Patents by Inventor Richard J. Schneider

Richard J. Schneider 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: 8425311
    Abstract: By awarding bonuses during predetermined bonus periods, gaming establishments can exercise greater control over bonus wins and, in doing so, can create player excitement and increase play during historically off-peak times, realizing greater revenue for the casino. The time based bonus begins when a maximum time for the bonus period is selected and divided into time increments, with each time increment having its own weight. A winning increment is randomly selected and a bonus is awarded when the time increment has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard J. Schneider, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
  • Publication number: 20130035157
    Abstract: A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Reid M. WEBER, William C. LITTLE, Steven G. LeMAY, Adrian R. MARCU, Warner R. COCKERILLE, IV, Nicole M. BEAULIEU, David A. GIPP, Daniel DE WAAL, Vincent S. MANFREDI, Bryan BULLARD, Richard J. SCHNEIDER, Glen Keith RUSSELL, Jacob GRAHAM, Gregory A. SCHLOTTMANN, Richard E. ROWE, David C. WILLIAMS, Kurt M. LARSEN, Jae Man YI, Erik B. PETERSEN, Kevin HIGGINS, Gregory H. PARROTT, David L. SALLS, Brad Robert Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20120270640
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings
  • Patent number: 8262469
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120184358
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more enhanced wagering opportunities. One enhanced wagering opportunity enables a player to continue playing one or more primary games at the maximum wager even if the player's continued play causes the gaming device's credit meter to fall below zero credits. In one such embodiment, after playing one or more maximum wager games which cause the credit meter to drop below zero, the player's player tracking account is utilized to cover any amount of credits the gaming device's credit meter is below zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel J. DeWaal, Hans Elias, Richard J. Schneider, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8221226
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings
  • Patent number: 8210930
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming device that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jacob Graham, Greg Schlottmann, Michael N. Low, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings
  • Patent number: 8206212
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8152629
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more enhanced wagering opportunities. One enhanced wagering opportunity enables a player to continue playing one or more primary games at the maximum wager even if the player's continued play causes the gaming device's credit meter to fall below zero credits. In one such embodiment, after playing one or more maximum wager games which cause the credit meter to drop below zero, the player's player tracking account is utilized to cover any amount of credits the gaming device's credit meter is below zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel J. DeWaal, Hans Elias, Richard J. Schneider, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8070583
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different commands to a plurality of gaming machines to provide non-tournament game play and to provide tournament game play on the same gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider, Cara L. Iddings, Vince Manfredi, Michael MacVittie
  • Publication number: 20110287821
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8052517
    Abstract: A method for customizing play of a gaming device to a particular player level or group, where the gaming device is connected by a network to a host computer, includes creating a player account accessible by the host computer. The player account is associated with a player and has stored therein one of a plurality of player levels. The player is allowed to play on the gaming device and the gaming device is operated responsive to the player level. That is, the step of operating the gaming device includes adjusting a bonus triggering threshold and/or quantitative amount awarded based on the player level. In this way, high rated players such as those that gamble frequently and in high amounts, have gaming and bonusing events and award amounts tailored to their style of play and preferences to encourage continued play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Vincent S. Manfredi, Richard J. Schneider, William J. Turner, Robert P. Bartholomew, Lawrence R. Pitman
  • Patent number: 8012009
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110201412
    Abstract: By awarding bonuses during predetermined bonus periods, gaming establishments can exercise greater control over bonus wins and, in doing so, can create player excitement and increase play during historically off-peak times, realizing greater revenue for the casino. The time based bonus begins when a maximum time for the bonus period is selected and divided into time increments, with each time increment having its own weight. A winning increment is randomly selected and a bonus is awarded when the time increment has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Richard J. Schneider, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
  • Patent number: 7997981
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a universal bonus within a gaming environment are disclosed. Such systems include universal bonuses that are made available to patrons of both gaming machines and other non-gaming machine gaming venues, such as gaming tables. Systems can include a gaming machine, a gaming table, and a universal system server. Tracking devices at both the gaming machines and gaming tables or other gaming venues facilitate the tracking of gaming events that give rise to the eligibility of a player to participate in the universal bonus. The same singular universal bonus is then made available to players playing entirely different games and/or at different gaming venues. Incorporated into the system are considerations for including slot machines, video poker machines, blackjack tables, poker tables, craps tables, roulette tables, keno lounges, sports books and other wager based games offered by a casino or other gaming establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard E. Rowe, Richard J. Schneider, Eric W. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 7993199
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7980948
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for facilitating side wagering activities conducted at a casino which includes a casino gaming network and a plurality of gaming machines. In at least one embodiment, a casino side wagering system may be utilized to enable casinos operators to provide side wagering opportunities to non-primary players of electronic gaming machines, electronic slot machines and/or other types of gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard E. Rowe, Richard J. Schneider, Darryll Pleasant
  • Patent number: 7976390
    Abstract: By awarding bonuses during predetermined bonus periods, gaming establishments can exercise greater control over bonus wins and, in doing so, can create player excitement and increase play during historically off-peak times, realizing greater revenue for the casino. The time based bonus begins when a maximum time for the bonus period is selected and divided into time increments, with each time increment having its own weight. A winning increment is randomly selected and a bonus is awarded when the time increment has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard J. Schneider, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
  • Patent number: 7958021
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a slot machine data collection and reporting system capable of operating with multi-denomination, multi-game machines. These machines allow the patron to select the denomination of the wager unit, the game type, and the exact game pay schedule to be played. Each possible combination of denomination, game type, and game pay schedule may result in a unique theoretical hold percentage. Each combination may also have differing levels of player acceptance. The described system allows for the computation and tracking of handle, game hold percentage, theoretical hold percentage, and net win for each of the possible combinations within a single slot machine cabinet, and for all the games coupled to a gaming network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rena M. Schoonmaker, Robert P. Bartholomew, Richard J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7938722
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking RFID gaming chips at a gaming table are disclosed. Gaming chips include an outer body with center and rim portions, and a plurality of RFID tags contained within the outer body. Signals from gaming chip RFID tags can be encrypted only for readers having an appropriate private key, and can be subject to a variable time delay unique to each RFID tag. Separate RFID tags within one gaming chip can be identical for security purposes, and to increase “visibility” to associated RFID readers at the gaming table. Security breach components within RFID tags can reduce or prevent unauthorized writing or tampering attempts to an RFID gaming chip. Further system components include a gaming table and a plurality of RFID reading devices distributed thereabout, including transponders and antennae. Such RFID reading devices are disposed beneath an upper surface of the gaming table in a grid-like fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard E. Rowe, Richard J. Schneider, Binh T. Nguyen