Patents by Inventor Gene Rigsby

Gene Rigsby 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: 9330523
    Abstract: 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 a biofeedback module operable to track at least one biometric characteristic of a game player. The wagering game is further operable to alter presentation of the wagering game based on changes in the at least one biometric characteristic. A mood enhancement module is operable to provide energy to a wagering game player at a frequency designed to provide a mood enhancing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Sutton, Samuel Leopold, Gene Rigsby
  • Patent number: 8926421
    Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Gilbert J. Q. Burak, Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, James V. Palermo, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz, Craig J. Sylla, Alfred Thomas, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 8882575
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Gene Rigsby, Gilbert J. Q. Burak
  • Publication number: 20130296053
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Gene Rigsby, Gilbert J.Q. Burak
  • Patent number: 8500534
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Gene Rigsby, Gilbert J. Q. Burak
  • Publication number: 20130072292
    Abstract: 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 a biofeedback module operable to track at least one biometric characteristic of a game player. The wagering game is further operable to alter presentation of the wagering game based on changes in the at least one biometric characteristic. A mood enhancement module is operable to provide energy to a wagering game player at a frequency designed to provide a mood enhancing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: James E. Sutton, Samuel Leopold, Gene Rigsby
  • Patent number: 8348747
    Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Gilbert J. Q. Burak, Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, James V. Palermo, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz, Craig J. Sylla, Alfred Thomas, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 8298078
    Abstract: 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 a biofeedback module operable to track at least one biometric characteristic of a game player. The wagering game is further operable to alter presentation of the wagering game based on changes in the at least one biometric characteristic. A mood enhancement module is operable to provide energy to a wagering game player at a frequency designed to provide a mood enhancing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Sutton, Samuel Leopold, Gene Rigsby
  • Patent number: 8235803
    Abstract: An exemplary power manager is adapted to supply power from a power supply to a first component of a gaming machine. The first component consumes a larger amount of current during a second time interval than during a first time interval, where the first component alternates between the first and second time intervals during operation. A rechargeable energy storage device is used to supply a substantial portion of the current to the first component during the second time interval from energy stored in the energy storage device prior to the start of the second time interval. This causes the current supplied from the power supply to the power manager during the second time interval to be less than the total current required by the first component during the second time interval and thus reduces the peak current load of the power supply during the second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Gene Rigsby
  • Patent number: 8235804
    Abstract: A method of conducting a community-based wagering game event includes the acts of displaying images associated with a community-based wagering game on a surface, sensing a player's movement using a sensing device, the player's movement comprising a game input, and outputting to a controller a signal bearing data relating to the player's movement. The method also includes the acts of determining, using the controller, a relation between the player's movement and the displayed images on the surface and adapting the displayed images responsive to the player's movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Anthony Prohl, Gene Rigsby, Patrick Schaefer, Ian Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120157193
    Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Gilbert J.Q. Burak, Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, James V. Palermo, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz, Craig J. Sylla, Alfred Thomas, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 8147316
    Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Gilbert J. Q. Burak, Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, James V. Palermo, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz, Craig J. Sylla, Alfred Thomas, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 7892096
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising a physically configurable button panel and at least one mechanical button removably disposed in the button panel. The gaming machine also comprises an input panel disposed adjacent to the button to produce an output signal in response to a predetermined movement of the button and a controller for initiating a function in response to the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Rigsby, James M. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20110003630
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and methods may include a value input device for receiving a wager, a housing attached to the value input device, at least one rotatable reel attached to the housing, the reel comprising a reel strip arranged about a periphery of a cage, and a controller attached to the housing and operatively coupled to an input device to alter appearance of a first part of an electrophoretic image display attached to at least one of a player tracking card or a credit ticket that can be read by the input device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Peter R. Anderson, Timothy C. Loose, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20100291993
    Abstract: A method of conducting a community-based wagering game event includes the acts of displaying images associated with a community-based wagering game on a surface, sensing a player's movement using a sensing device, the player's movement comprising a game input, and outputting to a controller a signal bearing data relating to the player's movement. The method also includes the acts of determining, using the controller, a relation between the player's movement and the displayed images on the surface and adapting the displayed images responsive to the player's movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Anthony Prohl, Gene Rigsby, Patrick Schaefer, Ian Simmons
  • Publication number: 20100130280
    Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Gilbert J.Q. Burak, Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, James V. Palermo, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz, Craig H. Sylla, Alfred Thomas, Timothy C. Loose
  • Publication number: 20090253495
    Abstract: An exemplary power manager is adapted to supply power from a power supply to a first component of a gaming machine. The first component consumes a larger amount of current during a second time interval than during a first time interval, where the first component alternates between the first and second time intervals during operation. A rechargeable energy storage device is used to supply a substantial portion of the current to the first component during the second time interval from energy stored in the energy storage device prior to the start of the second time interval. This causes the current supplied from the power supply to the power manager during the second time interval to be less than the total current required by the first component during the second time interval and thus reduces the peak current load of the power supply during the second time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Gene Rigsby
  • Publication number: 20090036197
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage. The reel strip, buttons on the machine, a player tracking card, and/or a gaming machine credit ticket may each comprise alterable film for displaying a plurality of indicia, including images, text, and other information. The gaming machine further comprises a controller operative to alter the appearance of items displayed on the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Charles R. Bleich, Timothy C. Loose, James M. Rasmussen, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20080248854
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage. The reel strip comprises an alterable film for displaying a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine further comprises a controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of the plurality of symbols displayed on the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Peter R. Anderson, Timothy C. Loose, Gene Rigsby, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20080132313
    Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Gene Rigsby, Gilbert J.Q. Burak