Patents by Inventor K. Aoki

K. Aoki 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: 20140094265
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeremie D. Moll, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8684808
    Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, John D. Flint, Philip B. Gelber, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Larry J. Pacey, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20140087872
    Abstract: A gaming system with asymmetric customization capabilities and a method of enabling asymmetric customization of a wagering game are disclosed. A plurality of selectable game-play features are provided for utilization during the wagering game. Players accessing the game-play features are unequally limited as to which features are available for modification, depending on means of access. All features, however, are available for game-play, regardless of means of access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Publication number: 20140073386
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for conducting a multi-player wagering game. The method can include determining, by at least on processor, a head position of a player of the multi-player wagering game. The method can also include determining, based on the head position, a viewable portion of a virtual object used in the multi-player wagering game, and causing presentation of the viewable portion of the virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Sean P. Kelly, Scott A. Massing, Pamela S. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20140066170
    Abstract: An outcome of a wagering game is evaluated to determine if it is a winning outcome. In response to the outcome being a winning outcome, it is determined if the winning outcome includes two or more groups of winning symbols. In response to determining that the winning outcome includes two or more groups of winning symbols, each of the two or more groups of winning symbols is visually highlight in a sequential fashion. Further, it is determined if each of the two or more groups includes winning symbols on two or more lines. In response to determining that one of the two or more groups includes winning symbols on two or more lines, the winning symbols on each of the two or more lines is visually highlighted in a sequential fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Publication number: 20140024429
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a memory device storing instructions for receiving a wager and displaying a first array of randomly selected reel symbols at respective first positions. A second array of selectable elements is displayed at respective second positions, each second position being associated with at least one respective first position. In response to the first array of randomly selected reel symbols including a triggering symbol at one of the first positions, the element at the second position associated with the one of the first positions is selected independent of player choice. An award is awarded based on the selected element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeffry L. Nauman, Nicholas Poole, Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 8628400
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 8628399
    Abstract: A gaming system and method allowing use of three dimensional objects in a wagering game. The three dimensional object includes multiple sides which are viewable by a player. Each of the multiple sides includes a symbol. An active payline contains one of the symbols. The symbols contained by the active payline are used to represent a randomly-determined result from the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Alfred Thomas, Brad Schultz, Brett Russell, Russell Savio, Peter Aponte
  • Patent number: 8622811
    Abstract: A gaming system and method includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. The memory device(s) store instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager for a base wagering game, initiate the base wagering game, initiate a bonus game, and establish a minimum bonus payout threshold for the bonus game. At least one bonus game outcome is determined for the bonus game. An aggregate award is determined for the at least one bonus game outcome. In response to the aggregate award being greater than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded. In response to the aggregate award being less than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded plus a supplemental award. The supplemental award is equal to the difference between the minimum bonus payout threshold and the aggregate award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Michael W. Mastropietro
  • Publication number: 20130344939
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system includes receiving a wager in response to an input via at least one input device. The method also includes displaying, on at least one display device, a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in a display area. The display area includes a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols forming an array. The plurality of symbols includes at least one special symbol. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a special symbol on adjacent ones of the plurality of reels, the method includes changing the functionality of the special symbols on the adjacent ones of the plurality of reels to create a modified array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeffry L. Nauman, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 8613648
    Abstract: A gaming system with asymmetric customization capabilities and a method of enabling asymmetric customization of a wagering game are disclosed. A plurality of selectable game-play features are provided for utilization during the wagering game. Players accessing the game-play features are unequally limited as to which features are available for modification, depending on means of access. All features, however, are available for game-play, regardless of means of access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 8613664
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering interface that may include a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements with each quick-bet element indicating a different total wager for a spin of the plurality of reels. Each total wager is divided among a plurality of paylines associated with positions on the reels. A window is configured to display a subset of the plurality of quick-bet elements. A quick-bet element selection slider is configured to allow each of the plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to be displayed within the window. The selection slider is movable to a plurality of positions along a slider path such that the position of the selection slider on the slider path determines the subset of quick-bet elements to be displayed in the window. A wagering interface may include a toggling element for switching from a wagering interface having a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to a classic-bet wagering interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Dion K. Aoki, Andrew Guinn, Darren Ng, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz, Tracey Wright
  • Publication number: 20130337897
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jason C. Gilmore, Thomas M. Kopera, Christy Juinsuk Olson
  • Patent number: 8608544
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeremie D. Moll, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130324213
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager and to display an array having a plurality of symbol positions, each of the symbol positions being populated by symbols located on a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels spin and stop to place symbols on the symbol-bearing reels in visual association with symbol positions of the array. At least one extended symbol indexed on a first reel visually overlaps one or more symbols on an adjacent second reel (a) as the first reel spins the extended symbol through the array and (b) without affecting a stopping position of the adjacent second reel. An award is awarded for any winning combinations defined by the symbols in the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130288782
    Abstract: A gaming machine has a wager-input device for receiving a first wager from a player to play a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game. A display displays a plurality of symbols located thereon during the basic game. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes includes a bonus-triggering outcome. A set of available game-enhancement parameters is displayed and the player is provided an option of submitting a second wager to purchase at least one of the set of available game-enhancement parameters. The set of available game-enhancement parameters provides an enhancement selected from the group consisting of: additional bonus-triggering outcomes providing a higher probability of triggering the bonus game, and enhanced awards during the bonus game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Dion K. Aoki, Joel R. Jaffe, James J. Poole, Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 8568221
    Abstract: Multi-player games that foster cooperation or competition between players. A multi-player wagering game system includes a first display to display a first wagering game; a first input device corresponding to the first display to accept input from a first player; a second display to display a second wagering game, the second display being adjacent to the first display; a second input device corresponding to the second display to accept input from a second player; and a bonus display to display a bonus game. The bonus game receiving input from both the first and the second input devices. Computer software causes the first wagering game and the second wagering game to be executed. A multi-person seating device is configured to permit the first player and the second player to sit side-by-side in front of the first display and the second display, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel Louie, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20130274012
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mary M. Burke, Michael R. Bytnar, Mark A. Hettinger, Michael W. Mastropietro, Matthew Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130267317
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to presenting wagering game content in stereoscopic 3D according to an optimal autostereoscopic view for an autostereoscopic display based on a viewing perspective of a player when the player views the wagering game content. Some embodiments are also directed to determining that the player looks away from the wagering game content and maintaining, or freezing, presentation of wagering game content in 3D according to the optimal autostereoscopic view. Some embodiments are directed to updating the optimal autostereoscopic view based on changes to the viewing perspective while the player looks away from the wagering game content. Some embodiment are also directed to changing the presentation of the wagering game content to 2D, and restoring the one or more portions to 3D based on a degree of player attentiveness after the player looks at the wagering game content again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mark B. Gagner, Sean P. Kelly, Scott A. Massing, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 8545304
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game, whereby a player at one gaming terminal is allowed to link to other gaming terminals via a player-selectable option. The wagering game may include a basic game and a bonus game. Once linked, the player can enter a bonus game that is triggered by an outcome at a linked terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Jason C. Gilmore, Thomas M. Kopera, Christy Juinsuk Olsen