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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Publication number: 20220284773Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Hanna Lee Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching
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Publication number: 20220245999Abstract: 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: April 20, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, JR.
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Patent number: 11361621Abstract: 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: March 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Jeffrey Uss, Chad La Guardia, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11361624Abstract: 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: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Hanna Lee Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching
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Publication number: 20220165121Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming device may involve controlling, via a control system of the gaming device that includes one or more processors, a display system of the gaming device to present a plurality of wagering game images. Each of the wagering game images may correspond to a different game theme. The method may involve controlling the display system to present a plurality of metamorphic images. Each metamorphic image may correspond to a wagering game image. Each metamorphic image also may correspond to an award of a game theme corresponding to the wagering game image. The method may involve receiving an indication of a selected game theme and controlling the display system to present first visual effects corresponding to an instance of the selected game theme and to present a metamorphic image corresponding to the selected game theme.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching
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Patent number: 11328558Abstract: 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: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220101681Abstract: 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: December 9, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20220044526Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Erick Ching, Chad La Guardia, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Scott Hopkins, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR.
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Patent number: 11244532Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming device may involve controlling, via a control system of the gaming device that includes one or more processors, a display system of the gaming device to present a plurality of wagering game images. Each of the wagering game images may correspond to a different game theme. The method may involve controlling the display system to present a plurality of metamorphic images. Each metamorphic image may correspond to a wagering game image. Each metamorphic image also may correspond to an award of a game theme corresponding to the wagering game image. The method may involve receiving an indication of a selected game theme and controlling the display system to present first visual effects corresponding to an instance of the selected game theme and to present a metamorphic image corresponding to the selected game theme.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching
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Publication number: 20220028214Abstract: An electronic gaming system is described including a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, a game controller, and a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium, storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the game controller, cause the game controller to receive a wager amount of a first currency, cause a first electronic game to be displayed, and determine, based on an RNG call, an outcome of the first electronic game. The instructions also cause the game controller to determine, based at least on the outcome of the first electronic game, the wager amount, and a first pay table, whether to display a primary award. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine, based on a second RNG call and a second pay table, that a secondary award is to be displayed on the display device, the secondary award including a secondary currency.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2020Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Erick Ching, Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Chad La Guardia, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Jennifer Mizzi, Peter Wasielewski, Daniel Marks, Hua Xu
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Patent number: 11232672Abstract: 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: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11195377Abstract: 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: August 19, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: 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: 20210304553Abstract: 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: June 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching, Arlen Avakian, Brittany Nyberg Nelson, Lane Alan Shapiro
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Publication number: 20210280012Abstract: 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: March 5, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Jeffrey Uss, Chad La Guardia, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20210217272Abstract: 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: February 28, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11055951Abstract: 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: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: 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: 11055966Abstract: According to some implementations, when an expansion trigger symbol lands in a defined area of a slot game display during an instance of a slot game, at least one additional active display symbol position will be presented in a display symbol row or a display symbol column in which the expansion trigger symbol is displayed. The defined area may correspond to some or all of the active display symbol positions, depending on the particular implementation. In some instances, an award enhancement trigger symbol may be presented in at least one of the active display symbol positions, e.g., in the same display symbol row or display symbol column in which the expansion trigger symbol is or was displayed. One or more enhanced award symbols may be presented in a row or column of active display symbol positions in which the award enhancement trigger symbol is presented.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Patent number: D925569Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chad La Guardia, Wouter Bruneel, David Bruno, Edmond Ye, Christopher Decker
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Patent number: D925598Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Hanna Lee Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick T. Ching, Peter Wasielewski
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Patent number: D963686Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. LimitedInventors: Chad La Guardia, Hanna Lee Sanborn, Erick T. Ching