Patents by Inventor Gary J. Oswald

Gary J. Oswald 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: 10762743
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include methods and systems for conducting metagames. A method can include providing a wagering game including a plurality of tasks, the plurality of tasks including a first task, a second task, and a third task, wherein the first task must be performed via a wagering game machine in a land-based casino, wherein the second task must be performed online, and wherein the third task must be performed via a ticket. The method can further include establishing a player account in at least one memory device. The method can further include determining that one or more of the plurality of tasks have been completed by a player associated with the player account. The method can further include in response to the determining, assigning an award to the player account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua K. Burney, Mark B. Gagner, Patrick M. Gustafson, Gary J. Oswald, Amy Reyes
  • Patent number: 9940781
    Abstract: A gaming system includes game-logic circuitry that primarily performs a casino wagering game. The casino wagering game includes gaming events (play steps) having outcomes that may trigger and perpetuate a multi-level bonus game. As the wagering game is performed, a game cycle data record is created containing game cycle data related to the outcome of the play steps. A predetermined number of the most recent game cycle data records are stored in non-volatile memory. Each game cycle data record includes a predetermined number of play step data records for the base-game, bonus-game-triggering, and bonus-game play steps, as performed in chronological order. When the predetermined number of play step data records is exceeded, the oldest non-triggering play step data record is removed from the game cycle data and accrued into summary data specific to a nested-depth of the play step for the game cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Saravanan Saravanan, Kevin C. Johnson, Gary J. Oswald
  • Patent number: 9858751
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20170092058
    Abstract: A gaming system includes game-logic circuitry that primarily performs a casino wagering game. The casino wagering game includes gaming events (play steps) having outcomes that may trigger and perpetuate a multi-level bonus game. As the wagering game is performed, a game cycle data record is created containing game cycle data related to the outcome of the play steps. A predetermined number of the most recent game cycle data records are stored in non-volatile memory. Each game cycle data record includes a predetermined number of play step data records for the base-game, bonus-game-triggering, and bonus-game play steps, as performed in chronological order. When the predetermined number of play step data records is exceeded, the oldest non-triggering play step data record is removed from the game cycle data and accrued into summary data specific to a nested-depth of the play step for the game cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: SARAVANAN SARAVANAN, KEVIN C. JOHNSON, GARY J. OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20160314657
    Abstract: Capping single or multiple progressive wins subject to a maximum jurisdictional limit. Each progressive level(s) can be configured up to the maximum limit. The sum of all reset values for all levels does not exceed the maximum limit. The progressive award cannot exceed the maximum limit, and is funded first by the reset values of all progressive levels that triggered an award, followed by the increment values from the most rare to the least rare progressive levels up to the maximum limit. Any excess increment value is saved as short-term overflow and possibly long-term overflow. For the next play cycle, each progressive level is raised by its initial reset value plus its short-term overflow for that level, resulting in a higher reset value. Any increment that exceeds the maximum limit is stored as long-term overflow and is available to fund a subsequent play cycle following the next play cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Dale R. Buchholz, Jacek Grabiec, James E. Oatman, Gary J. Oswald, Douglas P. Reichmuth
  • Publication number: 20160253868
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include methods and systems for conducting metagames. A method can include providing a wagering game including a plurality of tasks, the plurality of tasks including a first task, a second task, and a third task, wherein the first task must be performed via a wagering game machine in a land-based casino, wherein the second task must be performed online, and wherein the third task must be performed via a ticket. The method can further include establishing a player account in at least one memory device. The method can further include determining that one or more of the plurality of tasks have been completed by a player associated with the player account. The method can further include in response to the determining, assigning an award to the player account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua K. Burney, Mark B. Gagner, Patrick M. Gustafson, Gary J. Oswald, Amy Reyes
  • Patent number: 9386050
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary J. Oswald
  • Publication number: 20160093154
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9167048
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary J. Oswald
  • Publication number: 20140280538
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: GARY J. OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20140280933
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: GARY J. OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20140273989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: GARY J. OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20140267707
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for choosing mobile telephones within a security social network is provided herein. Choosing mobile telephones may take place on a server side or a mobile telephone side. Even though mobile telephones lie within a particular area of interest, no image will be obtained/provided from the mobile telephone when a predetermined condition is met. This will greatly reduce an amount of images provided by mobile telephones along with reducing the possibility of an unwanted image being obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: GARY J. OSWALD
  • Patent number: 8004555
    Abstract: Disclosed are mobile communication devices, and methods for mobile communication devices including two video cameras that can operate simultaneously and in real-time. The device includes a first video camera pointing in a first direction and configured to generate a first video signal and a second video camera pointing in a second direction and configured to generate a second video signal. The device includes a processor configured to receive the first video signal and the second video signal and to encode the first video signal and the second video signal for simultaneous transmission. Disclosed is another device, including a housing having a fixed first video camera configured to point in a first direction with respect to the housing and generate a first video signal and a movable second video camera configured to point in a plurality of second directions with respect to the housing and generate a second video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J Oswald, Rafael Camargo
  • Patent number: 7692681
    Abstract: A method (300) and an apparatus (110) for a communication device for controlling an image portion and an audio portion of a push-to-video communication are disclosed. The communication device (110) initiates the push-to-video communication (304), establishes the push-to-video communication (306), transmits the image portion and the audio portion of the push-to-video communication (308), and makes control of at least one of the image and audio portions of the push-to-video communication available (310) for other communication devices involved in the push-to-video communication. The communication device (110), after making the control of at least one of the image and audio portions of the push-to-video communication available, continues to transmit the corresponding portions of the push-to-video communication (312). The communication device (110) relinquishes the control when one of the other communication devices takes the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganesan Rengaraju, Tomasz Jamrozy, Gary J. Oswald, Lawrence A. Willis
  • Patent number: 7684755
    Abstract: Disclosed is a garment (102) made of a particular type of material, the garment can include a garment appendage (104, 108, 110, 112) and a sensor (114, 116) coupled to the garment appendage with the sensor configured to detect activation of the garment appendage. The garment can further include a controller (126) coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to control a function of an electronic device based on activation of the garment appendage when sensed by the sensor. Also disclosed is a method of a garment as described above, the method including activating the garment appendage so that the sensor detects the activation, and processing a signal from the sensor by the controller to that the controller controls a function of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: William S Pierce, Gary J Oswald
  • Patent number: 7499719
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixed mode conference call setup. The method includes the steps of inviting users to a mixed mode conference call by providing invitation information from an inviting user to a server and thereby providing invitations from the server to each of the users. The invitation information indicates the users, the modes acceptable for the conference call and the mode accepted by the inviting user. The invitations from the server include information indicating the modes acceptable for the conference call. The users provide a response to the server which includes information indicating a selected mode accepted by each user. The server sets up a conference call where each of the users and the inviting user communicate in the selected modes accepted by each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mototola, Inc.
    Inventors: Ganesan Rengaraju, Gary J. Oswald, Lawrence A. Willis, Balakumar Jagadesan
  • Publication number: 20080311958
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a first and second housing. Each housing may include at least one display that may be on a front face or a rear face of the housing. A hinge may couple the first housing and the second housing and may be configured to allow the first housing and the second housing to change their orientation relative to one another with a twist motion around an axis defined by the hinge. With a twist motion, the housings can form a closed configuration and at least one open configuration. Multiple display screen and communication modes may be enabled based on a relative orientation of the housings. In this way, a “twist phone” form factor may provide the shape and function to add and/or improve features that may be desirable to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: GARY J. OSWALD, WILLIAM S. PIERCE, WILLIAM J. RYAN
  • Patent number: 7446795
    Abstract: A method (600, 700) and apparatus (800) are described for selecting a Push to Video (PTV) service mode (303) allowing transmission of a video information stream (102) and a corresponding audio information stream (103) from an originating wireless communication unit (110) having floor control to a wireless target communication unit (120). Depending on a camera (420) setting, a desired PTV service mode is invoked when a PTV call is initiated by activating a PTV function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola Inc
    Inventors: Ganesan Rengaraju, Tomasz Jamrozy, Gary J. Oswald, Lawrence A. Willis
  • Publication number: 20080056508
    Abstract: Disclosed is a garment (102) made of a particular type of material, the garment can include a garment appendage (104, 108, 110, 112) and a sensor (114, 116) coupled to the garment appendage with the sensor configured to detect activation of the garment appendage. The garment can further include a controller (126) coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to control a function of an electronic device based on activation of the garment appendage when sensed by the sensor. Also disclosed is a method of a garment as described above, the method including activating the garment appendage so that the sensor detects the activation, and processing a signal from the sensor by the controller to that the controller controls a function of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM S. PIERCE, GARY J. OSWALD