Patents by Inventor Jeremy M. Hornik

Jeremy M. Hornik 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).

  • Community gaming system with hybrid community and individual outcomes and awards
    Patent number: 8342927
    Abstract: A method for conducting a community wagering game on one or more gaming devices comprises receiving a first wager from a first player and determining a first modifier associated with the first player based upon play of a first base game. The method further comprises triggering and displaying a community gaming event comprising a competition and determining a finishing order of a plurality of participants in the competition, the plurality of participants including at least first and second participants. The method further comprises associating the first player with the first participant, determining a first prize value for the first participant, the first prize value based upon the finishing order, and awarding the first player a first award comprising the first prize value as modified by the first modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Peter W. Flemming, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Wagering Game System With Player Rewards
    Publication number: 20120329551
    Abstract: A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Michael J. Blankstein, Rory L. Block, Allon G. Englman, McLaurin H. Files, Mark B. Gagner, Brian R. Gamache, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Shridhar P. Joshi, Alfred Thomas, Jamie Vann, Matthew J. Ward
  • Wagering Game With Rule Set Altered Prior To Completion Of Reel Spin
    Publication number: 20120322535
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey
  • Gaming system with play enhancement icons
    Patent number: 8328622
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Daniel P. Louie
  • Wagering game with progressive game triggered by multiple players
    Patent number: 8328626
    Abstract: A method of conducting a group wagering game that includes a special award that is attainable by players at a plurality of gaming machines. The method includes receiving wagers from players at the plurality of machines for playing individual wagering games. In response to a triggering condition that is associated with one of the machines, the group wagering game is presented including an opportunity to fulfill at least one of a plurality of victory conditions. In response to all of the plurality of victory conditions being fulfilled, the special award is awarded to the machine associated with a next triggering condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Wagering game with special event shared by adjacent gaming machines
    Patent number: 8303402
    Abstract: A method of conducting a plurality of wagering games on a group of gaming machines includes receiving wagers from players at the group of gaming machines. In response to a triggering condition associated with a gaming machine of the group of gaming machines, the method further includes presenting a special event on the gaming machine, and changing a set of wagering game symbols required to achieve a known award on at least another one of the group of gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • Wagering game with bonus feature that performs secondary analysis to determine award
    Patent number: 8303391
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal. The gaming terminal displays a plurality of indicia during the wagering game, which are then selected via player inputs. The selected indicia are revealed and arranged into groups corresponding to winning combinations. The arrangement is made so as to maximize at least one of the plurality of predefined winning combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik
  • HANDHELD WAGERING GAME SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING WAGERING GAMES THEREUPON
    Publication number: 20120276990
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Wagering game system with player rewards
    Patent number: 8282489
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes a method of conducting a wagering game. The method includes identifying a player as a member of certain group, and offering the player options related to the wagering game. The options are unavailable to players who are not members of the certain group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Michael J. Blankstein, Rory L. Block, Allon G. Englman, McLaurin H. Files, Mark B. Gagner, Brian R. Gamache, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Shridhar P. Joshi, Alfred Thomas, Jamie Vann, Matthew J. Ward
  • Handheld wagering game system and methods for conducting wagering games thereupon
    Patent number: 8282490
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Wagering game with high-payout percentage gaming feature
    Patent number: 8282466
    Abstract: A wagering game system is provided and includes a gaming system for playing a wagering game, including an input device adapted to receive an input from a player of the wagering game, a processor configured to determine a wagering game outcome, and a gambling feature incorporating a game in which a player is statistically more likely to win than to lose, wherein the gambling feature is enabled by a wagering game outcome that includes a winning combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Dion K. Aoki, Joel R. Jaffe, James J. Poole
  • Wagering game with rule set altered prior to completion of reel spin
    Patent number: 8272944
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey
  • Wagering gaming with inter-player competition feature
    Patent number: 8267774
    Abstract: A variety of inter-player competition features for incorporation into a gaming system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a gaming system is provided with a trail-based game and comprises a plurality of gaming machines, signage, and at least one controller. The community event is triggered by an underlying wagering game. The controller is operative to conduct a trail-based game including a token and a trail having a plurality of steps, mark one or more of the plurality of steps with a marker, display a token on at least one of the steps, reduce an award value for the step on which the token is displayed when the step is marked by one or more marker. The award value being reduced for each of the plurality of players whose marker does not mark the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Larry J. Pacey, Alfred Thomas
  • WAGERING GAME WITH A SECONDARY GAME DETERMINED BY SYMBOL POSITIONS IN A BASE GAME
    Publication number: 20120231869
    Abstract: A system for playing a wagering game has basic and secondary games. The secondary game includes bonus games. Symbols are arranged in an array of symbol positions in a first display for the basic game. Each symbol position has a corresponding position in an array of bonus-game positions in a second display for the secondary game. Each bonus-game position is linked to a different bonus game. The symbols displayed in the array of symbol positions are varied during play of the basic game. The symbols include secondary game trigger symbols. If a secondary game trigger symbol is displayed in a symbol position, the corresponding position in the array of bonus-game positions for the secondary game is identified. If a predetermined number of bonus-game positions are identified, the secondary game is completed by implementing each of the different bonus games linked to the identified bonus-game positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeffry L. Nauman, Pamela S. Smith
  • Wagering game with community game feature
    Patent number: 8262456
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a community display for displaying a community game having a plurality of features for determining a community award that is awarded to all players at eligible linked gaming machines. The community game includes selection of a player at an eligible linked gaming machine to interact with the community game to determine the community award. One of the plurality of features includes a community free spin feature that awards free spins of a base wagering game to each player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G Englman, Philip B Gelber, Benjamin T Gomez, Bradley A Rose, Jeremy M Hornik, Patrick J Campbell
  • Gaming System Having Wagering Features Funded By Extra-Casino Activities
    Publication number: 20120208625
    Abstract: A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Shridhar P. Joshi, Larry J. Pacey
  • Gaming system having dynamic symbol generation
    Patent number: 8241102
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises displaying on at least one display a first plurality of symbols located in an evaluation location, and repeatedly generating a plurality of replacement symbols at a symbol generation point on the at least one display. The method further comprises causing the plurality of replacement symbols to travel from the symbol generation point to the evaluation location along a symbol path, replacing at least one of the first plurality of symbols with at least one of the replacement symbols arriving at the evaluation location, and paying an award for a winning combination of symbols in the evaluation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Kanellos, Jeremy M. Hornik, Robert A. Rissetto
  • WAGERING GAME COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20120202601
    Abstract: A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Vernon W. Hamlin, Jeremy M. Hornik, Michael W. Mastropietro, Kathleen J. McJohn, Larry J. Pacey, Alfred Thomas
  • WAGERING GAME COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20120202588
    Abstract: A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Vernon W. Hamlin, Jeremy M. Hornik, Michael W. Mastropietro, Kathleen J. McJohn, Larry J. Pacey, Alfred Thomas
  • DYNAMIC PLAYER TRACKING CARD
    Publication number: 20120196671
    Abstract: Electronic paper (e-paper) can be incorporated onto player tracking cards (101) to allow logos, themes, and/or other content (e.g., text, images, etc.) displayed on player tracking cards to be updated. An identifier is determined based on data read from a magnetic strip on a rewritable display card (503). The rewriteable display card comprises electronic paper (103). Account information associated with the identifier is received (505). Content to be displayed on the electronic paper is determined based, at least in part, on the account information (507). The content is written to the electronic paper (513).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, James E. Motyl, Craig J. Sylla