Geometric Maze Patents (Class 463/15)
  • Patent number: 11538310
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise advancements to electronic gaming machines. In particular embodiments, when a bonus feature is activated and, as part of the bonus feature, a sub-feature is selected from among multiple available sub-features. The bonus feature can include one or more sub-features that trigger a further secondary RNG selection. For example, the one or more sub-features can include one or more of (a) a credit awarding secondary feature in which a secondary RNG is applied to select the amount of credits; (b) a free-spin secondary feature in which one or more free games can be awarded; and/or (c) a reel-spin feature in which an enhanced reward scheme is applied. In further embodiments, the reel-spin feature can further include a random selection of a threshold that ensures the player the threshold amount until it is exceeded by the game mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Hendricks, Thomas Tuomey, Gary Penacho, Damien Burczyk, Allon Englman
  • Patent number: 11107326
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise advancements to electronic gaming machines. In particular embodiments, when a bonus feature is activated and, as part of the bonus feature, a sub-feature is selected from among multiple available sub-features. The bonus feature can include one or more sub-features that trigger a further secondary RNG selection. For example, the one or more sub-features can include one or more of (a) a credit awarding secondary feature in which a secondary RNG is applied to select the amount of credits; (b) a free-spin secondary feature in which one or more free games can be awarded; and/or (c) a reel-spin feature in which an enhanced reward scheme is applied. In further embodiments, the reel-spin feature can further include a random selection of a threshold that ensures the player the threshold amount until it is exceeded by the game mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Hendricks, Thomas Tuomey, Gary Penacho, Damien Burczyk, Allon Englman
  • Patent number: 10918947
    Abstract: A game program causes a computer to set, if it is determined that a point based on a first action of the character of each of an own player and another player is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a specific period from a time when an instruction to input a second action has been first accepted from the own player or the other player as a cooperation accepting period, to accept the instruction to input the second action up to a maximum number of times set for each cooperation player from a cooperation player other than the player who has instructed input of the second action, among the own player and the other player, during the cooperation accepting period, and to vary an effect of the second action in accordance with the number of times of the instruction to input the second action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nariaki Wada, Yoichi Shoda
  • Patent number: 10535228
    Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing improvements to feature games played on slot machines or other gaming machines. A bonus symbol feature game selection is provided that determines multiple feature games to be made available for the player by a player selection. The games made available are determined at least in part based on the base game result. A wheel enhancement feature game is provided in which a wheel is modified with various types of persistent modifications selected by player picks. The enhancements accumulate until a wheel spin is achieved, building excitement with the player. Chances of achieving a wheel spin may also be altered by the persistent modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Mariscal, Michael Khoury, Cydny Audia
  • Patent number: 10112114
    Abstract: An action figure is provided with a serial number that provides an access code which allows owners to engage in enjoyable games or other activities via the Internet or other gaming systems. The interactive action figure system comprises a toy, statue, or other three-dimensional figurine with a serial number, and preferably a computer network accessible over the internet and a particular gaming framework managed by a network device. Owners of action figure toys may “log onto” the network using the action figure serial number as an access code to activate a particular computer character identity and participate in games such as hand-to-hand combat games, action-adventure series, or learning games. The action figure may be, for example, a warrior, sports figure, doll or teddy bear to appeal to a wide range of users. Once a particular character is activated, game play proceeds according to preset rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GANZ
    Inventor: Michael D. Borge
  • Patent number: 10035071
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more symbol positions which may provide additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may utilize a first display device. The first display device may include a first display area, a first silk-screen area, a first insulation area, and a first border area. The first display area, the first silk-screen area, the first insulation area, and the first border area may be flush with each other. The first insulation area may provide electrical isolation between the first border area and the first display area and/or the silk-screen area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AGS LLC
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Thompson, Prashant L. Shah, Sigmund Hyunjai Lee
  • Patent number: 9619963
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems and methods for facilitating a game (e.g., a wagering game playable online) provide for outputting an interface for a wagering game, the interface comprising a plurality of areas among which a game element may move, wherein at least a subset of the areas comprise wagering opportunities which are available for activation, and wherein each area of the subset of the areas which comprises a wagering opportunity is occupied by a game symbol which represents the wagering opportunity. Upon determining that the game element has been moved into an area of the interface comprising a wagering opportunity the wagering opportunity may be activated (e.g., a wager may be deducted and a result determined).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Gamesys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hans Elias, Robert George Thurston, Thomas David James Aicken
  • Patent number: 9514600
    Abstract: A slot machine game provides a bonus feature wherein, after the base-game reels have stopped to populate the symbol array, a rectangular region or group of symbols within in the symbol array is selected, and this region is rotated to produce a modified symbol array which is then evaluated for wins. This is preferably done after spins that do not win a prize, in order to improve the payout and excitement of the game. The group rotation can be made available in base or bonus games, and can be used with game logic that searches for a suitable group to rotate by evaluating the prize that will result and choosing a group above a designated threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Everi Games Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Alexander Watkins, Michael Conway
  • Patent number: 9039514
    Abstract: Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Sylvie Linard, John Papanastasiou, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Patent number: 9017159
    Abstract: A pay line multiplier is randomly selected for each active pay line. The pay line multiplier varies for each round of play. An extra wager may be required from the player to activate this feature during the play of a casino game. A player makes a wager to activate at least two pay lines to be played in the casino game. For each active pay line, a multiplier is randomly selected from a group of various multipliers and the selected multiplier is assigned to the activated pay line. The casino game is then played to achieve an outcome on each pay line. Each pay line that has a winning outcome has any associated award increased by the multiplier for that pay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Ernest W Moody
  • Patent number: 8944903
    Abstract: A system according to an embodiment includes a game progress control unit configured to control progress of a game, a screen output unit configured to output a game screen containing a path area in which a path of a puzzle game is formed to a terminal device, a placement unit configured to place a path object that functions as part of the path on the basis of advancement of turns in the path area according to an instruction from the player, a moving unit configured to advance the turns to move the moving object according to a predetermined rule, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the moving object has reached a goal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Machida, Ryosuke Abe, Seiichiro Sumiyoshi, Hikaru Baba, Yudai Moteki, Shinya Kasahara
  • Patent number: 8932123
    Abstract: An assembly block (20) including an LED element (51), a control unit (52) that controls the LED element (51), and a housing (30) that holds the LED element (51) and the control unit (52) is provided. The housing (30) includes mechanical interfaces (32, 33) for mechanically connecting to the outside and is at least partially translucent. The control unit (52) includes a first functional unit (111) that stores, on receiving first data sets (D1) that include data for controlling the color of light to be outputted from the LED element (51) and a transfer command via the first electrical interface (79a) associated with the first mechanical interface (32), the first data set (D1) in a buffer (121) and outputs the stored first data set (DS1) in the buffer (121) together with the transfer command via a second electrical interface (79b) associated with the mechanical interface (33) on the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Stellararts Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitaka Murayama, Fumiyoshi Ito, Takeshi Matsushima, Hideyuki Uchida
  • Patent number: 8888575
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Boda Borg Corp.
    Inventor: David L. Spigner
  • Patent number: 8851993
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a game device. The game device includes an indication acceptance unit for accepting an indication for determining an amount of movement, a movement amount determination unit for determining an amount of movement on the prescribed route, a position updating unit for updating positions of all player characters on the route in accordance with the determined amount of movement, and an event processing unit for executing an event on the player character and the indication acceptance unit includes a normal indication acceptance unit for accepting a normal indication for determining a normal amount of movement and a special indication acceptance unit for accepting a special indication for determining an amount of movement different from normal, which is executed alternative to the normal indication and of which number of permitted times of issuance by the plurality of player characters is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichiro Nishiya, Tatsumitsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8834252
    Abstract: The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. A gaming machine 1 comprises a game result determination unit, determining a game result; a game execution unit, executing a game in such a manner as to reach the game result; a moveable component, disposed at a position visible from outside, and configured to be capable of mechanical movement; and a movement control unit, enabling the moveable component to move in a movement pattern corresponding to the game result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8821242
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to cognitive training exercise adapted to train working memory systems in mammals in an intuitive, engaging, and adaptively challenging way to enhance cognition. Exercises engage users in the task of first seeing a grid with angled “bumpers” placed in various places throughout the grid. After a short initial presentation, the bumpers disappear, and the user must remember the location and orientation of the bumpers and calculate a route that a “pinball” will travel after being released from a designated starting position. In this way, the user is manipulating the remembered grid layout in working memory to solve a physically realistic task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lumos Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Hinman, Ben Katz, Joseph L. Hardy, David Drescher
  • Patent number: 8727867
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a maze-based game similar to the well-known game of PAC-MAN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8715054
    Abstract: A gaming system with a free play mode. The gaming system has a game controller configured to process game play instructions in accordance with game rules to produce game outcomes. A credit meter is under the control of the game controller, the credit meter incremented or decremented in accordance with the game outcomes during normal play. A player interface is in data communication with the game controller. The player interface comprising a display that displays game outcomes to the player and operable to cause a free mode instruction to be communicated to the game controller. The game controller is configured to deactivate the credit meter in response to receipt of a free mode instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
  • Patent number: 8668578
    Abstract: Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Sylvie Linard, John Papanastasiou, Thierry Brunet De Courssou
  • Patent number: 8662990
    Abstract: A primary game may display multiple bonus game selection symbols on a reel. The bonus game selection symbols allow the player to choose a bonus game. The bonus game simulates a play in an actual wagering game with a wager that would normally be higher than the wager in the primary game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Watkins, Clint A. Owen
  • Patent number: 8662988
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and program products relating to a multi-mode game play. A player places a bet through a player station to commence play in a first play mode of a multi-mode game. The first play mode may award a prize specified as a number of plays at a different (“second”) play mode. The second play mode has a different associated prize structure and a higher expected net value per play as compared to the first play mode. Once the player has played the specified number of plays at the second play mode the game switches back to the first play mode for additional plays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Thomas Graves
  • Patent number: 8651943
    Abstract: A gaming machine for changing a payout ratio through technical intervention of a player is provided. The gaming machine comprises: a display arranging a plurality of symbols; and a control section executing a first game rearranging the plurality of symbols with a preset payout ratio, and awarding a payout to a player on the basis of a result of the first game, and executing a payout ratio increasing game that increases the payout ratio and is only executable when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and awarding a payout to the player on the basis of a result of the payout ratio increasing game, wherein the control section executes the payout ratio increasing game, in which the preset payout ratio changes in a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 8628399
    Abstract: A gaming system and method allowing use of three dimensional objects in a wagering game. The three dimensional object includes multiple sides which are viewable by a player. Each of the multiple sides includes a symbol. An active payline contains one of the symbols. The symbols contained by the active payline are used to represent a randomly-determined result from the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Alfred Thomas, Brad Schultz, Brett Russell, Russell Savio, Peter Aponte
  • Patent number: 8579695
    Abstract: A video-based gaming device and method of using the same. The gaming device includes a primary game configured to present a game of chance wherein outcomes of the game of chance are based on bingo ball draws and patterns formed on bingo cards, and a bonus game activated by certain pre-established primary game outcomes wherein the bonus game presents one or more bonus game icons each associated with a separate bonus game award from a set of bonus game awards wherein each bonus game award is determined by mapping a set of bonus game patterns to the set of bonus game awards by an order that the bonus game patterns forming the set of bonus game patterns are achieved by applying an original ball draw, in an order bingo balls were originally drawn, to an original bingo card, and randomly assigning the bonus game patterns to the bonus game icons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack
    Inventor: Jared A. Torres
  • Patent number: 8506370
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristopher L. Homsi
  • Patent number: 8491378
    Abstract: A wagering server system provides pari-mutuel wagering on a large number of entrants. The wagering server system has a wagering application which is configured for administration of pari-mutuel wagering. The application has a first tournament object which is configured to initialize into at least one first tournament component. The first tournament component represents in one embodiment a real world contested event which may have a large number of entrants. A sensory application interoperates with sensors located at the event. The sensors generate readable data digital signals when interoperating with readable data components. The wagering application also has a game play component which is configured to receive readable data digital signals, where real-time wagering may occur on the first real world contested event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Harry Platis
  • Patent number: 8449371
    Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Jackson
  • Patent number: 8408985
    Abstract: A system for providing game play. The system includes processors and memory configured to include users as players at a table in an online game and provide cards to the players for playing a first hand of the game. When a jump point is reached in the first hand, the following are provided to at least the players no longer playing the first hand: cards for playing a second hand at the table, and continued online access to play of the first hand. Strategic aspects of face-to-face poker play are retained while action-seeking players can see more hands per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: DP3 Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Thomas Sestak, Joseph Michael Galloway
  • Patent number: 8366537
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling reel games is described. The apparatus may include a display part for displaying an alignment status of reels caused by playing a first reel game. The apparatus may also include a control part for determining whether a combination of symbols or the number of event symbols of at least one or more reels sequentially re-aligned out of the reels satisfies a predetermined event-playing condition, and for playing the event. The apparatus may also include a user interface part for inputting user's random halt settings to spins of at least one or more remaining reels yet to be re-aligned out of the reels based on the playing of the event, and for stopping corresponding reel spins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Jae Hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8323086
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus with geometrically oriented elements is disclosed. Specifically, an array of game elements are displayed, each of which has a discrete geometric orientation, and whose relative geometric orientations, in addition to relative placement of each gaming element, determines winning patterns which result in payout to a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Incredible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Demsetz, Lawrence Hodgson, Leonid Smikun
  • Patent number: 8262445
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Boda Borg Corp.
    Inventor: David L. Spigner
  • Patent number: 8262483
    Abstract: A processor of a game terminal estimates energy consumption of a hypothetical player, assuming that the hypothetical player performs at least one reference dance for a play period, on the basis of a step-sequence data element describing the reference dance. The processor of the game terminal generates a data item describing a value corresponding to the estimated energy consumption, and writes, into an in-terminal memory unit, the data item as a difficulty-level data item describing the difficulty level of the reference dance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Inubushi
  • Patent number: 8192287
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an input-output processor, and by following an instruction from the input-output processor, messages are transmitted and received with other game apparatus 12 connected via a network. The messages are transmitted and received in an electronic mail format, and has identification information of an application being a creation source of the message as well as general information, such as a transmission source, a destination and a subject as header information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Hirose, Shinichiro Tamaki, Tetsuya Sasaki, Tsutomu Araki, Hiroaki Adachi
  • Patent number: 8137201
    Abstract: A game description language is provided for human computation games, as well as a game platform or generator component that can generate the code base for the game. The game description language and schema framework can be used to represent the game logic and synchronization patterns of a human computation game. The automated code generation tool takes a file, e.g., a file made from the above game description language, or the like, as an input and generates a code base for the corresponding human computation game. These tools allow a prototype of a human computation game to be generated within minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Chickering, Edith Law, Anton Mityagin
  • Patent number: 8111872
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an image maze generating system. The system is suitable for use with a digital camera to generate a maze of photographs. The system specially includes an image processing module and an image maze generating module. The image processing module assigns numbers to the photographs. And then the image maze generating module pieces the photographs together on a template which is attached to maze path information according to its numbers to generate the maze of photographs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventor: Feng-Hsing Wang
  • Patent number: 8100757
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed in which players achieve various lifestyle goals through interactive game-playing. A plurality of game elements is provided, wherein information regarding an activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal is displayed on a surface of each game element. A game framework is provided, comprising a spatial representation of an actual accomplishment by a player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A journal is also provided, comprising a written representation of the actual accomplishment by the player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A timing device may also be provided that times the actual accomplishment of the activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal by the player, according to a timing criterion that comprises at least one of a lower time limit and an upper time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle L. Melendez
  • Patent number: 8075385
    Abstract: A gaming machine and method are disclosed. A selected symbol is displayed in a non-revealed manner, for example on a display, a player having nominated at least one characteristic of the symbol. If the selected symbol is revealed to have the nominated characteristic a prize is awarded to the player, and if the symbol is revealed to be a special symbol a game controller awards the player a feature outcome that comprises a plurality of bonus plays of a feature game that includes at least one special symbol. Progression to the next bonus play in the plurality of bonus plays is dependent on selection of the special symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Jackson
  • Patent number: 7850522
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining, based on a first random number, an outcome for a first game play conducted at a gaming device, thereby determining a first outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the first outcome, thereby determining a first payout. The first payout is based on a probability of obtaining the first outcome and the first wager. The method further provides for determining, based on a second random number, an outcome for a second game play conducted at the gaming device, thereby determining a second outcome and determining an amount to be output as a result of the second outcome, thereby determining a second payout. The second payout is based on the first payout. In one embodiment both the first and second game plays are initiated in response to receiving, from the player, an initiation signal and a wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Jose A. Suarez, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Publication number: 20100311487
    Abstract: A system for generating an electronic puzzle for a user. The system comprises a user interface; a processor in communication with the user interface; and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor is effective to receive a first image and a second set of images; break the first image into a plurality of first pieces; and create a plurality of partitions corresponding to the first image and the second set of images, each partition defining an area. The processor is further effective to display the first pieces to the user on a user interface; receive a first request from a user to release a particular one of the first pieces at a first location; when the first location is inside an area of a first particular partition corresponding to the particular first piece, display the first piece in the first particular partition on the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Sherin, Jeremy Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7753782
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7677573
    Abstract: A method of playing a house-banked casino card game includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer hand. The players are provided with options to place wagers, wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according to a rank of the dealer hand. Moreover, not all wagers are required for the player to stay in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Prime Table Games LLC
    Inventor: Derek J. Webb
  • Publication number: 20100056285
    Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLC
    Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney, Rick A. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7618314
    Abstract: A gaming device involving a three-dimensional figure with a plurality of three-dimensional sections, each section having height, width and depth, is disclosed. At least one three-dimensional section is moveable relative to other sections, includes a plurality of three-dimensional fractional images, and may be moved to allow a player to view the three-dimensional fractional images. With the moveable three-dimensional section in one position, the plurality of three-dimensional sections may form at least one whole, integrated three-dimensional image. The gaming device may further include an actuator and controller for moving the moveable three-dimensional section. A method for playing a game using a moveable three-dimensional section to provide an integrated three-dimensional image is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7614958
    Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney, Rick A. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7494415
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes symbol display unit 4 for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, game element acquisition unit 2 for selecting a symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 4 and acquiring a game element based on the selected symbol, game processing unit 3 for performing game processing for players to compete with each other for a move of a piece based on the game element acquired in the game element acquisition unit 2, and game display unit 5 for displaying the processing result of the game processing unit 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Yukako Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7357713
    Abstract: Payout methods in a mechanical, an electro-mechanical and/or computer-based slot machine-like games-of-chance enable a series of awards based upon: appearance of predetermined symbol combinations in the symbol matrix; issuance of awards for the predetermined combination of symbols; removal of the winning symbol combinations from the symbol matrix; replacement of removed symbols with other symbols; issuance of awards for predetermined combination of symbols in the symbol matrix; and recurring cycles of award, removal and replacement until no winning symbol combinations appear in the symbol matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel Marks, Anthony Singer, Howard Marks
  • Publication number: 20070265071
    Abstract: A laser maze attraction has a series of lasers and sensors that may be configured in a maze where a user may be timed for completing the maze, but with penalties for breaking a laser beam. A controller may illuminate a plurality of lasers and monitor sensors corresponding to each of the lasers. The controller may also calculate an elapsed time and deduct a penalty for any laser beam that is broken. A customer interface may include a timer, various buttons arranged in the maze, and other devices that may be actuated during the timed event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Z-Image
    Inventors: Ted Ziemkowski, Chris Corman
  • Publication number: 20070265070
    Abstract: A laser controller has a sensor input for each of a plurality of lasers which the controller may control using outputs. Each laser and sensor may form a laser beam. The controller may have timing start and stop inputs to control a timer, and the controller may calculate a score based on the timer as well as any tripped laser beams. The controller may be used for controlling a game system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Z-Image
    Inventors: Ted Zeimkowski, Chris Corman
  • Patent number: 7192343
    Abstract: A method for operating two different bonus games in a casino game machine. The first bonus game is played when a first predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs on a pay line. The bonus game has a meter and a path to a goal wherein the path has a number of stopping points. The player advances based on player input from stopping point to stopping point along the path to the goal until either the meter reaches a predetermined value that ends the bonus game or until the goal is reached. The second bonus game is played when a second predetermined orientation of the bonus symbols occurs. The operation of the casino game is further affected by providing a graphic image in the video display of the reels to affect the play outcome. A game ticket version is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Progressive Gaming International Corporation
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 7011582
    Abstract: A game apparatus for causing a player's character controlled by a player to fight against an enemy character within a predetermined game space. The game apparatus includes a storage section for storing data of items held by the respective characters, an item computing section and a character reviving section for reviving a defeated character within the game space under a predetermined condition. The item computing section selects prize items from items held by the defeated character in accordance with a predetermined rule and displays the prize items on a display means. The item computing section adds the prize items to items held by a character who acquires said prize item, subtracts the prize items from items held by the defeated character in accordance with a predetermined rule, and updating the data of items in the storage section according to the results of addition and subtraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: NAMCO Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeyasu Yamamoto