Patents by Inventor Steven J. Zoloto

Steven J. Zoloto 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: 10699520
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
  • Patent number: 10269207
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include receiving from a first device, via a first network, data associated with a gaming light effect. The operations can further include determining, from analysis of the data via one or more processors of a second device, that a third device is associated with the gaming light effect. In some instances, the second device is connected to the third device via a second network separate from the first network. The operations can further include generating, via the one or more processors of the second device, instructions about the gaming light effect based on the data. The operations can further include transmitting, via a communications network interface of the second device, the instructions from the second device, via the second network, to the third device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gronkowski, Paul J. Radek, Martin R. Ugarte, Jr., Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20190096172
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
  • Patent number: 10207187
    Abstract: A sound system presenting audio that supplements multi-player game-play in which multiple views of a 3D game object as seen from different viewpoints are simultaneously displayed. The audio includes audio characteristics responsive to behaviors of the 3D game object and depict a focus direction associated with respective behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Zoloto, Joseph Gordon Marcus, Edward G. Brunell, Michael P. Connelly, Nicholas Matthew Garoufalis, Timothy C. Loose
  • Patent number: 10163298
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael Vincent DiCillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy Michael Hornik, Gary John Oswald, Richard Barry Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon Edward Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale Robert Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig Joe Sylla
  • Patent number: 10068416
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a classification of a first sound provided by a first wagering game application for presentation via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. Further, a second wagering game application provides a second sound for concurrent presentation via the one or more output devices. The first wagering game application is independent from the second wagering game application. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a prioritized relationship between the first sound and the second sound based on the classification, and controlling presentation of the first sound and the second sound via the one or more output devices according to the prioritized relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20180225913
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include receiving from a first device, via a first network, data associated with a gaming light effect. The operations can further include determining, from analysis of the data via one or more processors of a second device, that a third device is associated with the gaming light effect. In some instances, the second device is connected to the third device via a second network separate from the first network. The operations can further include generating, via the one or more processors of the second device, instructions about the gaming light effect based on the data. The operations can further include transmitting, via a communications network interface of the second device, the instructions from the second device, via the second network, to the third device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gronkowski, Paul J. Radek, Martin R. Ugarte, JR., Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 10032332
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that a sound problem would occur if first content were to be presented simultaneously with second content via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. In some examples, the first content is provided by a first application and the second content is provided by a second application independent from the first application. In some embodiments, the operation can further include modifying one or more characteristics of one or more of the first content and the second content based on the determining that the sound problem would occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20180082524
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael R. BYTNAR, Michael Vincent DICILLO, Patrick M. GUSTAFSON, Jeremy Michael HORNIK, Gary John OSWALD, Richard Barry ROBBINS, Nickey C. SHIN, Jesse M. SMITH, Simon Edward SUNBLADE, Jamie W. VANN, Muthu VELU, Matthew J. WARD, Steven J. ZOLOTO, Dale Robert BUCHHOLZ, Mark B. GAGNER, Craig Joe SYLLA
  • Publication number: 20180071631
    Abstract: A sound system presenting audio that supplements multi-player game-play in which multiple views of a 3D game object as seen from different viewpoints are simultaneously displayed. The audio includes audio characteristics responsive to behaviors of the 3D game object and depict a focus direction associated with respective behaviors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Steven J. ZOLOTO, Joseph Gordon MARCUS, Edward G. BRUNELL, Michael P. CONNELLY, Nicholas Matthew GAROUFALIS, Timothy C. LOOSE
  • Patent number: 9858751
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9520014
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a trigger associated with a first wagering game machine. The trigger can be related to wagering game content or a wagering game event. A soundtrack is associated with the wagering game content or wagering game event. The operations can further include beginning play of the soundtrack in unison on the first wagering game machine at an audible volume level and on the second wagering game machine at an inaudible volume level in response to detecting the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua C. Moshier, Howard R. Pfeifer, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20160292955
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include receiving from a first device, via a first network, data associated with a gaming light effect. The operations can further include determining, from analysis of the data via one or more processors of a second device, that a third device is associated with the gaming light effect. In some instances, the second device is connected to the third device via a second network separate from the first network. The operations can further include generating, via the one or more processors of the second device, instructions about the gaming light effect based on the data. The operations can further include transmitting, via a communications network interface of the second device, the instructions from the second device, via the second network, to the third device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gronkowski, Paul J. Radek, Martin R. Ugarte, JR., Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20160093154
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Michael R. Bytnar, Michael V. Dicillo, Patrick M. Gustafson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Gary J. Oswald, Richard B. Robbins, Nickey C. Shin, Jesse M. Smith, Simon E. Sunblade, Jamie W. Vann, Muthu Velu, Matthew J. Ward, Steven J. Zoloto, Dale R. Buchholz, Mark B. Gagner, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 9214062
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include providing a custom sound design interface. The operations can further include receiving user input via the custom sound design interface, wherein the user input is to design a custom sound for a wagering game machine including presentation instructions for the custom sound. The operations can further include storing the custom sound. The operations can further include receiving, from the wagering game machine, a request for the custom sound. The operations can further include transmitting, to the wagering game machine, the custom sound including the presentation instructions for the custom sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Alfred Thomas, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 9011247
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting coordinated wagering game light and sound effects across multiple presentation devices in a casino. In some embodiments, the operations can trigger wagering game audio effects from lighting commands produced by network lighting controllers. The triggered audio can match characteristics of the light effects. The operations can include receiving, at a casino content presentation device, lighting data from a network lighting controller. The casino content presentation device associates the lighting data with a light effect and determines a sound effect, coupled with, or tied to, to, the light effect. The operations can further include presenting the sound effect on speakers associated with the casino content presentation device, and across other casino content presentation devices in the casino, as part of a casino-wide, synchronized, multi-media show.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gronkowski, Paul J. Radek, Martin R. Ugarte, Jr., Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 8986095
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is conducted in a gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals that participate in a community event. The method includes providing, by at least one of one or more processors, individual enhancements at one or more of the plurality of gaming terminals. Each of the individual enhancements has an initial value prior to the community event being triggered. If the initial value exceeds a predetermined value upon the community event being triggered, the initial value is modified to a modified value based on the initial value. The modified value is awarded upon the community event being triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Daniel P. Louie, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 8979625
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is conducted in a gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals that participate in a community event. The method includes associating, by at least one of one or more processors, sets of one or more individual preferences with respective players at the respective gaming terminals. The method further include determining by at least one of the one or more processors, based on the sets of individual preferences, a set of one or more community preferences that govern the community event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Daniel P. Louie, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Publication number: 20140378225
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect (e.g., a character of the presentation devices, a property of the gaming effect, a location or number of wagering game machines, etc.) that the sound effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include determining a default presentation setting or property (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Vito M. Caporusso, Howard R. Pfeifer, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 8827805
    Abstract: Operations for a wagering game system include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect that the gaming effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include modifying a presentation setting or property so that a presentation of the gaming effect remains below the threshold presentation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vito M. Caporusso, Howard R. Pfeifer, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Steven J. Zoloto