Game Supporting Tables Or Surfaces Patents (Class 273/309)
  • Patent number: 11875648
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gaming table with detectors for tracking a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 11816956
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include an apparatus operable to determine a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen Merkel
  • Patent number: 11798352
    Abstract: In one aspect, an improved table game system is disclosed herein, which displays visual effects on a play surface. A game system comprising: a table top having a game play area, and a table support for supporting the table top, a dealer station, a display that covers at least a portion of the game play area, a projector assembly, the projector assembly including a projector and a projector mount that mounts the projector to the support frame at a mounting angle, and a processing system connected to the projector and the dealer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: INTERBLOCK USA L.C.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Ikeda, Yoshihiro Nagasaki, Katsuhiro Kido
  • Patent number: 11715342
    Abstract: A camera captures a display of a gaming device and determines information that appears on the display. The camera is mounted on a video gaming device, and the camera continuously or at various intervals captures images of the screen of the video gaming device. Those images are analyzed to determine information displayed on the video gaming device, such as game speed (e.g., time between handle pulls, total time of play, handle pulls during a session, etc.), bet amounts, bet lines, credits, etc. This information may be determined in various ways, such as by using image processing of images captured by the camera. Machine learning algorithms may also be used to infer key information displayed on the screen of the video gaming device to capture and/or analyze. A housing of the camera may also have a secondary display oriented in a similar direction as the screen of the video gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Thompson Nguyen, Jayendu Sharma, Joshua Frank, Gene Lee
  • Patent number: 11715346
    Abstract: An inspection system of a chip includes a reading device and a determining unit. The reading device is configured to count a number of chips stored in a storage case, the chips associated with a table game and including a chip having a radio tag, read the radio tag while the chips are stored in the storage case, and acquire chip information. The determining unit is configured to compare the chip information of the chips in the storage case with a physical number of the chips in the storage case, determine that there is an abnormal chips among the chips stored in the storage case based on a determination that the counted number of the chips does not match a physical number of the chips in the storage case, and output a result associated with an indication of the abnormal chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ANGEL GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 11657675
    Abstract: A secure casino apparatus is provided having improved security against theft and/or tampering. The secure casino apparatus comprises, a casing and a cavity within the casing, the casing comprising an access member arranged to provide access to said cavity; a sensor arranged to detect said access to the cavity and provide an access signal; an image capture apparatus arranged to provide image data of the cavity when the image capture apparatus is activated; a memory arranged to store the image data; and a processor arranged to process the image data and the access signal; wherein the processor is further arranged to activate the image capture apparatus for an activation period when an access signal is provided by the sensor. The secure casino apparatus aims to permit remote monitoring within a cavity of the casino apparatus to identify theft or tampering with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: TCS John Huxley Europe Limited
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Lloyd
  • Patent number: 11348403
    Abstract: The game table reading system comprises reading antennas for each of a plurality of reading areas of a game table, read-restriction antennas for each of the plurality of the reading areas, the read-restriction antennas restricting the RFID tag embedded in a game token placed in the corresponding reading area from being read by the reading antenna corresponding to the other adjacent reading areas, a reading control device that controls the reading antennas, and a read-restriction control device that controls the read-restriction antennas. The read-restriction control device causes the read-restriction antennas corresponding to the reading areas adjacent to the reading areas corresponding to the reading antenna that the reading control device causes to read, in synchronization with the reading control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ANGEL GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoya Takine, Satoru Monji
  • Patent number: 11132864
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include an apparatus operable to determine a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen Merkel
  • Patent number: 11113923
    Abstract: Gaming table systems can include multiple electronic gaming tables, multiple gaming terminals, and a system server. Each gaming terminal can have a terminal controller adapted to facilitate the overlapping or simultaneous play by a single player of multiple wager-based table games at multiple electronic gaming tables. A server in communication with the gaming tables controls starting times of the wager-based table games by sending signals to the tables indicating when each game is allowed to start. Signals can be sent due to triggering events and/or can cause staggered starting times across games, which can allow faster players to play more games. The server can also control which gaming tables starts a next game, distribute table usage, and confirm that wagers are placed within a proper time frame for their respective games. A compliance server can verify eligibility of remote gaming terminals to participate in wager-based game play in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Fresh Idea Global Limited
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 11113927
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus that facilitates wagers (or bets) for gaming apparatus. The electronic apparatus can be referred to as an electronic betting assistant (or electronic wager assistant). The electronic apparatus can assist dealer and/or players in placing wagers. In one embodiment, the electronic apparatus can include an electronic scale that is configured to weigh one or more objects representing a wager (e.g., chips) and then utilize at least the weight to determine a value of the wager. The electronic apparatus can be used with a multi-player gaming apparatus such as a gaming table that provides a wager-based game. Advantageously, wagers are able to be more rapidly and conveniently placed such that wager-based games are able to operate more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Empire Technological Group Limited
    Inventors: Linyi Frank Feng, Daryn Kiely, Jeffrey E. Harris, Randy Graham
  • Patent number: 10955665
    Abstract: A see through head mounted display apparatus includes code performing a method of choosing and optimal viewing location and perspective for shared-view virtual objects rendered for multiple users in a common environment. Multiple objects and multiple users are taken into account in determining the optimal, common viewing location. The technology allows each user to have a common view if the relative position of the object in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tom G. Salter, Ben J. Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert L. Crocco, Jr., Brian E. Keane, Laura K. Massey, Alex Aben-Athar Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Ferianc Kamuda
  • Patent number: 10881967
    Abstract: An apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer-implemented method for executing a multi-player card game on a single display, including generating playing cards corresponding to each player in a plurality of players, transmitting a plurality of images to a plurality of regions of a single display, each region corresponding to a player in the plurality of players, each region being located at a position on the single display which is closer to a physical location reserved for the corresponding player than to any other physical location reserved for any other player, and the plurality of images including a representation of the playing cards corresponding to each player, receiving one or more inputs from one or more players in the plurality of players, and transmitting one or more new images to the single display in response to the one or more inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventors: Roy Yates, Calvin Day
  • Patent number: 10744397
    Abstract: A table game system capable of providing a table game to provide a chance to bet more higher paid off odds and additional wagering opportunities during the play in a way that is not complicated is provided. The set of shuffled decks of playing cards 1s has a different card arrangement orders due to shuffling, and thus, each set is unique. Therefore, in order to identify each set, an ID code is used in the form of a bar code 5 or a QR (quick response) code. The set of shuffled decks of playing cards 1s has a special card 1a which has been packaged together with other normal cards 1 of the shuffled decks of playing cards is in one package in a factory (see FIG. 1(b)). FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the packing box 4 is exposed partially and contains a special card 1a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 10685531
    Abstract: A bracket system and related methodology for converting a slant-top electronic gaming machine to a bar-top or table-top electronic gaming machine. The slant-top machine is broken down to its primary cabinet. The bracket system is attached to the cabinet and the unit is inserted into a bar-top base. Flanges on the bracket secure the cabinet to the base. At least a portion of the cabinet is concealed inside the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ECLIPSE ROUTE OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ron Winchell
  • Patent number: 10639541
    Abstract: A bingo card organizing assembly for storing bingo cards, flash cards or any other type of gaming card includes a first panel a set of first pockets. Each of the first pockets is attached to the first panel to contain a bingo card. Each of the first pockets is comprised of a translucent material to facilitate the bingo cards to be visible through the first pockets. A set of second pockets is each of the second pockets is attached to the first panel to contain a flash card. Each of the second pockets is comprised of a translucent material to facilitate the flash cards to be visible through the second pockets. A pair of third pockets is each coupled to the first panel. A second panel has the first panel being coupled thereto and the second panel lies on a support surface when the first and second panels are unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Tammy Hoback
  • Patent number: 10532274
    Abstract: Chip racks include a rack for holding chips and a card reader. Gaming devices may include such chip racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur C. Miller, Dean A. Isaacs, Russell D. Isaacs, William Florence
  • Patent number: 10467849
    Abstract: An apparatus with sensors and displays to be used with specifically weighted gaming tokens in order to provide useful information during a game of poker. All gaming tokens formed in a poker pot are contained in a gaming token receiving receptacle. The gaming tokens are weighed and the total monetary value of tokens within the receptacle is determined based on the total weight of the gaming tokens within the receptacle. The weights of the gaming tokens in the set are manufactured such that the weight of any gaming token and the assigned monetary value of that gaming token is identical among all gaming tokens of the gaming token set. The apparatus displays both the total monetary value of gaming tokens in the receptacle and the total value of gaming tokens that were previously added to the receptacle. The apparatus also displays the time remaining until the value of the blinds needs to be increased. The timer automatically resets at the start of the following round after the time reaches zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Jesse G. Furlan
  • Patent number: 10441862
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic scoring system for a beer pong game to implement an automatic scoring function of the beer pong game using a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, comprising: a game table equipped with a RFID reader and a plurality of RFID antennas; a plurality of game cups with electronic tags being attached at bottoms thereof; at least one game ball with an electronic tag embedded therein, and a computer that processes data read by the reader from the electronic tags and controls a scoring procedure of the beer pong game, wherein the RFID antennas are placed at a plurality of predetermined positions in a game zone of the game table, the plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to possible positions of the game cups placed according to game rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Atalon IP Limited
    Inventor: Steven Ka Hing Yip
  • Patent number: 10410465
    Abstract: A physical playing card gaming system includes a gaming table including at least one dealer position and at least one player position. The system includes a physical playing card handling device that is configured to read at least one of a card rank and card suit of physical playing cards. The system also includes at least one processor in communication with the physical playing card handling device and a video monitor. The at least one processor is programmed to determine the composition of at least one dealer hand and at least one player hand based on the at least one of card rank and card suit read. The at least one processor is programmed to cause game information based on the determined hands to be displayed in response to dealer input. Methods of operating such a physical playing card gaming system include displaying the game information upon dealer request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 10279255
    Abstract: Methods and systems for using a position of a mobile device with an integrated display as an input to a video game or other presentation are presented. Embodiments include rendering an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world. Using the mobile device's position, view direction, and the other user's mobile device position, an avatar (or vehicle, etc.) is depicted at an apparently inertially stabilized location of the other user's mobile device or body. Some embodiments may estimate the other user's head and body positions and angles and reflect them in the avatar's gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Stafford, Yunpeng Zhu, Steven Osman
  • Patent number: 10226676
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a beer pong game system comprising a game table, a plurality of game cups, and at least one game ball, the game table being equipped with an RFID reader and a plurality of RFID antennas, the RFID antennas one-to-one corresponding to to-be-detected positions of the game cups; an electronic tag being affixed at a bottom of a game cup; an electronic tag being inlaid inside the game ball; the beer pong game system being characterized in comprising a make detecting unit that identifies, at predetermined to-be-detected positions of game balls, the electronic tags of the game balls by scanning corresponding RFID antennas, thereby determining a make result and prompting a first landing mode; and a cup-removal scoring unit that identifies, at to-be-detected positions of all game cups, electronic tags of the game cups by scanning all RFID antennas, thereby inferring a second landing mode and correspondingly scoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Ka Hing Steven Yip
  • Patent number: 10217284
    Abstract: Techniques for providing a user with an augmented virtuality (AV) experience are described herein. An example of a method of providing an AV experience includes determining a location of a mobile device, determining a context based on the location, obtaining AV object information, displaying the AV object information in relation to the context, detecting an interaction with the context, modifying the AV object information based on the interaction, and displaying the modified AV object information. The context may include weighting information. The weighting information may be based on Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) or Round-Trip Time (RTT) data. The weighting information may be associated with a composition of a physical object in the context. A user gesture may be received, and the AV object information may be modified based on the received gesture information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventors: Saumitra Mohan Das, Rajarshi Gupta, Sameera Poduri, Behrooz Khorashadi
  • Patent number: 10182210
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting remote attendee representations at remote conference session locations where the attendee representations are presented as directional videos such that each representation has an apparent sight trajectory aimed at a target of interest (e.g., typically a content window, another attendee representation, etc.) that is an instance of the same target of interest for the attendee associated with the representation at a different station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Goetzinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10086260
    Abstract: A security system for a casino table card game has a casino table with i) indicia thereon for the placement of wagers, ii) a data entry system with an associated computer, and iii) sensors that can detect the placement of at least one specific category of wager; a shuffling device with a microprocessor integral to the shuffler for providing information regarding cards or hands; a central table gaming computer that receives information from the shuffler in real time, receives information from the sensors, and receives information from the data entry system, the associated computer, the microprocessor and the central table gaming computer communicating data among each other in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila Grauzer, David B. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10051084
    Abstract: A local device obtains at least one instruction for execution by a remote device (e.g., instructions to render a game screen of a video game). A packet representing the at least one instruction is created, and released towards the remote device. Creation of the packet involves consulting a packet dictionary to determine whether a packet index has already been assigned to the at least one instruction. If this is the case, the packet is formulated so that it contains the packet index; otherwise, the packet is formulated to include a function identifier and a set of parameters, which are associated with the at least one instruction. Since fewer bits are needed to encode the packet index than to encode the function identifier and the set of parameters, transmitted packets can be condensed when they represent at least one instruction for which a packet had previously been transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS
    Inventors: Cyril Perrin, Tetsuji Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 10046230
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Knust, Eric Schoppe
  • Patent number: 10013847
    Abstract: Table game systems can include player terminal(s), electronic gaming table(s), and/or a remote server. A player terminal can have an outer housing, a controller located therewithin or thereabout, input and output component(s), and a communications interface to an outside gaming network having other functionally similar gaming device(s), gaming table(s), and a remote server. The controller and/or server can facilitate providing table game information to a player, which information can include table game tournament information. A player terminal can facilitate asynchronous and individually paced tournament play, switching between different tournament tables on demand, and play of tournament and/or non-tournament table games thereat simultaneously. Portable computing devices can be used as player terminals and can permit players to play in actual or practice play-along modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FRESH IDEA GLOBAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 9839837
    Abstract: Integrated blackjack hole card readers and chip racks, and novel locking cover assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a chip rack of standard configuration is provided, and defines a cutout into which the reader can be placed. In another embodiment, the chip rack and reader are molded as a single unit. A removable locking cover is also disclosed which can be used to cover chip racks any time they are not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Tech Art, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur C. Miller, Russell D. Isaacs, Dean A. Isaacs
  • Patent number: 9776072
    Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Shark Trap Gaming & Security Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Earnest Riordan, Louis Wilson DeGregorio, Keith Marty Taft
  • Patent number: 9649549
    Abstract: A physical playing card gaming system includes a gaming table including at least one dealer position and at least one player position. The system includes a physical playing card handling device that is configured to read at least one of a card rank and card suit of physical playing cards. The system also includes at least one processor in communication with the physical playing card handling device and a video monitor. The at least one processor is programmed to determine the composition of at least one dealer hand and at least one player hand based on the at least one of card rank and card suit read. The at least one processor is programmed to cause game information based on the determined hands to be displayed in response to dealer input. Methods of operating such a physical playing card gaming system include displaying the game information upon dealer request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 9555317
    Abstract: A card game entails betting on the rank, suit, rank and suit, color, odd/even value of a card dealt to one of two positions on a table. Using a two-sided selector (button), a player selects which of the two position will count. The selection is made prior to dealing or revealing the dealt cards. Players may also bet on whether the two cards are a pair. The selector is placed in a compartment of a selector rack during the round of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Charles G. Tompkins
  • Patent number: 9311773
    Abstract: Table game tournament systems can include player terminal(s), electronic gaming table(s), and/or a remote server. A player terminal can have an outer housing, a controller located therewithin or thereabout, input and output component(s), and a communications interface to an outside gaming network having other functionally similar gaming device(s), gaming table(s), and a remote server. The controller and/or server can facilitate providing tournament information to a player, which information can include whether the player would qualify for the next tournament round, who is the most serious opponent to the player, and/or the chip difference therebetween. A terminal can also facilitate asynchronous and individually paced tournament play, switching between different tournament tables on demand, and play of other non-tournament table games thereat simultaneously with the play of the table game tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: FRESH IDEA GLOBAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 9283041
    Abstract: A drape, such as but not limited to, a drape that can be used to cover a C arm of a medical device is provided. The drape includes material, at least one cuff and at least one adhesive strip. The material has a select property and has a select shape. The at least one cuff is formed along at least one edge of the material. The at least one cuff is configured to allow manipulation of the drape by a user. The at least one adhesive strip is configured to selectively adhere the drape to a surface to be covered by the drape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tammy Colvin Adams
  • Patent number: 9199160
    Abstract: A toy is provided, the toy having: a plurality of playing pieces; an object configured to be slid along a surface; and a structure having a first end and a second end, the structure further comprises: a bridge that defines a path from the first end of the structure to the second end of the structure, wherein the path is elevated from the surface and is defined by an upper surface of a plurality of members, wherein each of the plurality of members are pivotally mounted to the structure for movement between a first position and a second position, a portion of the plurality of members having a lower portion extending from the upper surface, the lower portion terminating at a distal end that is supported above the surface, wherein the upper surface of each of the plurality of members is configured to support at least one of the plurality of playing pieces thereon without contacting an adjacent one of the plurality of members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Bazarko
  • Patent number: 9114314
    Abstract: A card table structure, preferably a poker table, includes a frame with legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table. A playing surface is disposed under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played. A peripheral support member is secured under the rail. The peripheral support member includes a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Glenn McCrory
  • Patent number: 9117330
    Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which is arranged to randomly display a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols. The gaming system comprises a function allocator arranged to allocate a function to at least one symbol selected from the set of symbols, and a game outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and on the function allocated to the selected symbol. A corresponding method, computer program and computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Stevens, Ryan Paul Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9098969
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an interchangeable gaming layout powered by a display element that shows the background graphics and table layouts of a gaming table. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are configured to provide the background graphics and table layout for a gaming table that is presented by a full color display element and is conveniently reconfigurable between games without requiring the entire gaming table and/or layout to be resurfaced. Further embodiments of the present invention are configured to allow for the gaming table and/or layout to provide content (e.g., multimedia content) during downtime or other intermission periods in game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy Mulligan
  • Patent number: 9033343
    Abstract: A domino match game employs a standard domino set and a game board or game play surface that has a common play region and peripheral regions for placing house tokens that are awarded to players during play of a game or hand, and risk regions for placing tokens awarded in an earlier hand to permit the players to make side wagers. A bogus stone may be used to indicate a player is to miss a turn. There are separate game play tokens and house tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Robinson Watkins, Neal Christopher Allen
  • Publication number: 20150028545
    Abstract: A card table structure, preferably a poker table, includes a frame with legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table. A playing surface is disposed under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played. A peripheral support member is secured under the rail. The peripheral support member includes a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Glenn McCrory
  • Patent number: 8920229
    Abstract: A gaming card verification system includes electronic gaming tables and a system server in communication with and located remotely from the tables. The system or table tracks playing cards at each table and facilitates alerts when improper conditions are detected. Gaming tables can include a physical surface for playing card games, an automated shoe or card handler, a smart discard rack, and a table controller. First sensors detect a first identifier on each card and separate second sensors detect a separate second identifier on the card. The first identifier can be a randomly assigned code unique to each card, while the second identifier indicates a game value of the card. A database can store and provide details regarding card identifiers, values and locations. The discard rack can detect discards and reconcile those with what issued from the shoe. Both counterfeit card insertions and missing cards can be detected thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Novel Tech International Limited
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 8888102
    Abstract: A gaming table comprises a table top having a top and a bottom surface adapted to receive an exchangeable insert. For instance, the top surface is configured to receive gaming accessories and defines an exchangeable insert bed. A base is connected to and configured to support the table top. A table top exchangeable insert is configured to be located within the exchangeable insert bed, wherein the insert includes a securing structure, for releasably securing the table top exchangeable insert to the table top to provide the ability to conveniently change the insert as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gaming Partners International Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Gregory Gronau
  • Patent number: 8888101
    Abstract: A card table structure, preferably a poker table, includes a frame with legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table. A playing surface is disposed under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played. A peripheral support member is secured under the rail. The peripheral support member includes a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Glenn McCrory
  • Publication number: 20140312568
    Abstract: The blackjack variation provides another option for the blackjack player, permitting the purchase of an option to use the single face-up card of the dealer in combination with the initial two cards dealt to the player to form a three-card hand. The player may pay a percentage of the initial wager or some other amount, as determined, to purchase the option. The option is preferably limited to the three cards that include the two cards initially dealt to the player and the single face-up or displayed card of the initial dealer hand. Conventional blackjack rules remain in effect, i.e., the option for the player to double down or split pairs. However, if the player elects one of these other options and/or otherwise elects to add another card(s) to the hand, the option of using the displayed dealer card is revoked. The house may retain the option payment under these conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: BUDIMIR ILIEVSKI
  • Publication number: 20140312567
    Abstract: A device for playing a game comprising: jackpot betting sensors comprising a betting sensor and a lamp; a baccarat table; a local server coupled to the jackpot betting sensors; a monitor attached to a pole; the jackpot betting sensors are mounted on top of the baccarat table allowing a first player to play the baccarat game on the baccarat table and allowing the first player or a second player to place a jackpot bet by placing a betting chip on the betting sensor; wherein the lamp in the jackpot betting sensor turns on when a betting chip covers the jackpot betting sensor to indicate that the jackpot bet is placed; and wherein the baccarat table is adapted to permit the second player to place the jackpot bet without placing a bet for the baccarat game; and wherein the local server causes the winning combination to be shown on the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 8864135
    Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberly M. Campbell, Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Hans Elias, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, David N. Myers, David M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8864567
    Abstract: Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Brian Underdahl, Binh Nguyen, Yuliya Hungate, Steven G. LeMay
  • Patent number: 8827271
    Abstract: An elliptical, poker table incorporating two dealer stations with each dealer station including one or more of the following: automatic card shuffler, chip rack, poker cards and drop box. In one configuration, the two dealer stations are positioned oppositely on long sides of the poker table and may be offset from one another. The poker table layout may include two chip areas at each player station to accommodate different sets of chips—one for each poker game being played simultaneously. The poker table layout may depict two distinguishable common card areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy M. Frazin
  • Patent number: 8783688
    Abstract: A gaming table comprises a table top having a top and a bottom surface adapted to receive an exchangeable insert. For instance, the top surface is configured to receive gaming accessories and defines an exchangeable insert bed. A base is connected to and configured to support the table top. A table top exchangeable insert is configured to be located within the exchangeable insert bed, wherein the insert includes a securing structure, for releasably securing the table top exchangeable insert to the table top to provide the ability to conveniently change the insert as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gaming Partners International USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Gelinotte, Francisco Javier Moreno, Gregory Gronau
  • Patent number: 8784173
    Abstract: An electronic video poker machine configured to allow play of multiple hands of video poker. The electronic video poker machine comprises at least one display device, at least one input device, and at least one computer configured to display at least a first hand and a second hand of at least three cards all face up, wherein a computer uses selected hold cards of the first hand to select the best poker hand for a second and subsequent poker hands. If the hold cards from the first hand make the best possible poker hands, they are used to replace one or more selected cards of the second and subsequent hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Tyler T Parham
  • Publication number: 20140197598
    Abstract: A roulette based bingo game and method of playing bingo is disclosed. The game includes a bingo table that resembles a traditional roulette table and a bingo wheel used to select randomly from among a set of numbers. Players purchase primary and interim bingo cards by placing chips on the bingo table in a manner that evokes the experience of betting at a roulette table. Bingo numbers are randomly selected by spinning the bingo wheel and matching numbers are daubed or otherwise marked on player's bingo cards. Players obtaining predetermined winning patterns of matched numbers on their bingo cards are winners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: innovate! Technologies Group, LLC
    Inventor: Troy Robin King