Patents by Inventor Eric M. Pryzby
Eric M. Pryzby 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: 10068416Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a classification of a first sound provided by a first wagering game application for presentation via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. Further, a second wagering game application provides a second sound for concurrent presentation via the one or more output devices. The first wagering game application is independent from the second wagering game application. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a prioritized relationship between the first sound and the second sound based on the classification, and controlling presentation of the first sound and the second sound via the one or more output devices according to the prioritized relationship.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 10032332Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that a sound problem would occur if first content were to be presented simultaneously with second content via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. In some examples, the first content is provided by a first application and the second content is provided by a second application independent from the first application. In some embodiments, the operation can further include modifying one or more characteristics of one or more of the first content and the second content based on the determining that the sound problem would occur.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 9495828Abstract: A method directed to operating a plurality of gaming machines in a gaming establishment includes determining that a certain triggering event has occurred in one of the plurality of gaming machines. The triggering event includes a desired game outcome. The method further includes selectively controlling audio output from a plurality of remotely located speakers to operate in conjunction with internal cabinet speakers for creating a desired audio ambience only within a portion of the gaming establishment. The remotely located speakers are located remotely from the plurality of gaming machines. The internal cabinet speakers are located within gaming cabinets of the plurality of gaming machines. The audio output is focused to deliver enhanced audio effects only to the portion of the gaming establishment.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Wayne H. Rothschild, Larry J. Pacey
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Patent number: 9214062Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include providing a custom sound design interface. The operations can further include receiving user input via the custom sound design interface, wherein the user input is to design a custom sound for a wagering game machine including presentation instructions for the custom sound. The operations can further include storing the custom sound. The operations can further include receiving, from the wagering game machine, a request for the custom sound. The operations can further include transmitting, to the wagering game machine, the custom sound including the presentation instructions for the custom sound.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Alfred Thomas, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 9183695Abstract: Techniques for controlling wagering game environments are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for controlling a casino wagering game environment includes determining a plurality of zones in the casino wagering game environment, wherein the zones include one or more wagering game machines. The method can also include presenting wagering games on the wagering game machines in the wagering game environment, and detecting an event in the wagering game environment, the event triggering a bonus game for which a plurality of players have a possibility of winning an award. The method can also include determining one or more of the zones in which to present media associated with the bonus game, and presenting, in the one or more zones, the media associated with the bonus game. The method can also include determining a winner of the bonus game, and providing the award to the winner.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Robert Bone, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Eric M. Pryzby, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 9005023Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: James Bonney, Eric M. Pryzby
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Publication number: 20140378225Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect (e.g., a character of the presentation devices, a property of the gaming effect, a location or number of wagering game machines, etc.) that the sound effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include determining a default presentation setting or property (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Vito M. Caporusso, Howard R. Pfeifer, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 8840464Abstract: In some embodiments, a wagering game machine includes an interface configured to receive media information from an emotive lighting controller remote from the wagering game machine, wherein the media information indicates settings for media devices remote from the wagering game machine. The wagering game machine can also include an operating system configured to detect receipt of the media information over the interface, and to deliver the media information to a wagering game unit. The wagering game machine can also include the wagering game unit configured to receive the media information from the operating system, and select, based on the media information, one or more colors for graphical game elements of a wagering game. The wagering game unit can also present the wagering game including the graphical game elements, wherein the graphical game elements are colored according to the one or more colors.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Edward G. Brunell, Larry J. Pacey, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek
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Patent number: 8827805Abstract: Operations for a wagering game system include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect that the gaming effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include modifying a presentation setting or property so that a presentation of the gaming effect remains below the threshold presentation level.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Vito M. Caporusso, Howard R. Pfeifer, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto
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Publication number: 20140228122Abstract: “A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a classification of a first sound provided by a first wagering game application for presentation via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. Further, a second wagering game application provides a second sound for concurrent presentation via the one or more output devices. The first wagering game application is independent from the second wagering game application. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a prioritized relationship between the first sound and the second sound based on the classification, and controlling presentation of the first sound and the second sound via the one or more output devices according to the prioritized relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
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Publication number: 20140228121Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that a sound problem would occur if first content were to be presented simultaneously with second content via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. In some examples, the first content is provided by a first application and the second content is provided by a second application independent from the first application. In some embodiments, the operation can further include modifying one or more characteristics of one or more of the first content and the second content based on the determining that the sound problem would occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 8747223Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio system operable to play a first type of sounds at a volume regulated by a master volume control and operable to play a second type of sounds not regulated by the master volume control.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Paul Radek
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Patent number: 8747225Abstract: A gaming chair for use with a gaming machine that conducts a wagering game, the chair includes a seat and a tactile device for providing tactile sensations via the seat according to at least one of events occurring in the wagering game, and player input through an input device.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Norman R. Wurz
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Patent number: 8740701Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining audio playlists from a plurality of independent wagering game applications (“applications”). The audio playlists can include multiple sound content that is activated contemporaneously on a wagering game machine for each of the applications. The operations can further include determining sound classes assigned to the sound content and determining, from prioritization rules, priority values for the sound classes. The operations can further include comparing the priority values and generating sound balancing priorities for the sound content based on the comparison of the priority values. The operations can also include dynamically balancing the sound content, as presented on audio production devices, based on the sound balancing priorities.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 8672757Abstract: A gaming system includes a chair communicably coupled to a gaming device. The chair includes an audio playback device operable to receive audio playback commands. The audio playback commands may be received from a gaming device physically attached to the chair, a remote gaming device, or from a network interface communicably coupling the chair to a gaming establishment audio system, a player tracking system, or other gaming establishment system. Additionally, the chair may include an audio data storage device. Audio data from the storage device may be played through speakers on the chair, audio output devices on a gaming device, or audio output devices on a peripheral attached to the gaming device such as a top box or signage peripheral.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventor: Eric M. Pryzby
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Publication number: 20130331188Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: James Bonney, Eric M. Pryzby
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Publication number: 20130310178Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include providing a custom sound design interface. The operations can further include receiving user input via the custom sound design interface, wherein the user input is to design a custom sound for a wagering game machine including presentation instructions for the custom sound. The operations can further include storing the custom sound. The operations can further include receiving, from the wagering game machine, a request for the custom sound. The operations can further include transmitting, to the wagering game machine, the custom sound including the presentation instructions for the custom sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Alfred Thomas, Steven J. Zoloto
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Patent number: 8545320Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: James Bonney, Eric M. Pryzby
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Patent number: 8512141Abstract: A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module operable to use audio to foreshadow game events. The buildup and excitement of playing a wagering game system is enhanced by providing audio clues or audio foreshadowing as to the results of a wagering game event. Examples include playing subtle sounds, playing different sounds, playing sounds at different volumes such as with volume an increasing volume level, or providing other audio cues as to the outcome of a wagering game event.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 8506399Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining an occurrence of an application event for an application that runs in association with a wagering game machine. The operations can further include accessing a custom sound source that includes customized sounds presentable separately from a soundtrack for the application, during a wagering game session on the wagering game machine. The operations can further include determining a custom sound, from the custom sound source, that relates to the application event and determining custom-sound presentation instructions associated with the custom sound. The operations can further include presenting the custom sound on sound production devices associated with the wagering game machine during the application event according to the custom-sound presentation instructions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Steven J. Zoloto, Alfred Thomas