Patents by Inventor Matthew R. Fitzsimons

Matthew R. Fitzsimons 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: 9595157
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 9064372
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20140274298
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 8591324
    Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises displaying the wagering game and at least one progressive award, receiving a wager to play the wagering game, and upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, offering the at least one progressive award. The method further comprises determining whether or not the at least one progressive award has been accepted, and if the at least one progressive award has not been accepted, banking a progressive enhancement. The method further comprises, upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, applying the progressive enhancement to the at least one progressive award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Steven J. Lee, James M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8403743
    Abstract: A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 8251795
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 8235798
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, and a controller operatively coupled to the display and the wager input device to operate in a plurality of selectable game modes of which a selected one is a current game mode. The display has an array of reel strips. Each of the selectable game modes is respectively associated with a subset of the reel strips of the array. A first game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of a second game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes. The second game mode has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of the first game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, James M. Rasmussen, Eric T. Ryan, Steven J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8197338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content signal associated with regulated operations. The method can also include determining whether an enable signal is detected. Additionally, if the enable signal is not detected, the method can call for prohibiting performance of the regulated operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Steven J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8128477
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Patent number: 8096878
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20110111845
    Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises displaying the wagering game and at least one progressive award, receiving a wager to play the wagering game, and upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, offering the at least one progressive award. The method further comprises determining whether or not the at least one progressive award has been accepted, and if the at least one progressive award has not been accepted, banking a progressive enhancement. The method further comprises, upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, applying the progressive enhancement to the at least one progressive award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: VMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Steven J. Lee, James M. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20100248809
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, and a controller operatively coupled to the display and the wager input device to operate in a plurality of selectable game modes of which a selected one is a current game mode. The display has an array of reel strips. Each of the selectable game modes is respectively associated with a subset of the reel strips of the array. A first game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of a second game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes. The second game mode has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of the first game mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, James M. Rasmussen, Eric T. Ryan, Steven J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20100167810
    Abstract: Systems and methods for suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content signal associated with regulated operations. The method can also include determining whether an enable signal is detected. Additionally, if the enable signal is not detected, the method can call for prohibiting performance of the regulated operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: WMS GAMING INC.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Steven J. Lee
  • Patent number: 7654899
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a controller for conducting the wagering game, and a video projector coupled to the controller. The display region includes a plurality of projection surfaces secured to floating screen assemblies. The video projector simulates mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region. The video projector displays images of a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of said wagering game. The images are projected onto the projection surfaces within the display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20090312095
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Caterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20090280888
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20090137302
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided wherein a plurality of gaming system clusters are positioned in a casino, wherein each cluster includes a server computing system and a plurality of client computer systems arranged in proximity to one another. A plurality of client computer systems are provided, wherein each client computing system includes a client software program, a display device and random access memory. A plurality of wagering game machine program components are used by the client software program to provide a game to a user. The server computing system includes one or more server software components and one or more data storage devices, with the server computing system in communication with the client computer systems. One or more of the wagering game machine program components are stored in the one or more data storage devices. With the one or more server software components adapted to provide gaming program components to one or more of the client computer systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Samuel D. Ralston, Vladimir I. Arezina, Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Ryan S. Mak, Vikram Swamy
  • Publication number: 20090075721
    Abstract: A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, James M. Rasmussen, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20080182652
    Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered via at least one mechanical reel and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The liquid crystal display has at leas tone transparent portion through which the mechanical reel or reels can be observed. A blocking mechanism is operable to selectively limit visibility through the LCD transparent portion, such as for display of graphics on the transparent portion of the LCD display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: James M. Rasmussen, Ranjan Dasgupta, Matthew R. Fitzsimons, Samuel D. Ralston
  • Publication number: 20080113755
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: JAMES M. RASMUSSEN, Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Alfred Thomas, Vladimir I. Arezina, Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado, Samuel D. Ralston, Matthew R. Fitzsimons