Patents by Inventor Gerald Duhamel

Gerald Duhamel 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: 20140364216
    Abstract: The present document describes a method of using a graphical computer readable code in a gaming environment comprising a gaming device. The method comprises: gathering gaming information; gathering ID data about a recipient, namely recipient ID data, to whom the gaming information is intended; generating the graphical computer readable code, such that it comprises the gathered gaming information; displaying the graphical computer readable code; and, in response to a scanning of the graphical computer readable code, communicating the gathered gaming information to the recipient using the recipient ID data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Gerald Duhamel, Mike Macke, Marc Nizdil
  • Patent number: 8764543
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a game of bingo, comprising an enrollment process in which at least one player enrolls to join a team of players to participate in the bingo game. Virtual players may be generated to join the team of players. Bingo indicia are drawn and compared to the players' (participating or virtual) bingo cards and an ending process is triggered when an ending pattern is formed on a bingo card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Houle, Gerald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 8398471
    Abstract: Embodiments and methods for conducting a game are herein provided. The method comprises providing a representation of a plurality of game indicia having spatial relationship with each other, one of the game indicia being designated as a reference game indicium. It further comprises receiving a player input corresponding to a guess regarding the spatial relationship of an other location with respect to the reference location, the other location being from the plurality of locations. The method further comprises revealing the other location to the player, evaluating the player input as either correct or incorrect, and evaluating fulfillment of a game-ending criterion. Based on evaluation, the game either continues or an outcome is evaluated to finally provide an award to the player. Physical embodiments comprise gaming machines and gaming program adapted for either conducting the game or causing the game to be conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 8348744
    Abstract: The invention consists in a method of playing a participation game involving comparison of players' objects (a.k.a. game cards) with a common object (a.k.a. draw result) remaining the same until the end of the game. The method involves players placing requests. Upon reception of requests, the system provides the requesting player with a game card and the active draw result. The system evaluates if a comparison between the game card and draw result fulfills an end-of-game criterion. When such criterion is fulfilled, the game card is declared a winning card and the system prevents the distribution of new cards. Otherwise, the system continues providing cards until the criterion is fulfilled. Accordingly, a suitable system is also described for the play of said participation game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventors: Gérald Duhamel, Marie-Claude Gagnon, Martin Roy
  • Patent number: 8277303
    Abstract: Method of operating a line game wherein the values of a meter are displayed as different statuses of an evolving symbol. The meter gathers symbols, combinations of symbols, events that are dependent of the game outcome (like winning or losing outcomes, prizes, etc.), or events that are independent of the game outcome (like spins, bet values, lengths of time, etc.). The evolving symbol statuses are used in the line game to trigger features ranging from a wild symbol to a bonus payout which can take the form of a progressive jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept
    Inventors: Gérald Duhamel, Marie-Claude Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8202165
    Abstract: A tournament feature is herein disclosed. This tournament feature allows asynchronous participations in which, upon or after the tournament feature ending, scores resulting from participations are evaluated to determine a winner to be awarded a prize. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine; monitoring activity on the gaming machine; generating a tournament participation invitation based on said activity monitoring; detecting the invitation on the gaming machine; providing a tournament participation on the gaming machine, comprising conducting a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing the score with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of the tournament feature; evaluating stored scores after the end of the tournament feature to determine a winning score; and awarding a prize to the player who entered the winning score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 8057301
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a feature in relation with a wagering game. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first wager value and a second wager value; establishing evaluation conditions and increment a progressive prize based on this first wager value; and establishing an enhancement level of the progressive prize based on this second wager value. The method further comprising generating game outcomes, evaluating game outcomes, and awarding payouts based on evaluation of these game outcomes, wherein the prize value awarded for a progressive-prize winning outcome is based on the established enhancement level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7959505
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting game feature. A method comprises: a) upon generation of a game outcome, evaluating the game outcome according to a plurality of evaluation structures against a payout criteria set and a feature criteria set; b) for each evaluation of an evaluation structure that fulfills a payout criterion, calculating a payout value according to a feature attribute associated with said evaluation structure; c) for each evaluation structure having an associated feature attribute and that fulfills a feature criterion, modifying said feature attribute, said modified feature attribute persisting for calculating the payout value of at least one subsequent game outcome; and d) awarding the sum of the calculated payout values of all of the evaluation structures to a player. An embodiment involves a free-spin feature in which the feature attributes are multiplier values evolving and persisting throughout the free-spin feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7878899
    Abstract: A tournament feature is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises receiving a tournament participation authorization for a player to participate in said tournament feature; assigning a handicap to a tournament participation in said tournament feature; providing said player on one game machine with said tournament participation comprising a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing said score in storing means with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of said tournament feature; evaluating stored scores upon or after detection of the conduct of said tournament feature having ended to establish a winning score and a winning player who obtained said winning score; and awarding a prize to said winning player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventors: Gërald Duhamel, Marie-Claude Gagnon, Martin Roy
  • Patent number: 7867078
    Abstract: In the application, embodiments for providing an interdependent combination of a primary game and a bonus feature are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises the steps of conducting the primary game, conducting the bonus feature upon fulfillment of a triggering criterion, resuming conduct of the primary game upon fulfillment of primary-game ticket criterion with a bonus-feature resuming criterion being established during the conduct of the bonus feature, and resuming conduct of the bonus feature upon fulfillment of the bonus-feature resuming criterion. Between the times the primary game and the bonus feature are resumed, data relative to the bonus feature are maintained to permit resuming of the bonus feature in the state is was left. Embodiments of gaming machines, gaming devices, and game servers involved in providing embodiments of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7828642
    Abstract: A method of operating a game of chance comprising displaying a plurality of groups comprising positions a plurality of selectable objects, each being associated with a hidden value. A player selection of a group and/or a selectable object is received, a group-object association is created and a position from said group is assigned to said object. Upon occurrence of an ending condition, a prize is awarded. A game apparatus and a computer program applying the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7686683
    Abstract: Method of playing a multi-access feature game played along with a primary game. The method comprises: a) playing a primary game, b) initiating feature-game play process upon occurrence of a trigger outcome in the primary game, and c) allowing a player to play the feature game. The latter comprises: i) determining an access type associated with the triggering outcome among many types associated with distinct permissions, ii) providing a feature-game representation composed of a plurality of selectable objects having values and positions, the objects being displayed according to a state based on previous plays of the feature game, iii) receiving a player selection of an object according to a determined permission, iv) affecting the selection according to permission associated with the access type, and modifying selected object status accordingly, v) registering the status and position of all of the feature-game selectable objects, and vi) resuming the primary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventors: Gérald Duhamel, Marie-Claude Gagnon
  • Patent number: 7587051
    Abstract: The present invention consists in a system for securing data exchanged between two users having a First Information Processing System (FIPS) and a Second Information Processing System (SIPS) that have been correspondently paired. To complete encryption, the system includes a FIPS to encrypt data with a key, a SIPS to encrypt said key with a stored correspondent key and to encrypt correspondent key identifier with a public key common to the SIPSs. The integrated secured data include FIPS and SIPS encrypted information. The invention is also suitable for decryption. The invention further comprises structures to perform correspondent pairing between two SIPSs in order to exchange secured information. Furthermore, it comprises a pairing method wherein the SIPSs identify each other, exchange ciphered availability codes on the basis of available keys and key identifiers, and also set a correspondence pairing when a key and key identifier available in both SIPSs are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventors: Denis Bisson, Patrick Larouche, Martin Roy, Marie-Claude Gagnon, Gérald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20090005148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of playing a roulette game device played in response to a trigger in a primary game provided on at least two gaming machines communicatively linked to, but physically distinct from, said roulette game device. The method comprises: providing a player with a roulette game triggering event in said primary game played on said gaming machine; the player locking said gaming machine; said player accessing said roulette game device to play a roulette game; receiving a player selection of player indicia from said player on said roulette game device; activating said roulette game device; randomly determining roulette indicia on said roulette game device; comparing said player indicia to said roulette indicia to determine a roulette game outcome for said player; and upon entry of a wake up command by said player on said gaming machine, removing said primary game from said idle mode and allowing said player to play said primary game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20080058047
    Abstract: Embodiments and methods for conducting a game are herein provided. The method comprises providing a representation of a plurality of game indicia having spatial relationship with each other, one of the game indicia being designated as a reference game indicium. It further comprises receiving a player input corresponding to a guess regarding the spatial relationship of an other location with respect to the reference location, the other location being from the plurality of locations. The method further comprises revealing the other location to the player, evaluating the player input as either correct or incorrect, and evaluating fulfillment of a game-ending criterion. Based on evaluation, the game either continues or an outcome is evaluated to finally provide an award to the player. Physical embodiments comprise gaming machines and gaming program adapted for either conducting the game or causing the game to be conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20070270207
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting game feature. A method comprises: a) upon generation of a game outcome, evaluating the game outcome according to a plurality of evaluation structures against a payout criteria set and a feature criteria set; b) for each evaluation of an evaluation structure that fulfills a payout criterion, calculating a payout value according to a feature attribute associated with said evaluation structure; c) for each evaluation structure having an associated feature attribute and that fulfills a feature criterion, modifying said feature attribute, said modified feature attribute persisting for calculating the payout value of at least one subsequent game outcome; and d) awarding the sum of the calculated payout values of all of the evaluation structures to a player. An embodiment involves a free-spin feature in which the feature attributes are multiplier values evolving and persisting throughout the free-spin feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20070225066
    Abstract: There is described a method of conducting a feature game. The method comprises the steps of providing a player with participation rights for participating in a plurality of instances of a feature game when a criterion is fulfilled, comprising storing information regarding the participation rights. The method further comprises authorizing participation in a first instance of the feature game upon request and valid participation right, and authorizing participation in a second instance upon request and valid participation right. The method further comprises providing awards according to the outcomes of the participation in the feature game. According to embodiments, other methods, a system and a gaming machine for conducting game feature and awarding participation rights are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: LABTRONIX CONCEPT INC.
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7270603
    Abstract: The invention is a method but particularly a system for the play of a game lying between a common-draw live game and an instant game. Furthermore, the same method and system may profit of the down time reserved to the sale of tickets in a live game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 7255644
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method of awarding prizes, also known as progressive jackpots, in association with a wagering game such as a Poker game. A particular application of this method is in association with a Poker game on an electronic gaming device. For awarding the progressive jackpot, players must accumulate in a counter a number of point corresponding exactly to one of the predetermined criteria. To obtain points, players have only to play the Poker game as on any other Poker machine. The points are added in the counter along with the winning outcomes in the game. A particular embodiment consists of awarding two kinds of points: win points and no-win points. With this embodiment, only win points are effective to win the progressive jackpot. The no-win points increase the counter values but can not lead to winning the jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20070135205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a game of bingo, comprising an enrolment process in which at least one player enrolls to join a team of players to participate in the bingo game. Virtual players may be generated to join the team of players. Bingo indicia are drawn and compared to the players' (participating or virtual) bingo cards and an ending process is triggered when an ending pattern is formed on a bingo card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Houle, Gerald Duhamel