Patents by Inventor Lawrence C. McAllister

Lawrence C. McAllister 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: 9117335
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels on a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8821282
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20140243070
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels on a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8550913
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8366541
    Abstract: Methods for receiving and processing input on a gaming machine using a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. Gaming machines having a virtual user interface are also disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game. The gaming machine also includes a virtual interface controller for generating and presenting a virtual user interface on a surface of the gaming machine where the virtual user interface receives user input for gaming or non-gaming functions. The gaming machine also includes a game controller in communication with the game display and the virtual interface controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8323093
    Abstract: An enhanced gaming system utilizes a touch panel as a user control device for game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a gaming device environment. The enhanced gaming system includes a set of reels, a panel, and a user control device. The panel overlays a set of reels. The set of reels are visible through at least one portion of the panel. The user control interface includes a substantially transparent touch panel overlaying the reels. In one embodiment, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin direction in correspondence with direction in which the touch panel is touched by the user. In another aspect, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin speed in correspondence with the speed in which the user touches the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence C. McAllister, James W. Morrow, Richard Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 8272957
    Abstract: Gaming systems having touch panels as user control devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a curved display system for displaying a game. The curved display system has a curved material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved display system also includes a digital light projection device for projecting images of one or more reels onto the curved material. The gaming system also includes a touch screen system positioned in front of the curved material. The touch screen system has a touch sensor assembly having a substantially transparent touch panel that produces touch data when activated, a touch panel controller for controlling and interpreting the touch data, and touch panel software for controlling and interpreting touch data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, III, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8267772
    Abstract: A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Isaac, John Kenneth Kearns, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20120220360
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8241124
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8177638
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8137185
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John Vallejo R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20110300937
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, JR., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8012021
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20090258697
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20090258701
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, JR., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20090069070
    Abstract: Gaming systems having touch panels as user control devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a curved display system for displaying a game. The curved display system has a curved material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved display system also includes a digital light projection device for projecting images of one or more reels onto the curved material. The gaming system also includes a touch screen system positioned in front of the curved material. The touch screen system has a touch sensor assembly having a substantially transparent touch panel that produces touch data when activated, a touch panel controller for controlling and interpreting the touch data, and touch panel software for controlling and interpreting touch data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, JR., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20090069069
    Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, JR., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister