Patents by Inventor David Small

David Small 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: 12762925
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to provide, by the processor circuit, a virtual environment in a metaverse. The virtual environment includes a virtual electronic gaming machine (EGM). The processor circuit is further caused to receive, via the processing circuit and from a gaming device that is in a physical world and that corresponds to a user, an identification of a modification to the virtual environment that is not possible in the physical world. The processor circuit further caused to provide, responsive to receiving the identification of the modification and via the processing circuit, the modification to the virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Karen Van Niekerk, Todd Grimm, David Froy, Aaron Corey, Daniel Landry, Bethany Plimmer, David Small, Carman Misener
  • Patent number: 12762921
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming devices, systems, and methods. As an example, a gaming device is disclosed to generate game outcomes based on game instructions applying game rules to user inputs; cause gameplay graphics to be rendered by the user interface in accordance with the game outcomes; receive, from a sensor, information that enables the processor to identify a number of players positioned in proximity of the user interface; dynamically modify the game rules based on the identified number of players being greater than one; generate additional game outcomes based on the game instructions applying the modified game rules to user inputs; and cause additional gameplay graphics to be rendered by the user interface in accordance with the additional game outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael Russ, Daniel Landry, David Small, Lukas Angermayer, David Froy, Bruno Rittner, Sven Aurich
  • Patent number: 12755605
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that cause the processor circuit to receive a first tournament entry for a wagering game tournament from a first gaming device of a first plurality of gaming devices on a first gaming network. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to receive a second tournament entry for the wagering game tournament from a second gaming device of a second plurality of gaming devices on a second gaming network different from the first gaming network. A game result is determined for the wagering game tournament based on the first tournament entry and the second tournament entry and, in response to the game result being a winning game result, a game award is provided to a player associated with the winning game result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David Froy, Gaurav Jariwala, Fayez Idris, Karen Van Niekerk, Bethany Plimmer, David Small, Todd Grimm, Michael Russ
  • Publication number: 20260301516
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to determine a first game session state of a first game session of a wagering game at an electronic game machine (EGM) by a player in a casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to replicate the first game session state in a second game session of the wagering game at a virtual gaming device in a virtual casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to initiate the second game session in the virtual casino environment for the player such that the first game session and the second game session comprise a continuous game session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2026
    Publication date: October 1, 2026
    Inventors: David Froy, Gaurav Jariwala, Carman Misener, Bethany Plimmer, Jackie Alvarez, Fayez Idris, David Small, Anthony Baerlocher, Todd Grimm, Karen Van Niekerk
  • Publication number: 20260301517
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to determine a first game session state of a first game session of a wagering game at an electronic game machine (EGM) by a player in a casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to replicate the first game session state in a second game session of the wagering game at a virtual gaming device in a virtual casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to initiate the second game session in the virtual casino environment for the player such that the first game session and the second game session comprise a continuous game session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2026
    Publication date: October 1, 2026
    Inventors: David Froy, Gaurav Jariwala, Carman Misener, Bethany Plimmer, Jackie Alvarez, Fayez Idris, David Small, Anthony Baerlocher, Todd Grimm, Karen Van Niekerk
  • Patent number: 12749374
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) including a plurality of wagering game assets, such as game modules, math models, cosmetic game features, and other assets is provided to a user. Based on first user input received from the user via a GUI, a first virtual wagering game is generated using selected assets. The input may include selection from a plurality of The first virtual wagering game is provided to a plurality of players in a virtual gaming environment. A first revenue amount is received from wagers by the players in the first virtual wagering game. A first portion of the first revenue amount is awarded to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael Russ, Daniel Landry, David Froy, Jackie Alvarez, Todd Grimm, David Small, Karen Van Niekerk, Anthony Baerlocher, Aaron Corey
  • Publication number: 20260289387
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to electronic games using models local to an end device which are trained using federated learning. More specifically, embodiments are directed to using federated learning in the context of electronic gaming. Federated learning is the process of deploying a model into an end user’s device and resuming the training process with the user’s data so that there is no data transmitted to the main servers. This process can address the players’ privacy-related concerns by avoiding the sharing or their data with third parties. The federated model can be pre-trained on collected data and then be personalized as it is trained on each end user’s device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2025
    Publication date: September 24, 2026
    Inventors: Soheil Latifi, David Small, Stefan Keilwert, Michael Russ
  • Patent number: 12731461
    Abstract: A plurality of cryptographic tokens are determined, each including a common identifier indicative of the cryptographic token being part of the plurality of cryptographic tokens, and a player identifier indicative of a player associated with the cryptographic token. It is determined whether a first player associated with a first cryptographic token of the plurality of cryptographic tokens is in a first active play session of a first wagering game at a first gaming device, and whether a second player associated with a second cryptographic token of the plurality of cryptographic tokens is in a second active play session of a second wagering game at a second gaming device. Based on a determination that the first player is in the first active play session and that the second player is in the second active play session, a first game benefit is provided to the first player in the first active play session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jackie Alvarez, David Small, David Froy, Gaurav Jariwala, Anthony Baerlocher, Todd Grimm, Karen Van Niekerk, Daniel Landry
  • Publication number: 20260221003
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the use of a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) owned by one entity but loaned to and used in the electronic game by another entity according to certain terms and while the original entity maintains ownership of the NFT. The terms for using the NFT, including restrictions on it’s use, benefits provided to the owner for the NFT’s use, and others can be written to an electronic contract. The electronic contract can be stored in a blockchain which can be provided to a gaming system. When the gaming system executes the electronic game for the entity using the NFT, the gaming system can apply the terms for use of the NFT in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2025
    Publication date: July 30, 2026
    Inventors: Michael Russ, Soheil Latifi, Sven Aurich, Stefan Keilwert, Gaurav Jariwala, David Small
  • Patent number: 12694751
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to determine a first game session state of a first game session of a wagering game at an electronic game machine (EGM) by a player in a casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to replicate the first game session state in a second game session of the wagering game at a virtual gaming device in a virtual casino environment. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to initiate the second game session in the virtual casino environment for the player such that the first game session and the second game session comprise a continuous game session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David Froy, Gaurav Jariwala, Carman Misener, Bethany Plimmer, Jackie Alvarez, Fayez Idris, David Small, Anthony Baerlocher, Todd Grimm, Karen Van Niekerk
  • Publication number: 20260179456
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory including machine-readable instructions that cause the processor circuit to receive a primary game wager from a player at a gaming device, and based on receipt of the primary game wager, display a sequence of game symbols by the gaming device, wherein a subset of game symbols of the sequence of game symbols comprises a sequence of machine readable code portions, and wherein each game symbol of the subset of game symbols comprises a machine readable code of the sequence of machine readable code portions. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to determine, based on the sequence of game symbols, a primary game result for the wagering game. The instructions further cause the processor circuit to determine, based on the sequence of machine readable code portions, a machine readable code, determine, based on the code, a bonus game result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2024
    Publication date: June 25, 2026
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Sven AURICH, Michael RUSS, Stefan KEILWERT, Brandt BALGOOYEN, David SMALL, Gaurav JARIWALA, David FROY, Soheil LATIFI, Fayez IDRIS
  • Publication number: 20260166446
    Abstract: In an aspect, a transformable toy set is provided and includes, a transformable member, a cover layer, a plurality of drums and a plurality of tethers, and a motor. The cover layer is movable between extended and retracted positions to cover or expose the transformable member. Drum rotation draws the tethers to pull the cover layer towards the retracted position. The motor drives rotation of each drum at a respective point in time. The respective point in time and the drum perimeter for a first drum and for a final drum are selected based on first and final travel paths of an end of a first tether and an end of a final tether. The first travel path is longer than the final travel path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2024
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Chris ENDERSCHMIDT, David SMALL, Graham BROWNING, Mollie JAMESON, Emma J.E. PEAT
  • Publication number: 20260099980
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to artificially intelligent player avatars in a virtual casino. Generally speaking, various types of information related to a player can be collected and aggregated across a number of different real world and virtual reality sources. This aggregated data can be used to generate a player model. Similarly, information can be collected about one or more electronic games and this information can be used to generate a game model for each game. An avatar can then be generated and presented in a virtual reality gaming venue, e.g., a virtual casino. This avatar can then interact with the play based on the player model and the game model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2025
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Inventors: David Small, Jackie Alvarez, Karen Van Niekerk, Gaurav Jariwala, Daniel Landry, Bethany Plimmer, Todd Grimm
  • Patent number: 12548270
    Abstract: A processor circuit of a wearable gaming device receives display data corresponding to a real-time environmental model of a shared virtual environment (SVE) including a plurality of virtual persons and a plurality of virtual gaming devices, the display data including user display data that causes a display device to render a portion of the SVE based on a virtual orientation of the gaming device and a virtual location of a respective player of a plurality of players in the SVE, the portion of the SVE for the player comprising a virtual representation of another player of the plurality of players in the SVE. The processor circuit receives user input from the player for a virtual wagering game in the SVE and, based on a winning result for the virtual wagering game, provides a game award to the first player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David Froy, Michael Russ, Fayez Idris, Gaurav Jariwala, Anthony Baerlocher, Karen Van Niekerk, Bethany Plimmer, David Small, Todd Grimm
  • Publication number: 20260030958
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a gaming system, device, and method that, in response to a detected content generation event, generate a prompt from a set of content preferences associated with a selected player, send the prompt to a generative model; select at least a portion of the received content for attract mode presentation by a gaming device; and cause the received attract mode content to be presented by the gaming device to the a player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: January 29, 2026
    Inventors: David Small, Dwayne Nelson, Bryan Wolf, Jackie Alvarez, Julian Hofer, Michael Russ, Sven Aurich, Stefan Keilwert
  • Publication number: 20260004628
    Abstract: A system includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit, the memory including machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to perform operations. Such operations include providing, by the processor circuit, a virtual environment in a metaverse. The virtual environment includes a virtual electronic gaming machine (EGM), that receives, via the processor circuit and from a gaming device that is in a physical world, an identification of a first instance of the virtual environment that includes fantasy gameplay content that is not available in the physical world. Operations include generating, via the processor circuit, the first instance of the virtual environment that includes the fantasy gameplay content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel LANDRY, Michael RUSS, Jackie ALVAREZ, Gaurav JARIWALA, David FROY, Todd GRIMM, Aaron COREY, Bethany PLIMMER, David SMALL, Karen VAN NIEKERK
  • Publication number: 20260004261
    Abstract: A system displays a marketplace interface at a display device comprising a plurality of cryptographic tokens, each cryptographic token comprising an acquisition price and a seller identifier associated with a seller of the cryptographic token, the acquisition price including a sale price. A token selection of a first cryptographic token of the plurality of cryptographic tokens is received from a purchaser. The acquisition price associated with the first cryptographic token is received from the purchaser, the first cryptographic token is provided to the purchaser, and the sale price is provided to the seller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Bethany PLIMMER, Aaron COREY, Jackie ALVAREZ, Fayez IDRIS, David FROY, David SMALL, Karen VAN NIEKERK, Gaurav JARIWALA, Todd GRIMM, Daniel LANDRY
  • Patent number: 12505600
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to artificially intelligent player avatars in a virtual casino. Generally speaking, various types of information related to a player can be collected and aggregated across a number of different real world and virtual reality sources. This aggregated data can be used to generate a player model. Similarly, information can be collected about one or more electronic games and this information can be used to generate a game model for each game. An avatar can then be generated and presented in a virtual reality gaming venue, e.g., a virtual casino. This avatar can then interact with the play based on the player model and the game model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: David Small, Jackie Alvarez, Karen Van Niekerk, Gaurav Jariwala, Daniel Landry, Bethany Plimmer, Todd Grimm
  • Publication number: 20250371938
    Abstract: A monetary transaction at a casino device associated with a first monetary amount is determined, and a user account associated with the monetary transaction is determined. A display device displays an offer to purchase a wagering game entry for a second monetary amount less than the first monetary amount. In response to acceptance of the offer, the wagering game entry is associated with the user account. A wagering game result for the wagering game entry is determined, and, in response to the wagering game result being a winning result, a wagering game award is awarded to the user associated with the user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: David SMALL, Bethany PLIMMER, Todd GRIMM, Carman MISENER, Anthony BAERLOCHER, Michael RUSS
  • Publication number: 20250371940
    Abstract: A physical cryptographic token may include a substrate and a passive identifier device for passively providing a token identifier associated with the cryptographic token to a token authentication device. A cryptographic token management device may include a token authentication device for receiving token identifier from a passive identifier device of a physical cryptographic token, a token management interface for managing cryptographic tokens associated with token identifiers of physical cryptographic tokens, and a token dispenser device for dispensing a physical cryptographic token associated with a token identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jackie ALVAREZ, David SMALL, Todd GRIMM, Daniel LANDRY, Bethany PLIMMER, Gaurav JARIWALA, David FROY, Karen VAN NIEKERK, Aaron COREY, Anthony BAERLOCHER