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).

  • Publication number: 20240112544
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Kelly Lockheed, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Jennifer Mizzi, Scott Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20240112539
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Erick Ching, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Nathan Warms, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Jeffrey Uss, Kelly Lockheed
  • Publication number: 20240105015
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin Walsh, Jeffrey Uss, Daniel Marston, David Marsh, Allon Englman
  • Publication number: 20240104996
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Publication number: 20240087421
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin Walsh, Daniel Marston, Jeffrey Uss
  • Publication number: 20240078866
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffrey Uss
  • Publication number: 20240071169
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
  • Patent number: 11887430
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11887428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20240021052
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11816960
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith
  • Patent number: 11749054
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230237877
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Zachary Cohen, Kelly Lockheed, Scott Hopkins, Carlyn Albright
  • Publication number: 20230206717
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Publication number: 20230169820
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Rogelio Decasa, JR., Zachary Smith, Erick Ching, Jeffrey Uss, Hanna Sanborn
  • Patent number: 11645892
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanna Sanborn, Jennifer Mizzi, Jeffrey Uss, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith, Erick Ching
  • Publication number: 20230098012
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, JR., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching, Nathan Warms, Zachary Smith
  • Patent number: 11600136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Hanna Sanborn, Jeffrey Uss, Jennifer Mizzi, Erick Ching
  • Patent number: 11562631
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Warms, Jennifer Mizzi, Hanna Sanborn, Rogelio Decasa, Jr., Jeffrey Uss, Erick Ching, Zachary Smith
  • Patent number: D992559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tsung-Cheng Lin, Laura Bardin, Harvey Duenas, Nikolas Lürken, Jeffrey Uss