Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Uss
Jeffrey Uss 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).
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Publication number: 20240112544Abstract: An electronic gaming device that includes a display device, an input device, a memory device, and a processor is described. The processor causes to be displayed a dual symbol configured as a wild symbol and as a credit on reel (or cash-on-reel) symbol that indicates a prize to be awarded if a trigger symbol also lands in the same row as the dual symbol. The processor causes a base game to be initiated that includes causing symbols to be displayed on reels within a display matrix on a display device wherein each reel is configured to spin. During game play of the base game, the dual symbol, if displayed, persists between different reel spins and moves up one row each reel spin from a previous symbol position to a new symbol position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Kelly Lockheed, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Jennifer Mizzi, Scott Hopkins
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Publication number: 20240112539Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system may include a game display configured to display a game interface including a matrix having a plurality of rows including a plurality of matrix positions and a processor configured to determine a number of wild symbols currently displayed in the matrix, in response to determining the number of wild symbols currently displayed in the matrix exceeds a threshold number, determine a number of spin credits, in response to the number of spin credits being greater than zero, determine a weighting factor defining a probability for displaying a symbol in a respective matrix position, apply the determined weighting factors to respective lookup tables for each matrix position not currently displaying a wild symbol, and determine, for each matrix position not currently displaying a wild symbol, a symbol to display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Erick Ching, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Nathan Warms, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Jeffrey Uss, Kelly Lockheed
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Publication number: 20240105015Abstract: An electronic gaming device includes a display device and a game controller in communication with the display device. The game controller includes a processor and a memory storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the game controller to: cause display of a base game including a plurality of reels; control the plurality of reels to display a combination of symbols corresponding to a primary game outcome; determine that the primary game outcome satisfies a bonus game condition and an enhancement condition to trigger a bonus game having at least one enhanced characteristic; identify outcomes for one or more free spins of the bonus game having the at least one enhanced characteristic; randomly select an outcome for each free spin from the identified outcomes; and initiate the bonus reel game that includes display of the randomly selected outcome for each of the one or more free spins.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Kevin Walsh, Jeffrey Uss, Daniel Marston, David Marsh, Allon Englman
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Publication number: 20240104996Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20240087421Abstract: An electronic gaming system includes a display device and a game controller in communication with the display device. The game controller includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the game controller to: determine that a bonus game including display of pick icons is triggered based on a game outcome; activate a metamorphic for the bonus game based on the game outcome, the activated metamorphic being associated with a pick feature enhancement for the bonus game; cause display of a visual indication of the activated metamorphic; initiate a play of the bonus game and apply the pick feature enhancement associated with the activated metamorphic thereto; receive a selection of one of the pick icons during the play of the bonus game; and cause display of an award associated with the selected pick icon and determined based on the applied pick feature enhancement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Kevin Walsh, Daniel Marston, Jeffrey Uss
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Publication number: 20240078866Abstract: An electronic gaming device that includes a display device, an input device, a memory device, and a processor is described. The processor is configured to display a base game outcome on the display device, the base game outcome comprising a plurality of symbols included on a plurality of reels. The processor is also configured to cause the display of a feature game comprising a plurality of user selectable pick icons and a wheel, wherein the wheel comprises a plurality of prizes displayed at a plurality of wheel segments and a first wheel pointer. The processor is also configured to receive by the input device a selection of a pick icon of the plurality of pick icons and, based on the selection, display an output associated with the pick icon, wherein the output comprises a wheel enhancement. The processor is further configured to apply the wheel enhancement to the feature game.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2022Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventor: Jeffrey Uss
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Publication number: 20240071169Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing games of chance with multiple levels of persistent features are disclosed. Some example systems include scatter prize indicators that are each associated with different symbol positions of a game of chance. When a scatter symbol is selected for a given symbol position, the scatter prize indicator associated therewith may be upgraded; selection of a sufficient number of symbol positions may result in a feature game mode being activated. During feature game mode play, scatter symbols are retained after each play of the game until either sufficient consecutive plays occur without any scatter symbols being obtained or until all symbol positions have scatter symbols. In the latter case, the scatter prize indicators are upgraded and play continues. In the former case, the feature game mode concludes. Various enhancements may be triggered based on the number of times that the feature game mode has been activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
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Patent number: 11887430Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2023Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11887428Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing games of chance with multiple levels of persistent features are disclosed. Some example systems include scatter prize indicators that are each associated with different symbol positions of a game of chance. When a scatter symbol is selected for a given symbol position, the scatter prize indicator associated therewith may be upgraded; selection of a sufficient number of symbol positions may result in a feature game mode being activated. During feature game mode play, scatter symbols are retained after each play of the game until either sufficient consecutive plays occur without any scatter symbols being obtained or until all symbol positions have scatter symbols. In the latter case, the scatter prize indicators are upgraded and play continues. In the former case, the feature game mode concludes. Various enhancements may be triggered based on the number of times that the feature game mode has been activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
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Publication number: 20240021052Abstract: Electronic gaming machines and systems are disclosed that provide for a symbol-based main game that features an array of symbol positions that may, if an array growth condition is met, increase in size. Determining whether the array growth condition is met may involve determining how many array growth symbols are shown in association with a game play. A further determination may be made as to whether a feature game trigger condition is met and, if so, a feature game may be presented that utilizes the same array of symbol positions that were present in the main game when the feature game was triggered. Additional array growth may occur in the feature game if the array growth condition is met again.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2023Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11816960Abstract: Nested frenzy modes for games of chance are disclosed. When a first frenzy mode is activated, opportunities are provided to obtain first frenzy item symbols as part of game outcomes. Each first frenzy item symbol that is obtained in an outcome may cause a number of obtained frenzy items of a featured set of frenzy items to be incremented by a first value. When all frenzy items in the featured set of frenzy items are obtained, a featured set prize is awarded and a new set of frenzy items presented. Additionally, there are opportunities within the first frenzy mode to trigger a second frenzy mode in which second frenzy item symbols are potentially obtainable. Should a second frenzy item symbol be obtained, then the number of obtained frenzy items of the featured set of frenzy items may be incremented by a second value that is greater than the first value.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith
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Patent number: 11749054Abstract: Some implementations may involve providing a slot game in which the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more display symbol locations. In some examples, the display symbol locations in which a prize-on frame may be displayed are predetermined display symbol locations, such as locations of one or more particular slot reels. Each of the prize-on frames may be displayed around a display symbol that is selected to be displayed in the display symbol location corresponding to a prize-on frame. If a display symbol corresponding to a prize-on frame is part of a winning combination, a prize indicated on the prize-on frame may be awarded. The prize may, for example, be a particular credit value that is indicated on the prize-on frame, the current value of a particular jackpot that is indicated on the prize-on frame, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230237877Abstract: Electronic gaming machines and systems are disclosed that provide for a symbol-based main game that features an array of symbol positions that may, if an array growth condition is met, increase in size. Determining whether the array growth condition is met may involve determining how many array growth symbols are shown in association with a game play. A further determination may be made as to whether a feature game trigger condition is met and, if so, a feature game may be presented that utilizes the same array of symbol positions that were present in the main game when the feature game was triggered. Additional array growth may occur in the feature game if the array growth condition is met again.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Zachary Cohen, Kelly Lockheed, Scott Hopkins, Carlyn Albright
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Publication number: 20230206717Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20230169820Abstract: Techniques and systems for providing games of chance with multiple levels of persistent features are disclosed. Some example systems include scatter prize indicators that are each associated with different symbol positions of a game of chance. When a scatter symbol is selected for a given symbol position, the scatter prize indicator associated therewith may be upgraded; selection of a sufficient number of symbol positions may result in a feature game mode being activated. During feature game mode play, scatter symbols are retained after each play of the game until either sufficient consecutive plays occur without any scatter symbols being obtained or until all symbol positions have scatter symbols. In the latter case, the scatter prize indicators are upgraded and play continues. In the former case, the feature game mode concludes. Various enhancements may be triggered based on the number of times that the feature game mode has been activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2021Publication date: June 1, 2023Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
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Patent number: 11645892Abstract: Electronic gaming machines and systems are disclosed that provide for a symbol-based main game that features an array of symbol positions that may, if an array growth condition is met, increase in size. Determining whether the array growth condition is met may involve determining how many array growth symbols are shown in association with a game play. A further determination may be made as to whether a feature game trigger condition is met and, if so, a feature game may be presented that utilizes the same array of symbol positions that were present in the main game when the feature game was triggered. Additional array growth may occur in the feature game if the array growth condition is met again.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching
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Publication number: 20230098012Abstract: Nested frenzy modes for games of chance are disclosed. When a first frenzy mode is activated, opportunities are provided to obtain first frenzy item symbols as part of game outcomes. Each first frenzy item symbol that is obtained in an outcome may cause a number of obtained frenzy items of a featured set of frenzy items to be incremented by a first value. When all frenzy items in the featured set of frenzy items are obtained, a featured set prize is awarded and a new set of frenzy items presented. Additionally, there are opportunities within the first frenzy mode to trigger a second frenzy mode in which second frenzy item symbols are potentially obtainable. Should a second frenzy item symbol be obtained, then the number of obtained frenzy items of the featured set of frenzy items may be incremented by a second value that is greater than the first value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith
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Patent number: 11600136Abstract: In one aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The electronic gaming system includes a display device, a random number generator (RNG), a player input interface, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least determine, during play of a base game, that an enhancement trigger condition is satisfied and convert the symbol displayed on each position having one of the first frame and the second frame displayed thereon into a wild symbol. The instructions further cause the game controller to determine that a bonus game trigger condition is satisfied and convert a plurality of positions on each reel with at least one position having the second frame displayed thereon, into a bonus reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to generate a bonus game outcome.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
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Patent number: 11562631Abstract: A method for providing a persistent feature in an electronic game includes: (A) simulates spinning of a plurality of reels; (B) generating a first spin result; (C) triggering a value feature based on the occurrence of at least one feature symbol appearing on the first reel and at least one feature symbol appearing on the second reel in first spin result, causing the electronic game to award value feature symbols that appear on the other reels; (D) during a second spin, displaying an animation of moving the first and second feature symbols one or more positions of the reel upon; (E) overlaying the moved feature symbols during the second spin of the plurality of reels; and (F) triggering the value feature for the second spin when at least one feature symbol appears on both the first reel and on the second reel.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Jeffrey Uss, Erick Ching, Zachary Smith
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Patent number: D992559Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Tsung-Cheng Lin, Laura Bardin, Harvey Duenas, Nikolas Lürken, Jeffrey Uss