Patents by Inventor Michael R. Bytnar

Michael R. Bytnar 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: 20220262192
    Abstract: An example system of the present disclosure is configured to detect (e.g., by a processor of the system), in response to a wireless device being in proximity to a wagering game machine, a request to pair the wireless device with the wagering game machine. The system is further configured to, in response to detection of the request to pair the wireless device with the wagering game machine, automatically obtain, without user input, secret information from either the wireless device or from a configuration device accessible via a network. The system is further configured to generate, based on the secret information, an encryption key, and automatically pair the wireless device with the wagering game machine using the encryption key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Mark B. GAGNER, Timothy C. LOOSE, Larry J. PACEY, Scott H. SCHULHOF
  • Patent number: 11335155
    Abstract: In some embodiments a wagering game system comprises a personal area network device configured to render media content including results of a wagering game. The system can include a wagering game machine configured to determine and provide the wagering game results to the personal area network device. The wagering game machine can include a personal area network device transceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area network device, the data including the wagering game results, and a personal area network controller configured to detect the personal area network device, to procure an identification code for the personal area network device without player input, and to authenticate the personal area network device by use of the identification code. The system can also include a repository configured to store the identification code in association with a player identifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering game machine upon request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy C. Loose, Larry J. Pacey, Scott H. Schulhof
  • Patent number: 10699520
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
  • Publication number: 20200013254
    Abstract: In some embodiments a wagering game system comprises a personal area network device configured to render media content including results of a wagering game. The system can include a wagering game machine configured to determine and provide the wagering game results to the personal area network device. The wagering game machine can include a personal area network device transceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area network device, the data including the wagering game results, and a personal area network controller configured to detect the personal area network device, to procure an identification code for the personal area network device without player input, and to authenticate the personal area network device by use of the identification code. The system can also include a repository configured to store the identification code in association with a player identifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering game machine upon request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy C. Loose, Larry J. Pacey, Scott H. Schulhof
  • Patent number: 10395465
    Abstract: In some embodiments a wagering game system comprises a personal area network device configured to render media content including results of a wagering game. The system can include a wagering game machine configured to determine and provide the wagering game results to the personal area network device. The wagering game machine can include a personal area network device transceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area network device, the data including the wagering game results, and a personal area network controller configured to detect the personal area network device, to procure an identification code for the personal area network device without player input, and to authenticate the personal area network device by use of the identification code. The system can also include a repository configured to store the identification code in association with a player identifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering game machine upon request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy C. Loose, Larry J. Pacey, Scott H. Schulhof
  • Publication number: 20190096172
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
  • Patent number: 10163298
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent DiCillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
  • Publication number: 20180082524
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
  • Patent number: 9858751
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20160093154
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20160027244
    Abstract: A Near Field Communication (NFC) is established between a wagering game machine and a mobile device. The mobile device receives a credit amount from an account server that is communicably coupled to the mobile device via a network other than the Near Field Communication. The mobile device transfers the credit amount to the wagering game machine via the Near Field Communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Michael R. Bytnar, Craig J. Sylla, Gerardus A. Weijers
  • Patent number: 9230400
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mary M. Burke, Michael R. Bytnar, Mark A. Hettinger, Michael W. Mastropietro, Matthew Wilson
  • Patent number: 9171417
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided wherein, in one example embodiment, a gaming machine includes a computing platform and a software program executing on the computing platform to provide a gaming experience to a user of the gaming machine, and there are provided one or more hardware or software components operative on the computing platform to detect faults occurring on the platform. At least one fault recovery software component is also operative on the gaming platform, and the fault recovery software component is adapted to operate in response to the detection of a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Robertus A. Kloes, Michael R. Bytnar, Matthew Huy-Gia Phan, Jorge Luis Shimabukuro
  • Patent number: 9153095
    Abstract: A method includes establishing a Near Field Communication (NFC) between a wagering game machine and a mobile device, without a manual configuration and a manual intervention. The method includes receiving, into the wagering game machine, player identification data from the mobile device through the Near Field Communication. The method includes authenticating the player identification data, wherein the authenticating is at least part of a player login into a wagering game account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Michael R. Bytnar, Craig J. Sylla, Gerardus A. Weijers
  • Patent number: 8974304
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting abnormal behavior of a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an operating characteristic value, wherein the operating characteristic value indicates a value of an operating characteristic of a wagering game machine and based on a set of previous operating characteristic values of the operating characteristic, determining whether the operating characteristic value is within a normal operating range. In the embodiment the method also includes performing a fault operation if the operating characteristic value is not within the normal operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Michael R. Bytnar, Robertus A. Kloes
  • Patent number: 8974297
    Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems, and methods of reconfiguring a display device are presented herein. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed, which includes an input device configured to receive a wager to play the wagering game, a cabinet, and a display device operatively mounted to the cabinet. The display device has an electronic graphical display screen that is operable to dynamically display information related to the wagering game. The display screen is configured to physically change shape and/or size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Massing, Frank E. Rodriguez, Timothy C. Loose, James M. Rasmussen, Kenneth M. Ross, Miguel A. Vega, Michael R. Bytnar
  • Patent number: 8968084
    Abstract: This description describes wagering game systems that process metadata. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wagering game presentation unit configured to present wagering games and create extended metadata and wager gaming content. The apparatus can also include operating system modules configured to store the wager gaming content as a file in a file system and to store the extended metadata at locations associated with the file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Craig J. Sylla
  • Publication number: 20130324237
    Abstract: A method includes establishing a Near Field Communication (NFC) between a wagering game machine and a mobile device, without a manual configuration and a manual intervention. The method includes receiving, into the wagering game machine, player identification data from the mobile device through the Near Field Communication. The method includes authenticating the player identification data, wherein the authenticating is at least part of a player login into a wagering game account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Michael R. Bytnar, Craig J. Sylla, Gerardus A. Weijers
  • Publication number: 20130274012
    Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mary M. Burke, Michael R. Bytnar, Mark A. Hettinger, Michael W. Mastropietro, Matthew Wilson
  • Patent number: 8506395
    Abstract: A mesh communications wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include tracking any number of wireless mesh network devices in relation to a wagering boundary so that the system can manage wagering games. In some embodiments, the operation can include incentivizing players to encourage other players to participate in a mesh network, thus increasing the efficiency of the mesh network. In some embodiments, the operations can include coordinating the presentation of wagering game content between mesh enabled devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Steven J. Lee, Nevin J. Liber, Jason A. Smith