In A Chance Application Patents (Class 463/16)
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Patent number: 9452353Abstract: A payment card is disclosed. The payment card may comprise a substrate, and an issuer identifier, and a game code printed on the substrate. The payment card may be a stored value card or a gift card, and can be used in an open loop payment system. A removable layer can be present over the game code.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATIONInventor: Robert Lewis
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Patent number: 9454210Abstract: Systems and methods of enabling power management in a micro server include providing multiple cores, a power management module coupled to the cores, and one or more peripherals coupled to the power management module. The power management module may be configured to cause the one or more peripherals to delay operations based on determining that the cores are in a first power consumption state, and place the cores in a second power consumption state for a predetermined time period. The second power consumption state may consume less power than the first power consumption state. The power management module may cause the one or more peripherals to resume their operations based on expiration of the predetermined time period and may place the cores in a third power consumption state based on the expiration of the time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Anil K. Kumar
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Patent number: 9449455Abstract: A gaming method of conducting a wagering game includes receiving, via one or more input devices, an input indicative of a wager, displaying, via one or more display devices, a plurality of symbols to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in a display area, and determining, via at least one of one or more processors, one or more award amounts for the randomly selected outcome. The one or more award amounts are based on the wager and the symbols of the randomly selected outcome. The method further includes determining an aggregate award amount based on the one or more award amounts, comparing the aggregate award amount to a predetermined threshold amount, awarding the aggregate award amount if the aggregate award amount is less than the predetermined threshold amount, and awarding an override-award amount if the aggregate award amount is greater than the predetermined threshold amount.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Pamela S. Smith
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Patent number: 9446313Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a device having a user interface configured to display a game board having a plurality of game objects, each game object having one or more characteristics, said user interface being configured to receive user input, and at least one processor in connection or communication with at least one memory configured to detect a selection of at least one game object with respect to said displayed game board in response to player input, re-order said selected game objects on said displayed game board with respect to said input, create a further game object sharing at least one of the one or more characteristics of said re-ordered game objects in accordance with at least one rule stored in said at least one memory, and replace said re-ordered game objects with said further game object for display.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: KING.COM LTD.Inventor: Klas Norden
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Patent number: 9443385Abstract: “Described herein are processes and devices that perform operations that, in some embodiments, include receiving a request for concurrent presentation of a first wagering game and a second wagering game via a display device of a wagering game machine. The first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, and the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds associated with the first wagering game.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Srinivyasa M. Adiraju, Vijay K. Agarwal, Dale R. Buchholz, Mary M. Burke, Timothy F. Dinovo, Magesh Gangadharan, Jacek A. Grabiec, James S. Halprin, Mark C. Pace, Jacqueline F. Parra, David M. Pryor, Matthew J. Ward
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Patent number: 9443391Abstract: A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include detecting activation of an account-augmentation mechanism by a single event at a wagering game machine. The account-augmentation mechanism indicates to initiate an electronic transfer of a set amount of funds from at least one account to a gaming account associated with the wagering game machine during a wagering game session. The operations can further include electronically accessing an account setting related to the gaming account and, determining, in response to analysis of the account setting, that the account setting indicates a restriction on use of the at least one account during the wagering game session. The operations can further include automatically applying the restriction to the transfer of the funds.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Erhard W. Rathsack, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 9443395Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for presenting payouts in primary and/or secondary gaming activities. A plurality of wheels, rings, or other shapes are provided, where each includes a plurality of different symbols, numbers, or other indicia that can be used as a part of a collective payout award. The wheels, rings, or shapes are rotated, and at least one segment designator is provided to demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the wheels, rings, or shapes stop spinning. The payout amount is based on the aggregate of the symbols, numbers, and/or other indicia presented via the segment designator(s) when the spinning wheels, rings, or shapes have come to rest. In an alternate embodiment, the segment designators are rotated, and demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the segment designators stop spinning.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: Bradley Berman, Adam Martin
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Patent number: 9443381Abstract: For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, data is gathered in a data processing device, in communication with, yet external to, the gaming device, the data processing device having been provided a sampling of data from the gaming device by a gaming system having supervisory hierarchical control over the gaming device. At least a portion of the sampled data is processed to generate a facsimile animation re-creation of the event to be provided to the player. The facsimile animation re-creation is editable through the data processing device by use of at least one predefined rule, an operator of the data processing device, and a player granted subsequent access to the data processing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Mark C. Nicely, Kari L. O'Driscoll
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Patent number: 9433868Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that access a first coefficient vector that represents a first temporal profile and a second coefficient vector that represents a second temporal profile. The first and second temporal profiles represent presence histories of a first entity and a second entity within a persistent virtual environment. Once the coefficient vectors are accessed, the technology generates a predictive function responsive to the coefficient vectors. The predictive function provides a likelihood with respect to a future time that the first entity and the second entity will be temporally compatible. The technology then presents a representation of said predictive function or information derived from said predictive function.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Eric S. Nickell, Nicolas B. Ducheneaut
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Patent number: 9437080Abstract: An apparatus for outputting an alternative output through an electronic gaming device output device has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with game logic circuitry that commands a gaming device output device to generate an output. The electronic gaming device output is interrupted before it is output and the output device generates an alternative output.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Aim Management, IncInventor: Douglas M. Okuniewicz
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Patent number: 9430908Abstract: A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Everi Games, Inc.Inventors: Clint Owen, Bradley Johnson, Juan Salazar
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Patent number: 9430917Abstract: A wagering game system (“system”) and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include electronically determining, via an electronic communication interface of the system, display coordinates associated with first content of a first wagering game application (“first application”) for presentation on an electronic display device associated with the system. The first application is independent from a second wagering game application (“second application”). The operations can further include automatically mapping, via an electronic processing unit of the system, second content for the second application to the display coordinates. The operations can further include, based on the mapping, electronically presenting, via the electronic display device, the second content affixed relative to the first content during concurrent game play of the first application and the second application.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Peter J. Aponte, James J. Getz, Siva Kumar Krishnan, Brian D. Manning, Krishnakumar Meluveettil
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Patent number: 9424715Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
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Patent number: 9418516Abstract: An apparatus enables play of a wagering game in which winning outcomes are determined by random appearance of specific predetermined symbols in which: a player places a wager worth monetary value on a single gaming event in the wagering game; the player purchases with monetary value a safeguard action useful only in the single gaming event; the player receives a first complete set of symbols; if one symbol in the first complete set of symbols prevents or limits an amount of award in the single gaming event, the player exercises the safeguard action to discard the one symbol and have that one symbol replaced with one randomly provided symbol to form a second complete set of symbols; and the wager is resolved against a paytable using the second set of complete symbols.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: AGS, LLCInventors: Steven Weiss, Brooke Dunn
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Patent number: 9418511Abstract: A gaming machine has display means and a game control means. A game is played in which one or more random events are displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. On the occurrence of a predefined event, the player is offered a choice of two or more different prize sets, each containing a plurality of prize outcomes. The prize is drawn from the prize set or sets selected. The sets of prizes may be presented on segments of wheels that can spin before stopping randomly on a segment which defines the prize outcome. Alternatively the sets of prizes are presented on the faces of dice which are arranged to spin before stopping with the front face of the die defining the prize won.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventors: Edgar Pau, Colin Fong
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Patent number: 9418507Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a group award presentation of a plurality of similar or identical awards. Generally, the gaming system employs the group award presentation to display a plurality of similar or identical awards for a play of a game as a group rather than separately displaying each individual award. In one embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a winning symbol combination, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards. In another embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a plurality of winning symbol combinations, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards, and wherein those winning symbol combinations are associated with a same award.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Johnny L. Palchetti, Dorothy P. Cheung, Kevin M. Kuran
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Patent number: 9412220Abstract: When the game result of a base game in which symbols 501 are rearranged on a lower image display panel 141 is bonus winning, the execution of a first bonus game in which a selection game is executable for a predetermined number of times is allowed, one of a predetermined number of options associated with selectable game results is selected for each time of the selection game in the first bonus game, and a second bonus game is executed after the end of the first bonus game when in the first bonus game the selection game is executed for the predetermined number of times.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Susumu Mio, Makoto Miyawaki
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Patent number: 9412219Abstract: A method of gaming comprising providing a plurality of display positions and selecting a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions. A base pay table is defined and is usable to determine a prize for a winning outcome when a winning outcome associated with a particular prize comprising a defined win combination of x symbols occurs. It is determined whether a winning outcome exists and, during normal game mode, the base pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs. It is also determined whether a trigger condition exists and if the trigger condition is determined, special game mode is implemented during which the special pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITEDInventors: Christian James Salmon, Rowan Arthur Newman Bond
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Patent number: 9412239Abstract: A gaming machine has a standard game play mode, and a bonus feature game play mode. The bonus feature mode includes a win chain counter having an integer value. During standard game play mode, the user interface randomly displays a matrix of symbols and the computer calculates the wins based on the matrix of symbols. On appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols, bonus feature play commences and a the win chain counter is initialized. During bonus feature play, a winning spin initializes a first win chain, and a first non-winning spin decrements the win chain counter value, after a first win chain is initialized, and prior to a non-winning spin, winning spins are added to the first win chain. Subsequent win chains are generated and terminated by a non-winning spin until the win chain counter is decremented to zero. Then bonus feature game play terminates.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Novomatic AGInventor: Martin Gugler
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Patent number: 9412240Abstract: At a first point in time, a first game outcome is determined in association with a play of a first game, the determined first game outcome is displayed, any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome is displayed, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game, a second game outcome is determined in association with a play of the second game, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. At a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game is determined, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and c any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Dwayne Nelson, David Haag, Steven Lemay
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Patent number: 9412237Abstract: An electronic game wherein the user accumulates score which is based upon the appropriateness of the user's moves, regardless of whether the move resulted in a win or lose situation for the user. This approach provides the user with enjoyment of playing the game, but also focuses the user to learn how to make proper moves that would ultimately result in better skills in playing the game. One specific example relates to poker, wherein the user collects chips based upon winning or losing a hand, but at each decision round of playing the hand the user is awarded ProCoins based upon the appropriateness of the user's actions. The user is provided with feedback based upon the user's decisions, rather than based upon winning or losing a hand.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: GAMOZ, INC.Inventors: Amos Barzilay, Gabriel Zuniga
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Patent number: 9406203Abstract: A gaming system comprising a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions and to select a plurality of win line elements. The gaming system is arranged to define a special win line when a plurality of win line elements are contiguously displayed across the display area, and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed along the special win line if a special win line is defined. A corresponding method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITEDInventor: Michael A. Shai-Hee
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Patent number: 9406198Abstract: The invention generally relates to gaming machines and methods implemented with use of a gaming machine. A prize awarded on a gaming device is awarded by obtaining a turnover value for at least one gaming device over a period of time, calculating a probability value based on the turnover value and using the probability value to determine whether the prize is to be awarded. In some implementations there may be two prizes that are awarded with different probabilities when the gaming machine system is in different configurations.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty LimitedInventor: Paul Francis Jason Bramble
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Patent number: 9401067Abstract: The present application provides a game playing information integration system which is capable of objectively performing selection and/or settings according to preference of a player, particularly fixed customers, and thereby capable of effectively introducing a gaming machine to invoke demands of players as users and managers of gaming facilities in a well-balanced manner from a result obtained by logically analyzing the gaming machine. (a) Game playing period at one time of each player in gaming machine unit, (b) change in balance over time of player in a game playing period, (c) operation time of the gaming machine unit, and (d) data relating to profit of a shop side by the gaming machine are generated, the degree of satisfaction of player is computed based on (a) and (b), and the degree of satisfaction of a shop side is computed based on (c) and (d).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Kengo Takeda
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Patent number: 9399172Abstract: A method for allowing a number of split-screens to share a display on a client device beyond an application's native capacity for split-screening, includes determining configuration parameters for the client device, establishing a plurality of application instances to be initialized based on the number of split-screens and the application's native capacity for split-screening, initializing one or more virtual machine servers to service the plurality of application instances, optimizing display output parameters for each application instance based at least in part on the configuration parameters for the client device, and outputting display from each application instance to the client device, such that the display output from each application instance shares the display on the client device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Ron Efraim Haberman
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Patent number: 9401066Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Daniel De Waal, Lance R. Peterson, Vincent P. Smith, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberley Campbell
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Patent number: 9393486Abstract: A game system in which game sessions may be recorded and saved as game records. A previously recorded game session may be selected and replayed, and players may step into and assume control of respective game characters during the replay. When a player steps into and takes control of game a character during replay of a game session, a new timeline is spawned from the original timeline, and a new game record corresponding to the new timeline is generated and stored. Players that were involved in a previously recorded game session that is being replayed may be manually or automatically notified that the game session is being replayed. The notification may occur upon initiation of the replay and/or when a new timeline is spawned. Notified players may view the game session without participating, or may take control their respective characters to participate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Martin George
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Patent number: 9390585Abstract: A gaming system and method which forms, tracks and maintains one or more groups, teams or pools of players. Each group, team or pool includes one or more players (i.e., team members). A player's participation or involvement with the group or team enables the player to access one or more benefits otherwise not available to players unaffiliated with the group or team. That is, based on a player's association with a formed group or team, the gaming system provides the player with one or more benefits, such as an award, an opportunity to win an award, or a modified probability of winning an award.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. Lemay, Dwayne A. Davis
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Patent number: 9384626Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
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Patent number: 9384632Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
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Patent number: 9384630Abstract: Methods and systems for personalizable hybrid games including a gambling game and an entertainment game are provided. A hybrid game includes a real world engine configured to provide a randomly generated payout for a gambling game and a game world engine configured to manage an entertainment software engine to provide outcomes based upon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game. Parameter data indicative of player performance when playing the entertainment game at a first difficulty setting is collected and a difficulty setting is selected for the entertainment game based upon the collected parameter data. An amount of real world credit to be wagered in the gambling game may be determined based on the selected difficulty setting for the entertainment game, where real world credit is credit used in the gambling game.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer, Frank Cire
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Patent number: 9384627Abstract: The present invention involves methods and devices for controlling many aspects of a player's gaming experience, including game themes presented, game denomination, pay models, content and promotions. Some implementations of the invention provide a casino operator the necessary tools to create subsets of customers, often referred to herein as “communities,” and to control the gaming experiences of players in these communities. In some such implementations, communities may be created and/or modified according to various criteria, some of which may be weighted more heavily than others. Specific marketing messages, promotions, etc., may be provided to attract and retain players having similar characteristics and preferences.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Andy O. Bryson, Richard Fishman
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Patent number: 9378609Abstract: A system determines that current wagering game establishment activity data of a user satisfies wagering game establishment offer evaluation criteria (401). The system accesses, over a network, past activity data of the user at least partially in response to determining that the current wagering game establishment activity data of the user satisfies the wagering game establishment offer evaluation criteria (403). The system analyzes the past activity data based, at least in part, on a desired effect and the current wagering game establishment activity data (405). The system computes likelihood that at least one of a set of offers can achieve the desired effect based on the analysis result (407). The system selects a first of the set of offers based, at least in part, on determining the likelihood that at least one of the set of offers can achieve the desired effect (409). The system presents the selected first offer to the user (413).Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.Inventors: Mary M. Burke, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Daniel P. Louie, Matthew J. Ward, Brian L. Yarger
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Patent number: 9376026Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect an apparatus for wirelessly transferring power from a charging power source to a device is provided. The apparatus includes a first strand wound in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source and a second strand wound together with the first strand in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source. The apparatus further includes an inductor circuit connected to the first strand and disconnected from the second strand. The inductor circuit is further configured to reduce a current difference between a first current flowing through the first strand and a second current flowing through the second strand.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas A. Keeling, Mickel Budhia, Hanspeter Widmer, Marcel Fischer, Lukas Sieber
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Patent number: 9378622Abstract: Gaming machines or devices utilize the output of random number generators (RNGs) in the presentation of games, wherein one or more of the RNGs are each assigned to a single player. Each uniquely assigned RNG is used to determine the outcome of the games played only by the assigned player, such as a casino gaming machine or a game board devices accessed via a remote presentation device such as a phone or computer. An RNG may also be stopped or paused and then restarted, whereby a sequence of random data remains continuous or contiguous relative to a number of games played, such as by the single player to which the RNG is assigned. Multiple players may also time-share a gaming machine in a manner whereby the gaming machine acts as a unique device to each player.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Tipping Point Group, LLCInventor: Elia Rocco Tarantino
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Patent number: 9373225Abstract: A gaming device is described herein. The gaming device includes a display unit and a controller that is coupled to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed in a display grid. Each reel is adapted to display one of a plurality of symbols. The controller is configured to randomly determine an outcome of the game, select a reel configuration including a plurality of reel groups, determine, for each reel group, a single random symbol being displayed in each reel of the corresponding reel group in the determined outcome, spin and stop each reel of the corresponding reel groups to display the outcome including displaying the same symbols in each reel of the corresponding reel group during rotation, and provide an award to the player as a function of the determined outcome.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Arthur Lee, Bradley Johnson
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Patent number: 9370716Abstract: A gaming machine includes a control lever that is gripped by a player, a display configured to display an effect image, and a controller programmed to execute a predetermined process. The control lever includes a rotation axis, a reel handle configured to rotate the rotation axis, a rotation sensor configured to detect the number of rotation of the rotation axis, and a rotation resistance imparting unit configured to impart resistance to the rotation axis such that the torque increases in accordance with the rotational speed in one direction of the rotation axis. In accordance with the game status of the game, the controller causes the rotation sensor to detect the number of rotation of the rotation axis which is rotated as the reel handle of the control lever is rotated, and changes the content of the effect image displayed on the display in accordance with the detected number of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Gou Miyamoto, Daisyun Okamoto, Kensaku Yoshikawa, Kazuo Okada
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Patent number: 9373218Abstract: The gaming machine includes: a cabinet having a display window; one or more reels disposed in the cabinet so that the or each reel is visible from outside the cabinet through the display window, the or each of the one or more reels being provided with a reel band having symbols; and a light application device configured to apply visible light representing visual information which enables recognition of information related to games to the reel band. The or each of one or more reels has a mirror layer which reflects the visible light from the light application device. The light application device is disposed in a position out of a sight area in which the one or more reels are visible from outside the cabinet through the display window.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Yoshinori Kondo, Jun Hirato, Kenta Kitamura, Takehisa Itagaki
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Patent number: 9364761Abstract: The accuracy of results of client-side determinations used for defining views of a virtual space may be verified via crowd-sourcing. Results of primary client-side determinations may be received from client computing platforms. Individual ones of the primary client-side determinations may be performed by individual client computing platforms presenting views of an instance of the virtual space to users. The results of the primary client-side determinations may form a basis for determining view information. The accuracy of the results of the primary client-side determinations may be verified by comparing the results of the primary client-side determinations with results of secondary client-side determinations performed by one or more client computing platforms. Individual ones of the secondary client-side determinations may simulate corresponding primary client-side determinations.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: Justin Rhinesmith, Michael Lin
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Patent number: 9369832Abstract: A method for “team tracking” delivers position updates for multiple team members using a telecommunications network. Each team member/user carries a handheld and field-portable tracking and messaging device (TMD) that is used to send the current position of the device user to a networked server. The TMD has a built-in GPS receiver which provides the current position coordinates of the user. This position data is periodically transmitted via the telecommunications network to a central server. Team Status Messages (TSM) are sent regularly to each team member, the TSM containing the last known position of each team member. The position data are displayed over a map background, so that each member can see the positions of the other members. When tracking a target, a route is mapped to the target. If the target changes location, the next TSM that is sent indicates a re-calculated map to the target.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: DELORME PUBLISHING COMPANYInventors: Charles Noble, III, Adrian Chamberland Smith, Noah DeLorme
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Patent number: 9361765Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a battling symbol generators game. In various embodiments, each symbol generator of a set of symbol generators employed for the battling symbol generators game is associated with one of a plurality of different characteristics. During play of the battling symbol generators game, the gaming system modifies the set of symbol generators upon the occurrence of various symbol generator set modification events such that more symbol generators of the set are associated with a particular characteristic and/or such that fewer symbol generators of the set are associated with another characteristic. The gaming system provides a bonus when a designated quantity of the symbol generators of the set are each associated with a particular characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: IGTInventor: Jason R. Smalley
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Patent number: 9361763Abstract: A gaming system has a plurality of reels. Each reel has a plurality of symbol locations. The gaming system is in communication with one or more processors. The gaming system involves the selection of a symbol location on a first reel of the plurality of reels. The selected symbol location is associated with a first type of symbol. At least one additional symbol location is added to the first reel at a location adjacent to the selected symbol location. Each additional symbol location is filled with the first type of symbol to create a first clump of the first type of symbols. Alternatively, the gaming system determines a number of additional symbol locations that are added to the first reel adjacent to the selected first symbol location. The gaming system then fills the additional symbol locations with symbols.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Allon G. Englman, Michael W. Mastropietro
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Patent number: 9361752Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing a computer implemented game comprising: displaying one or more on-screen objects in accordance with the computer implemented game; accepting input from a user of the computer implemented game; responsive to receiving input from the user, updating the one or more on-screen objects according to one or more game rules using one or more computer processors; receiving a notification from a game server, over a network, that the user of the computer implemented game has completed a gameplay specific task in a second computer implemented game, wherein the second computer implemented game is provided on a separate platform from the computer implemented game; and responsive to receiving the notification from the game server, providing a reward to the user in the computer implemented game.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Siavash Ghamaty, Laura Dansingani, Live Zhang, Genki Mine
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Patent number: 9361753Abstract: A system includes a user device in communication with an award server. The user device executes a game application to earn a bonus award. However, the bonus award is not issued by the user device. Rather, the bonus award is stored at the award server. In one optional embodiment, the bonus award may be issued through a gaming device which receives the bonus award from the award server and executes a gambling game which may result in the issuance of the bonus award. Additionally or alternatively, the bonus award may be issued through a redemption device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jason Mayeroff, Robert Ryan Morishita
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Patent number: 9349251Abstract: A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more upgrades in association with zero, one or more shifting symbols. Upon an occurrence of an upgrade event, the gaming system upgrades one or more aspects or attributes of one or more games played. In certain embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading the award evaluation of one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more attributes or features of one or more bonus or secondary games which are subsequently triggered.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely, Brian F. Saunders
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Patent number: 9349245Abstract: A system and method is provided which establishes for a number of player-rated tiers, reward criteria which can be satisfied by play of the player of a gaming device. Play data is provided to a host server and upon satisfaction of the reward criteria a player-centric game for the player's rating is provided to the player for play to render a winning or losing outcome. For a winning outcome the player receives a reward based upon the player's tier rating. The rewards may be provided across multiple games including slots, tables, keno, and any other casino game. The rewards may be directly credited to the gaming devices using either cashable or non-cashable credits. The system facilitates patrons continuing to accrue rights toward a reward even when playing different gaming machines, or when playing machines having different denominations.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Frank J. Silvestro
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Patent number: 9349247Abstract: Systems for a networked gaming system are disclosed, including an entertainment game controller connected to a game world controller, and constructed to: communicate an initialization request; receive a plurality of transaction identifiers; communicate game world information and a transaction identifier; receive a gambling outcome and game world resources; display gambling outcome; integrate game world resources; a real world controller connected to the game world controller, and constructed to: receive a wager request; determine gambling outcome; communicate gambling outcome; the game world controller connected to the entertainment game controller and to the real world controller, and constructed to: receive initialization request; determine whether or not the player is authorized; generate plurality of transaction identifiers; communicate plurality of transaction identifiers; receive game world information and transaction identifier; determine whether the transaction identifier is valid; communicate wager rType: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Eric Meyerhofer
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Patent number: 9349250Abstract: A linked gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and having a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates an individual outcome associated with each gaming device. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. However, each gaming device receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Zeke Brill, Hans Elias, Paulina Rodgers, Kehl T. LeSourd, Eric L. Wagner, Christopher D. Carlisle, Kirk A. Tedsen, Michael MacVittie
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Patent number: 9349241Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having awards for the occurrence of certain symbols in certain designated positions of the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game device comprises: a display device; an input device; and a processor for accessing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device and the input device to: provide a game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions, wherein at least one of the symbol positions comprises a capture position; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination; wherein the winning symbol combination comprises a predetermined symbol from the plurality of symbols being positioned in the capture position.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony Singer, Aaron Stuart Zoble
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Patent number: 9342954Abstract: Gaming machines and games are configured with one or more wheel events or features. The wheel events or features may comprise main games or bonus games, or may comprise entertaining representations of outcomes of other games or events. The wheel events comprise the selection of one or more segments of a wheel having associated awards. Wheel events may have various entertaining configurations, such as morphing wheels, symbols that reveal awards and the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Rocket Gaming Systems, LLCInventor: Ronnie W. Harris