Patents by Inventor Nicole Beaulieu
Nicole Beaulieu 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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Patent number: 9947171Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning. The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20170004676Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning. The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Patent number: 9460583Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning. The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20150087394Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Patent number: 8888579Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning. The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Patent number: 8187073Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Greg Schlottman, Dwayne R. Nelson
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Patent number: 7901289Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming apparatus is provided. The gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a microprocessor and a memory operatively coupled to the microprocessor. The controller may be configured to generate a representation of a game display in a three dimensional (3D) graphics space, and to convert a view of the 3D graphics space into display data for display on the display unit, the view including the game display. The controller may also be configured to cause the display unit to display the display data, the display data including the view of the 3D graphics space, and to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may additionally be configured to cause the display unit to display a secondary display, the secondary display overlapping, at least in part, the game display, wherein the secondary display appears at least partially transparent.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Gregory A. Schlottmann, Johnny L. Palchetti, Robert E. Breckner, Nicole Beaulieu
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Publication number: 20080188303Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming apparatus is provided. The gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a microprocessor and a memory operatively coupled to the microprocessor. The controller may be configured to generate a representation of a game display in a three dimensional (3D) graphics space, and to convert a view of the 3D graphics space into display data for display on the display unit, the view including the game display. The controller may also be configured to cause the display unit to display the display data, the display data including the view of the 3D graphics space, and to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may additionally be configured to cause the display unit to display a secondary display, the secondary display overlapping, at least in part, the game display, wherein the secondary display appears at least partially transparent.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Gregory A. Schlottmann, Johnny L. Palchetti, Robert E. Breckner, Nicole Beaulieu
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Publication number: 20080096656Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows a game flow software module used to generate a game of chance on the gaming machine to be decoupled from a game presentation software module used to present the game chance. Thus, a group of games may be designed where the games share a common game flow software module but use different game presentation software modules to change the look and feel of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Steven LeMay, Dwayne Nelson, Robert Breckner, Greg Schlottmann, Nicole Beaulieu, Johnny Palchetti, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20080058055Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows a game flow software module used to generate a game of chance on the gaming machine to be decoupled from a game presentation software module used to present the game chance. Thus, a group of games may be designed where the games share a common game flow software module but use different game presentation software modules to change the look and feel of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Steven LeMay, Dwayne Nelson, Robert Breckner, Greg Schlottmann, Nicole Beaulieu, Johnny Palchetti, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20080045331Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: IGTInventors: Steven LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim, Richard Rowe, Robert Breckner, Nicole Beaulieu, Greg Schlottmann
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Publication number: 20070087841Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2006Publication date: April 19, 2007Applicant: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Greg Schlottman, Dwayne Nelson
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Patent number: 7179169Abstract: A gaming apparatus that comprises a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller comprises a processor and a memory that are operatively coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, and to cause a display portion representing an image of a rotating wheel to be generated on the display unit, wherein the rotating wheel has a section with a symbol displayed thereon. The controller is programmed to cause the symbol image to be displayed in a first orientation relative to the wheel when the wheel lies in a first angular orientation and to cause the symbol image to be adjusted so that the symbol image is displayed in a second orientation that is angularly spaced from the first angular orientation. The controller is also programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game incorporating the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Robert Breckner
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Patent number: 7169052Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Greg Schlottman, Dwayne R. Nelson
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Publication number: 20050233799Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2005Publication date: October 20, 2005Inventors: Steven LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim, Richard Rowe, Robert Breckner, Nicole Beaulieu, Greg Schlottmann
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Publication number: 20050192092Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine is designed to execute a modular gaming software architecture. A plurality of gaming software modules may be loaded into RAM on the gaming machine and executed to play a game of chance. Many of the gaming software modules are designed to communicate via application program interfaces so that the logic in many of the gaming software modules may be designed independently of each other. In particular, the modular gaming software architecture allows presentation state logic to be decoupled from implementations of presentation components, such as graphical, audio and gaming device components, used in a presentation of the game of chance on a gaming machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2005Publication date: September 1, 2005Inventors: Robert Breckner, Greg Schlottmann, Nicole Beaulieu, Steven LeMay, Dwayne Nelson, Johnny Palchetti, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20050075167Abstract: A gaming machine is described having a gaming controller operable to control one or more games of chance played on the gaming machine. A memory stores 3-D data corresponding to a 3-D gaming environment. Gaming logic renders a plurality of images of the 3-D gaming environment for presentation on the machine's display. The images depict manipulation of one or more aspects of the 3-D gaming environment by a user. A user interface provides user input to facilitate the manipulation of the one or more aspects of the 3-D gaming environment by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: April 7, 2005Inventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven LeMay, Johnny Palchetti, Greg Schlottmann, Robert Breckner, John Hostetler
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Publication number: 20050032568Abstract: A wagering gaming device that physically stimulates an input device of the gaming device to stimulate a player. The input device, includes a component stimulator and an actuation member. The input devices sends a signal or plurality of signals to a processor upon actuation of the actuation member of the input device. The processor sends an electronic signal to the component stimulator. The component stimulator causes the physical stimulation of the actuation member. The player feels this movement, which may be in correlation to the image being displayed by a display device. This physical stimulation of an input device may be employed in any suitable manner in relation to a game in a wagering gaming device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventors: Chauncey Griswold, Harold Mattice, Christian Gadda, Richard Wilder, Nicole Beaulieu, Aaron Jones
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Publication number: 20040235558Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning. The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: IGTInventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Steven G. LeMay, Jamal Benbrahim
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Publication number: 20040171417Abstract: A gaming apparatus that comprises a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller comprises a processor and a memory that are operatively coupled to the processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, and to cause a display portion representing an image of a rotating wheel to be generated on the display unit, wherein the rotating wheel has a section with a symbol displayed thereon. The controller is programmed to cause the symbol image to be displayed in a first orientation relative to the wheel when the wheel lies in a first angular orientation and to cause the symbol image to be adjusted so that the symbol image is displayed in a second orientation that is angularly spaced from the first angular orientation. The controller is also programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a game incorporating the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Nicole Beaulieu, Robert Breckner