Patents by Inventor Michael J. Irby, II

Michael J. Irby, II 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: 9916720
    Abstract: A method for selecting content for delivery to devices is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include registering a plurality of devices of one or more device types. The method can further include receiving usage information indicating usage of the devices and affinity information indicating user affinities associated with the devices. The method can further include detecting that a device of the plurality of devices is in-use. The method can further include determining, based on the usage information and the affinity information, game content for the device currently used. The method can further include transmitting, to the device, the game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Damon E. Gura, Michael J. Irby, II, Scott A. Massing, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9875605
    Abstract: A user-interface for a game is separately serviced to game clients based on an identifier of a site providing a selection interface for the game. Multiple user interfaces for a game are stored. A resource server receives a request for a game that includes an identification of a web site issuing the request. The resource servers uses the identification to select a user interface module from the multiple user interface modules associated with the game. The selected user interface is assembled into the game and provided to a source of the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Irby, II, Fredrik Arvidsson, Nisse A. Bergman, Per O. Hjelm, Markus P. Hogberg, Andreas D. Larsson
  • Patent number: 9830766
    Abstract: This document describes techniques for processing graphics in wagering game systems. Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter use stereoscopic 3-D graphics and 2-D graphics to present composite images including multiple views of a virtual 3-D wagering game environment. Such embodiments present the composite images on stereoscopic 3-D devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Peter J. Aponte, Michael J. Irby, II, Sean P. Kelly, Brian D. Manning, Anthony J. W. Prohl, Craig J. Sylla, John L. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9792778
    Abstract: Bundled game assets are provided to game clients based on device characteristics of a client device. The game assets can include executable modules, audio data, video data, configuration files etc. A web site, for example, a game lobby, receives a request for a game from a client device. The game lobby receives device characteristics for the client device. The game lobby sends the device characteristics to a server. The server determines if an asset bundle has already been created for the client device based on the device characteristics. If an asset bundle has already been created, the asset bundle is provided to the client device. If an asset bundle does not exist for a client device having the indicated characteristics, the system creates an asset bundle, where at least some of the assets included in the bundle are determined, based at least in part, on the indicated device characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Irby, II, Fredrik Arvidsson, Nisse A. Bergman, Per O. Hjelm, Markus P. Hogberg, Andreas D. Larsson
  • Patent number: 9704352
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include providing a wagering game for presentation, wherein the wagering game includes a first symbol set used to indicate one or more wagering game outcomes before initiation of a secondary contest. The operations can further include initiating the secondary contest, wherein the secondary contest is separate from the wagering game, and providing a second symbol set for use during the secondary contest, wherein the second symbol set is configured to indicate a promotional award for the secondary contest. The operations can further include incorporating the second symbol set into the wagering game. The operations can further include ending the secondary contest, and removing the second symbol set from the wagering game after the secondary contest ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Michael J. Irby, II, Jamie W. Vann, Thomas R. Wood
  • Patent number: 9542807
    Abstract: A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining an outcome to present for a wagering game. The wagering game includes a wagering game object configured to present the outcome using a set of possible behavioral responses. The operations can further include, based on the outcome, determining priorities for the set of possible behavioral responses and performing at least a portion of the set of possible behavioral responses according to the priorities. The operations can further include; and causing the wagering game object to present the outcome for the wagering game based on the performing the at least the portion of the set of possible behavioral responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Michael J. Irby, II, Victor T. Shi, John L. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9378612
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include accessing a wagering game object in a wagering game application running on a wagering game machine, where the wagering game object can include a plurality of degenerate polygons that form a first geometric structure for the wagering game object. The operations can further include determining a second geometric structure that is structurally distinct from the first geometric structure, and morphing the wagering game object from the first geometric structure into the second geometric structure via manipulation of the plurality of degenerate polygons. The operations can further include determining conditions that dictate the shape of the second geometric structure and morphing the wagering game object using a morphing algorithm associated with the conditions. Further, the operations can include providing outcomes and awards in accordance with the second geometric structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Marwan Y. Ansari, Michael J. Irby, II, Mark T. Sieka, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9373224
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting a primary wagering game and receiving a request to present a secondary game in connection with the primary wagering game. The primary wagering game and the secondary game can be separate applications that require interactivity with each other (e.g., provide required functionality to each other, communicate shared data with each other, etc.). The operations can further include determining that an application programming interface (“API”) provides the required interactivity so that the secondary game can function in conjunction with the primary wagering game without problems (e.g., can successfully plug-in to the primary wagering game). The operations can further determine optional and non-optional requirements and determine compatibilities based on the optional and non-optional requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Michael J. Irby, II, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9189917
    Abstract: Dynamic skinning can be propagated between a base game and a portal game. A base game and a portal game can be unidirectionally or bidirectionally “hooked” into each other to utilize perceivable elements of the other. For instance, a first set of dynamic perceivable elements are defined for a base game and a second set of dynamic perceivable elements are defined for a portal game. These sets of dynamic perceivable elements can change based on various conditions. The base game can rely on the second game (or code or configurations associated with the second game) for dynamic skinning that varies with the portal game while the portal game can rely on the base game (or code or configurations associated with the base game) for dynamic skinning that varies with the base game. Furthermore, a perceivable element can traverse a base game and a portal game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Michael J. Irby, II
  • Publication number: 20150213675
    Abstract: This document describes techniques for processing graphics in wagering game systems. Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter use stereoscopic 3-D graphics and 2-D graphics to present composite images including multiple views of a virtual 3-D wagering game environment. Such embodiments present the composite images on stereoscopic 3-D devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Peter J. Aponte, Michael J. Irby, II, Sean P. Kelly, Brian D. Manning, Anthony J.W. Prohl, Craig J. Sylla, John L. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9007367
    Abstract: This document describes techniques for processing graphics in wagering game systems. Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter use stereoscopic 3-D graphics and 2-D graphics to present composite images including multiple views of a virtual 3-D wagering game environment. Such embodiments present the composite images on stereoscopic 3-D devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Aponte, Michael J. Irby, II, Sean P. Kelly, Brian D. Manning, Anthony J. W. Prohl, Craig J. Sylla, John L. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20150087410
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting a primary wagering game and receiving a request to present a secondary game in connection with the primary wagering game. The primary wagering game and the secondary game can be separate applications that require interactivity with each other (e.g., provide required functionality to each other, communicate shared data with each other, etc.). The operations can further include determining that an application programming interface (“API”) provides the required interactivity so that the secondary game can function in conjunction with the primary wagering game without problems (e.g., can successfully plug-in to the primary wagering game). The operations can further determine optional and non-optional requirements and determine compatibilities based on the optional and non-optional requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Michael J. Irby, II, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20150087424
    Abstract: Bundled game assets are provided to game clients based on device characteristics of a client device. The game assets can include executable modules, audio data, video data, configuration files etc. A web site, for example, a game lobby, receives a request for a game from a client device. The game lobby receives device characteristics for the client device. The game lobby sends the device characteristics to a server. The server determines if an asset bundle has already been created for the client device based on the device characteristics. If an asset bundle has already been created, the asset bundle is provided to the client device. If an asset bundle does not exist for a client device having the indicated characteristics, the system creates an asset bundle, where at least some of the assets included in the bundle are determined, based at least in part, on the indicated device characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Irby, II, Fredrik Arvidsson, Nisse A. Bergman, Per O. Hjelm, Markus P. Hogberg, Andreas D. Larsson
  • Publication number: 20150087418
    Abstract: A user-interface for a game is separately serviced to game clients based on an identifier of a site providing a selection interface for the game. Multiple user interfaces for a game are stored. A resource server receives a request for a game that includes an identification of a web site issuing the request. The resource servers uses the identification to select a user interface module from the multiple user interface modules associated with the game. The selected user interface is assembled into the game and provided to a source of the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Irby, II, Fredrik Arvidsson, Nisse A. Bergman, Per O. Hjelm, Markus P. Hogberg, Andreas D. Larsson
  • Publication number: 20150038236
    Abstract: A method for selecting content for delivery to devices is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include registering a plurality of devices of one or more device types. The method can further include receiving usage information indicating usage of the devices and affinity information indicating user affinities associated with the devices. The method can further include detecting that a device of the plurality of devices is in-use. The method can further include determining, based on the usage information and the affinity information, game content for the device currently used. The method can further include transmitting, to the device, the game content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Damon E. Gura, Michael J. Irby, II, Scott A. Massing, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 8926418
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining that a secondary wagering game application is compatible with a primary wagering game application, wherein compatibility is based in-part on an ability of the primary wagering game application to provide wagering game information to the secondary wagering game application via an application programming interface. The operations can also include enabling the secondary wagering game to present a secondary wagering game in connection with a primary wagering game controlled by the primary wagering game application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Michael J. Irby, II, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20140335933
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include providing a wagering game for presentation, wherein the wagering game includes a first symbol set used to indicate one or more wagering game outcomes before initiation of a secondary contest. The operations can further include initiating the secondary contest, wherein the secondary contest is separate from the wagering game, and providing a second symbol set for use during the secondary contest, wherein the second symbol set is configured to indicate a promotional award for the secondary contest. The operations can further include incorporating the second symbol set into the wagering game. The operations can further include ending the secondary contest, and removing the second symbol set from the wagering game after the secondary contest ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Robbins, Michael J. Irby, II, Jamie W. Vann, Thomas R. Wood
  • Publication number: 20140248934
    Abstract: A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more events that occur within a wagering game. The wagering game can feature a wagering game object that can automatically (e.g., intelligently) respond to the one or more events. The behavior controller system can use event-driven behavior controllers, such as a behavior tree. The behavior controller system can determine, and activate, tasks on the behavior tree that cause the wagering game object to respond to the one or more events. In some embodiments, the behavior controller system can also prioritize tasks that may be performed by behavior trees to prevent conflicts between wagering game objects during a wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Michael J. Irby, II, Victor T. Shi, John L. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20140135128
    Abstract: Dynamic skinning can be propagated between a base game and a portal game. A base game and a portal game can be unidirectionally or bidirectionally “hooked” into each other to utilize perceivable elements of the other. For instance, a first set of dynamic perceivable elements are defined for a base game and a second set of dynamic perceivable elements are defined for a portal game. These sets of dynamic perceivable elements can change based on various conditions. The base game can rely on the second game (or code or configurations associated with the second game) for dynamic skinning that varies with the portal game while the portal game can rely on the base game (or code or configurations associated with the base game) for dynamic skinning that varies with the base game. Furthermore, a perceivable element can traverse a base game and a portal game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Michael J. Irby, II
  • Patent number: 8672752
    Abstract: This document describes inter alia a method for presenting an interface on a wagering game machine, where the interface includes a plurality of wagering game icons, and where each of the wagering game icons indicates a wagering game that is available on the wagering game machine. The method can include presenting wagering game icons in an interface, wherein the wagering game icons form a row, and wherein each wagering game icon occupies a position in the row, and detecting a sweeping screen touch on a touch screen. The method can also include shifting, based on the sweeping screen touch, the wagering game icons to different positions in the row, where the shifting causes a wagering game icon at an end position in the row to disappear from the interface, and where the shifting also causes a new wagering game icon to appear at another end position in the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Michael J. Irby, II, Larry J. Pacey, Scott H. Schulhof, Tracey L. Wright