Accessory Patents (Class 463/47)
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Patent number: 7892098Abstract: Apparatuses and systems including a gaming machine having one or more major components that are removable and interchangeable with other similar major components for a gaming machine are disclosed. Such a gaming machine has at least a master gaming controller, one or more major components, and a universal gaming engine. At least one major component, such as a top box or main cabinet, contains a plurality of peripheral devices and a universal communication interface, is adapted to be removable from the gaming machine, and is interchangeable with other similar major components. The universal gaming engine contains at least one dedicated processing unit, such as a CPU, at least one associated storage device, and its own universal communication interface. This universal gaming engine is also adapted to control a substantial portion of the plurality of peripheral devices on the removable and interchangeable major component of the gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, James W. Stockdale
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Publication number: 20110034260Abstract: The Pool-300™ game enables one or more players to utilize standard pool equipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks, balls and a pool table) or specially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play an individual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individual frames. For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ball. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet are provided to explain how the game is played and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player's score for the game. In a first of two innings of each frame, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numerical/sequential order.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Donald W. Owen, Eldon Royce Bunnell
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Publication number: 20110034253Abstract: The appliance designed to allow a living being to perceive sensations of virtual movements of part of his body comprises a control unit in which is stored a table containing a first plurality of basic excitation signals, a second plurality of macro-motifs each formed by a third plurality proper of the basic signals, a sequencer reading the macro-motifs in order to emit a second plurality of corresponding commands for excitation, each time, of a third plurality proper of vibrators selected from among a first plurality of vibrators carried by a coupling support in predetermined respective zones of the part of the body, the excitation of the third plurality proper of vibrators by the second plurality of commands being intended to mechanically stimulate elements of the body, to provoke the creation of bioelectrical signals in the living being, allowing him to perceive sensations of a given virtual movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTFIQUE, UNIVERSITE DE PROVENCEInventor: Jean-Pierre Roll
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Patent number: 7883417Abstract: A disclosed gaming system allows game configuration of gaming machines in the gaming system via wireless transmissions from a hand-held device. For instance, via the hand-held device, a user can configure a plurality of gaming machines in range of the device with different games or hardware settings. Further, via the hand-held device, a user can gather information from a number of gaming machines in range of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent Carmelo Bruzzese, Scott Paul Shelley, Richard E. Rowe
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Patent number: 7878892Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Digideal CorporationInventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn
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Patent number: 7867095Abstract: Systems and methods for providing communications using the candle of a gaming machine are disclosed. A candle radio includes an antenna and transceiver within a housing, as well as one or more light sources and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the candle radio to a respective gaming machine or terminal. The transceiver and antenna are adapted to facilitate radio communications with at least one external transponder/transceiver, which can include wireless system access points and/or additional candle radios associated with other gaming machines. The antenna can be located at the top of the candle radio, while the transceiver can be located within a base at the bottom. An input connector on the transceiver facilitates communications with the gaming machine MGC. The candle radio can be adapted to split radio communications into portions and retransmit one or more portions of a communication, which may be done at differing radio frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, William R. Wells
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Patent number: 7867089Abstract: An expanding operating device has a first connector, a second connector and a sensor. The first connector has a first shape physically and electrically connectable with a connector provided with an operating device. Thus, by connecting the first connector to the connector of the operating device, the expanding operating device can be used with the operating device as a single unit, which eventually adds the sensor to the operating device. On the other hand, the second connector has a second shape connectable with a connector with the first shape. This allows a connector conventionally connected to the connector of another operating device to be also connected with the second connector. Accordingly, if the connector of another device is connected the second connector in a state that the first connector is connected to the connector of the operating device, the another device is eventually connected to the operating device via the expanding operating device.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Urata, Haruki Tojo, Jumpei Wada, Junji Takamoto, Noboru Wakitani, Kuniaki Itou, Junpei Ueki, Masato Ibuki, Fumiyoshi Suetake
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Publication number: 20110003631Abstract: In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the seat post. The first electrical cable configured to communicate audio of the wagering game, from the wagering game machine to a speaker coupled to the wagering game chair.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventor: Gregory J. Tastad
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Patent number: 7862435Abstract: A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Charles T. Schreiber
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Patent number: 7862436Abstract: A configurable gaming machine includes a door defining a component area. The component area is configured to accept multiple components, such as displays and player tracking elements, in multiple arrangements, permitting the gaming machine to be constructed in multiple configurations. Other aspects of the invention include an internal component mounting configuration, a door biasing mechanism, a venting configuration, a backlight enclosure, a speaker mount, and a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Cole Kepro International, LLCInventor: Joseph W. Cole
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Publication number: 20100331092Abstract: A game controller case enables game play that utilizes an action operation input (e.g., hitting or pushing) using a game controller attached to a game device instead of a dedicated game controller. The game controller case includes a receiving section that receives a game controller that includes an acceleration detection section and a transmission section that transmits a detection signal output from the acceleration detection section to a game device, and a buffer air chamber section that inflates due to pressure of air introduced into the buffer air chamber section, and forms a buffer area around the receiving section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: NAMCO BANDAI GAMES INC.Inventor: Nobutaka NAKAJIMA
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Publication number: 20100327525Abstract: The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
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Patent number: 7857702Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for changing firmware in a gaming printer. The printer containing computer memory, internal and/or external to the printer, with the memory divided logically into multiple parts; a first section containing computer codes, a second section containing the data describing the format of gaming vouchers, and a third section containing data describing the format of promotional coupons. A mathematically unique identifier is created as an individual signature for each section of the memory, with each signature being independent of the other signatures, thus allowing for the changing the contents of one or more sections of the memory without affecting the contents of the unchanged sections of the memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.Inventor: John Hilbert
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Patent number: 7857703Abstract: A method for coordinate generation to be implemented using an orientation device includes the steps of: providing at least three reference marks on a target; aiming the orientation device at an initial point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains at least one of the reference marks; correlating a coordinate space of the orientation device with a coordinate space of the target; aiming the orientation device at a target point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains the reference marks; and determining relative coordinates of the target point with reference to the established coordinate space relation and the captured image. An orientation device that performs the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: FixArt Imaging IncorporatedInventors: Chih-Hsin Lin, Hsin-Chia Chen, Chang-Che Tsai, Yi-Fang Lee, Hsuan-Hsien Lee, Tzu-Yi Chao
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Publication number: 20100323789Abstract: The present invention provides a method for an additional security feature on a gaming machine regarding the content of a cashbox positioned within the gaming machine through the printing of a coupon. The method involves transferring information from a bill validator to a printer all within a gaming machine wherein the transfer of the information is achieved by a serial port connection between the bill validator and the printer. The present invention also provides a system for an additional security feature to a gaming machine through the printing of a coupon containing information relating to the content of a cashbox positioned within the gaming machine. The coupon is produced by information retrieved from the bill validator. The transfer of the information from the bill validator to the printer is achieved through a serial port interconnection between the bill validator and the printer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: James P. Gabriele, Simcha C. Bielak, Dmytro Baydin, Daniel Vienneau, Michel Vienneau
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Patent number: 7852223Abstract: An improved antenna system, method and apparatus for interrogating and locating RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and other RF (Radio Frequency) devices, and various applications therefore and thereof, are disclosed. One embodiment is for reading and locating the physical position of RFID tags (such as is made by Phillips, Siemens's Infineon and Texas Instrument) that may be embedded in gaming chips (RFID gaming chips, such as is made by Gaming Partners International Corp.) used in a casino, TV or movie studio or elsewhere for wagering at table games and other gambling games including Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette, but the invention may be used for various other RFID applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: CIAS, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Hecht, Leonard Storch
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Patent number: 7846025Abstract: A gaming system includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data. The hard disk drive has multiple regions for storing different types of data. Each application executed on the gaming system has an associated storage area on the hard disk drive. A console application executing on the gaming system prevents a particular application from accessing data in an area of the hard disk drive that is not associated with the particular application. The gaming system also maintains a list of recently used nicknames to simplify entry of nicknames by a user of the gaming system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jon Marcus Randall Whitten, Christopher M. Pirich
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Patent number: 7846027Abstract: A handheld electronic device, the device comprising a housing and a retractable handle, the device being arranged to allow the handle to be retracted into the housing along a sliding axis to provide a retracted handle position and extended out of the housing along the sliding axis to provide an extended handle position, and wherein the handle is arranged to be formable to be held by a user in the extended position such that the holding axis of the handle in the extended position is offset from the sliding axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventor: Axel E. Meyer
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Publication number: 20100304873Abstract: A ball-shaped housing for encapsulating a game controller. The game controller is held in a compartment within the hollow of a ball. A user accesses control buttons on the game controller by way of buttons on the housing that are mechanically linked to contact ends that are in close proximity to the game controller buttons. When a user presses the buttons on the housing, its mechanical linkages transfer motion to the contact ends, which press respective buttons on the game controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Lipa Markowitz, Tang Chun Kit
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Patent number: 7841947Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a top light is provided for a slot machine wherein the white light source and colored film is replaced by a red/green/blue light emitting diode (LED) source. The red, green, and blue components of the LED source are selectively controlled to produce any color and any effect (e.g., flashing) so as to generate any color code required in any jurisdiction without changing the top light for each jurisdiction.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Atronic International GmbHInventor: Michael Gauselmann
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Patent number: 7833097Abstract: A game pad controller for connection to a portable phone has an outer casing and a game control unit within the casing. The front of the casing has a seat for locating the portable phone and at least one keypad adjacent the seat for user engagement to control a game. The seat has a channel for slidably receiving an adapter, which is either attached to the rear face of the phone or to a holder for the phone. A releasable latching mechanism at the inner end of the channel releasably secures the adapter in the channel. The adapter may be a dimpled hub device. The arrangement allows the game pad controller to be used with any type of portable phone.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Maddox, Mark J. Hassebrock, Philip Hobson Boothby, Michael D. Johnson, Robert James Stone, Craig Ronald Townsend
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Patent number: 7833096Abstract: A video game system and method is described in which map scenes and battle scenes are used. A player character may move through the map scene, and upon encountering enemies to battle, an encounter area may be generated and displayed to show the user which enemies will be included in the subsequent battle scene, and which enemies will not be initially included in the battle scene.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Hironobu Sakaguchi, Takehiro Kaminagayoshi
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Patent number: 7828651Abstract: A gaming machine includes at least one security data collection device. In one embodiment, the security data collection device is a camera mounted to the gaming machine and adapted to collect image information regarding events associated with or adjacent to the gaming machine, such as the image of a player. In one embodiment, a player's image is stored in data form on a player card. When the player plays a gaming machine, the player's image is capture and compared to the image stored on the player card for authentication purposes.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: David Matthew Oles, Steven G. LeMay, Bhakta Rakesh
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Patent number: 7803051Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have casino tables with changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. The displays can be controlled to show hidden cards or symbols only to the player at that player position by depressing a manual button or touching a touch screen display. Viewing by others can be prevented by using the player's hands or other means. Shuffling, cutting, dealing, betting and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Digideal CorporationInventors: Michael J. Kuhn, Randy D. Sines
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Publication number: 20100234087Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced. A first pattern of colored ink is deposited on a transparent or highly translucent substrate at 110-180 density, forming the image which is to be hidden. Then a second pattern of colored ink, of a different color than first pattern's ink, is deposited upon the substrate on top of the first pattern, at 90-170 density. When the game piece is flooded with additive light of the same color as the second pattern's ink, the previously concealed image, composed of the first pattern's ink, becomes perceptible. Because a transparent or highly translucent substrate is used for the game piece, and because the density of the ink application is controlled within specific ranges, this game piece may be used with a computer monitor, or with other low-intensity sources of additive light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Hidden Image Technology Solutions, LLCInventors: Thomas L. Barnhart, Joel M. Brooks
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Patent number: 7785203Abstract: A communication game system controlling a development of a game by establishing communication between plural terminal apparatuses and displaying shared information at the terminal apparatuses is provided, the system enabling easy recognition of a communication state of a communication established between the terminal apparatuses. The system includes plural game apparatuses that are adapted to establish communication. The game apparatus includes a display unit, an operation unit, and a processing unit for conducting self-controlled character display control and other character display control. The self-controlled character display control includes displaying on the display unit a self-controlled character that is controlled by an operation of the operation unit of the game apparatus. The other character display control includes receiving information pertaining to another character that is controlled by another game apparatus, and displaying the other character on the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuro Uchida, Masato Kuwahara
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Patent number: 7780535Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively controlling the impact between a club head and a golf ball. A golf club head has a face with an actuator material or device mechanically coupled to influence face motion. The face actuation controls impact parameters, impact properties, or resulting ball parameters such as speed, direction and spin rates resulting from the impact event between the face of the club and the golf ball. Further, the apparatus has a control device for determining the actuation of the face. Several embodiments are presented for controlling parameters such as ball speed and direction. The invention can use energy derived from the ball impact, converted into electrical energy, and then reapplied in a controlled fashion to influence an aspect of the face, such as position, velocity, deformation, stiffness, vibration, motion, temperature, or other physical parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventors: Nesbitt W. Hagood, Jason Horodezky
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Patent number: 7780527Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the touch screen is 3-dimensional in that areas for being touched by the player are raised to give the impression of a physical button. Each raised portion may give tactile feedback to the player when pressed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Atronic International GmbHInventor: Michael Gauselmann
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Publication number: 20100210340Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed that include generating a scannable physical gaming component associable with a game. The disclosed method also includes identifying a game structure at a player station through a scan of the gaming component, receiving a game play request from a player at the player station, associating the game structure with the game, and awarding the player based on the game outcome. Further disclosed is a group or community game with which the player may be associated upon game play request wherein a winner may be determined based upon the game outcomes at respective player stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Clifton Lind, Jefferson C. Lind
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Patent number: 7775887Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games involving multiple participants. The systems have casino tables with changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to the live participants. The systems may include audio output to make the gaming experience more realistic. Shuffling, cutting, dealing, betting, audio output and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which are mounted below the table and enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: DigiDeal CorporationInventors: Michael J. Kuhn, Randy D. Sines
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Patent number: 7775872Abstract: A game button includes an enclosure in which are mounted at least one variable display, a sensor, a memory, and any other components of the game button. The variable display is capable of presenting a plurality of images thereon. The memory is communicatively coupled with the variable display, is adapted to store information for producing the plurality of images presented on the display, and is physically located between the variable display and the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Bleich, Stephen A. Canterbury, John W. Skalon, Alfred Thomas
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Patent number: 7766331Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to fully automated systems and methods for shuffling and scrambling playing instruments, such as cards, before being dealt to one or more players. In one embodiment, a rotating device is utilized to scramble playing instruments. In yet a further embodiment, the rotating device is coupled with air, vacuum, or combinations thereof to further scramble the cards. The scrambling device may be coupled to an aligning device for realigning the playing instruments upon being adequately shuffled. According to another aspect of the invention, physical cards are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical cards are traditional poker-style gaming cards. The cards include at least one identifier that may be read upon the card being dealt. The identifier may contain information that is remotely communicated to a player.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Gioia Systems, LLCInventors: Gene George Gioia, Andrew Nicholas Gioia, Brendan Michael Fogarty
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Patent number: 7766334Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Gioia Systems, LLCInventors: Gene George Gioia, Andrew Nicholas Gioia, Brendan Michael Fogarty
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Patent number: 7762892Abstract: A character input device is disclosed that includes a plurality of character input keys and one or more mode-altering keys. Each character input key is associated with multiple characters. By activating only the character input keys, primary characters may be input. By activating the character input keys in conjunction with the mode-altering keys, however, various secondary, tertiary, and quaternary characters may be input. The mode-altering keys may be utilized in a temporary mode, wherein only one secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input. Alternately, the mode-altering keys may be utilized in a base mode, wherein a series of secondary, tertiary, or quaternary character is input.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Richard S. Lum, William Guo, Greg Martinez
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Patent number: 7753787Abstract: A convertible game controller that can be configured for use on a person's lap or on a table top is disclosed. The convertible game controller includes a lap rest designed to support a game controller on a person's lap. The lap rest is also designed to be attached to a table clamp so that the game controller can be secured to a table top. A latch and hooks are provided on the table clamp and lap rest that allow the lap rest to be attached to the table clamp.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Glenn Steven Arche, Daniel James Blase, Joshua David Maruska
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Patent number: 7753798Abstract: Gaming systems, methods, and devices for determining or verifying the outcome of a card game, for example the card game of Baccarat. The systems, methods, and devices can be used in conjunction with the card game to enhance security by optically imaging the hands of playing cards dealt or by optically reading a set of cards to determine the outcome of each game that can be played from that set of cards. The playing cards each have at least one encoded symbol comprised of machine-readable indicia. The gaming system can include a card shoe-reader alone, a card shoe-reader in combination with at least one card hand-reader, or various other embodiments to include other devices such as a discard reader or a bet recognition device. The optically imaged playing cards can be processed within a computing system to allow the authentication of the playing cards.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Bally Gaming International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
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Patent number: 7753373Abstract: A multiple mode card shuffling and/or card verification device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards that can be disabled, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card feeder, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
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Publication number: 20100167826Abstract: A card verification station moves and reads suit and rank of individual cards. The cards are provided to a card in-feed area and moved individually to a card collection area. A device may comprise a) a card in-feed area with card moving elements that move only a bottom card from a set of cards in the card in-feed area, b) a card collection area that receives cards from the card moving area in the same order as cards are received in the card in-feed area, c) an image capture device that captures data from a card while the card is between the card in-feed area and the card collection area, d) a processor capable of controlling the operation of the card verification station, and e) an elevator that lowers to maintain a level at which cards are received in the card collection area. A method of verifying a group of playing cards is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Troy D. Nelson, Michael Bacigalupi
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Publication number: 20100167825Abstract: A cushioned attachment (30) for a user-manipulatable actuator (12) of a controller device (10) provides extra support and comfort for the user (60). A preferred embodiment is a joystick thumb cushion that fits over a conventional joystick actuator of a video game controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: IPPASA, LLC.Inventors: Aaron B. Sternberg, Curtis James Harris
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Patent number: 7744470Abstract: A console for receiving an entertainment machine thereon is disclosed, which includes side- and rear walls that are defining a space for use as a foot rest space, which space is illuminated by associated lighting.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: ADP Gauselmann GmbHInventor: Paul Gauselmann
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Patent number: 7736236Abstract: A system reads an identifier from a hand of cards to identify the cards. For example, the system can read an identifier from a pair of cards forming the initial hand in blackjack, where the one card is face up and the other card is face down. The system determines the value of a hand of cards form the read identifiers. For example, the system can determine a value of an initial hand of two cards in blackjack, while only one card is face up. The system can inform a dealer of the value, or status based on value, of the hand. The system can determine whether cards forming a hand of cards are authentic by validating the cards based on the read identifier. The system can determine if the cards forming the hand of cards are in an expected sequence based on knowledge of the initial sequence of cards in a deck.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Bally Gaming International, Inc.Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga, Robert B. Mouchou
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Publication number: 20100144449Abstract: A method of forming a gaming plaque in which a decorative design is printed onto a clear polymer film which is then thermoformed into an outer plaque face; two plaque faces are then injection moulded together with a suitable polymer between the rear faces of the faces to form a gaming plaque. An electronic identification and data device connected to an antenna is located between said plaque films or adhered to the rear of one of said plaque films.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: ELIXIR GAMING TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Boris Poel, William Westmore Purton
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Publication number: 20100130288Abstract: An RFID tag incorporated game token that does not allow the RFID tag to be easily removed and hardly has failures in the RFID tag during manufacturing or in use is implemented. In the game token, an RFID covered with flexible cover sheets is held between laminate resin films or plates, and these elements are thermally press-bonded, so that the RFID tag is incorporated in a body. The material of the cover sheet is paper, vinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
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Publication number: 20100120540Abstract: A gaming machine has sticker pasting portions onto which stickers with decorative images are pasted, around each of a plurality of displays thereof. Each sticker pasting portion has a sticker pasting surface and a raised portion. Owing to stickers pasted onto sticker pasting portions, the gaming machine harmonizes with an atmosphere of a game arcade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventor: Jun HIRATO
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Patent number: 7708632Abstract: A method includes issuing a physical bingo card. This physical bingo card is associated with a layout of spots or locations and bingo designations representing a bingo card or “card bingo structure.” The method also includes identifying the card bingo structure through a player station and collecting a game play request entered from the player station with at least one additional game play request to form a game group. The game play request is associated with the card bingo structure and each additional game play request in the game group is associated with a respective additional bingo structure. Once the game group is formed, a bingo game may be conducted between the card bingo structure and each additional bingo structure to identify a bingo game result for the card bingo structure and preferably each additional bingo structure. The bingo game result for the card bingo structure is then displayed at the player station.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.Inventors: Clifton Lind, Jefferson C. Lind
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Publication number: 20100105486Abstract: A RFID tag incorporated game token that does not allow the RFID tag to be easily removed and hardly has failures in the RFID tag during manufacturing or in use is implemented. A game token (10) includes a body (11) produced by injection molding using thermosetting resin and an RFID tag (131) incorporated in the body (11) as a core (13). The RFID tag (131) is covered with cover sheets (132) and then preferably embedded in the body (11) by insert molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
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Publication number: 20100105485Abstract: Composite tabletops for electronic game tables are described. In one implementation, the composite tabletop has a channeled core layer sandwiched between a bottom layer and top layer. The channeled core layer is constructed of foam, so that the foam forms enclosure spaces for player stations, displays, user-interface hardware, central control/server hardware, and cooling equipment. The foam is also shaped to form duct spaces between each player station and a central space in the channeled core layer. The ducts can be used to route wires between each player station and the central space and to direct cooling air to or from each player station. The channeled core layer reduces time and labor during manufacture of an electronic game table and results in an electronic game table that is more lightweight for shipping, absorbs noise generated by enclosed hardware and electronics, absorbs shocks, and optimizes cooling of enclosed components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: TYLER V. KUHN
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Publication number: 20100099487Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and includes a cooling module comprising two or more fans and a fan controller operable to control the speed of the two or more fans.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Stephen A. Canterbury, Victor Mercado
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Patent number: 7701344Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating tracking locations of players and/or wireless communication devices in a casino network. In at least one embodiment, an electronically switched Doppler antenna array may be utilized to detect a first wireless signal from a first signal source. Bearing information may be generated using information from the detected signal. In at least one embodiment, the bearing information may include a first directional bearing to the first signal source. Using at least a portion of the first bearing information, a first location of the first signal source may be determined. According to specific embodiments, the first signal source may correspond to a wireless communication device such as an RFID-enabled player tracking card or gaming chip. In at least one embodiment, a current location of the wireless communication device may be automatically tracked in real-time as the wireless communication device is moved through a first region of the casino.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chris Gadda, Chan Griswold, James Stockdale, Richard Wilder
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Patent number: 7699694Abstract: A system and method including card game dispensing shoe includes a scanner that discerns the value and suit of each card dispensed, and includes a CPU and a memory storing data such as rules for dealing cards, data representing player strategy criteria and card inventory data. The CPU, with the scanner data and wagering data can determine player proficiency in regards to player strategies, can determine whether the card inventory is in favor of the player, determine player first card advantage and can, on a floating basis, determine permitted deck penetration. The system and method can be incorporated into games to be broadcast over a communications network such as the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventor: Otho Dale Hill