Patents by Inventor Shawn C. Collette

Shawn C. Collette 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: 10366561
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display device, and game-logic circuitry. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display device displays outcomes of the wagering game via a plurality of symbol-bearing reels each having a plurality of symbol positions occupied by symbols, at least one of the reels having a designated clump area comprising a predetermined number of the symbol positions. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the game-logic circuitry randomly determines whether to include a symbol clump in the designated clump area, the symbol clump comprising a plurality of identical symbols occupying adjacent ones of the symbol positions within the designated clump area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 10002489
    Abstract: A gaming system and its operations include, for example presenting, via an autostereoscopic display device, symbols for an electronic wagering game, determining a game event value for a game event for the wagering game, determining a first symbol significance value for a first set of the symbols based on the game event value, and determining a second symbol significance value for a second set of the symbols based on the game event value. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the first set of the symbols with a first autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth value corresponding to the first symbol significance value. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the second set of the symbols with a second autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth value corresponding to the second symbol significance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20170221300
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for controlling a wagering game on a wagering game machine. The method can include presenting, at an autostereoscopic depth and from a first perspective, a wagering game object moving about an autostereoscopic display device during the wagering game. The method can also include ceasing movement of the wagering game object on the autostereoscopic display device. The method can also include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, indicia directing a player to a vantage point. The method can also include detecting, via a camera, that the player is at the vantage point. The method can also include in response to the player being at the vantage point, presenting at the wagering game object on the autostereoscopic display device at the autostereoscopic depth and from a second perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Patent number: 9646453
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include detecting a request to present a wagering game object via a display device capable of stereoscopic, three-dimensional visual effects. In some embodiments, the wagering game object is one of a plurality of wagering game objects. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a virtual three-dimensional depth value based on one a degree of significance assigned to the wagering game object. The operations can further include presenting the wagering game object via the display device with a degree of three-dimensional stereoscopic depth effect that corresponds to the virtual three-dimensional depth value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Patent number: 9619961
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations include, for example, detecting, by at least one of one or more electronic processing units of the wagering game system, a first game condition in a wagering game presented via an autostereoscopic display device of the wagering game system. The wagering game includes game symbols used for presentation of wagering game outcomes for the wagering game. The operations can further include determining, based on the first game condition, a first significance level from a plurality of significance levels associated with a first of the game symbols. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the first of the game symbols with a first autostereoscopic depth level that corresponds to the first significance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20170032612
    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 and to display an array having a plurality of symbol positions, each of the symbol positions being populated by symbols located on a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels spin and stop to place symbols on the symbol-bearing reels in visual association with symbol positions of the array. At least one extended symbol indexed on a first reel visually overlaps one or more symbols on an adjacent second reel (a) as the first reel spins the extended symbol through the array and (b) without affecting a stopping position of the adjacent second reel. An award is awarded for any winning combinations defined by the symbols in the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9495839
    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 and to display an array having a plurality of symbol positions, each of the symbol positions being populated by symbols located on a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels spin and stop to place symbols on the symbol-bearing reels in visual association with symbol positions of the array. At least one extended symbol indexed on a first reel visually overlaps one or more symbols on an adjacent second reel (a) as the first reel spins the extended symbol through the array and (b) without affecting a stopping position of the adjacent second reel. An award is awarded for any winning combinations defined by the symbols in the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Jeremy M. Hornik, Pamela S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160292958
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20160232755
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display device, and game-logic circuitry. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display device displays outcomes of the wagering game via a plurality of symbol-bearing reels each having a plurality of symbol positions occupied by symbols, at least one of the reels having a designated clump area comprising a predetermined number of the symbol positions. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the game-logic circuitry randomly determines whether to include a symbol clump in the designated clump area, the symbol clump comprising a plurality of identical symbols occupying adjacent ones of the symbol positions within the designated clump area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9330527
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20160110950
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations include, for example, presenting, via an autostereoscopic three-dimensional display of the wagering game system, wagering game content with an autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth effect. The wagering game content is associated with an electronic wagering game. The operations can further include detecting, via a sensor of the wagering game system, a change in a position of a slider control associated with the wagering game system. The operations can further include changing, via at least one of one or more electronic processing units of the wagering game system, a degree of the autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth effect for at least a portion of the wagering game content according to a degree of the change in the position of the slider control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20160110948
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations include, for example, detecting, by at least one of one or more electronic processing units of the wagering game system, a first game condition in a wagering game presented via an autostereoscopic display device of the wagering game system. The wagering game includes game symbols used for presentation of wagering game outcomes for the wagering game. The operations can further include determining, based on the first game condition, a first significance level from a plurality of significance levels associated with a first of the game symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20160110949
    Abstract: A gaming system and its operations include, for example presenting, via an autostereoscopic display device, symbols for an electronic wagering game, determining a game event value for a game event for the wagering game, determining a first symbol significance value for a first set of the symbols based on the game event value, and determining a second symbol significance value for a second set of the symbols based on the game event value. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the first set of the symbols with a first autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth value corresponding to the first symbol significance value. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the second set of the symbols with a second autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth value corresponding to the second symbol significance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, David E. Detlefsen, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing
  • Publication number: 20160063806
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9251668
    Abstract: A method is provided for enabling a portal game on a wagering game device, the method including the acts of using a processor operatively associated with the wagering game device to conduct a wagering game on the wagering game device in accord with a first math model and using a portal game controller, which may be the processor operatively associated with the wagering game device or a separate controller operatively associated with both the portal game and the wagering game device, to overlay a portal game over the wagering game, the portal game having a second math model that is mathematically independent from the first math model of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Brad Schultz, Joel R. Jaffe, Michael W. Mastropietro
  • Patent number: 9251670
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeremie D. Moll, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9214066
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn C. Collette, Joel R. Jaffe, Brad Schultz, Benjamin T. Gomez, Jamie W. Vann
  • Publication number: 20140094265
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Jeremy M. Hornik, Jeremie D. Moll, Daniel P. Louie, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: D771193
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: D783096
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Shawn C. Collette, Allon G. Englman