Patents by Inventor Stephen Patton

Stephen Patton 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: 20140235342
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon several degrees of the motion parallax effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20140235343
    Abstract: Devices and methods are set forth which provide for determination of relative movement between a user and a video display and for using that detected relative movement for applying a motion parallax effect to the display of video content and for applying or removing the motion parallax effect based upon a command such as an event occurring to the play of a video game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20140235345
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide a three-dimensional effect to at least apportion of the content displayed. A first video display overlays at least a portion of a second video display. The first display is adapted to be controlled to be transparent or display vertical lenticular lines. The second display displays video content. In response to a command the first display assumes a lenticular configuration to cooperate with the display of video content on the second display to provide a three dimensional effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20140235344
    Abstract: Devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon the motion parallax of the player to create a 3D effect. Issuance of a command may cause the display to go from the 2D display of content to content presented according to motion parallax. Further the intensity of the motion parallax effect may be presented and switched between a first and a lesser, second application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20140147024
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes setting an IR (infrared) level to a first predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is detected. If a face is not detected, the method sets the IR level to zero and waits a first predetermined amount of time. The method further includes repeating the setting the IR level to the first predetermined level and the reading an image. The method also includes determining a face is detected. The method further includes setting the IR level to a second predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is recognized. The method may further include setting the IR level to zero and waiting a second predetermined amount of time. The method may also include setting the IR level to the first predetermined level, reading an image and determining if a face is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen Patton, Martin Lyons
  • Patent number: 8721427
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon the motion parallax of the player to create a 3D effect. In a community gaming environment gaming content may be superimposed over real time or recorded scenes to create a 3D effect between players of the community game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick
  • Patent number: 8684838
    Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from a system device, and then displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager splits, overlays, superimposes, or otherwise shares the display among the video input signals. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen
  • Publication number: 20140054856
    Abstract: A dynamically changeable, flexible card is set forth such as a playing card or a set of playing cards. The cards have one or more flexible displays controlled by a controller to change the display(s). The controller may interface with a wireless communication device to control the displays For card games, the electronic display can be changed so that only several such cards need be used to play the game. The face value content of the display can be changed by contact or wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Patton
  • Patent number: 8644564
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes setting an IR (infrared) level to a first predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is detected. If a face is not detected, the method sets the IR level to zero and waits a first predetermined amount of time. The method further includes repeating the setting the IR level to the first predetermined level and the reading an image. The method also includes determining a face is detected. The method further includes setting the IR level to a second predetermined level. The method also includes reading an image and determining if a face is recognized. The method may further include setting the IR level to zero and waiting a second predetermined amount of time. The method may also include setting the IR level to the first predetermined level, reading an image and determining if a face is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Patton, Martin Lyons
  • Publication number: 20130331184
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face, body and/or tracking to enable 3D rendering of images at a virtual button panel. Lenticular barrier or motion parallax technology may be used. A player's interface with the button panel may be through touch a touch screen or sensing of non-touch gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Bryan Kelly, Stephen Patton, Sean Martin, Martin Lyons, Rod Ang, Randy Hedrick, Karl Wudtke, Vernon Bernard
  • Publication number: 20130310179
    Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed for presenting both game content and secondary content on a single display. The gaming system includes: a touch screen game display configured to display content, a gaming controller configured to generate game content, and a secondary controller configured to generate secondary content. The display manager scales at least one of the game content and the secondary content to an altered size, enabling the game content from the gaming controller to be rendered with the secondary content from the secondary controller on the touch screen game display. The gaming system also includes a coordinate transformation calculation device that receives coordinates from an input on the touch screen game display and accommodates any scaling or shifting performed on at least one of the game content and the secondary content to determine transformed coordinates corresponding to the altered size of the rendered content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen
  • Patent number: 8550913
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20130099447
    Abstract: A dynamically changeable, flexible card is set forth such as a playing card or a set of playing cards. The cards have one or more flexible displays controlled by a controller to change the display(s). The controller may interface with a wireless communication device to control the displays For card games, the electronic display can be changed so that only several such cards need be used to play the game. The face value content of the display can be changed by contact or wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Patton
  • Patent number: 8308562
    Abstract: Environmental feedback and/or biofeedback is associated with one or more players' emotions in real time. The emotional feedback is provided to a game device being used by the player, such an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The game device uses the biofeedback and/or environmental feedback to appropriately adjust the game play to maximize the game's entertainment value to the player(s). The player(s) can be identified, and the game device matches the emotional response with certain game elements being presented at that time and associates this matching to the identified player. The matches can be used to make an adjustment to the game device, to the environments, and/or to take some other action. The game device can also store the matches, combined with any collected environmental and/or biometric stimuli, on a game server or player tracking database via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Patton
  • Publication number: 20120258803
    Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from a system device, and then displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager splits, overlays, superimposes, or otherwise shares the display among the video input signals. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen
  • Publication number: 20120220360
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, JR., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Patent number: 8241123
    Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert S. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen
  • Patent number: 8241124
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20120172119
    Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon the motion parallax of the player to create a 3D effect. In a community gaming environment gaming content may be superimposed over real time or recorded scenes to create a 3D effect between players of the community game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: BRYAN KELLY, STEPHEN PATTON, SEAN MARTIN, MARTIN LYONS, ROD ANG, RANDY HEDRICK
  • Patent number: 8177638
    Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Vijay Kompella, Jeffrey Lee Allen, John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister