Patents by Inventor Mark Hettinger
Mark Hettinger 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).
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Publication number: 20250117614Abstract: A dual standard RFID chip for use with one or more electronic table systems comprises a carrier body and first and second RFID chips mounted with respect to the carrier body. The first and second RFID chips are encoded with a first RFID standard and a second RFID standard different from the first RFID standard. A first inlay may be mounted to the carrier body where the first inlay comprises the first RFID chip encoded with the first RFID standard. A second inlay is mounted to the carrier body where the second inlay comprises the second RFID chip encoded with the second RFID standard. The first RFID standard is a Mode 2 RFID standard and the second RFID standard is a Mode 3 RFID standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2024Publication date: April 10, 2025Inventors: Heinz Zollinger, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 12175837Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic game table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic game table).Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLCInventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20240078873Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic game table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic game table).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 11847889Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLCInventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20220254229Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 11315388Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLCInventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20200265677Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 10643429Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLCInventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20180122187Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a physical game element such as a wagering chip or a playing card may be utilized to implement a promotion scheme on an electronic card table (e.g., using RFID or optical imaging technology). During a game it may be determined whether the element is associated with special functionality (e.g., entitles the player to a payout multiplier, special payout table, bonus prize or other benefit). The special functionality may have been previously associated with the element or associated with the element during the game (e.g., dynamically and/or randomly). In accordance with some embodiments a player is not able to readily discern the special functionality by a physical inspection of the physical game element and is only notified of the special functionality once the physical game element is used in a qualifying action (e.g., during a wager at an electronic card table).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 8184824Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for providing audio to players of a gaming machine and to nearby players. According to preferred implementations, sounds intended for a person currently using a gaming machine are distinguished from second sounds intended for persons who are not currently using the gaming machine. The former sounds are directed to the player of the gaming machine by one or more methods and/or devices. For example, the gaming machine may include a device for producing ultrasonic waves (e.g., in a beam) that produce the first sounds via interaction with a medium, a sound dome, a speaker array, or other devices for producing directional sound. The sound may be directed to a predetermined area near the gaming machine. Alternatively, the sound may be directed to an area at or near where the player is detected to be, where the player's player tracking card is detected to be, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Mark Hettinger, Jamal Benbrahim, Scott Boyd
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Patent number: 7908169Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a total coin-in amount wagered at a new leased gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: IGTInventor: Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 7890365Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling corresponding to a flat fee amount.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: IGTInventor: Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 7666090Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a new gaming machine net win amount.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: IGTInventor: Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20070111782Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2007Publication date: May 17, 2007Applicant: IGTInventors: William Adams, Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20070036368Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and devices for providing audio to players of a gaming machine and to nearby players. According to preferred implementations, sounds intended for a person currently using a gaming machine are distinguished from second sounds intended for persons who are not currently using the gaming machine. The former sounds are directed to the player of the gaming machine by one or more methods and/or devices. For example, the gaming machine may include a device for producing ultrasonic waves (e.g., in a beam) that produce the first sounds via interaction with a medium, a sound dome, a speaker array, or other devices for producing directional sound. The sound may be directed to a predetermined area near the gaming machine. Alternatively, the sound may be directed to an area at or near where the player is detected to be, where the player's player tracking card is detected to be, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: February 15, 2007Inventors: Mark Hettinger, Jamal Benbrahim, Scott Boyd
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Publication number: 20060167708Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amunt equaling corresponding to a flat fee amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2005Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventor: Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20060166733Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a new gaming machine net win amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2005Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventor: Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20060167707Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a total coin-in amount wagered at a new leased gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2005Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventor: Mark Hettinger
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Publication number: 20050164776Abstract: Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2005Publication date: July 28, 2005Applicant: IGTInventors: William Adams, Mark Hettinger
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Patent number: 6712693Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing the player of an electronically-controlled gaming device with greater control of selected parameters of the game. The value or frequency of occurrence of selected game elements or combinations of elements may be ranked or re-ranked from preset orders and/or values by a player of the gaming device to accommodate individual preferences as to winning elements or combinations of elements. The association and size of award payouts with certain elements or combinations may be varied. The microprocessor or other programmed controller for the gaming device automatically adjusts other parameters of the game in response to player input or adjustment of selected parameters to maintain a selected house advantage for the gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: IGTInventor: Mark Hettinger