Patents by Inventor Jacek A. Grabiec

Jacek A. Grabiec 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: 9875604
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include receiving event data from a first application available on a wagering game machine, wherein the event data is in a first data format that is natively understood by the first application and not natively understood by a second application available on the wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further include converting the event data to a second data format natively understood by the second application, wherein the second data format is not natively understood by the first application. In some embodiments, the operations further include communicating the event data in the second data format to the second application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 9552691
    Abstract: Systems, methods and machine-readable media operate on configuration data for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine configuration or meter data on a wagering game machine is modified. In response to the modification, the configuration data or meter data is transformed into a displayable code such as a bar code or QR (Quick Response) code. The wagering game machine presents the displayable code on a code display of the wagering game machine. A portable computing device reads the displayable code and uses the displayable code to compare the configuration data with configuration data obtained from other wagering game machines or configuration data obtained from a configuration server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Travis N. Nelson, Peter R. Anderson, Sridhar Gondesi, Jacek A. Grabiec, Matthew J. Ward
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9443385
    Abstract: “Described herein are processes and devices that perform operations that, in some embodiments, include receiving a request for concurrent presentation of a first wagering game and a second wagering game via a display device of a wagering game machine. The first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, and the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds associated with the first wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 9367998
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving at least one wager and a display for displaying a wagering game. The display includes an integrated image capture device for visually capturing objects proximate the display. The system further comprises at least one controller operative to (i) detect the presence of at least a first object proximate the display, (ii) cause the image capture device to visually capture the first object and create a stored image thereof, (iii) graphically integrate the stored image of the first object into the wagering game, and (iv) display one or more outcomes of the wagering game which include one or more symbols comprising at least a portion of the stored image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacek Grabiec, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Timothy C. Loose, Larry J. Pacey, Miguel A. Vega, Muthu Velu
  • Patent number: 9336649
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method including determining a first wagering game content and a second wagering game content, wherein the first wagering game content is related to a first wagering game, and wherein the second wagering game content is related to a second wagering game. The method can also include determining, based on priority rules, a first display priority for the first wagering game content, and a second display priority for the second wagering game content. The method can also include presenting, based on the first display priority, the first wagering game content. The method can also include presenting, based on the second display priority, the second wagering game content after the presenting of the first wagering game content, and detecting player inputs. The method can also include assigning priority values to the player inputs, and responding to the player inputs in an order related to the priority values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 9330532
    Abstract: Although wagering games and wagering game machines provide significant entertainment and excitement, outcomes of wagering games can be used to provide entertainment and excitement external to the wagering game machines and even distinct and/or separate from the wagering games that generate the outcomes. A wagering game machine can communicate wagering game outcome data to a machine that is external to the wagering game machine for evaluation of the wagering game outcome data (“external evaluator”). The external evaluator can evaluate the wagering game outcome data against rules and/or criteria that lead to an exciting and entertaining event separate and/or distinct from the wagering game itself. Evaluating wagering game outcome data separate from the hosting wagering game machine allows a variety of events to be associated with game outcomes and allows for events to adapt to a dynamic environment and/or to player preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan
  • Patent number: 9047731
    Abstract: A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include detecting an account rule, wherein the account rule includes an activation event, wherein upon occurrence of the activation event a transfer of funds is initiates between a wagering game session and account and one or more other financial accounts. In some embodiments, the operations also include detecting the occurrence of the activation event. In some embodiments, the operations also include initiating the transfer of funds between the wagering game session account and one or more other financial accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Erhard W. Rathsack, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140342820
    Abstract: Systems, methods and machine-readable media operate on configuration data for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine configuration or meter data on a wagering game machine is modified. In response to the modification, the configuration data or meter data is transformed into a displayable code such as a bar code or QR (Quick Response) code. The wagering game machine presents the displayable code on a code display of the wagering game machine. A portable computing device reads the displayable code and uses the displayable code to compare the configuration data with configuration data obtained from other wagering game machines or configuration data obtained from a configuration server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming
    Inventors: Travis N. Nelson, Peter R. Anderson, Sridhar Gondesi, Jacek A. Grabiec, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140106865
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that perform operations that, in some embodiments, include receiving a request for concurrent presentation of a first wagering game and a second wagering game via a display device of a wagering game machine. The first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, and the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds associated with the first wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20140087810
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include receiving event data from a first application available on a wagering game machine, wherein the event data is in a first data format that is natively understood by the first application and not natively understood by a second application available on the wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further include converting the event data to a second data format natively understood by the second application, wherein the second data format is not natively understood by the first application. In some embodiments, the operations further include communicating the event data in the second data format to the second application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8672752
    Abstract: This document describes inter alia a method for presenting an interface on a wagering game machine, where the interface includes a plurality of wagering game icons, and where each of the wagering game icons indicates a wagering game that is available on the wagering game machine. The method can include presenting wagering game icons in an interface, wherein the wagering game icons form a row, and wherein each wagering game icon occupies a position in the row, and detecting a sweeping screen touch on a touch screen. The method can also include shifting, based on the sweeping screen touch, the wagering game icons to different positions in the row, where the shifting causes a wagering game icon at an end position in the row to disappear from the interface, and where the shifting also causes a new wagering game icon to appear at another end position in the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Michael J. Irby, II, Larry J. Pacey, Scott H. Schulhof, Tracey L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140066184
    Abstract: Although wagering games and wagering game machines provide significant entertainment and excitement, outcomes of wagering games can be used to provide entertainment and excitement external to the wagering game machines and even distinct and/or separate from the wagering games that generate the outcomes. A wagering game machine can communicate wagering game outcome data to a machine that is external to the wagering game machine for evaluation of the wagering game outcome data (“external evaluator”). The external evaluator can evaluate the wagering game outcome data against rules and/or criteria that lead to an exciting and entertaining event separate and/or distinct from the wagering game itself. Evaluating wagering game outcome data separate from the hosting wagering game machine allows a variety of events to be associated with game outcomes and allows for events to adapt to a dynamic environment and/or to player preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan
  • Patent number: 8662992
    Abstract: A wagering game system and operations for a wagering game system include a plugin architecture and framework in which wagering game system applications utilize plugins to provide functionality for an application or service. The plugins may be independently tested and verified by a jurisdictional testing agent to confirm that the operation of the plugin complies with the rules and regulations for a jurisdiction. If plugins are added or updated, a system vendor may submit only those plugins that require jurisdictional approval to a testing agent. An application or service may download plugins that are approved for use in the jurisdiction in which the application or service is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Bibbey, Rory L. Block, Robert T. Davis, Edward Q. Earley, Remy Y. Goglio, Jacek A. Grabiec, Robert L. McSulla, Christopher A. Royce
  • Patent number: 8616978
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8597112
    Abstract: An external evaluator can evaluate the wagering game outcome data against rules and/or criteria that lead to an exciting and entertaining event separate and/or distinct from the wagering game itself. An external evaluator evaluates game outcome data, received from a wagering gaming machine via a network, against criteria for a plurality of events (203). It is determined that the game outcome data satisfies a criterion of a first of the plurality of events. The criteria comprise the criterion. A device is determined that performs an operation that, at least partially, implements the first of the plurality of events (323). A communication that indicates the first of the plurality of events is transmitted to the device via the network (327).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan
  • Publication number: 20130296027
    Abstract: A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include initiating a wagering game session and determining that an amount of winnings for the wagering game session are above a specific value. In some embodiments, the operations further include in response to the determining that the amount of winnings for the wagering game session are above the specific value, transferring a first portion of monetary value from a session balance, for the wagering game session, to a financial account separate from the session balance, wherein a second portion of the session balance remains for use in the wagering game session. In some embodiments, the financial account does not support wagering-game-related withdrawals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Erhard W. Rathsack, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130244761
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method including determining a first wagering game content and a second wagering game content, wherein the first wagering game content is related to a first wagering game, and wherein the second wagering game content is related to a second wagering game. The method can also include determining, based on priority rules, a first display priority for the first wagering game content, and a second display priority for the second wagering game content. The method can also include presenting, based on the first display priority, the first wagering game content. The method can also include presenting, based on the second display priority, the second wagering game content after the presenting of the first wagering game content, and detecting player inputs. The method can also include assigning priority values to the player inputs, and responding to the player inputs in an order related to the priority values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20130190080
    Abstract: A wagering game system and operations for a wagering game system include a plugin architecture and framework in which wagering game system applications utilize plugins to provide functionality for an application or service. The plugins may be independently tested and verified by a jurisdictional testing agent to confirm that the operation of the plugin complies with the rules and regulations for a jurisdiction. If plugins are added or updated, a system vendor may submit only those plugins that require jurisdictional approval to a testing agent. An application or service may download plugins that are approved for use in the jurisdiction in which the application or service is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan L. Bibbey, Rory L. Block, Robert T. Davis, Edward Q. Earley, Remy Y. Goglio, Jacek A. Grabiec, Robert L. McSulla
  • Patent number: 8430741
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that present wagering game content in multiple windows. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can receive wagering game content and control information from more than one content provider. The wagering game system can present the content from the various content providers in one or more windows, such as by presenting content from one provider in a main window while presenting content from a second provider in one or more auxiliary windows. The wagering game system can also determine priority information for content displayed in the windows and control the appearance and actions of the windows, or content displayed within the windows, based on the priority information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward