Patents by Inventor Lisa M. Helfer

Lisa M. Helfer 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: 9070246
    Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed where the player characters or avatars learn from the experiences of previous games. Thus, the player characters or avatars in effect remember the paths they have taken and/or the choices they have selected previously. This learning or remembrance may occur across multiple games and may be manifested by visual and/or audio reminders, including removal of the previously taken paths/choices. Other indicators such as audio or text messages may also be used. The player characters or avatars may also refuse or be reluctant to repeat a particular path/choice. In this way, the player may retain the benefits of his earlier efforts, thereby increasing player excitement and enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: WMS GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Fiden, Lisa M. Helfer, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 8425323
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for operating a wagering game terminal where players are allowed to transfer game assets that they may have accumulated to other players. The game assets may be transferred as part of an on-line auction won by one of the other players, as a gift to a preselected player, or as part of a trade with a preselected player. Neither the transferring player nor the receiving player is required to be present at a wagering game terminal at the time of the transfer. The transfer may be an anonymous transfer or it may be an identity-based transfer. For identity-based transfers, a predefined list of selected players may be used to facilitate the transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Fiden, Lisa M. Helfer, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 7780511
    Abstract: A gaming machine is provided for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes a wager-input device and at least one display for displaying a bonus game of the wagering game. The bonus game has a plurality of outcomes. A probability of winning a certain one or more of the plurality of outcomes varies in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event during the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Casey, Phillip B. Gelber, Lisa M. Helfer, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20100130276
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for operating a wagering game terminal where players are allowed to transfer game assets that they may have accumulated to other players. The game assets may be transferred as part of an on-line auction won by one of the other players, as a gift to a preselected player, or as part of a trade with a preselected player. Neither the transferring player nor the receiving player is required to be present at a wagering game terminal at the time of the transfer. The transfer may be an anonymous transfer or it may be an identity-based transfer. For identity-based transfers, a predefined list of selected players may be used to facilitate the transfers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel P. Fiden, Lisa M. Helfer, Matthew J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080293473
    Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed where the player characters or avatars learn from the experiences of previous games. Thus, the player characters or avatars in effect remember the paths they have taken and/or the choices they have selected previously. This learning or remembrance may occur across multiple games and may be manifested by visual and/or audio reminders, including removal of the previously taken paths/choices. Other indicators such as audio or text messages may also be used. The player characters or avatars may also refuse or be reluctant to repeat a particular path/choice. In this way, the player may retain the benefits of his earlier efforts, thereby increasing player excitement and enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Fiden, Lisa M. Helfer, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 7341511
    Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game. The gaming terminal includes an input device for receiving a wager input from a player of the gaming terminal. A display is provided for displaying a game outcome randomly selected from a plurality of game outcomes in a basic game including a start bonus game outcome in response to receiving the wager input. The basic game includes a nonlinear path extending in three dimensions and at least one movable element for representing a bonus game outcome. The moveable element moves along the nonlinear path in response to the start bonus game outcome being selected in the basic game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Fiden, Lisa M. Helfer