansion may involve adding a row or a column. In some examples, the trigger symbol also may alter the value of at least some configurable symbols. For example, the trigger symbol may cause the value of a configurable symbol to increment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Daniel Marks, Kaitlin Sheridan, Edward Hugar, Juan Lopez, Edmond Ye, Courtni Wong, Christopher Decker
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Patent number: 11715351Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to (a) determine, during a base game, that a feature game trigger condition is satisfied; (b) activate a feature game within the base game; (c) display, a feature game play area associated with the feature game, the feature game play area including a plurality of zone patterns overlaid on the symbol display positions; (d) convert the symbol display positions into independent feature game reels; (e) generate a first game outcome by (i) holding a first set of feature game reels displaying the prize symbols while (ii) selecting and displaying a symbol for a second set of feature game reels; (f) determine that at least one zone pattern is complete with prize symbols; (g) apply a zone multiplier associated with the zone pattern to credit values within the zone pattern; and (h) award the incremented credit values to the player.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Patent number: 11625982Abstract: A gaming machine provides a spinning reel game having a base game, from which a hold and spin feature game may be triggered when a determined number of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. When the feature game is triggered, the configurable symbols may be held in place. The player may be provided one or more spins during the feature game in which to collect additional configurable symbols. Any additional configurable symbols may be retained on the display during subsequent spins until the feature game is completed. A trigger symbol, which may or may not be a configurable symbol, may cause reel expansion. The reel expansion may involve adding a row or a column. In some examples, the trigger symbol also may alter the value of at least some configurable symbols. For example, the trigger symbol may cause the value of a configurable symbol to increment.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Daniel Marks, Kaitlin Sheridan, Edward Hugar, Juan Lopez, Edmond Ye, Courtni Wong, Christopher Decker
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Publication number: 20230082153Abstract: A local electronic gaming device may include a display system, an interface system and a control system that includes one or more processors. The control system may cause the display system to present visual effects corresponding to a metamorphic image, which may correspond to an award. The visual effects may include changes to the metamorphic image in response to local game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on the local gaming device and in response to networked gaming device game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on one or more other gaming devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson, Lane Alan Shapiro
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Patent number: 11580821Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) or another type of gaming device may be configured to provide games that involve “WYSIWYG” (what you see is what you get) symbols or “prize on” symbols. The gaming device may be configured to provide the value of all “prize on” symbols that land during a single instance of a game if a prize on trigger symbol, which also may be referred to herein as a blast symbol, lands during the same instance of the game. In some examples, the game may be a base game. According to some examples, a feature does not need to be triggered during the instance of the base game for the value of all prize on symbols that land during the instance of the base game to be awarded. In other examples, the game may be a feature game, such as a “hold and spin” game.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Erick Ching, Chad La Guardia, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Scott Hopkins, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Patent number: 11545001Abstract: Game features for at least a base slot game may be selectable according to player input. According to some examples, game features may be selectable without exiting from a graphical user interface used to present the slot game. A first GUI portion may be presented in a first area of a display system. The first GUI portion may include display symbols for presenting the slot game. A second GUI portion may be presented in a second area of the display system while the first GUI portion is being presented in the first area, e.g., while the slot game is being presented in the first area. The second GUI portion may include multiple game feature images. Each game feature image may correspond with a selectable game feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Jeffrey Uss, Chad La Guardia, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20220415132Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) may present first visual effects on a display system, including game play items, corresponding to one or more instances of a base game and determining instances of game play items that correspond to feature credits towards an automatic award of a feature comprising one or more bonus games. The EGM may present second visual effects corresponding to an accumulation of feature credits towards the automatic award of the feature, receive an indication of a player's initiation of an attempt to trigger an award of the feature, at a time during which less than a number of feature credits necessary for an automatic award of the feature has been accumulated, determine whether an award of the feature will be triggered and control the display system to present third visual effects corresponding to whether an award of the feature has been triggered.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Lane Alan Shapiro, Erick T. Ching, Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson
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Patent number: 11514746Abstract: A local electronic gaming device may include a display system, an interface system and a control system that includes one or more processors. The control system may cause the display system to present visual effects corresponding to a metamorphic image, which may correspond to an award. The visual effects may include changes to the metamorphic image in response to local game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on the local gaming device and in response to networked gaming device game event data corresponding to one or more games presented on one or more other gaming devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson, Lane Alan Shapiro
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Patent number: 11462077Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) may present first visual effects on a display system, including game play items, corresponding to one or more instances of a base game and determining instances of game play items that correspond to feature credits towards an automatic award of a feature comprising one or more bonus games. The EGM may present second visual effects corresponding to an accumulation of feature credits towards the automatic award of the feature, receive an indication of a player's initiation of an attempt to trigger an award of the feature, at a time during which less than a number of feature credits necessary for an automatic award of the feature has been accumulated, determine whether an award of the feature will be triggered and control the display system to present third visual effects corresponding to whether an award of the feature has been triggered.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Lane Alan Shapiro, Erick T. Ching, Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson
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Publication number: 20220301395Abstract: Game features for at least a base slot game may be selectable according to player input. According to some examples, game features may be selectable without exiting from a graphical user interface used to present the slot game. A first GUI portion may be presented in a first area of a display system. The first GUI portion may include display symbols for presenting the slot game. A second GUI portion may be presented in a second area of the display system while the first GUI portion is being presented in the first area, e.g., while the slot game is being presented in the first area. The second GUI portion may include multiple game feature images. Each game feature image may correspond with a selectable game feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Jeffrey Uss, Chad La Guardia, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Patent number: D999774Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Patent number: D1008299Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching
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Patent number: D1018566Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Dylan Hindenlang