Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080200256 | Content Dependency Verification for a Gaming Machine - A system, apparatus and method for dependency verification of content distributed to a gaming machine is described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, over a network and into a gaming machine, data that includes a software component. The method also includes verifying that the gaming machine includes the version or the range of versions of a component, upon determining that the software component is dependent on a version or a range of versions of the component that is part of the gaming machine. | 08-21-2008 |
20080214299 | Master Control Program for a Gaming Device - A gaming device master control program is described herein. In one embodiment, the master control program performs operations including starting one or more gaming applications that include one or more gaming application processes. The master control program can also monitor the gaming application processes and determine, based on the monitoring, that fault recovery operations are needed. The master control program can also perform the fault recovery operations. | 09-04-2008 |
20080220841 | Sharing Game Assets in a Wagering Game Network - Systems and methods for presenting streaming video content in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring, in a first gaming machine, access to a set of shared game assets. The method can also include providing a second gaming machine with access to the set of shared game assets. The method can also include conducting, in the first gaming machine, a first wagering game in which one of the set of shared game assets is consumed, and wherein during the first wagering game, the second gaming machine conducts a second wagering game in which another of the set of shared game assets is consumed. | 09-11-2008 |
20080220848 | Wagering Game Content Publishing - Systems, methods, and machine-readable media including instructions for publishing gaming content are described herein. In one embodiment, a machine-readable medium includes instructions for detecting new gaming content and creating a gaming content publication indicating that the new gaming content is available. The machine-readable medium also includes instructions for transmitting the gaming system publication to a gaming network component. | 09-11-2008 |
20080257800 | Wagering Game System With Progressive-Award Denomination Selection Feature - A water conservation system for use with a swimming pool, said means comprising a storage reservoir ( | 10-23-2008 |
20080261700 | Gaming Device Including Configurable Communication Unit - Gaming devices including a configurable communication units are described herein. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program to conduct gaming operations and to pass a protocol request for transmission over a gaming network. The device can also include a protocol interface to receive the protocol request and to further pass the protocol request to one of a plurality of protocol units, wherein each of the plurality of protocol units is capable of converting the protocol request from a first communication protocol to a second communication protocol. | 10-23-2008 |
20080274814 | Wagering Game Device with Secure Storage Device - Embodiments of a wagering game device with a secure storage device are described herein. In one embodiment, the wagering game device includes a wagering game processor operable to receive a wager for a wagering game. The wagering game device can also include a main memory operable to store wagering game content associated with the wagering game. The wagering game machine can also include a storage device including an encryption unit operable to encrypt the wagering game content and a storage medium operable to store the wagering game content that has been encrypted by the encryption unit. | 11-06-2008 |
20080293494 | Networks for Use in Gaming - According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, a connection is established between a network and a plurality of gaming units located in a gaming establishment, wherein each gaming unit includes at least one wagering input unit; wherein the network includes one or more network resources and is connected to at least some of the plurality of gaming units; and a gaming information traffic is transmitted on the network. | 11-27-2008 |
20080300046 | Wireless Mesh Networking in Wagering Game Environments - Systems and methods for wireless mesh networking in a gaming environment are described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network interface unit to wirelessly receive gaming data from ones of a plurality of components of a wireless mesh network, the network interface unit to wirelessly transmit the gaming data to others of the plurality of components of the wireless mesh network. The system also includes a memory unit to store certain of the gaming data and to store instructions for conducting wagering games and a central processing unit to perform operations based in part on the certain of the gaming data and to perform operations based on the instructions. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300049 | Transient or Persistent Game Play in Wagering Games - According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, a wagering game is operated on a first platform, wherein the first platform is capable of supporting all or fewer than all of a plurality of game assets associated with the wagering game, and further wherein the wagering game is capable of receiving a wager. The wagering game is operated on a second platform that is capable of supporting all or fewer than all of the plurality of game assets. A player may accumulate one or more player assets while the wagering game is played on the first platform. At least one of the accumulated player assets is transferred to the play of the wagering game on the second platform, wherein at least one capability of the first platform is different from a corresponding capability on the second platform. | 12-04-2008 |
20080318658 | Remote Management of a Gaming Machine - Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform. | 12-25-2008 |
20090011822 | Wagering Game With Persistent State Of Game Assests Affecting Other Players - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011823 | Wagering Game With Persistent State Of Game Assets Affecting Other Players - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011824 | Wagering Game With Persistent State of Game Assets Affecting Other Players - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. | 01-08-2009 |
20090011827 | Wagering Game With Tournament-Play Features - A method is presented for offering a wagering game tournament to a plurality of players on a plurality of gaming machines, which are located on a gaming network. The method includes increasing a prize pool based on a group achievement of the plurality of players, and distributing the prize pool to at least some of the plurality of players. | 01-08-2009 |
20090029767 | VERIFYING AND AUDITING GAME CONTENT IN A GAMING SYSTEM - Systems and methods provide a way to verify that software downloaded to a gaming system is approved within a gaming jurisdiction. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a process for receiving approval for gaming software that is then made available for download onto gaming systems. A further aspect of the systems and methods includes the ability to audit and verify that software components that have been downloaded onto a gaming system are approved for use in a jurisdiction. The gaming configuration elements may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware. | 01-29-2009 |
20090036196 | TEMPLATED THREE-DIMENSIONAL WAGERING GAME FEATURES - Systems and methods render three-dimensional objects for a wagering game component in accordance with graphical assets that may be downloaded. The graphical assets may include meshes, skins, physics characteristics, shader programs or other graphical assets. | 02-05-2009 |
20090042640 | FAULT TOLERANT GAMING SYSTEMS - Method and apparatus are provided wherein, in one example embodiment, a gaming machine includes a computing platform and a software program executing on the computing platform to provide a gaming experience to a user of the gaming machine, and there are provided one or more hardware or software components operative on the computing platform to detect faults occurring on the platform. At least one fault recovery software component is also operative on the gaming platform, and the fault recovery software component is adapted to operate in response to the detection of a fault. | 02-12-2009 |
20090042643 | Wagering Game System With Progressive-Award Denomination Selection Feature - A gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming terminals and a progressive-game controller. Each gaming terminal has a wagering game with a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome elected from a plurality of outcomes, and the wagering game allows a player to be eligible for a progressive game jackpot. The gaming terminals include terminals having different payout demonimantions. The progressive-game controller is coupled to the gaming terminals and operative to (i) receive information from each of the gaming terminals, wherein the information includes the payout denominations available at the gaming terminals, and (ii) determine a progressive-award denomination based on the information received from the gaming terminals. An escrow pool may be established to assist in paying a progressive jackpot if the denomination-selection feature results in a jackpot-award value that is greater than the actual value of the jackpot. | 02-12-2009 |
20090054136 | PERSISTENT STATE SYSTEMS, METHODS AND SOFTWARE - In one example embodiment, a wagering game system includes at least one wagering game computer program operative on the wagering game platform to detect a wager. A persistent state manager software component is operative to read or write persistent state data to and from the wagering game computer program and persistent state media. In one embodiment, the persistent state media is a bar-coded ticket, and in another embodiment an electronic data storage device such as a RFID device. A messaging system allows persistent state media devices to interact with the wagering game. | 02-26-2009 |
20090075721 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols. | 03-19-2009 |
20090088243 | AUGMENTED REALITY WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - Augmented reality wagering game systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes presenting a first set of markings on a wagering game table, where the first set of markings is associated with a basic wagering game. The method can also include detecting an event associated with the basic wagering game. In one embodiment, after detecting the event, the method calls for presenting a second set of markings on the wagering game table, where the second set of markings is associated with a bonus wagering game. | 04-02-2009 |
20090098925 | Handheld Gaming Machines and System Therefor - A gaming system for executing a wagering game includes a central server for storing game information. The system further includes a plurality of boundary controllers defining a permissible gaming area. The system includes at least one handheld gaming machine in communication with the central server, the handheld machine comprising a display for displaying the execution of a wagering game. The handheld gaming machine wirelessly communicates with one or more of the plurality of boundary controllers to permit the central server to activate the wagering game only when the handheld gaming machine is within the permissible gaming area. | 04-16-2009 |
20090098938 | Game Device With Feature For Extending Life Of Variable Displays In Configurable Game Buttons - A user-input button for a gaming device includes a movable member, a variable display, and a controller. The movable member activates a function associated with the user-input button. The variable display is proximate the movable member and displays an image associated with the function of the user-input button. The variable display includes a plurality of pixels for displaying the image. The controller is coupled to the variable display and is programmed to decrease the optical output of at least some of the pixels when the gaming device is in a static state. | 04-16-2009 |
20090117989 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes a method of conducting a wagering game. The method includes identifying a player as a member of certain group, and offering the player options related to the wagering game. The options are unavailable to players who are not members of the certain group. | 05-07-2009 |
20090124372 | ASSET MANAGEMENT OF DOWNLOADABLE GAMING COMPONENTS IN A GAMING SYSTEM - Systems and methods provide mechanisms for updating software assets on a gaming machine ( | 05-14-2009 |
20090131146 | Wagering Game Funding Mechanisms and Methods Therefor - A system for adding funds to a handheld gaming machine. The system includes a portable digital wallet that wirelessly communicates with a handheld gaming machine (“handheld”). The digital wallet stores an amount of funds or funds associated with a remotely stored player account, and is used by the player to add credits to a handheld. The credit meter may be stored remotely, though the player perceives that the funds are actually being transferred via the digital wallet. Other funding techniques include a kiosk that accepts cash or credit/debit cards and dispenses tickets or other media that encodes information representing an amount of funds. The player uses this media to add credits to the handheld. The media may be player-dependent such that the player's identity is somehow linked to the media or it may be player-agnostic such that the player's identity is not linked to the funds associated with the media. | 05-21-2009 |
20090138133 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN WAGERING GAME MACHINES - Systems and methods provide power management on a wagering game machine. Power consumption for various components of a wagering game machine may be adjusted based on various factors, including inactivity, component activity, power source changes, time based events, wireless access point proximity, change in battery voltage, credit level threshold, change in ambient lighting, related or adjacent machine power status, mode transition to play mode, mode transition to attract mode and mode transition to diagnostic mode. Power management events and power usage data may be communicated to a remote system for analysis or action. Power management commands or policies may be received from a remote system. | 05-28-2009 |
20090170596 | SWITCHING OPERATION MODES IN MOBILE WAGER GAMING DEVICES - This disclosure describes methods and wager gaming devices that can enter different operation modes based on different network connections. In one embodiment, a method includes connecting to a content provider via a first network connection, wherein connecting to the content provider via the first network connection enables a first mode of operation and prohibits a second mode of operation. The method can also include operating in the first mode of operation. The method can also include connecting to the content provider via a second network connection, wherein connecting to the content provider via the second network connection enables the second mode of operation. The method can also include operating in the second mode of operation, wherein the operating includes, presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value can be wagered. | 07-02-2009 |
20090170597 | AUDIO MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS WAGERING GAME - A wireless networked computerized wagering game system comprises a gaming module operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, a wireless network module operable to connect the wagering game system to at least one other networked device via a wireless network connection, and an audio module operable to manage an audio function of the wagering game system. In another embodiment the audio module is operable to present environmental sounds to a wagering game player. | 07-02-2009 |
20090176556 | Wagering game system with shared outcome determined by a gaming machine - A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community event includes a first gaming machine and a second gaming machine. The first gaming machine determines a randomly selected community-event outcome for the community event, and sends information related to the outcome to at least one other gaming machine of the plurality of gaming machines. The second gaming machine receives the information from the first gaming machine and plays the community event. | 07-09-2009 |
20090176559 | Managing Portable Wagering Game Machines - Systems and methods manage the presentation of wagering games on a portable wagering game machine. The systems and methods determine if an authorized user is in possession of the portable wagering game machine, and further determine if the portable wagering game machine is in a location where wagering games are authorized to be presented. | 07-09-2009 |
20090181755 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. | 07-16-2009 |
20090186692 | Wagering Game System Having Bonus Game Configurations - A method and system for making a plurality of bonus games available on a gaming machine. The bonus games each have associated bonus game instructions. The bonus game instructions are stored in a bonus game memory. The bonus game is selectable by a player of the gaming machine. The bonus game instructions are removed at a predetermined period of time after the bonus game instructions are stored in order to provide storage for new bonus games. Alternatively the bonus game instructions may be removed if the bonus games are not played frequently. The bonus game may be part of a channel including a plurality of bonus games. The channels of different groups of bonus games may be displayed to the player to assist in bonus game selection. | 07-23-2009 |
20090197673 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE WITH WIRELESS PERIPHERALS - A wireless computerized wagering game system comprises a gaming module operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a wireless communications module operable to connect the wireless wagering game system to at least one wireless peripheral device. The wireless computerized wagering game is portable, is operable to couple to fixed and portable peripheral devices, and is operable to couple to user-provided and gaming establishment-provided peripherals in various embodiments. | 08-06-2009 |
20090197684 | HANDHELD WAGERING GAME SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING WAGERING GAMES THEREUPON - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device. | 08-06-2009 |
20090221359 | Authenticating Files in Wagering Game Machines - Methods and apparatus for authenticating content in wagering game machines are described herein. In one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes authenticating a first set of wagering game files stored on a storage device of a wagering game machine. The method can also include starting a wagering game on the wagering game machine if the authentication of the first set of wagering game files is successful. The method can also include authenticating, during the wagering game, a second set of wagering game files stored on the storage device of the wagering game machine, wherein the first set of wagering game files and the second set of wagering game files are mutually exclusive. The method can also include stopping the wagering game if the authentication of the second set of wagering game files is not successful. | 09-03-2009 |
20090247285 | LOCATION DETECTION FOR PORTABLE WAGERING GAME MACHINES - Systems and methods determine a location for a portable wagering game machine. The system may include a plurality of wireless signal sources, including wireless access points or Bluetooth type devices. The wireless signal sources may be arranged in predetermined locations such as a grid. In addition, a database may provide location information for the plurality of wireless signal sources. | 10-01-2009 |
20090247301 | MANAGEMENT OF DOWNLOADABLE GAME COMPONENTS IN A GAMING SYSTEM - Systems and methods provide interfaces to control the download of downloadable game components to one or more gaming machines or systems. The gaming configuration elements may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware. | 10-01-2009 |
20090253487 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING ALTERNATE WAGERING GAME CONFIGURATIONS - A method of playing a wagering game comprises permitting a first configuration of the wagering game to be played via a gaming terminal, detecting a loss of communication between the gaming terminal and a server, and in response to detecting the loss of communication, permitting a second configuration of the wagering game to be played via the gaming terminal. | 10-08-2009 |
20090275377 | PROCESSING WAGERING GAME EVENTS - Systems for processing wagering game events are described herein. In one embodiment, a wagering game machine comprises a plurality of input devices configured to generate events. The apparatus can also include an event handler configured to detect the events, to cause persistent storage of the events, and to transmit the events. The apparatus can also include a wagering game controller configured to receive the events from the event handler and to present and replay wagering games using the events. | 11-05-2009 |
20090280888 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. | 11-12-2009 |
20090280910 | Method and Apparatus For Use of Movement and Position Sensors With Portable Handheld Wagering Devices - A gaming system includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one wagering game, a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, and a controller operative to process signals output from a movement sensor. A movement sensor is disposed in the handheld gaming machine to sense movements of the handheld gaming machine and/or a sub-portion thereof and to output signals relating to the movements to the controller. | 11-12-2009 |
20090291752 | APPARATUS TO PASS A VALUE BASED PARAMETER FOR A WAGERING GAME - Methods, apparatus and systems for accessing a bonus game with a wagering game machine are described. A portal module can be used to pass a desired expected value from a base wagering game to a portal bonus game module. The portal bonus game may use the desired expected value to generate bonus game payout frequencies and bonus game payout values. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed. | 11-26-2009 |
20090298577 | WAGER GAMING NETWORK WITH WIRELESS HOTSPOTS - Embodiments of a wager gaming network that includes handheld wager gaming units and hotspots are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, in a handheld wager gaming unit, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include wirelessly connecting the handheld wager gaming unit to a wireless access point in a wager gaming network. The method can also include transmitting, via the wireless access point, information from the handheld wager gaming unit to a device on the wager gaming network. | 12-03-2009 |
20090305773 | Gaming Device Multilateration Location - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to enable determining the location of a wagering game machine in relation to a plurality of transmission or reception apparatus using a multilateration process. In some embodiments, the orientation of the machine may also be determined. | 12-10-2009 |
20090312095 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. | 12-17-2009 |
20090318220 | Devices, Systems, and Methods For Accessing a Line of Credit Associated With a Player Wagering Account - A method of dynamically adjusting a player's line of credit associated with a wagering activity includes the acts of establishing a line of credit for a player and monitoring at least one factor associated with a player's wagering activity. The method further includes the acts of calculating a credit factor related to the monitored at least one factor and applying the credit factor to a player's line of credit to adjust a player's line of credit one of upwardly and downwardly responsive to the monitored at least one factor. | 12-24-2009 |
20090327060 | CASH-OUT METHODS AND SYSTEMS YIELDING ENHANCED TIME-DEFERRED VALUE - A method of exchanging assets within a wagering establishment computer-based marketplace layer including the acts of accessing a wagering establishment marketplace layer using a peripheral device, offering a first asset for exchange in the wagering establishment marketplace layer to all participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer. The method also includes the acts of receiving an offer to exchange a second asset for the first asset from an anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, accepting the offer to exchange the second asset for the first asset from the anonymous one of the participants in the wagering establishment marketplace layer, and transferring the first asset in exchange for the second asset. | 12-31-2009 |
20100016056 | Wagering Game With Special-Event Eligibility Feature Based on Passive Game Play - According to one aspect of the invention, a gaming system and method for providing passive participation in at least one wagering game are disclosed. Funds are received to obtain a period of eligibility for an award associated with the wagering game. An entertainment layer having a plurality of features is conducted in response to receiving the wager. A separate gaming layer includes the wagering game. A gaming machine having a display and a player input device is in communication with the entertainment layer and the gaming layer. At least one feature of the entertainment layer is conducted during the period of eligibility. The entertainment layer is operable in response to at least one input from the player input device. Information regarding the wagering game is presented on the gaming machine. | 01-21-2010 |
20100029377 | SHARED PHYSICS ENGINE IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a centralized physics engine operable to model motion physics for multiple wagering game machines. | 02-04-2010 |
20100041472 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects a player identifier associated with a wagering game award system, where the wagering game award system supports a plurality of award types. The system can also determine a number of awards of a first type, wherein the number of awards are associated with the player identifier, and wherein the first type is one of the award types. The system can also detect a request to exchange some of the number of awards for awards of a second type, wherein the second type is one of the award types. The system can also submit the request. | 02-18-2010 |
20100056261 | Wagering Gaming With Inter-Player Competition Feature - A variety of inter-player competition features for incorporation into a gaming system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a gaming system is provided with a trail-based game and comprises a plurality of gaming machines, signage, and at least one controller. The community event is triggered by an underlying wagering game. The controller is operative to conduct a trail-based game including a token and a trail having a plurality of steps, mark one or more of the plurality of steps with a marker, display a token on at least one of the steps, reduce an award value for the step on which the token is displayed when the step is marked by one or more marker. The award value being reduced for each of the plurality of players whose marker does not mark the step. | 03-04-2010 |
20100062843 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AN ACCOUNT BASED GAMING SYSTEM - Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide instrumentality to assign a game instance as an account owner in a gaming system and to convey owner functions in the gaming system to the game instance. | 03-11-2010 |
20100069145 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE INFORMATION EXCHANGE - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive information associated with a wagering game machine capable of engaging in the process of presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered, print a first portion of the information in human perceivable form on a tangible object, such as a wagering game machine ticket, and record a second portion of the information in a wireless memory device to be attached to the wagering game machine ticket. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 03-18-2010 |
20100075742 | GAME-SPECIFIC COMPONENT ENABLEMENT IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a physical configuration monitor module operable to enable execution of one or more wagering games associated with a game-specific physical configuration of the wagering game machine and to detect the game-specific physical configuration of the wagering game machine. | 03-25-2010 |
20100113143 | SECURING MOBILE WAGERING GAME MACHINES - Systems and methods for securing mobile wagering game machines are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes detecting, in a mobile wagering game machine, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include presenting the wagering game and detecting a security breach of the mobile wagering game machine. In some embodiments, after detecting the security breach, the method includes deleting authentication information stored in the mobile wagering game machine. | 05-06-2010 |
20100130280 | MULTI-PLAYER, MULTI-TOUCH TABLE FOR USE IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface. | 05-27-2010 |
20100160016 | Portable Wagering Game With Vibrational Cues and Feedback Mechanism - A handheld gaming machine including one or more actuators for providing vibrational cues or feedback during play of a wagering game to indicate the occurrence of a wagering-game event, such as a change in game rules, an input of a wager, and the like. The change in game rules may include a change in the odds of winning an award during the wagering game, a change in the type of award that can be awarded during the wagering game, eligibility for bonus play, or eligibility to accumulate one or more game elements associated with the wagering game. The vibration can be consistent with a wagering-game theme and can accompany or be a substitute for concurrently played audio sounds. The actuator(s) may include a haptic device such as a haptic touchscreen that overlays the display or an electromagnetic coil acting upon an unbalanced mass. | 06-24-2010 |
20100173699 | GAMING DEVICE WITH A VIRTUALIZATION MANAGER - Gaming devices with virtualization managers are described herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a plurality of operating systems, each of the operating systems to facilitate execution of one or more gaming applications. The gaming device also includes gaming device resources for use by ones of the plurality of operating systems and a virtualization manager to share the gaming device resources between the plurality of operating systems during virtually simultaneous execution of the plurality of operating systems. | 07-08-2010 |
20100190554 | WAGERING GAME HISTORY FEATURES - This description describes techniques for storing and utilizing wagering game histories. In one embodiment, a method for recording progress of a wagering game can include detecting a first event indicating a first activity of the wagering game. The method can also include storing the first event according to a first data format and detecting a second event indicating a second activity of the wagering game, wherein the second event includes random number information indicating a result of the wagering game. The method can also include encrypting the second event and storing the second event according to the first data format. | 07-29-2010 |
20100203960 | WAGERING GAME WITH ENCRYPTION AND AUTHENTICATION - 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 a security module operable to perform at least one encryption function on information communicated via a network connection. The encryption functions include in various embodiments key management, authentication, or other encryption functions such as symmetric, asymmetric, hash, or message authentication code functions. | 08-12-2010 |
20100210352 | ACCESSING WAGERING GAME SERVICES BY AIMING HANDHELD DEVICE AT EXTERNAL DEVICE - A portable wagering game machine includes a signal receiver and motion sensors. The signal receiver receives signals from a signal emission device that are used to determine the position and orientation of the portable wagering game machine relative to a gaming establishment devices and locations. The position and orientation information may be used to determine a gaming establishment device or location aimed at by the portable wagering game machine. The portable wagering game machine may then access or interact with a service associated with the device or location, or interact with the device itself. | 08-19-2010 |
20100210353 | PRESENTING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - Techniques for processing and presenting wagering data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a method comprises configuring a wagering game terminal for contemporaneously presenting content for a plurality of wagering games. Configuring the terminal can include dividing a player interface into a plurality of areas, wherein each of the areas is associated with one of the plurality of wagering games. The configuring can also include resizing the content to fit in the areas. The method can also include receiving, from a remote wagering game server, results for one or more of the wagering games, and selecting portions of the content, wherein the portions of the content graphically represent the results. The method can also include displaying the portions of the content. | 08-19-2010 |
20100216536 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING CHALLENGE GAMEPLAY - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving wagers and at least one display for displaying a challenge-play game. The system further comprises a controller operative to detect an issuance of a challenge by a first player and an acceptance of the challenge by a second player to participate in the challenge-play game. The controller detects receipt of a wager input from at least one of the first and second players, and in response thereto, causes the at least one display to display the challenge-play game. The controller determines at least one outcome of the challenge-play game, and based upon the at least one outcome, adjusts the positions of one or both of the first and second players in a standings chart. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222134 | DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - The patent application describes techniques for distributing information in a wagering game system. One method includes identifying one or more components to notify about events occurring in a wagering game system, where the one or more components facilitate secondary wagering games. The method can also include detecting the events, where some of the events arise from presenting primary wagering games. The method can also include reporting the events to the one or more components. The method can also include determining results for one or more of the secondary wagering games; and transmitting the results for presentation. | 09-02-2010 |
20100234094 | INTERACTION WITH 3D SPACE IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system for interacting with a wagering game in 3D space includes sensors positioned to define a 3D volume within which things may be introduced to make gestures that are detected in the 3D volume and associated with wagering-game functions Different 3D gestures cause different wagering-game functions to be earned out One gesture browses among selections involved in the game outcome while another gesture selects a wagering-game element 3D gestures change virtual camera angles to view hidden surfaces 3D wagering-game objects Gestures include throwing physical dice that transition to virtual dice whereupon the game software takes over to depict a randomly selected game outcome RFID-tagged chips are placed on tables to determine their value and location A fishing game detects a hook attached to a fishing rod held by the player and displays a virtual representation of the hook on four video displays | 09-16-2010 |
20100234099 | WAGERING GAME SYSTEM WITH DOCKING STATIONS - This description describes wagering game systems that include docking stations. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a presentation unit configured to present a wagering game and a docking controller configured to detect when the apparatus is docked with a docking station and to detect when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. The apparatus can also include a docking port, the docking port including at least one of a dock power unit configured to receive power via the docking station and a dock communication unit configured to receive wagering game content associated with the wagering game, the dock communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the apparatus is docked with the docking station. The apparatus can also include a wireless communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the docking controller when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234100 | SECURE MODE CONTROL IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A secure mode control device is described herein. The secure mode control device interfaces with a wagering game machine. The wagering game machine is capable of secure modes. The wagering game machine is also capable of wagering game modes that can generate wagering game data. The secure mode control device can detect an event that indicates a need for the wagering game machine to activate a secure mode. The secure mode control device activates the secure mode to halt the one or more wagering game modes on the wagering game machine. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234105 | MAINTAINING GAME HISTORY IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a secondary game for presentation on a wagering game machine. The secondary game may be associated with a primary wagering game being presented on the wagering game machine. The operations can also include detecting secondary game events associated with the secondary game; generating secondary game history based, at least in part, on the secondary game events; and generating a pointer to a storage location of the secondary game history. The operations can further include providing the pointer for the secondary game history to the wagering game machine to be stored within a primary wagering game history associated with the primary wagering game. | 09-16-2010 |
20100240435 | Remote Input Device For A Wagering Game - An input device dedicated for use with a wagering game is displayed on a display device. The display device is remote from the input device and includes outcome images of a randomly selected outcome and input images associated with player inputs for the wagering game. The input device includes a player input-receiving area and an interface. The player input-receiving area has a plurality of input elements associated with respective functions of the wagering game. The input elements replicate the input images of the player inputs. The interface is coupled to the input elements and transmits signals in response to the player activating the input elements. | 09-23-2010 |
20100240455 | PRESENTING SECONDARY CONTENT FOR A WAGERING GAME - Described herein are processes and devices that cause secondary content to be presented during wagering games. One of the devices described is a secondary content server. The secondary content server can obtain user related information, like user preferences, about a player of a wagering game and use the user related information to determine or generate secondary content. The secondary content server can cause the secondary content to be presented on a wagering game device or terminal. The secondary content server can determine if more than one device can present the secondary content. In some embodiments, the secondary content server presents the secondary content on a wagering game device. However, if other devices are connected to the wagering game device, the secondary content server may instead cause the secondary content to be presented on one of the other devices. | 09-23-2010 |
20100267449 | INTERFACE FOR WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENTS - This document describes inter alia a method for presenting an interface on a wagering game machine, where the interface includes a plurality of wagering game icons, and where each of the wagering game icons indicates a wagering game that available on the wagering game machine. The method can include presenting wagering game icons in an interface, wherein the wagering game icons form a row, and wherein each wagering game icon occupies a position in the row, and detecting a sweeping screen touch on a touch screen. The method can also include shifting, based on the sweeping screen touch, the wagering game icons to different positions in the row, where the shifting causes a wagering game icon at an end position in the row to disappear from the interface, and where the shifting also causes a new wagering game icon to appear at another end position in the row. | 10-21-2010 |
20100291992 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING INPUT IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE - Systems and methods for processing input in a wagering game machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a button panel for a wagering game machine. The button panel comprises a main button circuit board. The button panel also comprises at least one socket mounted to the main button circuit board. The button panel comprises a number of display components plugged into the at least one socket, wherein each display component comprises a display coupled to a display circuit board, wherein at least one switch used to determine a button press is mounted on each display circuit board. | 11-18-2010 |
20100291993 | WAGERING GAME - A method of conducting a community-based wagering game event includes the acts of displaying images associated with a community-based wagering game on a surface, sensing a player's movement using a sensing device, the player's movement comprising a game input, and outputting to a controller a signal bearing data relating to the player's movement. The method also includes the acts of determining, using the controller, a relation between the player's movement and the displayed images on the surface and adapting the displayed images responsive to the player's movement. | 11-18-2010 |
20100317442 | WAGERING GAME COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT - A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual gaming community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines. | 12-16-2010 |
20100323779 | Gaming System Having Graphical Feature Interface - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and a display for displaying a primary wagering game. The gaming system further comprises a controller which is operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) display a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, (iii) display a feature icon on the display, (iv) detect selection of the feature icon, (v) in response to the selection of the feature icon, display a feature menu on the display, the feature menu displaying a plurality of available features capable of activation in addition to the wagering game, and (vi) in response to a first feature of the feature menu being selected, activate and display the first feature if a first eligibility requirement is satisfied. | 12-23-2010 |
20100331079 | PERSISTENT DEVICE RELATIONSHIPS IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - In some embodiments a wagering game system comprises a personal area network device configured to render media content including results of a wagering game. The system can include a wagering game machine configured to determine and provide the wagering game results to the personal area network device. The wagering game machine can include a personal area network device transceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area network device, the data including the wagering game results, and a personal area network controller configured to detect the personal area network device, to procure an identification code for the personal area network device without player input, and to authenticate the personal area network device by use of the identification code. The system can also include a repository configured to store the identification code in association with a player identifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering game machine upon request. | 12-30-2010 |
20110021263 | CONTROLLING EVENT-DRIVEN BEHAVIOR OF WAGERING GAME OBJECTS - A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more events that occur within a wagering game. The wagering game can feature a wagering game object that can automatically (e.g., intelligently) respond to the one or more events. The behavior controller system can use event-driven behavior controllers, such as a behavior tree. The behavior controller system can determine, and activate, tasks on the behavior tree that cause the wagering game object to respond to the one or more events. In some embodiments, the behavior controller system can also prioritize tasks that may be performed by behavior trees to prevent conflicts between wagering game objects during a wagering game. | 01-27-2011 |
20110028207 | INTEGRATING VIDEO BROADCASTS INTO WAGERING GAMES - Described herein are processes and devices that integrate video broadcasts into wagering games. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can receive a video feed and detect activity performed in the video feed. The system can generate a wagering game character that in some way emulates the activity performed in the video feed. The system can detecting activities performed by the wagering game character and utilize the activities to generating a wagering game outcome. The system can also generate overlay objects to be used as wagering game elements and integrate the overlay objects with the video feed as a wagering game, or in conjunction with wagering games. | 02-03-2011 |
20110045895 | PRESENTING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY WAGERING GAMES - An apparatus for presenting primary and secondary wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a primary wagering game unit configured to determine results for a first group of primary wagering games in a first wagering game session. The first wagering game session can be associated with a player identifier. The primary wagering game unit can be further configured to determine results for a second group of primary wagering games in a second wagering game session that is associated with the player identifier. The apparatus can also include a secondary wagering game unit configured to, after certain of the results in the first wagering game session, cause presentation a first episode of a group of episodes, and to, after certain of the results in the second wagering game session, cause presentation a second episode of the group of episodes. | 02-24-2011 |
20110045908 | SERVING PATRONS IN A WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods for serving patrons in a wagering game environment are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving patron service information, wherein the patron service information indicates activities of a patron in a casino. The method can also include selecting, based on the patron service information, a service for the patron, wherein the patron has not requested the service. Additionally, the method can include presenting a service order instructing a service attendant to deliver the service. | 02-24-2011 |
20110053672 | MANAGING WAGERING GAME APPLICATIONS AND EVENTS - 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. The operations can further include receiving response event data from the requesting application and presenting the response event data on a presentation device associated with the wagering game client device. | 03-03-2011 |
20110065496 | AUGMENTED REALITY MECHANISM FOR WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting, at a gaming machine, a fiducial marker in one or more images captured by an image capture device of the gaming machine, determining an orientation of the fiducial marker, and detecting a fiducial code embedded within the fiducial marker. The operations can also include providing, via a network, fiducial code information and fiducial marker orientation information to a wagering game server to identify an augmented reality object associated with the fiducial code and determine attributes of the augmented reality object. The operations can further include receiving, at the gaming machine, wagering game content and the augmented reality object from the wagering game server, incorporating the augmented reality object within the wagering game content, and presenting the wagering game content comprising the augmented reality object on a display device of the gaming machine. | 03-17-2011 |
20110077073 | MANAGING LIMITATION RULES FOR WAGERING ACCOUNTS - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include presenting a graphical user interface that includes a graphical control associated with a credit account belonging to a wagering game player; detecting a selection of the graphical control that initiates a financial transaction to transfer money from the credit account to a wagering game session account; determining access information stored in a player profile, the access information to access the credit account; determining an amount to transfer from the credit account to the wagering game session account balance; determining one or more rules limiting use of the credit account; and enforcing the one or more limitation rules on the use of the credit account. | 03-31-2011 |
20110081961 | VISUALIZING WAGERING GAME ESTABLISHMENT PATRON FLOW - A patron flow system aggregates wagering game data from a plurality of wagering game machines in a wagering game establishment. The wagering game data indicates a plurality of patrons and times. Patron flow data is generated from the aggregated wagering game data. The patron flow data indicate flows of the plurality of patrons among the plurality of wagering game machines in the wagering game establishment with respect to the times. | 04-07-2011 |
20110092275 | LIVING WAGERING GAMES - A system can invigorate wagering games with dynamic updates to reflect changes in ongoing current events. Current real-life data about at least one of a current event and a public figure are acquired. Game data for a wagering game are updated based, at least in part, on the acquired current real-life data. A plurality of wagering game machines that host instances of the wagering game are determined. The updated game data is indicated over a network to the plurality of wagering game machines that host instances of the wagering games. | 04-21-2011 |
20110105222 | MANAGING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - In some embodiments, a wagering game machine comprises a secure hard disk drive including at least one secure partition configured to store wagering game assets for use in presenting wagering games, and unsecured partitions configured to store wagering game content. The secure hard disk drive can also include an access controller configured to receive a request to access the wagering game assets and a first access key. The access controller can also deny the access request if the first access key does not match a second access key, and allow access to the wagering game assets if the first access key matches the second access key. The wagering game machine can also include a wagering game controller configured to send the request to access the wagering game assets, and to present, after being allowed access to the wagering game assets, wagering game using the wagering game assets. | 05-05-2011 |
20110111837 | Gaming System Having Controllable Dynamic Signage - A gaming system comprises a first gaming device displaying a first primary wagering game in response to receipt of a first wager from a first player and a second gaming device displaying a second primary wagering game in response to receipt of a second wager from a second player. The system further comprises a community display having a plurality of display regions thereon, and at least one controller operative to (i) detect activation of a first supplemental feature by the first player, (ii) detect activation of a second supplemental feature by the second player, (iii) determine in which of the plurality of display regions to display the first and second supplemental features in accordance with at least a first rule set, and (iv) display the first and second supplemental features on the community display. | 05-12-2011 |
20110111840 | Methods of Receiving Electronic Wagers in a Wagering Game Via a Handheld Electronic Wager Input Device - A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers. | 05-12-2011 |
20110111862 | MEDIA PROCESSING MECHANISM FOR WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include transmitting game content from a wagering game server to a gaming machine via a network to present a wagering game at the gaming machine for a player, and generating and storing video of one or more rounds of the wagering game. The operations can also include receiving, at the wagering game server via the network, video of the player playing the one or more rounds of the wagering game. The operations can further include combining the video of the one or more rounds of the wagering game with the video of the player playing the one or more rounds of the wagering game, and storing and providing access to the combined video via the network to a player account associated with the player. | 05-12-2011 |
20110115158 | MULTI-PROJECTOR GAMING TABLE - Electronic wagering game tables (a.k.a. e-tables) are described herein. Some embodiments include a wagering game table for presenting a wagering game. The wagering game table can include a projection surface, and a first projector configured to present, at a first resolution, a first background image on the projection surface, wherein the first background image is associated with the wagering game and includes elements of the wagering game that are shared by the plurality of players, and wherein the first background image includes blank areas that are not substantially illuminated with content from the first projector. The wagering game table can also include a plurality other projectors configured to present, at a second resolution, wagering game content in the plurality of blank areas, wherein the wagering game content indicates results of the wagering game. | 05-19-2011 |
20110124401 | ASSOCIATING PORTABLE WAGERING GAME MACHINES WITH A STATIONARY WAGERING GAME MACHINE - Embodiments of a portable wagering game machine and a stationary wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of portable wagering game machines are associated with a stationary wagering game machine. Group wagering game data is displayed on the stationary wagering game machine. The group wagering game data includes wagering game content for viewing by multiple players. At each of the plurality of portable wagering game machines, individual wagering game data is displayed. The individual wagering game data and the group wagering game data relate to a wagering game. | 05-26-2011 |
20110143841 | WAGERING GAME DIGITAL REPRESENTATIVE - A wagering game developer can support an online wager gaming community and provide digital representatives to members to enhance real-life wager gaming experience. A digital representative of a wagering game player can be imported from a remote store associated with an online wager gaming community. Data associated with the digital representative can also be imported. Wagering game activity of the wagering game player at one or more electronic wagering game machines in a wagering game establishment is determined. One or more digital representative data updates for the digital representative are determined based, at least in part, on the determined wagering game activity of the wagering game player. The one or more digital representative updates are applied to the data associated with the digital representative. The digital representative and the updated data associated with the digital representative are exported. | 06-16-2011 |
20110183745 | MANAGING CASHLESS WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing of cashless wagering game systems. An apparatus comprises a first cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a first cashless wagering game medium associated with a first cashless wagering system; a second cashless wagering game media input device, operable to access a second cashless wagering game medium associated with a second cashless wagering system; and a control module operable to: receive a transfer amount, the transfer amount associated with the first cashless wagering game medium and to be debited from the first cashless wagering system; and credit at least a portion of the transfer amount to the second cashless wagering system. | 07-28-2011 |
20110183748 | WAGERING GAME WITH ENCRYPTION AND AUTHENTICATION - 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 a security module operable to perform at least one encryption function on information communicated via a network connection. The encryption functions include in various embodiments key management, authentication, or other encryption functions such as symmetric, asymmetric, hash, or message authentication code functions. | 07-28-2011 |
20110201408 | WAGERING GAME ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include determining that a trigger condition for an account rule has occurred, wherein the account rule specifies an account action to be performed upon satisfaction of the trigger condition, and wherein the account action is associated with a wagering game account and other financial accounts. In some embodiments, the operations also include initiating the account actions and indicating a result of the account actions. | 08-18-2011 |
20110201415 | LIVING DIGITAL ACHIEVEMENTS - A system for granting and managing dynamic digital achievements can grant dynamic digital achievements in a controlled manner to encourage player participation in wagering game establishments. A dynamic digital achievement lives beyond an initial grant and can exhibit different behaviors over time and/or in combination with other digital achievements. The dynamic digital achievements can comprise an image, a sequence of images, video, executable code, audio, etc. The dynamic behavior of a digital achievement can increase interest in the digital achievement, thus increasing interest in the corresponding activity, whether wagering game activity or non-wagering game activity. Moreover, the system for granting and managing dynamic digital achievements is not limited to wagering game networks. The system can interface with other vendor systems and cause a dynamic digital achievement to exhibit behavior based on activity by a player in a non-gaming environment. | 08-18-2011 |
20110207525 | Gaming System Having Virtual Assets and Achievements - A gaming system having virtual assets comprises a wager input device, at least one gaming terminal comprising a display for displaying a wagering game, and a virtual asset server in communication with the at least one gaming terminal, the virtual asset server storing and managing one or more types of virtual assets, each type of virtual asset having a different plurality of attributes associated therewith. The system comprises at least one controller operative to cause the first display to display the first wagering game, in response to a first triggering event, award one or more of the virtual assets to a player of the first wagering game, store information regarding the awarded virtual assets in a player account associated with the player and accessible to the virtual asset server, and provide a monetary award to the player for any winning outcomes achieved during play of the first wagering game. | 08-25-2011 |
20110207531 | OPTICAL MACHINE-READABLE DATA REPRESENTATION IMAGE - Club cards and tickets can be eliminated by providing an application that allows a player's mobile phone to process an image of an optical machine-readable representation of data. At the end of a wagering session on a WGM, the WGM can display a barcode representing a player's winnings, an achievement, game status, etc. The player takes a picture of the barcode with his or her mobile phone. The application on the phone processes the barcode image and automatically updates an account of the player in accordance with the data represented or carried by the barcode. For instance, the mobile phone sends a request to a wagering account server to electronically deposit the winnings, as represented by the barcode, in a wagering account associated with the player's club profile. | 08-25-2011 |
20110244938 | Wagering Game System With Shared Outcome Determined By A Gaming Machine - A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community event includes a first gaming machine and a second gaming machine. The first gaming machine determines a randomly selected community-event outcome for the community event, and sends information related to the outcome to at least one other gaming machine of the plurality of gaming machines. The second gaming machine receives the information from the first gaming machine and plays the community event. | 10-06-2011 |
20110244949 | PUBLISHER/SUBSCRIBER ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTI-DEVICE ACTIVITIES - A publisher-subscriber architecture with standardized and/or dynamic event/message look up can be implemented on wagering game establishment networks to establish a robust and flexible reporting and reacting mechanism. Processes that operate in accordance with the publisher-subscriber architecture can coordinate operations across multiple devices in a wagering game establishment, and even across multiple wagering game establishments, in response to an event occurring. Processes can operate as publishers and/or subscribers, and can reside on a WGM (e.g., standalone, portable, etc.) or a server. Processes operating as publishers on a WGM can publish information about events that occur on the WGM. Processes operating as subscribers can interpret published event information from different vendors and use published event information in a number of different ways. | 10-06-2011 |
20110250948 | VIDEO COMPRESSION IN GAMING MACHINES - Based on the characteristics of a reel-spinning video, a video encoder/decoder can rely on image date from a preceding video frame to reconstruct a current area of a current frame of the reel-spinning video. The video encoder can record some indication of the current area (e.g., number of dropped blocks or boundary values of the area). The video encoder can rely on motion information (e.g., a motion vector) of a preceding area within the current frame, or encode motion information with the indication of the current area. The video encoder then transmits the indication of the current area, perhaps with a subsequent area, without image data of the current area. The video decoder can then reconstruct the current area with image data from a matching area in the preceding frame based on the motion information. | 10-13-2011 |
20110250955 | CONTROLLING APPLICATION DATA IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving application data provided from multiple applications on a wagering game machine. The application data can indicate needs by the multiple applications to present content on the wagering game machine. The operations can also include prioritizing the presentation of the content based on control rules that govern interoperability between the multiple applications. The operations can also include determining access rights, subscription levels, or other limitations on the applications to present the content and access to each other's application data. The operations can further include presenting controls so that player accounts can modify the manner or priority of presenting the content. | 10-13-2011 |
20110263326 | PROJECTING AND CONTROLLING WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include projecting an image of wagering game content onto a physical surface and controlling a wagering game, associated with the wagering game content, using player interaction with the image. The operations can further include modifying the image in response to the player interaction with the image. The operations can further include controlling the wagering game using physical objects in a physical environment around the image. The operations can also include modifying the image based on detected characteristics of the physical environment. The operations can further include modifying the image based on player-specific information. | 10-27-2011 |
20120028714 | TRANSPORTING AND USING WAGERING GAME DATA - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a connection of a portable wagering game player drive to a wagering game network. The operations can include determining a player preference regarding a focus of data to store and storing player experience data from the wagering game network according to the player preference. The operations can further include determining a request to disconnect the portable wagering game player drive from the wagering game network, securing the player experience data for transfer beyond the wagering game network; and presenting wagering game content using a computing device outside of the wagering game network using at least some of the player experience data from the portable wagering game player drive. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028716 | HIEARCHICAL MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM FOR GAMING RELATED COMMUNICATIONS - A system, apparatus and method for gaming-related communications in a hierarchical multi-tiered system are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes transmitting a master configuration from a central operations of a hierarchical multi-tiered system to a local gaming site having one or more gaming components. The method also includes receiving a selected configuration for one or more of the gaming components based on the master configuration. The method includes downloading the selected configuration to the one or more of the gaming components through the hierarchical multi-tiered system. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028720 | ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS FOR NEAR WIN EVENTS - An establishment can coordinate devices (e.g., lights, speakers, displays) to enhance a game playing environment based on events detected in a network of wagering game machines. A system can be implemented that determines an environmental effect based on an event of a wagering game (e.g., a near win event), regardless of the particular wagering game developer/manufacturer. The system can determine the environmental effect to be created for an event at the wagering game machine, at a server, etc. A request for the environmental effect is then supplied to the process and/or machine that causes the devices to create the environmental effect. | 02-02-2012 |
20120115592 | EXTERNAL EVALUATOR - An external evaluator can evaluate the wagering game outcome data against rules and/or criteria that lead to an exciting and entertaining event separate and/or distinct from the wagering game itself. An external evaluator evaluates game outcome data, received from a wagering gaming machine via a network, against criteria for a plurality of events ( | 05-10-2012 |
20120122567 | LOGIN APPLICATION FOR A WAGERING GAME PORTAL - Systems described herein include wagering game systems having a portal container with one or more portal applications running within the portal container. The portal container includes a login application that receives player credentials and logs into various servers using the login credentials. The login application serves as a proxy for the portal applications that communicate with the servers. | 05-17-2012 |
20120129611 | WAGERING GAME SYSTEM WITH DOCKING STATIONS - This description describes wagering game systems that include docking stations. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a presentation unit configured to present a wagering game and a docking controller configured to detect when the apparatus is docked with a docking station and to detect when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. The apparatus can also include a docking port, the docking port including at least one of a dock power unit configured to receive power via the docking station and a dock communication unit configured to receive wagering game content associated with the wagering game, the dock communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the apparatus is docked with the docking station. The apparatus can also include a wireless communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the docking controller when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. | 05-24-2012 |
20120157193 | MULTI-PLAYER, MULTI-TOUCH TABLE FOR USE IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface. | 06-21-2012 |
20120178525 | WAGERING GAME DIGITAL REPRESENTATIVE - A wagering game developer can support an online wager gaming community and provide digital representatives to members to enhance real-life wager gaming experience. A wagering game establishment server imports a digital representative of a wagering game player from the online wager gaming community. The server determines wagering game activity of the wagering game player at one or more electronic wagering game machines. The server determines an update for the digital representative based on the determined wagering game activity of the wagering game player, and then associates the update with the digital representative. The update includes a second executable code. Later, the server exports the digital representative with the second executable code associated therewith to the online wager gaming community. | 07-12-2012 |
20120184352 | AUGMENTED REALITY FOR WAGERING GAME ACTIVITY - A method includes capturing media content of a wagering game machine at a wagering game establishment with a camera of a mobile device. A location of the mobile device is determined when the media content is captured. A direction that a lens of the camera is facing when the media content is captured is determined. The wagering game machine is identified based on the location and the direction. Overlay imagery derived from wagering game activity of the wagering game machine is downloaded into the mobile device from a server. The overlay imagery is composited onto the media content to create a composited media content. The composited media content is displayed on a display of the mobile device. | 07-19-2012 |
20120202587 | INTEGRATING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES AND WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that an online communal wagering game (communal game) requests additional players. The online communal wagering game can be provided by a wagering game provider. The operations can further include determining one or more social network user accounts (social network accounts) available to play in the online communal wagering game. The social network accounts can from different social network websites, servers, etc., across the Internet, or other communications networks. The operations can further include aggregating the one or more social network accounts into a communal wagering game session, controlling the communal game with bets from the aggregated social network accounts, and providing social communication content that the social network accounts can use to communicate, receive notifications, view game replays, trade items, etc. The operations can also include using jurisdictional rules to control wagering functionality. | 08-09-2012 |
20120202588 | WAGERING GAME COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT - A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines. | 08-09-2012 |
20120202601 | WAGERING GAME COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT - A wagering game community environment is described herein. In some embodiments, the environment includes a community server to provide services for a wagering game community. In some embodiments, the community server comprises a communications controller configured to receive communications from community terminals and to send the communications to wagering game machines. In some embodiments, the community server also includes a promotions controller configured to award promotional material to members of the virtual community based on their use of the community terminals, the promotional material being for use in wagering games available on the wagering game machines. | 08-09-2012 |
20120225712 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT OF A GAMING MACHINE - Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform. | 09-06-2012 |
20120252566 | Gaming System Having Controllable Dynamic Signage - A gaming system comprises a first gaming device displaying a first primary wagering game in response to receipt of a first wager from a first player and a second gaming device displaying a second primary wagering game in response to receipt of a second wager from a second player. The system further comprises a community display having a plurality of display regions thereon, and at least one controller operative to (i) detect activation of a first supplemental feature by the first player, (ii) detect activation of a second supplemental feature by the second player, (iii) determine in which of the plurality of display regions to display the first and second supplemental features in accordance with at least a first rule set, and (iv) display the first and second supplemental features on the community display. | 10-04-2012 |
20120252567 | MANAGING CASHLESS WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing of cashless wagering game systems. An apparatus comprises a control module to debit, via a first system access technique, a debit amount from a first cashless wagering system in a financial transaction and credit, via a second system access technique different from the first system access technique, a credit amount to a second cashless wagering system in the same financial transaction, the first and second cashless wagering game systems being different from one another coupled over a network, | 10-04-2012 |
20120264504 | DYNAMIC UPDATING OF CONTENT BASED ON GAMING-APPLICATION CONTEXT - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving first application data from a first application, where the first application data describes a first characteristic of first content from the first application. The first application presents the first content during a wagering game session. The operations can further include determining a relationship between the first characteristic and a second characteristic of second content of a second application that presents the second content during the wagering game session while the first application presents the first content. The operations can further include modifying the second content dynamically based on the relationship between the first characteristic and the second characteristic. | 10-18-2012 |
20120276990 | HANDHELD WAGERING GAME SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING WAGERING GAMES THEREUPON - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device. | 11-01-2012 |
20120302323 | HAPTIC GAMING CHAIRS AND WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS AND MACHINES WITH A HAPTIC GAMING CHAIR - Haptic gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a haptic gaming chair are presented herein. A gaming system is disclosed for playing a wagering game. The gaming system includes an input device for receiving wagers from players to play the wagering game. A display device displays an outcome of the wagering game, which is randomly determined from a plurality of wagering game outcomes. The gaming system also includes a gaming chair, which can include a seat portion and an optional backrest portion that are supported by a base. An array of tactors is at least partially embedded within the seat portion and/or backrest portion. The tactors are configured to generate tactile stimulation. A controller is in operative communication with the array of tactors. The controller synchronizes actuation of the array of tactors to coincide with aspects of the wagering game being displayed via the display device. | 11-29-2012 |
20120309496 | Wagering Game System Having Bonus Game Configurations - A method and system for making a plurality of bonus games available on a gaming machine. The bonus games each have associated bonus game instructions. The bonus game instructions are stored in a bonus game memory. The bonus game is selectable by a player of the gaming machine. The bonus game instructions are removed at a predetermined period of time after the bonus game instructions are stored in order to provide storage for new bonus games. Alternatively the bonus game instructions may be removed if the bonus games are not played frequently. The bonus game may be part of a channel including a plurality of bonus games. The channels of different groups of bonus games may be displayed to the player to assist in bonus game selection. | 12-06-2012 |
20120315981 | SIMULTANEOUS GAME PLAY FOR WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a wagering game session for a player in a first wagering game machine of the wagering game system based on a wagering game system account associated with the player. The operations can also include identifying wagering game machines of the wagering game system that are idle and available for simultaneous game play. The operations can further include initiating a wagering game session for the player in a second wagering game machine of the wagering game system for simultaneous game play. The second wagering game machine may be selected from the wagering game machines that are idle and available for simultaneous game play. The operations can further include initiating simultaneous game play in the first and second wagering game machines based on the players wagering game system account. | 12-13-2012 |
20120329551 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content. | 12-27-2012 |
20120329553 | Methods of Receiving Electronic Wagers in a Wagering Game Via a Handheld Electronic Wager Input Device - A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, which is linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers. | 12-27-2012 |
20130005446 | WAGERING GAME WITH PERSISTENT STATE OF GAME ASSETS AFFECTING OTHER PLAYERS - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. | 01-03-2013 |
20130023337 | PLAYER HEAD TRACKING FOR WAGERING GAME CONTROL - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting a wagering game on a display device of a wagering game machine. The operations can also include detecting head movements and facial gestures of a player of the wagering game via a video capture device of the wagering game machine, and generating player input data based on the head movements and facial gestures of the player. The operations can further include modifying wagering game content based on the player input data associated with the head movements and facial gestures of the player, and presenting results of the wagering game on the display device of the wagering game machine. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023345 | CONTENT DEPENDENCY VERIFICATION FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A system, apparatus and method for dependency verification of content distributed to a gaming machine is described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, over a network and into a gaming machine, data that includes a software component. The method also includes verifying that the gaming machine includes the version or the range of versions of a component, upon determining that the software component is dependent on a version or a range of versions of the component that is part of the gaming machine. | 01-24-2013 |
20130059650 | COORDINATING GAME EVENTS BETWEEN A STATIONARY WAGERING GAME MACHINE AND AN ASSOCIATED PORTABLE GAME MACHINE - A portable game machine is associated with a stationary wagering game machine. With resources of both the portable game machine and the stationary wagering game machine, the portable game machine and the stationary wagering game machine provide a wagering game experience. The portable game machine detects occurrence of a game event at the associated stationary wagering game machine, and, in response, determines a cumulative or bonus game event triggered by the detected game event. The portable game machine then invokes the triggered game event at the portable game machine. | 03-07-2013 |
20130083066 | AUGMENTED REALITY FOR TABLE GAMES - A method includes acquiring media content of a wagering game table at a wagering game establishment with a camera of a mobile device. A location of the mobile device is determined when the media content is acquired. A direction that a lens of the camera is facing when the media content is acquired is determined. The wagering game table is identified based on the location and the direction. Overlay imagery derived from wagering game activity of the wagering game table is downloaded into the mobile device from a server. The overlay imagery is composited onto the media content to create a composited media content. The composited media content is displayed on a display of the mobile device. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084984 | WAGERING GAME SYSTEM HAVING MOTION SENSING CONTROLLERS - A method includes receiving, by a motion sensing controller, two calibration wireless transmissions that were transmitted from two different wireless emitters that are fixedly positioned to two different components of a wagering game system during calibration. The method includes receiving, by the motion sensing controller, two gameplay wireless transmissions that was transmitted from the two different wireless emitters for tracking of the wagering game play of the wagering game. The method includes determining a calibration movement difference between the two calibration wireless transmissions and determining a gameplay movement difference between the two gameplay wireless transmissions. In response to the calibration movement difference and the gameplay movement difference being unequal, outputting an indicator of at least one of a component movement and distortion of one of the two different gameplay transmissions. | 04-04-2013 |
20130122999 | CONFIGURING AND CONTROLLING GAMING CONTESTS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting wagering game activity that occurs prior to an end of a wagering game contest. The operations can further include computing an expected value of an award for the wagering game contest based on the wagering game activity. The operations can further include funding the award for the wagering game contest from a source of money other than from game wagers made during the wagering game contest, wherein a value for the award is equivalent to the expected value. | 05-16-2013 |
20130130778 | MOBILE PAYMENT AND CREDIT INTEGRATION INTO A WAGERING GAME MACHINE - A wagering game machine includes a processor and a wagering game module, executable on the processor, configured to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered to a wagering game player. The machine includes a receiver configured to communicate with a transmitter of a mobile device to receive a mobile payment from the mobile device. The machine includes a bill validator that is communicatively coupled to the receiver. The bill validator configured to receive the mobile payment from the receiver, wherein the bill validator is configured to output a first communication to issue a first wagering game credit for the wagering game machine in response to receipt of a monetary bill, wherein in response to receipt of the mobile payment from the receiver the bill validator is configured to output a second communication to issue a second wagering game credit on the wagering game machine. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130779 | USING CODED IDENTIFIERS FOR ADAPTIVE GAMING - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a wagering game session for presentation of wagering game content. The operations can further include scanning a coded identifier during the wagering game session. The coded identifier indicates a characteristic associated with activity, events, achievements, etc. performed or attained prior to initiation of the wagering game session. For instance, the coded identifier can be a two-dimensional barcode generated in response to online activity (e.g., in response to progress attained in an online game). In some embodiments, the characteristics indicate information about the activity. The operations can further include adapting the wagering game content during the wagering game session based, at least in part, on the characteristic indicated in the coded identifier, such as providing gaming rewards and bonus games, adding funds, unlocking content, modifying wagering game content, etc. | 05-23-2013 |
20130130806 | DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - The patent application describes techniques for distributing information in a wagering game system. One method includes identifying one or more components to notify about events occurring in a wagering game system, where the one or more components facilitate secondary wagering games. The method can also include detecting the events, where some of the events arise from presenting primary wagering games. The method can also include reporting the events to the one or more components. The method can also include determining results for one or more of the secondary wagering games; and transmitting the results for presentation. | 05-23-2013 |
20130143649 | INTEGRATING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES AND WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations can include connecting social network user accounts to a wagering game session for a wagering game. The operations can further include controlling, for the wagering game, monetary wagering associated with a first of the social network user accounts and controlling non-monetary wagering associated with a second of the social network user accounts. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150151 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMIC PAYBACK PERCENTAGE AS A FUNCTION OF ENABLED FEATURES - A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active. | 06-13-2013 |
20130165215 | MULTI-PLAYER, MULTI-TOUCH TABLE FOR USE IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165216 | WAGERING GAME SYSTEM WITH DOCKING STATIONS - This description describes wagering game systems that include docking stations. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a presentation unit configured to present a wagering game and a docking controller configured to detect when the apparatus is docked with a docking station and to detect when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. The apparatus can also include a docking port, the docking port including at least one of a dock power unit configured to receive power via the docking station and a dock communication unit configured to receive wagering game content associated with the wagering game, the dock communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the apparatus is docked with the docking station. The apparatus can also include a wireless communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the docking controller when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172075 | WAGERING GAME ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include detecting an account rule, wherein the account rule includes an activation event, wherein upon occurrence of the activation event a transfer of funds is initiates between a wagering game session and account and one or more other financial accounts. In some embodiments, the operations also include detecting the occurrence of the activation event. In some embodiments, the operations also include initiating the transfer of funds between the wagering game session account and one or more other financial accounts. | 07-04-2013 |
20130184062 | INTEGRATING SOCIAL COMMUNITIES AND WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include detecting a side wager placed by a social network user accounts connected to a communal wagering game, detecting that a jurisdictional rule prohibits a characteristic of the side wager, and altering the characteristic of the side wager to comport with the jurisdictional rule. In some examples, the operations can further include determining a request by a first of the social network user accounts to transact an exchange of one or more non-cash items associated with the communal wagering game with a second of the social network user accounts, and transacting the exchange. | 07-18-2013 |
20130196750 | TRANSFERRING AWARDS VIA OPTICAL MACHINE READABLE DATA REPRESENTATION IMAGES - Club cards and tickets can be eliminated by providing an application that allows a player's mobile phone to process an image of an optical machine-readable representation of data. At the end of a wagering session on a WGM, the WGM can display a barcode representing a player's winnings, an achievement, game status, etc. The player takes a picture of the barcode with his or her mobile phone. The application on the phone processes the barcode image and automatically updates an account of the player in accordance with the data represented or carried by the barcode. For instance, the mobile phone sends a request to a wagering account server to electronically deposit the winnings, as represented by the barcode, in a wagering account associated with the player's club profile. | 08-01-2013 |
20130203498 | WAGER GAMING NETWORK WITH WIRELESS HOTSPOTS - Embodiments of a wager gaming network that includes handheld wager gaming units and hotspots are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, in a handheld wager gaming unit, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include wirelessly connecting the handheld wager gaming unit to a wireless access point in a wager gaming network. The method can also include transmitting, via the wireless access point, information from the handheld wager gaming unit to a device on the wager gaming network. | 08-08-2013 |
20130225273 | MANAGING LIMITATION RULES FOR WAGERING ACCOUNTS - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include assigning one or more money values to a graphical user interface control and linking the graphical user interface control to a credit account. The credit account is a third-party financial account from which a player account is authorized to borrow funds up to a credit limit. In some embodiments, the operations further include providing the graphical user interface control for presentation during a wagering game session associated with the player account. | 08-29-2013 |
20130267317 | CONTROLLING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRESENTATION OF WAGERING GAME CONTENT - Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter are directed to presenting wagering game content in stereoscopic 3D according to an optimal autostereoscopic view for an autostereoscopic display based on a viewing perspective of a player when the player views the wagering game content. Some embodiments are also directed to determining that the player looks away from the wagering game content and maintaining, or freezing, presentation of wagering game content in 3D according to the optimal autostereoscopic view. Some embodiments are directed to updating the optimal autostereoscopic view based on changes to the viewing perspective while the player looks away from the wagering game content. Some embodiment are also directed to changing the presentation of the wagering game content to 2D, and restoring the one or more portions to 3D based on a degree of player attentiveness after the player looks at the wagering game content again. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274016 | HANDHELD DEVICES FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS OF WAGERING GAMES - A system includes a community screen configured to display images of a community event thereon. The system includes a number of wagering game machines coupled to the community screen. The system also includes a number of handheld devices, wherein each handheld device has a respective display and is associated with a respective one of the wagering game machines. The system includes an image module configured, for at least one handheld device of the number of handheld devices, to identify a location on the community screen based on a position of the at least one handheld device and to present an image on the display of the at least one handheld device based on the location. | 10-17-2013 |
20130281189 | USING NON-WAGERING-GAME STATE FOR WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a wagering game session and accessing a non-wagering game (e.g., a simulation social network game) during the wagering game session. The non-wagering game and wagering game can be associated with the same user. The operations can further include detecting a state (e.g., one or more virtual assets) of the non-wagering game. The operations can further include presenting the wagering game based on the state of the non-wagering game. For instance, the operations can select a type of wagering game content to present or modify a volatility of the wagering game based on the state of the non-wagering game. | 10-24-2013 |
20130281204 | EVENT BASED PUBLISHING/SUBSCRIBING IN A WAGERING GAME NETWORK - A publisher-subscriber architecture with standardized and/or dynamic event/message look up can be implemented on wagering game establishment networks to establish a robust and flexible reporting and reacting mechanism. Processes that operate in accordance with the publisher-subscriber architecture can coordinate operations across multiple devices in a wagering game establishment, and even across multiple wagering game establishments, in response to an event occurring. Processes can operate as publishers and/or subscribers, and can reside on a WGM (e.g., standalone, portable, etc.) or a server. Processes operating as publishers on a WGM can publish information about events that occur on the WGM. Processes operating as subscribers can interpret published event information from different vendors and use published event information in a number of different ways. | 10-24-2013 |
20130288784 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate. | 10-31-2013 |
20130288804 | PUBLISHER/SUBSCRIBER ARCHITECTURE ACROSS NETWORKS - A publisher-subscriber architecture with standardized and/or dynamic event/message look up can be implemented on wagering game establishment networks to establish a robust and flexible reporting and reacting mechanism. This publisher subscriber architecture is extendible to allow processes to publish and subscribe to other processes in different network through an intermediary publisher/subscriber or publisher/subscriber manager. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296027 | WAGERING GAME ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include initiating a wagering game session and determining that an amount of winnings for the wagering game session are above a specific value. In some embodiments, the operations further include in response to the determining that the amount of winnings for the wagering game session are above the specific value, transferring a first portion of monetary value from a session balance, for the wagering game session, to a financial account separate from the session balance, wherein a second portion of the session balance remains for use in the wagering game session. In some embodiments, the financial account does not support wagering-game-related withdrawals. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296057 | GESTURE FUSION - “Fusion” gestures that transition from air to surface or surface to air and interactions with graphical objects displayed on one or more display devices. Surface-to-air gestures are captured on a surface of a touch-based sensing device, and the gesture leaves the surface and enters a volumetric space adjacent to the surface, where a 3D gesture sensing system captures the gesture in 3D space. One or more objects displayed on the display device(s) are graphically shown to be manipulated by the gesture. Air-to-surface gestures are captured in the reverse manner. Different devices housed in separate housings can detect the different types of gestures. For example, a gaming terminal can detect surface gestures made on a single- or multi-touch sensitive surface while a portable electronic device in communication with the gaming terminal can detect air gestures made in a volumetric space in front of the gaming terminal. | 11-07-2013 |
20130310183 | TRANSPORTING AND USING WAGERING GAME DATA - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include storing a copy of wagering game content of a wagering game on a portable data storage device while the portable data storage device is connected to a wagering game machine in a casino, the wagering game being played at the wagering game machine. The operations can further include disconnecting the portable data storage device from the wagering game machine, the portable data storage device being configured to transport the copy of the wagering game content to play on a computing device outside the casino. | 11-21-2013 |
20130337889 | DETECTION AND RESPONSE TO AUDIBLE COMMUNICATIONS FOR GAMING - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more audible communications made during a wagering game session, evaluating the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information associated with the wagering game session; and presenting an automated response to the one or more audible communications based on the evaluating of the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337890 | MOBILE APPLICATIONS AND WAGERING GAME MACHINES - In some embodiments, a method includes presenting a wagering game at a wagering game machine. The method includes establishing a wireless communication between the wagering game machine and a mobile device. The method also includes, in response to a wagering game player satisfying a wagering game criteria when playing the wagering game, enabling access to content on the mobile device, wherein the content is based on a context resulting from the wagering game player playing the wagering game. | 12-19-2013 |
20140038701 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING VIRTUAL ASSETS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - A gaming system having virtual assets comprises a wager input device, at least one gaming terminal comprising a display for displaying a wagering game, and a virtual asset server in communication with the at least one gaming terminal, the virtual asset server storing and managing one or more types of virtual assets, each type of virtual asset having a different plurality of attributes associated therewith. The system comprises at least one controller operative to cause the first display to display the first wagering game, in response to a first triggering event, award one or more of the virtual assets to a player of the first wagering game, store information regarding the awarded virtual assets in a player account associated with the player and accessible to the virtual asset server, and provide a monetary award to the player for any winning outcomes achieved during play of the first wagering game. | 02-06-2014 |
20140051508 | MANAGING GRANT OF DIGITAL ACHIEVEMENTS - A system for granting and managing dynamic digital achievements can grant dynamic digital achievements in a controlled manner to encourage player participation in wagering game establishments. A dynamic digital achievement lives beyond an initial grant and can exhibit different behaviors over time and/or in combination with other digital achievements. The dynamic digital achievements can comprise an image, a sequence of images, video, executable code, audio, etc. The dynamic behavior of a digital achievement can increase interest in the digital achievement, thus increasing interest in the corresponding activity, whether wagering game activity or non-wagering game activity. Moreover, the system for granting and managing dynamic digital achievements is not limited to wagering game networks. The system can interface with other vendor systems and cause a dynamic digital achievement to exhibit behavior based on activity by a player in a non-gaming environment. | 02-20-2014 |
20140057716 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE BANKING OF WAGERING GAME MACHINES - A method of altering a wagering game theme for a flexible bank of wagering game machines, the flexible bank including a first sub-portion, a second sub-portion, and one or more display elements disposed between the first and second sub-portions, includes the acts of displaying graphical content relating to a first wagering game theme on the first and second sub-portions and on the one or more display elements and using a controller, responsive to a trigger, to switch the second sub-portion to display a second wagering game theme different than the first wagering game theme and to cause the one or more display elements to display a blank display or graphical content different than the first and second wagering game themes. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057726 | ADAPTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS - An establishment can coordinate devices (e.g., lights, speakers, displays) to enhance a game playing environment based on events detected in a network of wagering game machines. A system can be implemented that determines an environmental effect based on an event of a wagering game (e.g., a near win event), regardless of the particular wagering game developer/manufacturer. The system can then determine that the environmental effect should be modified based on current circumstances of the area to be impacted and/or the player, for example. The system modifies the environment effect as indicated for the current circumstances and causes the modified environmental effect to be produced. | 02-27-2014 |
20140066184 | EXTERNAL EVALUATOR - Although wagering games and wagering game machines provide significant entertainment and excitement, outcomes of wagering games can be used to provide entertainment and excitement external to the wagering game machines and even distinct and/or separate from the wagering games that generate the outcomes. A wagering game machine can communicate wagering game outcome data to a machine that is external to the wagering game machine for evaluation of the wagering game outcome data (“external evaluator”). The external evaluator can evaluate the wagering game outcome data against rules and/or criteria that lead to an exciting and entertaining event separate and/or distinct from the wagering game itself. Evaluating wagering game outcome data separate from the hosting wagering game machine allows a variety of events to be associated with game outcomes and allows for events to adapt to a dynamic environment and/or to player preferences. | 03-06-2014 |
20140080603 | PRESENTING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - Techniques for processing and presenting wagering data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a method comprises configuring a wagering game terminal for contemporaneously presenting content for a plurality of wagering games. Configuring the terminal can include dividing a player interface into a plurality of areas, wherein each of the areas is associated with one of the plurality of wagering games. The configuring can also include resizing the content to fit in the areas. The method can also include receiving, from a remote wagering game server, results for one or more of the wagering games, and selecting portions of the content, wherein the portions of the content graphically represent the results. The method can also include displaying the portions of the content. | 03-20-2014 |
20140087810 | MANAGING WAGERING GAME APPLICATIONS AND EVENTS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include receiving event data from a first application available on a wagering game machine, wherein the event data is in a first data format that is natively understood by the first application and not natively understood by a second application available on the wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further include converting the event data to a second data format natively understood by the second application, wherein the second data format is not natively understood by the first application. In some embodiments, the operations further include communicating the event data in the second data format to the second application. | 03-27-2014 |
20140094276 | COMMUNITY GAMING SYSTEM WITH VARYING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA - A computer-implemented method includes displaying a community game on at least one display device. Dependent upon a first player playing an underlying wagering game via a first terminal, the first player is permitted to participate in the community game. The community game is distinct from the underlying wagering game. Not dependent upon a second player playing an underlying wagering game via a second terminal, the second player is permitted to participate in the community game. | 04-03-2014 |
20140106864 | DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - Described herein are systems, methods, etc. to perform operations which, 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, wherein the first wagering game includes first content that originates from a first content source, wherein the second wagering game includes second content that originates from a second content source. The operations can further include accessing funds associated with the first wagering game. The operations can further include funding one or more wagers for the second wagering game using at least a portion of the accessed funds. | 04-17-2014 |
20140155145 | HANDHELD WAGERING GAME SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING WAGERING GAMES THEREUPON - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device. | 06-05-2014 |
20140162769 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include detecting, by one or more processors, one or more events of a first event type, a second event type, and a third event type. Embodiments further include, in response to the detecting the one or more events of the first event type, the second event type, and the third event type, determining, by the one or more processors, non-cash awards of a first award type, second award type, and third award type, respectively, to provide to the player. | 06-12-2014 |
20140200065 | ASSOCIATING MOBILE DEVICE WITH ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game. | 07-17-2014 |
20140206441 | CONTROLLING APPLICATION DATA IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - “A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include obtaining data provided from a first application. In some examples, the first application is a wagering game application presented on a wagering game machine. The operations can also include determining a subscription level associated with a second application. The subscription level indicates access to the data from the first application. Further, the operations can also include, providing a service to the second application. In some examples, the service is one of a plurality of tiers of services that correspond to the subscription level. In some examples, the service has one of a plurality of degrees of access to the data from the first application according to the subscription level.” | 07-24-2014 |
20140248934 | CONTROLLING EVENT-DRIVEN BEHAVIOR OF WAGERING GAME OBJECTS - A behavior controller system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more events that occur within a wagering game. The wagering game can feature a wagering game object that can automatically (e.g., intelligently) respond to the one or more events. The behavior controller system can use event-driven behavior controllers, such as a behavior tree. The behavior controller system can determine, and activate, tasks on the behavior tree that cause the wagering game object to respond to the one or more events. In some embodiments, the behavior controller system can also prioritize tasks that may be performed by behavior trees to prevent conflicts between wagering game objects during a wagering game. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248945 | WAGERING GAME HISTORY FEATURES - This description describes techniques for storing and utilizing wagering game histories. In one embodiment, a method for recording progress of a wagering game can include detecting a first event indicating a first activity of the wagering game. The method can also include storing the first event according to a first data format and detecting a second event indicating a second activity of the wagering game, wherein the second event includes random number information indicating a result of the wagering game. The method can also include encrypting the second event and storing the second event according to the first data format. | 09-04-2014 |
20140256413 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content. | 09-11-2014 |
20140274298 | WAGERING GAME WITH SIMULATED MECHANICAL REELS - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game. | 09-18-2014 |
20140295951 | MANAGING LIMITATION RULES FOR WAGERING ACCOUNTS - A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include assigning one or more money values to a graphical user interface control and linking the graphical user interface control to a credit account. The credit account is a third-party financial account from which a player account is authorized to borrow funds up to a credit limit. In some embodiments, the operations further include providing the graphical user interface control for presentation during a wagering game session associated with the player account. | 10-02-2014 |
20140323206 | METHODS OF TRANSFERRING FUNDS IN A CASHLESS WAGERING SYSTEM - A method for depositing funds associated with a wagering game ticket in a player account via a mobile device is described herein. In some embodiments, the method can include receiving an image of a wagering game ticket, wherein a monetary value is associated with the wagering game ticket. The method can further include determining a player account, wherein the monetary value is to be deposited in the player account. The method can further include determining, based on the image, a ticket identifier associated with the wagering game ticket. The method can further include transmitting, to a ticketing server, the ticket identifier associated with the wagering game ticket. The method can further include receiving, from the ticketing server, an indication of the monetary value associated with the wagering game ticket. The method can further include depositing, in the player account, the monetary value associated with the wagering game ticket. | 10-30-2014 |
20140342821 | Gaming System Having Controllable Dynamic Signage - A gaming system comprises a first gaming device displaying a first primary wagering game in response to receipt of a first wager from a first player and a second gaming device displaying a second primary wagering game in response to receipt of a second wager from a second player. The system further comprises a community display having a plurality of display regions thereon, and at least one controller operative to (i) detect activation of a first supplemental feature by the first player, (ii) detect activation of a second supplemental feature by the second player, (iii) determine in which of the plurality of display regions to display the first and second supplemental features in accordance with at least a first rule set, and (iv) display the first and second supplemental features on the community display. | 11-20-2014 |
20140370970 | REPORTING AND WAGERING PROCESSING IN SERVER-CENTRIC WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - Some embodiments include a method for operating a wagering game machine. The method can include detecting, via input devices of the wagering game machine, player inputs indicating wagers placed on wagering games; notifying, via one or more networks, a wagering game server about the wager. The method can include receiving, from the wagering game server via the one or more networks, results for the wagering games. The method can include presenting the results of the wagering games on at least one display device of the wagering game machine, and receiving, from the game server via the network, information indicating the wagers placed on the wagering games and wagers paid for the wagering games. The method can also include reporting, by the wagering game machine via the one or more networks, the information to a slot accounting system. | 12-18-2014 |
20140378216 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method comprising determining, by a wagering game unit of a wagering game machine, a result of a wagering game. The method can also include requesting, over a network by an award system unit of the wagering game machine, awards of a first award type be added to an electronic player account based on the result of the wagering game. The method can include receiving, by the award system unit, electronic input requesting to exchange the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for awards of a second award type. The method can include requesting, over the network by the award system unit, exchange of the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for the awards of the second award type. | 12-25-2014 |
20140378217 | COORDINATING GAME EVENTS BETWEEN A STATIONARY WAGERING GAME MACHINE AND A PORTABLE MACHINE - A set of one or more processor units detects occurrence of a first game event during a wagering game presented at a stationary wagering game machine. In response to detecting the occurrence of the first game event, the set of one or more processor units presents a second game event at a portable machine. In addition, a control input may be received at the portable machine. The portable machine communicates an indication of the control input, which causes occurrence of a third game event at the stationary wagering game machine. | 12-25-2014 |
20150065231 | METHODS OF TRANSFERRING FUNDS IN A CASHLESS WAGERING SYSTEM - A method for processing wagering game e-tickets is described herein. The method can include receiving, from a mobile device over a network, an indication to create an e-ticket. The method can also include determining, by a wagering game server, monetary value information for the e-ticket. The method can also include transmitting, to a ticketing server, the monetary value information; receiving, from the ticketing server, e-ticket information. The method can also include transmitting, over the network, the e-ticket information to the mobile device for generating the e-ticket. | 03-05-2015 |
20150072774 | ASSOCIATING MOBILE DEVICE WITH ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include communicably connecting a mobile device to a wagering game server on a wagering game network. The operations can further include associating, by the wagering game server, the mobile device with a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machine. The operations can further include providing content to present on the mobile device, the content including a play initiation button of a wagering game played via the selected wagering game machine. The operations can further include in response to the play initiation button being actuated, receiving, at the wagering game server, a command from the mobile device to initiate play of the wagering game. The operations can further include in response to the command, presenting a result of the wagering game on the selected wagering game machine. | 03-12-2015 |