Patents by Inventor Peter R. Anderson
Peter R. Anderson 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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Publication number: 20140315629Abstract: Some examples described include a system to perform operations that include accessing a user account responsive to communication with a plug-in of a web browser. In some examples, the operations further include providing gaming information associated with the user account. The plug-in is configured to present the gaming information in a graphical-user-interface object of the web browser. The graphical-user-interface object is separate from a main display area of the web browser. In some examples, the operations further include, based on user interaction with the graphical-user-interface object, providing content that is related to the gaming information for presentation via the main display area of the web browser.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 8864582Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to manage attract software package access, storage, and execution scheduling for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine may operate to determine the availability of one or more attract packages, as well as to determine whether any available attract packages comprise an active attract package based on one or more schedules. The gaming machine may access one or more of the available, active attract packages and present them. The attract packages and associated schedules can be loaded into the gaming machine using a number of mechanisms, including a server and a machine-readable medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Kevin Kahley
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Publication number: 20140287823Abstract: A layout pattern of a plurality of possible layout patterns for wagering game machines is determined. An input indicating a location of a wagering game machine within the layout patter is received. A mapping of the wagering game machine to the location within the layout pattern is stored.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, David E. Detlefsen, Jacob C. Greenberg, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Victor V. Lerias, III, Timothy D. Wilson
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Patent number: 8840459Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a plurality of game cards that may be read by one or more card readers of the gaming machine. The game cards may provide a variety of enhancements for the gaming machine, including enhanced game features, enhanced rules of game play, enhanced game characters, and the like. Players may collect the game cards for use in the gaming machine in hopes of increasing their likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome or altering the characteristics of the game to offer more entertaining variations on game play. The players may also trade the game cards with one another and with the casino, thereby creating excitement and interest in the gaming machine. Special interest groups and even entire industries may be formed to facilitate the collecting and trading of the game cards.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
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Publication number: 20140248934Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20140228110Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authenticating content in wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes authenticating a first set of wagering game files stored on a storage device of a wagering game machine. The method can also include starting a wagering game on the wagering game machine if the authentication of the first set of wagering game files is successful. The method can also include authenticating, during the wagering game, a second set of wagering game files stored on the storage device of the wagering game machine, wherein the first set of wagering game files and the second set of wagering game files are mutually exclusive. The method can also include stopping the wagering game if the authentication of the second set of wagering game files is not successful.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Peter R. Anderson, Steven M. Campbell, Mark B. Gagner, William Hoefferle, Mark C. Pace, Chad A. Ryan, Craig J. Sylla
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Publication number: 20140206438Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that authorize and manage wagering agents and associated accounts. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can detecting a request from a first player account to utilize a shared wagering fund to wager on a wagering game. The shared wagering fund can be funded by a second player account. The wagering game system can make the shared wagering fund available to the first player account to wager on a wagering game. The wagering game system can determine a game award produced by the wagering game. The system can then allocate a portion of the game award to the second player account.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Peter R. Anderson, Christopher R. Barney, Larry J. Pacey, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 8784193Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to selectively combine base games and bonus games. This modular approach allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to mix and match base games and bonus games as needed. In some embodiments, players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers may also select different game features to employ in the bonus and/or base games. Such an arrangement allows players, casino operators, and/or gaming machine manufacturers to configure each base game and/or bonus game according to their preferences.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Damon E. Gura, Robert L. Kyte, Larry J. Pacey, Matthew J. Ward
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Publication number: 20140200065Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: WMS GAMING, INC.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Randy S. Demsetz, Mark B. Gagner, Paul M. Lesley, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, Craig J. Sylla
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Patent number: 8758125Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Michael J. Irby, Victor T. Shi, John L. Walsh
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Publication number: 20140135128Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Michael J. Irby, II
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Patent number: 8702502Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authenticating content in wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes authenticating a first set of wagering game files stored on a storage device of a wagering game machine. The method can also include starting a wagering game on the wagering game machine if the authentication of the first set of wagering game files is successful. The method can also include authenticating, during the wagering game, a second set of wagering game files stored on the storage device of the wagering game machine, wherein the first set of wagering game files and the second set of wagering game files are mutually exclusive. The method can also include stopping the wagering game if the authentication of the second set of wagering game files is not successful.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Peter R. Anderson, Steven Mark Campbell, Mark B. Gagner, William Hoefferle, Mark C Pace, Chad A. Ryan, Craig J. Sylla
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Patent number: 8696445Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one community display, a first gaming machine, and a second gaming machine. The at least one community display displays a communal game that includes a plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a communal value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines have a respective first and second video display for displaying the plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a first and second player value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines determine the first and second player values by applying a respective first and second value-enhancement parameter to the communal values associated with at least some of the plurality of elements. The first value-enhancement parameter is different than the second value-enhancement parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Larry J. Pacey, Peter R. Anderson, Jeremy M. Hornik
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Patent number: 8696437Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Shridhar P. Joshi, Philip B. Gelber, Michael W. Mastropietro
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Patent number: 8690658Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Larry J. Pacey, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Allon G. Englman, Peter R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20140080585Abstract: A method of funding features of a wagering game, comprises receiving a first sum of money generated from extra-casino activity associated with at least one person and depositing the first sum into a feature fund. The method further comprises allocating the first sum to at least one account of the feature fund in accordance with a first rule set. The method further comprises, in response to a triggering event, withdrawing a second sum of money from the at least one account. The method further comprises funding at least one feature associated with the wagering game from the second sum of money and activating the funded feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Shridhar P. Joshi, Larry J. Pacey
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Publication number: 20140080583Abstract: Described herein are processes and devices that authorize and manage wagering agents and associated accounts. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can detecting a request from a first player account to utilize a shared wagering fund to wager on a wagering game. The shared wagering fund can be funded by a second player account. The wagering game system can make the shared wagering fund available to the first player account to wager on a wagering game. The wagering game system can determine a game award produced by the wagering game. The system can then allocate a portion of the game award to the second player account.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Allen, Peter R. Anderson, Christopher R. Barney, Larry J. Pacey, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 8663005Abstract: An editing tool generates a progressive game skin and code for instantiating the progressive game skin. The progressive skin indicates various perceivable elements (e.g., visual elements, aural elements, etc.) and skin configurations (e.g., layout for perceivable elements, timing for presenting perceivable elements, properties of perceivable elements, etc.). The progressive skin may also indicate target presentation devices for presenting the perceivable elements indicated by the progressive skin. The progressive skin editing tool provides the progressive skin to a device that controls one or more devices that will present the perceivable element indicated by the progressive skin. The controlling device (“media controller”) reads the progressive skin and causes the one or more devices to present the indicated perceivable elements as indicated by the progressive skin (“instantiates the progressive skin”).Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Robby M. Friedman, Michael J. Irby, II
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Patent number: 8657687Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with a first part (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) that presents first content associated with one or more wagering games and a second part (e.g., a main content display area) that concurrently presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers. Some embodiments are directed to determining, based on concurrent presentation of the first content and the second content, that one or more awards are available from a first of the content providers conditional upon performance of one or more activities indicated by a second of the content providers, and the browser application presents one or more indicators to indicate the one or more awards and/or the one or more activities.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
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Publication number: 20140051500Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of configuring gaming devices, and computer programs for configuring gaming devices are featured. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes a processor(s), an input device(s), a gaming device(s), and a memory device(s) storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive, via at least one of the input devices, a desired value for a player-performance variable and/or a game-configuration variable for at least one of the gaming devices; based on the desired value, output a recommended value for a configuration parameter for the gaming device(s); and, responsive to a confirmation input received via at least one of the input devices, configure the gaming device(s) in accordance with at least the recommended value for the first configuration parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Vernon W. Hamlin, James V. Palermo, Craig J. Sylla