Patents by Inventor William L. Hecht

William L. Hecht 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: 7922583
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating and controlling electronic signals in a gaming machine is disclosed. The provided apparatus and method include a gaming machine having a CPU or master gaming controller and a digital sound system. The digital sound system comprises one or more speakers, at least one memory unit storing data, a digital signal processor adapted to control and generate audio output, and a programmable logic device interposed between the master gaming controller and the digital signal processor, such that the digital signal processor is unable to communicate to the master gaming controller. The programmable logic device includes at least an address decoder and an event sequencer, with the event sequencer being able to convert instructions from the master gaming controller to instructions that can be executed by the digital signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Todd W. Goforth, William L. Hecht, Michael Hoy
  • Patent number: 7901291
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device which includes at least one converter program. The gaming device processor, which operates on a particular platform, can use the converter program to read and use programs otherwise incompatible with such platform, such as platform independent programs. This type of gaming device enables developers to develop code on platforms which are different in type from the gaming device platform, and the gaming device processor can read and use this code to operate the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Aaron T. Jones
  • Patent number: 7708642
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method by which sound files may be modified within a gaming device to: (i) coincide with one or more other sound files; (ii) coincide with one or more game events; or (iii) to produce a melody or song. The gaming device includes various processors and memory storage devices that control a sound card. The sound card stores sound files having truly synthesized sounds or true sound recordings. The output sample rate of one or more sound files is pitch-shifted to produce a sound having a higher or lower pitch and that lasts for a shorter or longer length of time, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Patent number: 7666098
    Abstract: An apparatus and method by which sound files may be modified within a gaming device to coincide with one or more game events. In one embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the previous spin of slot machine reels does not produce a win for the player. The sound file is played in a second manner, however, if the previous reel spin does produce a win. In another embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the current reel spin does not produce a win. The sound file is modified in mid-play, however, if the current reel spin does produce a win. In a further embodiment, the sound file is modified differently in mid-play if the current reel spin does not produce a win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Patent number: 7473173
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reel sets connected where at least one of the reel sets includes concentric reels having an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of symbol positions where at least two of the symbols are displayed by one of the symbol positions. The outer reel defines a plurality of different viewable areas where one of the outer reel is positionable to enable a player to view at least one of the symbols through a first viewable area and a different number of the symbols through a second viewable area. A processor causes the inner reel and the outer reel to move and provides any outcome to the player based on any symbols displayed by the first viewable area or the second viewable area when the first or second viewable area is indicated on the outer reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Tonja M. Peterson, William L. Hecht, Bayard S. Webb, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 6848996
    Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device which includes in data storage at least one primary sound file, at least one variant sound file which is a variation of the primary sound file and at least one player input event associated with the variant sound file. When a predetermined event occurs, the gaming device plays the primary sound file, and when the player makes a predetermined input, the gaming device plays the variant sound file and stops playing the primary sound file. The present invention provides gaming devices with enhanced sound and music capabilities, adding to a gaming device player's enjoyment and entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Publication number: 20030073489
    Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device which includes in data storage at least one primary sound file, at least one variant sound file which is a variation of the primary sound file and at least one player input event associated with the variant sound file. When a predetermined event occurs, the gaming device plays the primary sound file, and when the player makes a predetermined input, the gaming device plays the variant sound file and stops playing the primary sound file. The present invention provides gaming devices with enhanced sound and music capabilities, adding to a gaming device player's enjoyment and entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Publication number: 20030073491
    Abstract: An apparatus and method by which sound files may be modified within a gaming device to coincide with one or more game events. In one embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the previous spin of slot machine reels does not produce a win for the player. The sound file is played in a second manner, however, if the previous reel spin does produce a win. In another embodiment, a sound file is played in a first manner when the current reel spin does not produce a win. The sound file is modified in mid-play, however, if the current reel spin does produce a win. In a further embodiment, the sound file is modified differently in mid-play if the current reel spin does not produce a win.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Publication number: 20030073490
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method by which sound files may be modified within a gaming device to: (i) coincide with one or more other sound files; (ii) coincide with one or more game events; or (iii) to produce a melody or song. The gaming device includes various processors and memory storage devices that control a sound card. The sound card stores sound files having truly synthesized sounds or true sound recordings. The output sample rate of one or more sound files is pitch-shifted to produce a sound having a higher or lower pitch and that lasts for a shorter or longer length of time, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Kristopher E. Landrum
  • Publication number: 20030064808
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device which includes at least one converter program. The gaming device processor, which operates on a particular platform, can use the converter program to read and use programs otherwise incompatible with such platform, such as platform independent programs. This type of gaming device enables developers to develop code on platforms which are different in type from the gaming device platform, and the gaming device processor can read and use this code to operate the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Aaron T. Jones