Patents by Inventor James W. Stockdale

James W. Stockdale 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: 9710103
    Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 9652074
    Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Publication number: 20160246444
    Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Publication number: 20160246443
    Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 9409093
    Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a gaming device having a plurality of dynamically connectable modular gaming table components that provide a variety of configuration options. In one example embodiment, the gaming device includes a first modular gaming table component and a second modular gaming table component, where the first modular gaming table component and second modular gaming table component are 10 connectable in a variety of arrangements. Each of the first and second modular gaming table components may include at least one gaming station having a gaming display, gaming control circuitry, structural connection means, and communication connection means, whereby the structural and communication connection means of the two components may be dynamically connectable in a variety of component arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Chauncey Griswold, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 9335869
    Abstract: A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Publication number: 20150343315
    Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a gaming device having a plurality of dynamically connectable modular gaming table components that provide a variety of configuration options. In one example embodiment, the gaming device includes a first modular gaming table component and a second modular gaming table component, where the first modular gaming table component and second modular gaming table component are 10 connectable in a variety of arrangements. Each of the first and second modular gaming table components may include at least one gaming station having a gaming display, gaming control circuitry, structural connection means, and communication connection means, whereby the structural and communication connection means of the two components may be dynamically connectable in a variety of component arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Chauncey Griswold, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 9135772
    Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a gaming device having a plurality of dynamically connectable modular gaming table components that provide a variety of configuration options. In one example embodiment, the gaming device includes a first modular gaming table component and a second modular gaming table component, where the first modular gaming table component and second modular gaming table component are connectable in a variety of arrangements. Each of the first and second modular gaming table components may include at least one gaming station having a gaming display, gaming control circuitry, structural connection means, and communication connection means, whereby the structural and communication connection means of the two components may be dynamically connectable in a variety of component arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Harold E. Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, Chauncey Griswold, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8777224
    Abstract: A physical device that triggers a deal of a video card is described. The physical device triggers the deal when a subject moves an object of the subject on the physical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8708820
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a rotating object that has at least one configurable surface that may be configured electronically. The rotating object may be synchronized with a video display. Configurable surfaces can use bistable materials, electroluminescent materials, LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, projection, or other techniques. The appearance of the rotating object is changed without physically changing the rotating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, William R. Wells, Chauncey W. Griswold, Christian E. Gadda, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8702501
    Abstract: Techniques for forming and using formal partnerships are disclosed. Two or more entities (e.g., individual players, groups, organizations) can form a partnership for the purpose of participating in one or more games. In effect, a game can be played for a partnership without the active participation of all the entities (or partners) that have formed the partnership. The game can, for example, be played by one or the partners or an authorized representative of the partnership. When a game is played on behalf of a partnership, the gaming activity is effectively tracked and verification data is stored for the partnership. Verification data can be made available to allow the partners to verify the outcome of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8622842
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, David H. Muir, Craig A. Paulsen, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8485881
    Abstract: A technique is described for operating a gaming machine adapted to receive a wager on a game of chance. In at least one embodiment, the gaming machine may be adapted to dynamically change its volume. In one implementation, the gaming machine may include a first movable display which may be used to dynamically and/or automatically change the volume of the gaming machine. For example, the first movable display may be automatically moved to a first position to thereby establish a first volume of the gaming machine. The first movable display may also be automatically moved to a second position to thereby establish a second volume of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey Griswold, Jean-Pierre Legras, Harold “Sonny” Mattice, Richard L. Wilder, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8427447
    Abstract: Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). It will also be appreciated that both input system can be integrated into a single device which can be presented, for example, as multi-user touchscreen. The multi-user touch screen can provide a common input surface to serve numerous applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, Chauncey W. Griswold, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8382578
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
  • Publication number: 20130005453
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, David H. Muir, Craig A. Paulsen, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8291252
    Abstract: Gaming machines and related methods for controlling and managing electrical current to peripheral devices in a gaming machine are described. A gaming machine having multiple high-current peripheral devices drawing power from a single power supply within the gaming machine is able to regulate the timing at which the peripherals may receive power. The gaming machine may be a multi-station gaming machine, such as a gaming table, where each station has various standard peripheral devices. The gaming machine determines whether the power required by the peripherals at any given time will exceed a threshold current supply and, if so, delays the operation of one of the peripherals to regulate the amount of current the power supply has to supply at any given time. Current usage and time overlaps of two or more peripheral devices are determined using current profiles of the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, James W. Stockdale, Richard L. Wilder, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8282475
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, David H. Muir, Craig A. Paulsen, James W. Stockdale
  • Patent number: 8262460
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder
  • Patent number: 8262459
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Christian E. Gadda, James W. Stockdale, Chan W. Griswold, Richard Wilder