Patents by Inventor Erick Ching

Erick Ching 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).

  • Publication number: 20240112539
    Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system may include a game display configured to display a game interface including a matrix having a plurality of rows including a plurality of matrix positions and a processor configured to determine a number of wild symbols currently displayed in the matrix, in response to determining the number of wild symbols currently displayed in the matrix exceeds a threshold number, determine a number of spin credits, in response to the number of spin credits being greater than zero, determine a weighting factor defining a probability for displaying a symbol in a respective matrix position, apply the determined weighting factors to respective lookup tables for each matrix position not currently displaying a wild symbol, and determine, for each matrix position not currently displaying a wild symbol, a symbol to display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Erick Ching, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Nathan Warms, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Jeffrey Uss, Kelly Lockheed
  • Publication number: 20240105017
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a processor and a memory storing a plurality of stage game rule sets. Each rule set of the stage game rule sets corresponding with a stage of a game. The processor is programmed to cause display of columns each including symbol positions based on a first game configuration for a first instance of a first stage of the game and determine a first game outcome for the first instance based on the first game configuration and a first rule set. The processor is further programmed to change the first game configuration to a second game configuration based on a first trigger symbol occurring in the first game outcome and determine a second game outcome for a first game instance of a second stage of the game based on the second game configuration and a second rule set associated with the second stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Zachary Cohen, Nathan Warms, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, JR.
  • Publication number: 20240105016
    Abstract: An electronic gaming system is provided. The electronic gaming system may include a game display configured to display a game interface including a first matrix having a first plurality of matrix positions and a second matrix having a second plurality of matrix positions, a memory, and a processor in communication with the game display and the memory. The processor may be configured to identify a user profile associated with a current session, retrieve, from the memory in association with the identified user profile, a record of a first persistent symbol displayed in a first matrix position of the second plurality of matrix positions, generate, in the first matrix, a base game outcome, determine, based on the base game outcome, to increment the value associated with the first persistent symbol in the first matrix position, and increment the value associated with the first persistent symbol in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Erick Ching, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi
  • Publication number: 20240104996
    Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Publication number: 20240071169
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing games of chance with multiple levels of persistent features are disclosed. Some example systems include scatter prize indicators that are each associated with different symbol positions of a game of chance. When a scatter symbol is selected for a given symbol position, the scatter prize indicator associated therewith may be upgraded; selection of a sufficient number of symbol positions may result in a feature game mode being activated. During feature game mode play, scatter symbols are retained after each play of the game until either sufficient consecutive plays occur without any scatter symbols being obtained or until all symbol positions have scatter symbols. In the latter case, the scatter prize indicators are upgraded and play continues. In the former case, the feature game mode concludes. Various enhancements may be triggered based on the number of times that the feature game mode has been activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
  • Patent number: 11915543
    Abstract: Some methods involve receiving user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game, determining a game outcome that includes corresponding display symbols and an award determination, controlling a display system to display the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol positions and controlling the display system to present award effects corresponding to the award determination. The display symbol positions may be arranged in display symbol rows and display symbol columns. At least one of the display symbols may be a metamorphic display symbol that includes a metamorphic image. A state of the first metamorphic image may correspond to a level of progress towards attaining a goal. Progress towards the goal may be based, at least in part, in the number of occurrences of the metamorphic display symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Peter Wasielewski, Tsung-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20240038025
    Abstract: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are provided for presenting games of chance in which a symbol or symbols displayed in a designated proper subset of symbol positions in a reel display area are treated as feature game trigger symbols for a given play of a base game of the game of chance. In some instances, the appearance of a symbol of a particular symbol type in a symbol position in the proper subset of symbol positions may cause the number of symbol positions in the proper subset of symbol positions to be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Erick Ching, Amit Sharma, Jennifer Mizzi, Nathan Warms, Shayer Waseem Shaik
  • Patent number: 11887430
    Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11887428
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing games of chance with multiple levels of persistent features are disclosed. Some example systems include scatter prize indicators that are each associated with different symbol positions of a game of chance. When a scatter symbol is selected for a given symbol position, the scatter prize indicator associated therewith may be upgraded; selection of a sufficient number of symbol positions may result in a feature game mode being activated. During feature game mode play, scatter symbols are retained after each play of the game until either sufficient consecutive plays occur without any scatter symbols being obtained or until all symbol positions have scatter symbols. In the latter case, the scatter prize indicators are upgraded and play continues. In the former case, the feature game mode concludes. Various enhancements may be triggered based on the number of times that the feature game mode has been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20240021052
    Abstract: Electronic gaming machines and systems are disclosed that provide for a symbol-based main game that features an array of symbol positions that may, if an array growth condition is met, increase in size. Determining whether the array growth condition is met may involve determining how many array growth symbols are shown in association with a game play. A further determination may be made as to whether a feature game trigger condition is met and, if so, a feature game may be presented that utilizes the same array of symbol positions that were present in the main game when the feature game was triggered. Additional array growth may occur in the feature game if the array growth condition is met again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11847892
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Erick Ching, Chad La Guardia, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Scott Hopkins, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230368600
    Abstract: Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for providing multi-parameter offers to users are provided. Such GUIs not only efficiently present a particular multi-parameter offer, but also provide insight to the user as to other multi-parameter offers that could have been offered instead, thereby allowing the user to gauge the relative value of the offer being made against the potential other offers that could have been made. Such GUIs are arranged to present the information regarding the offer parameters in a space-efficient manner that allows for such information to be presented for large numbers of potential offers, e.g., 50+ potential offers, in a small display area, e.g., a smartphone screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Erick Ching, Chad LaGuardia, Jamal Blackwell, Robert Baker, Jennifer Mizzi
  • Patent number: 11816960
    Abstract: Nested frenzy modes for games of chance are disclosed. When a first frenzy mode is activated, opportunities are provided to obtain first frenzy item symbols as part of game outcomes. Each first frenzy item symbol that is obtained in an outcome may cause a number of obtained frenzy items of a featured set of frenzy items to be incremented by a first value. When all frenzy items in the featured set of frenzy items are obtained, a featured set prize is awarded and a new set of frenzy items presented. Additionally, there are opportunities within the first frenzy mode to trigger a second frenzy mode in which second frenzy item symbols are potentially obtainable. Should a second frenzy item symbol be obtained, then the number of obtained frenzy items of the featured set of frenzy items may be incremented by a second value that is greater than the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith
  • Publication number: 20230343179
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230334936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11734994
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11715351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230237877
    Abstract: Electronic gaming machines and systems are disclosed that provide for a symbol-based main game that features an array of symbol positions that may, if an array growth condition is met, increase in size. Determining whether the array growth condition is met may involve determining how many array growth symbols are shown in association with a game play. A further determination may be made as to whether a feature game trigger condition is met and, if so, a feature game may be presented that utilizes the same array of symbol positions that were present in the main game when the feature game was triggered. Additional array growth may occur in the feature game if the array growth condition is met again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Zachary Cohen, Kelly Lockheed, Scott Hopkins, Carlyn Albright
  • Patent number: D995552
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Peter Wasielewski, Matthew Chan, Amit Gupta, Erick Ching, Philip Wanardi
  • Patent number: D999774
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Chad La Guardia, Erick Ching, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.