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).

  • Publication number: 20250117614
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Heinz Zollinger, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 12175837
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20240078873
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 11847889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20220254229
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 11315388
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20200265677
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 10643429
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20180122187
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Michael Russell, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 8184824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark Hettinger, Jamal Benbrahim, Scott Boyd
  • Patent number: 7908169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 7890365
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 7666090
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20070111782
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Adams, Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20070036368
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Hettinger, Jamal Benbrahim, Scott Boyd
  • Publication number: 20060167708
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20060166733
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20060167707
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger
  • Publication number: 20050164776
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: William Adams, Mark Hettinger
  • Patent number: 6712693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Mark Hettinger