Patents by Inventor Kazuo Okada

Kazuo Okada 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: 8182331
    Abstract: A gaming machine executes a second game based on game results of a first game. The second game is a game that awards a prize corresponding to an option a player selects from a plurality of options. In the second game, based on speech input by the player, the gaming machine identifies a language to be used by the player. Then, the gaming machine provides the player with information based on a game history for the second game. Then, the gaming machine expresses the information based on the game history in the identified language to be used by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8177623
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in a number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in a number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C), when a game is played in which game media are
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8177626
    Abstract: When a player starts playing a game by operating a MAXBET button (e.g. when the bet count is 30 bets) and determined that the currently owned credit count is insufficient to the credit count required for the MAX bet, the current game rate set in a slot machine (the credit count per bet required for betting) is changed to a lower game rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Masatsugu Kobayashi, Toshiya Ogawa, Mayumi Takeda
  • Publication number: 20120115586
    Abstract: A device for reading information data recording medium, which is capable of reducing failure to take an IC card that is ejected from a gaming machine, is provided. When it is determined that the information data recording medium exists at an eject position and when it is determined that a player does not exist, the information data recording medium is carried from the eject position to a housing position by means of a carrying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC., UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Jun Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8172673
    Abstract: A return is reliably executed to a player who has paid a predetermined amount to a game machine. The timing of this return is determined by lottery, and its result is displayed on the game machine. This thrills the player with expectation of the return, thereby keeping the player long on the same game machine. As the result, it is avoidable that the player waiting for a prize for a long time loses enthusiasm for the game and keeps away from the hall (i.e., a reduction in the number of customers).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8172664
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols, and a controller programmed to conduct processing of (A) executing a game in which, after game media in number equal to or less than a predetermined maximum number of BETs are bet, the plurality of symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and game media in number according to the arranged symbols or combinations are paid out; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C) and also shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a game ending condition which enables a player
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8172666
    Abstract: A slot machine according to the present invention includes: a plurality of reels having thereon plural types of symbols set in array; a display device having a symbol matrix display region having therein the plurality of symbols set in array on the reel, and a symbol image display region for displaying a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display image; a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the reel, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and a controller for controlling the reels, the display device, and the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8148811
    Abstract: This invention is directed to offer a semiconductor device in which a cavity space is easily provided in a specific region when a supporting member is bonded to a semiconductor substrate through an adhesive layer, and its manufacturing method. A resist layer is applied to an entire top surface of the semiconductor substrate 2, and exposure to transfer a pattern is performed. By subsequent development and selective removal of the resist layer, the resist layer is formed into a shape of a plurality of columnar structures 4. Then, an adhesive material made of an epoxy resin or the like is applied to the entire top surface of the semiconductor substrate 2. The adhesive material is gathered around the columnar structures 4 by itself to form an adhesive layer 5. Therefore, in contrast, the adhesive layer 5 does not deposit in a region where the cavity is to be formed. Then, the supporting member 6 is bonded through the columnar structures 4 and the adhesive layer 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignees: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC, SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shinogi, Katsuhiko Kitagawa, Kazuo Okada, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8128484
    Abstract: A game system for playing a basic game, includes: slot machines which, when a combination of “BONUS” symbols stop in a winning line, transmit a signal for switching to a roulette game; a second game device, separate from the slot machines, which executes a second game; and a display for displaying an image corresponding to game status of the second game device. In cases in which the switching signal has been transmitted from any one of the slot machines, other slot machines enter a mode that allows the players at the other slot machines to participate in the second game. Furthermore, the game system includes a central controller which can communicate with the slot machines, the second game device, and the display, and which, upon reception of the switching signal from the slot machine, transmits a roulette game start signal to start the roulette game in the second game device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8123615
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a gaming machine executing a game and paying out a predetermined amount of credits according to a game result; generating voice data based on a player's voice; identifying a voice pattern corresponding to the voice data by retrieving the dialogue voice database and identifying a type of voice corresponding to the voice data, so as to store the voice data along with the voice pattern into the memory; calculating a value indicative of a game result, and updating the play history data stored in the memory using the result of the calculation; comparing the play history data thus updated with a predetermined threshold value data; generating voice data according to the voice pattern based on the play history data if the play history data thus updated exceeds the predetermined threshold value data; and outputting voices from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8105154
    Abstract: A gaming machine determines a winning combination by lottery. A first special game state is determined as a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination. A second special game state is provided in which a predetermined number of game media is paid out when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value. A payout mode is selected in the special game state from a plurality of predetermined payout modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8102039
    Abstract: This invention is directed to offer a package type semiconductor device that can realize a smaller size device and its manufacturing method as well as a small stacked layer type semiconductor device and its manufacturing method. A device component 1 and a pad electrode 4 electrically connected with the device component 1 are formed on a semiconductor substrate 2. A supporting member 7 is bonded to a surface of the semiconductor substrate 2 through an adhesive layer 6. There is formed a through-hole 15 in the supporting member 7 penetrating from its top surface to a back surface. Electrical connection with another device is made possible through the through-hole 15. A depressed portion 12 is formed in a partial region of the top surface of the supporting member 7. Therefore, all or a portion of another device or a component can be disposed utilizing a space in the depressed portion 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignees: SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Takashi Noma, Yuichi Morita, Hiroshi Yamada, Kazuo Okada, Katsuhiko Kitagawa, Noboru Okubo, Shinzo Ishibe, Hiroyuki Shinogi
  • Patent number: 8100767
    Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a game value difference; voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer 136 corresponding to the game value difference from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90, when the game value difference reaches a predetermined value; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8096867
    Abstract: A slot machine 10 is provided with a display device 30 for displaying an image and display control means for causing the display device 30 to display an image relating to a game. The slot machine 10 is further provided with a subsidiary control board 74 having the display control means packaged therein, and a scale board 76 having control means packaged therein for accepting image signals fed from the display control means, to convert the image signals into enlarged image signals having a larger display size than that displayed by the image signals, thereby to feed the enlarged image signals to the display device 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8096870
    Abstract: A display displays a frame of image associated with a unit game, a counter to be reset under a prescribed condition increments a count value along with execution of the unit game, and a controller determines by an external input an upper limit of a number of bet pieces of monetary value as a condition for acquisition of an insurance pay in the unit game, pays out a prescribed number of pieces of monetary value for the play result of the unit game to be a special play result, accepts, within a range of the upper limit of the number of bet pieces, a bet of monetary value as the condition for acquisition of the insurance pay, and gives the insurance pay for the count value having reached a preset upper limit count value in the unit game having the bet of monetary value as the condition for acquisition of the insurance pay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8083580
    Abstract: A slot machine includes a symbol display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols, and a controller. A mode shifts from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on a condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted. A number of games in which game media are BET in a number equal to a previously set maximum number of BETs after shifting to said insurance mode, in said insurance mode, is counted. A game in which game media are BET in a number not equal to said previously set maximum number of BETs is not counted. A predetermined number of game media are paid out when the number of games counted in the counting reaches a specific number. The mode shifts from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode while holding the number of games counted in the counting when a predetermined insurance canceling condition is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8083587
    Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a self game value difference; transmitting the self game value difference to outside; receiving someone's game value difference from outside; when the self game value difference and the someone's game value difference are in a predetermined relationship, voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer at volume corresponding to the predetermined relationship from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8083579
    Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a mechanical reel device provided with a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral face; an image display device which is provided at a front of the mechanical reel device and is capable of changing the state of the backside thereof from visible to invisible by displaying an image; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the mechanical reel device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mod
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Publication number: 20110313551
    Abstract: A controller is provided which includes: a function whereby, in a case that the game mode has been switched to the free game mode, a mini game is executed; a function whereby, each time the mini game is executed, selection data is received from a first input device, and determination is made based upon the received selection data as to whether accumulated points are to be updated; a function whereby, in a case that determination has been made that the accumulated points are to be updated, the points that correspond to the received selection data are added to the accumulated points, thereby updating the accumulated points; and a function whereby, after the mini game has been executed a predetermined number of times, the number of extra free games, which are extra games provided in addition to the free game, is determined according to the updated accumulated points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC., Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA
  • Publication number: 20110312396
    Abstract: It is determined whether to execute a mini game at least during execution of a basic game. When it is determined to execute the mini game, it is displayed the predetermined number of penalty-kick shoot-out images in a display. When the penalty-kick shoot-out ends in victory, a point-number corresponding to the number of victory times is added to an accumulated point-number. Then, a free game is executed in accordance with the accumulated point-number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Kazuo OKADA