Lot Generator (e.g., Card Distribution, Simulated Dice, Random Number Generator, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/22)
  • Patent number: 8668569
    Abstract: A redraw round and feature round are provided to supplement a game of chance. The game of chance may be implemented on a gaming machine or in a traditional manner as described. The game of chance is based on matching player selected spot numbers or player card numbers to randomly generated numbers. The redraw round is triggered if a predetermined number of redraw trigger numbers are generated and displayed as drawn numbers. In the redraw round the gaming machine generates redraw numbers which supplement the draw numbers. A comparison between the combined set of draw and redraw numbers to the player spot numbers occurs and if a predetermined number of matches occur the player is provided an award. A feature round occurs if a predetermined number of feature trigger numbers are drawn. The feature round provides one or more random award to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment (Australasia) Pty Limited
    Inventors: Ross Gilbertson, David Kaylock
  • Patent number: 8662995
    Abstract: An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Scosche Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Allan Hawkins, Scott Anthony Pennestri, Richard Donald Maes, II
  • Patent number: 8662994
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and program products are disclosed for providing distributed RNG calculation capability. Generally, gaming machines cooperate on a gaming network to calculate a result for a RNG algorithm. A preferred system uses peer machines to perform partial RNG calculations, but cooperating server machines may also be used. One method calculates a first partial RNG calculation at a first machine using a seed value. The first machine transmits results of the first partial calculation to a second machine, which completes the RNG calculation. Some algorithms may include a step of combining partial results from two or more gaming machines. A preferred system uses a RNG state tracker and a seed tracker operating on a RNG master machine. This machine initializes a partial RNG with a seed value, and then tracks the state of the partial RNG using results from the completed calculation obtained over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Enzminger
  • Patent number: 8662987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming that includes a wheel game. A base game, implemented as a reel game, is arranged to generate as one of its outcomes a feature game in the form of a wheel game. The wheel game has a plurality of outcome indicating parts for indicating outcomes of the wheel game. A plurality of outcomes of the wheel game each resulting in play of a different further feature game. This provides a further level of gaming, in order to maintain player interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa
  • Patent number: 8657667
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatus for game play, including cooperative reel and/or symbol game play. A method includes initiating a game for play by a player at a gaming system. The method also includes determining a player combination of one or more symbols. The method further includes determining a dealer combination of one or more symbols. Additionally, the method includes comparing the player combination and the dealer combination to determine a result. The method includes outputting the result to the gaming system for player view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Steven Alan Jasper, Jamie Keith Langille
  • Patent number: 8657668
    Abstract: A method and system for providing virtual currency in a non-wagering game through activity in a wagering game includes non-wagering game terminals and wagering game terminals. As a wagering game is conducted at wagering game terminals, activity may be directly measured or measured through a proxy such as player units awarded by a player tracking server. Activity data may be received at an account server which accrues virtual currency to a player's virtual currency account. The virtual currency stored in the virtual currency account is accessible by the player in the non-wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: JRC Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Jack Bertram Coronel, Joseph R Coronel
  • Patent number: 8651959
    Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with multiple parts. A first part of the browser (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) presents first content associated with one or more wagering games. Concurrently a second part of the browser (e.g., a main content display area) presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers with a marketing relationship. In some embodiments, in response to concurrent presentation of the first and second content, the browser application detects the marketing relationship between the content providers and presents one or more indicators. The one or more indicators indicate the marketing relationship. For example, the indicators can indicate cross-marketing, available coupons, and/or awards available via the first or second content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie, Brian D. Manning, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8651941
    Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Bayard S. Webb, Hans Elias, Zeke Brill
  • Patent number: 8651935
    Abstract: A combined future lottery and optional instant game uses a central computer connected on-line with multiple game terminals. The player chooses: 1) a first set of at least one game piece, typically numbers, at one of the game terminals and 2) whether or not to play an instant game. The central computer receives the selections, and stores them. If an optional instant game is selected, the central computer acquires a random second set of at least one number and transmits it to the game terminal. A ticket, whether printed at the terminal or displayed, includes the first and second sets of number(s) and an indication of whether the optional game was selected for play. Matching of one or more numbers in the first and second sets results in a win in any of a variety of numbers games and lotto games. The first selected set of numbers is also used in a future lottery such as a weekly draw lottery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GTech Rhode Island Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Caro, John Cadigan, Martin Morrow
  • Patent number: 8651485
    Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Stasson
  • Patent number: 8646778
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing device comprising a game for testing the spatial reasoning of a player. The game includes a virtual multi-surfaced object having at least a first surface and a second surface, with first indicia associated with the first surface and second indicia associated with the second surface. A facing surface and a goal surface are displayed on a user interface, which also includes mechanisms for changing the orientation of the virtual object by rotating the object in steps. In response to input from the game player, the virtual object is rotated. Each time the virtual object is rotated, the facing surface displayed is changed so that it correlates to the changed orientation of the virtual object. The game continues until the game player causes the facing surface to match the goal surface by entering a series of rotational moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip J. Best
  • Patent number: 8647189
    Abstract: A game function which is capable of achieving high entertainability is provided. In a case where an instruction for selecting any of a plurality of bet types is inputted via an input device, information for description of the bet type is displayed based upon information data according to the bet type selected by the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenta Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8641512
    Abstract: An apparatus for dice table games aims to dynamically increase odds of a dice table game. The apparatus includes an electronic display panel which has at least one display zone to indicate a corresponding betting area and display dynamic raised odds. Banker can give a player a payout for his/her bet according to the dynamic raised odds. By providing the dynamic raised odds which might be greater than the payout odds of the betting area, the expected value of the dice table game is higher and players can expect extra awards from the disc table game, thus the appeal of the dice table game increases. As a result higher utilization of dice table game can be achieved and idle time can be reduced to avoid wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Tien-Shu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8641514
    Abstract: A system and method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount is disclosed. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method disclosed herein. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Malek
  • Patent number: 8638930
    Abstract: Disclosed is a random number verification method and apparatus capable of quickly detecting the fact that a random number generation device designed to generate substantially authentic random numbers has become unable to generate authentic random numbers due to a malfunction, wrongful manipulation or the like. When random numbers randomly generated as n kinds of values are verified, a random number verification method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a random number acquisition step of selecting a number m of the values, a counting step of counting the number of ones occurring p times (0?p<m) in the n kinds of values, a comparison step of comparing the number obtained in the counting step with a predetermined first threshold, and a determination step of, when it is found the number is greater than the first threshold as the result of the comparison step, determining that the random numbers have a problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Leisure Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Saito
  • Patent number: 8636582
    Abstract: A gaming system where in one embodiment, as players play the primary games of the gaming devices, players are enabled to join one of a plurality of teams associated with a secondary team game. Each of the teams includes a plurality of players. The gaming system periodically monitors at least one factor or parameter of each player's gaming activity to determine a score for that player. In one embodiment, the scores for each of the players on each team are accumulated to determine that team's cumulative score. If a team's cumulative score reaches a winning value, the gaming system provides a prize to one or more of the players on that team. The gaming system enables players to switch from one team to another in attempt to be on a particular team when that team's cumulative score reaches a winning value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Daniel J. DeWaal
  • Publication number: 20140024434
    Abstract: A variation of Texas Hold'em is disclosed, where the players are allowed to make a side bet before the game. If the five community cards dealt in the conventional Texas Hold'em game constitute a winning hand in the side bet game, the side bet players win an award generally proportional to the odds of obtaining that winning hand. Thus, even players that fold during the underlying game remain excited about winning in the side bet game. The side bet game does not affect the underlying, conventional game in any way. If the game ends before five community cards are dealt, the side bets carry over for the next game. The house profits from the side bets since the house keeps the side bets if the community cards do not form a winning hand. The game may be played in a casino or on-line. Non-players may also make the side bet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TOP DRAW GAMING PTY LTD
    Inventors: Clarence Ernest Rudd, Kelvin Robert Macbeth, Reggie Alvaro Diaz
  • Patent number: 8632389
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Michael A. Shai-Hee
  • Patent number: 8632391
    Abstract: An object is to provide a card game machine capable of enhancing gameplay. A card game machine has a game board including a plurality of reader/writers configured to communicate with a semiconductor device which is mounted on a card and capable of wireless communication, and a control device connected to the reader/writer and configured to determine the position or orientation of the card or whether the card is put face up or down based on a signal from the reader/writer. By arrangement of a plurality of reader/writers and RF chips in the game board, not only data of the card but also signal strength can be detected, and the detailed position of an RF chip of the card which is placed on the game board can be specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Ohtani
  • Patent number: 8628408
    Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Alexander Popovich, Cameron Anthony Filipour, Adam Singer, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Publication number: 20140011570
    Abstract: A gaming device having a primary Three Card Poker game is provided. The Three Card Poker game includes three cards dealt to the player and the dealer, where all cards are dealt face-up. First, the player has an option to replace one card from the player's hand. Then, the dealer may replace one card according to a set of predetermined rules. The player makes a primary wager and an optional secondary wager. A primary award is provided if the players hand peals the dealer's hand. In the secondary wager is placed, a secondary is award is provided if the either the player's or the dealer's hand is of a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Scott A. Caputo, Paul B. Stroube
  • Patent number: 8622825
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a gaming machine controller configured to control game play on the gaming machine, and a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the gaming machine controller. The wheel assembly includes a front portion having an inner surface and at least one projector, wherein the at least one projector is configured to rotate with the wheel assembly and to project an image across at least a portion of the inner surface during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Chauncey W. Griswold, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 8616956
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Jeremy M. Hornik, Daniel P. Louie
  • Patent number: 8616978
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8613651
    Abstract: A gaming device method and apparatus is disclosed, and is based on simulated movement of a train, or a vehicle, on a route from an origination point to a destination point. In a preferred embodiment, a random number generator is used to assign speed limits that bound the safe movement of a train in a scenario, and/or to select the actual speed of the train in the scenario. A winning scenario is defined by the train reaching its destination, and occurs when the train maintains its actual speed within the safe speed limits. This gaming concept could be implemented as a primary gaming device, or as a bonus game in a traditional gaming machine. In an alternate embodiment, a spinning wheel, controlled by a random number generator, is used to select a destination for a train approaching a track juncture. At least one destination is pre-defined as a winning destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly
  • Publication number: 20130337887
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wagering game with multiple outcomes where losing outcomes award the player with buildable segments that can be added together over a sequence of games to produce free spins. Once a free spin is awarded, the cycle starts over again. The wagering game is offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed in other forms such as on a general purpose computing device or mobile telephone in stand-alone form or connected to a network, such as the internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Steven W. Meistrich, Scott F. Sims
  • Patent number: 8608570
    Abstract: A method of enabling game features based on location-based actions is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A feature of the computer-implemented game is enabled based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Amitt Mahajan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8608545
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system, device, and method providing a cascading symbols feature. For a play of a game, the system generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols at each of a plurality of symbol display areas, and determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols. If a triggering event occurs, the system determines a set of the displayed symbols. For each displayed symbol of the determined set, the system removes that displayed symbol, resulting in an empty symbol display area. For each empty symbol display area, the system repositions one of the other displayed symbols, which creates a second empty symbol display area, and causes at least one of any repositioned symbols to be a wild symbol. The system generates and displays one of the symbols at each of any second empty symbol display areas, and determines any additional awards associated with the displayed symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Prashant Arora, Scott A. Caputo, Alan Robert Weiss
  • Patent number: 8608546
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a different type of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Johnson, Allison L. Pope, Brian A. Watkins, Clint Owen, JP Cody
  • Patent number: 8608547
    Abstract: A game machine includes: an entertainment button that can move up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position; an assigned object determining part that determines an assigned object that defines a result of a game; an assigned object display part that displays an assigned object symbol corresponding to the assigned object determined by the assigned object determining part; a prize determining part that determines a prize to be given to a player; a prize display part that displays a prize symbol corresponding to the prize determined by the prize determining part; a movement determining part that determines whether or not to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; a drive control part to move the entertainment button from the normal operation position to the protruding position; and a push operation detecting part that detects the entertainment button being pushed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Taniguchi, Naoyuki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130331174
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher John Thacker, Daniel William Milligan
  • Patent number: 8602866
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having at least one winning event and at least one related award that is generated according to a set of rules associated with the game. The game is driven to present a predefined winning outcome and an award is generated as if the winning event and award were generated according to the rules. Also provided are rules and/or conditions for determining when to generate the predefined wining event, including rules that take into account player value to the casino and game volatility preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Patent Investment & Licensing Company
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 8597102
    Abstract: A gaming machine 10 includes: a display device configured to display a plurality of symbols to be continuously arranged; and a controller 30. The controller 30 executes processing operations of: (a1) sequentially executing game processing for a plurality of players and then according to a result of the game processing, determining any of the symbols is to be assigned to a respective one of the players; (a2) paying out a prize according to the symbols that are assigned according to a result of the determination; and (a3) generating a scramble event in which the assigned symbols are scrambled between the plurality of players, in a case where the prize is identical as to the plurality of players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenta Kitamura, Yoichi Kato, Makoto Miyawaki, Hiromoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8597114
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling play of a casino table card game. Multiple randomized sets of playing cards of known composition are formed and delivered, and are set by following automatically generated house way instructions. An automatic card shuffler is configured to deliver randomized sets of physical cards, the shuffler equipped with a playing card reading system that reads at least one of a rank and suit of markings on each of the playing cards. A processor receives the read card information from the playing card reading system and determines a composition of each individual set of playing cards dispensed. At least one display is in communication with a processor programmed with house way rules for displaying instructions on how to set hands from a distributed set of cards a house way. Processors of the present invention may also cause a display of a house commission amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 8597103
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a multi-player wheel game. The game includes a wheel having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is associated with an award symbol. Each of the sections is also associated with a characteristic independent of the award symbol, such as a color. The gaming system enables each of a plurality of active players to select at least one of the characteristics associated with the wheel. The gaming system activates the wheel and indicates at least one section of the wheel. The gaming system and at the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide an award associated with the award symbol of the indicated section. For each active player that selected the characteristic associated with the indicated section, the gaming system and the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide a modified award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Jr., Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, Marcos Mello, David N. Myers, Michael M. Oberberger, David M. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130316792
    Abstract: A gaming system which utilizes a random number generator where the process of selecting one or more seeds for the random number generator includes participation of a player. In one embodiment, the player picks one of a plurality of displayed selections at a gaming device. Each selection is associated with a different external steeling source of data not controlled by the gaming system. A gaming system gathers, the data torn the external seeding sources associated with the different seeds. The gaming system uses the data gathered from the seeding source associated with the player's picked selection to determine one or more seeds. The determined seeds are used to initialize a random number generator, which generates one or more numbers and at least in part determine the outcome of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Reid M. Weber, Michael M. Oberberger
  • Patent number: 8591327
    Abstract: If a random number is larger than a selection coefficient SF, a room unit RU is given a high priority for disposition in a map area. If the random number is not larger than the selection coefficient, no room unit is disposed on the map area. Also, if a selected open door is a door set in a room unit, the selection coefficient is multiplied by a multiplication factor, and then the multiplication result and the random number are compared. As the multiplication factor is larger, a passage unit is given a higher priority for disposition on the map area. By adjusting the selection coefficient and the multiplication factor, it is possible to generate a map in consideration of a ratio of units of two types to be disposed on the map area and an affinity between these units for connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhito Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8591310
    Abstract: A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Karen M. Cregan, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph E. Kaminkow
  • Patent number: 8591309
    Abstract: A method for adapting a game of bingo to a lottery, includes predetermining a plurality of bingo faces to achieve a desired liability profile. One or more of the plurality of bingo faces are distributed. Random call numbers are generated until a desired pattern is achieved on one or more of the distributed bingo faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Fisk, Daniel W. Bower, Budd O. Libby
  • Patent number: 8585486
    Abstract: A method of gaming including: selecting in each game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality symbols; controlling the correspondence of display positions to reels so that at least one game round is a diagonal spin game round in which at least one of the reels is arranged to spin diagonally such that it corresponds to display positions in a plurality of neighbouring columns; determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Michael Allan Shai-Hee
  • Patent number: 8585488
    Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting, in each whole reel symbol game round, symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels set side by side, by: selecting a whole reel symbol from a whole reel symbol set for at least one of the reels, such that the whole reel symbol is at all display positions of the at least one reel, and, selecting symbols for each of the other reels from respective ones of a plurality of reel symbol sets, each reel symbol set comprised of a plurality of different symbols; and determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Hyong Joo (Keith) Kim
  • Publication number: 20130303262
    Abstract: Provided is a system for playing a trick-taking card game with card replacement. The system may include a dealing module to deal, from a deck of playing cards, all but an integral multiple of four cards, to each player from two opposing teams of two players, each player receiving an equal set of playing cards; and a receiving module to receive, from each player, bidding data indicating a number of tricks a bidding player contracts to win over a course of a hand, with a bidding player with a highest bid being an auction winner, trump suit data indicating a trump suit for the hand of the card game, a request to discard playing cards selected by the auction winner, and move data indicating moves of players. The system may further include an analysis module to determine a score of the players and a result of the card game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nichola Eliovits, Karl Haddad
  • Patent number: 8579696
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • 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: 8582954
    Abstract: A media player may include a media reader to read media content from a recording medium inserted into the media reader. The media player may also include a media analysis component to identify one or more valid portions of the recording medium containing media content and one or more invalid portions of the recording medium without media content. In one embodiment, the media player includes an archival component to store the media content from the one or more valid portions in a storage medium and a playback component to play back the one or more valid portions of the media content from the storage medium concurrently with the identification of the one or more valid portions by the media analysis component and the storage of the media content by the archival component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Watson, James Bielman, Phillip L. Barrett, Nicole A. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8579689
    Abstract: A game played on a gaming machine, or any other suitable device, is described wherein a player plays a base game, such as the random selection and display of symbols where combinations of symbols across one or more paylines grant awards to a player. Upon a triggering event, such as a certain outcome in the base game, special features are randomly selected for application to the base game. The special features may include wild cards, multipliers, and the number of game to which the special features apply. Any combination of special features may be randomly selected in response to a triggering event. Many other features are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Spielo International Canada ULC
    Inventor: Michael Gauselmann
  • Patent number: 8579700
    Abstract: A method of providing or receiving value from or to a participant value in a game tournament wherein a plurality of participants play a casino-style game, includes calculating an expected value for the position of each participant in the tournament, the expected value based upon the number of wagering units held by the participant at the point in time, the number of wagering units held by each other participant in the tournament at the point in time and a payout table for the tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Malcolm B. Davis, Fredrik Dahl
  • Patent number: 8574058
    Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, games, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display screen that presents a game. The game presented on the display screen comprises one or more game icons for display in various locations on the display screen, wherein the game presents an animated icon upon the occurrence of a triggering event such that the animated icon produces one or more wild icons that move about the display screen before being positioned in fixed locations on the display screen. Additionally, the gaming device includes a means for activating the game and triggering the presentation of the animated icon, and a means for determining whether one or more combinations of the game icons and the wild icons form any winning combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Schultz, Terence G. Daly, Kimberly J. Cohn, William E. Rommerdahl, John LaSalvia, John E. Garofalo, Jr., Nathanial A. Hammond, Jack A Martin
  • Patent number: 8568221
    Abstract: Multi-player games that foster cooperation or competition between players. A multi-player wagering game system includes a first display to display a first wagering game; a first input device corresponding to the first display to accept input from a first player; a second display to display a second wagering game, the second display being adjacent to the first display; a second input device corresponding to the second display to accept input from a second player; and a bonus display to display a bonus game. The bonus game receiving input from both the first and the second input devices. Computer software causes the first wagering game and the second wagering game to be executed. A multi-person seating device is configured to permit the first player and the second player to sit side-by-side in front of the first display and the second display, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Benjamin T. Gomez, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel Louie, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 8568220
    Abstract: A method of determining liability for a plurality of multiples bets placed via a computerised betting system, each multiples bet comprising a single transaction on a plurality of outcomes selected from a group of possible transactions, the method comprising selecting a most popular transaction from the group, evaluating all other transactions within the group on the basis that the most popular transaction is a winning transaction to produce a first result, evaluating all other transactions within the group on the basis that the most popular transaction is not a winning transaction to produce a second result and selecting one of the first and second results that indicates the worst case liability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Sporting Exchange Ltd.
    Inventors: Iain Johnson Andersen, Matthew James Searle, David Glen Jeffery, Steven John High