BALLY GAMING, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160109942 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING A VIDEO PRESENTATION BASED UPON AGE - A system, method and apparatus are set forth which adjusts one or more of the brightness, vibrancy and color shift of displayed content based upon the at least approximate age of the viewer. At a display ( | 04-21-2016 |
20160093166 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS CARD-IN/CARD-OUT - A system configured to pair a mobile device with a terminal device, track interactions between the mobile device and the terminal device while paired, and un-pair the mobile device from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a touch screen terminal display and communication interface that communicates with a host server through a communication network. The host server has access to a database storing user accounts. The user mobile device includes a touch screen display and a wireless transceiver. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093165 | GAMING CHIP HAVING CAPACITIVE COUPLING AND RELATED METHODS - A system is disclosed for identifying and reading gaming tokens. The system includes: a plurality of gaming tokens; a playing surface including a network of conductors disposed to make electrical contact with the conductive rims of the gaming tokens; one or more transceivers disposed under the playing surface and associated with areas where the gaming tokens are placed on the playing surface; and an identification processor in communication with the transceiver to determine the denomination of the token from the data. Each transceiver is configured to transmit an electromagnetic interrogation signal to the conductive layer of a gaming token resting on the playing surface. The grounded circuit, in response to the interrogation signal, responds with data to identify the chip denomination through capacitive coupling between the conductive layer and a transceiver. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC EYE TRACKING CALIBRATION - A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the location of a player's gaze at a video display of a gaming machine. The system and method includes capturing images of the player's gaze with a camera while displaying a plurality of reference symbols at locations on the display during serial display of game video content. Also, a processor creates control signals that represent the direction of the player's gaze relative to the location of the plurality of symbols on the display of the gaming machine. The processor develops a data set based on the control signals and the locations of the plurality of reference symbols to develop a data set. Further, the system and method includes calibrating the location of the player's gaze using the data set with the location s of the plurality of reference symbols on the display. | 03-31-2016 |
20160092065 | USER INTERFACE FEATURES IN A SYSTEM OF CONCURRENT GAMES - A video gaming system is disclosed that includes one or more game processors, one or more video displays, an apparatus for a player to control the play of the game, and a memory device. The memory device stores a set of fixed instructions to control the game processor and is configured to: enable the player to interact with the game interface to select a game from a list of games offered by the video gaming machine, wherein the game is represented by a game bubble floating in the game interface; display a game selection interface to enable the player to select the game and add the game in a control panel, wherein the control panel is configured to display multiple games selected by the player; and enable the player to switch among the plurality of games and control a game play of the plurality of games concurrently. | 03-31-2016 |
20160086442 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONALLY ACCURATE GAMING CONTENT - A system is disclosed for providing access to first interactive content or second interactive content by a user of a portable computing device based upon a determined location of the portable computing device. The system includes a host server, a content server storing data representing the first interactive content and the second interactive content, and a communication network in communication with the host server and the content server. One or more WiFi communication beacons are in communication with the host server through the communication network. The communication network is configured to establish communication with the portable computing device. The host server is configured to determine a location of the portable computing device from the communication of the portable computing device with the communication network using a combination of WiFi signals and Bluetooth signals. The host server configured to control the content server and enable the portable computing device to display the first interactive content when the portable computing device is determined to be in a first location and to display the second interactive content when the portable computing device is determined to be in a second location. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086421 | System and Method for Awarding Bonus Features in a Video Carousel - A video carousel bonus feature system is disclosed that includes gaming presentations for a plurality of players, one or more game processors, and a plurality of base game cabinets that each contain base game presentations that display base games. The system also includes a video carousel with a plurality of video monitors, wherein each of the plurality of video monitors is positioned above a base game cabinet, wherein a visual representation of one or more bonus features is displayed independently on each video monitor of the video carousel. The system is configured to award one of the plurality of players at least one bonus feature that appears to move from video monitor to video monitor on the video carousel, wherein the awarded bonus feature coincides with the visual representation of the bonus feature being displayed on the video carousel monitor positioned directly above the triggering base game cabinet. | 03-24-2016 |
20160035179 | INTEGRATED DISPLAY AND INPUT SYSTEM - A system is disclosed for integrating system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device. The system includes a gaming interface in communication with at least a first processor and a systems interface in communication with at least a second processor. The gaming interface is incorporated within the display screen of the gaming device, displays wagering game content received from the first processor, and receives first inputs delivered to the first processor to perform the gaming functions associated with the wagering game content. The systems interface is incorporated within the display screen of the gaming device, displays non-gaming system content received from a system network via the second processor, and receives second inputs delivered to the system network via the second processor to perform the system functions. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035175 | PLAYER GAMING CONSOLE, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM - Games, networked gaming systems, gaming machines and methods are disclosed that provide various player-centric games and rewards the casino patrons, as well as systems games, rewards, and tournaments to the casino patrons. | 02-04-2016 |
20160019746 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE CONTROL GAMING SESSIONS USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable remote play of a game hosted by a gaming machine using a mobile device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network in communication with the gaming machine and the mobile device, and the network includes a first wireless access point located in a first area and a second wireless access point located in a second area of a venue. Also included is a remote gaming server in communication with the gaming machine and mobile device over the network. The remote gaming server enables remote play when the mobile device is connected to the second wireless access point and prevents remote play when the mobile device is connected to the first wireless access point. | 01-21-2016 |
20150356812 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED REALITY USING A PLAYER CARD - Disclosed is a method of displaying augmented reality gaming information associated with a player card using mobile device in an augmented reality gaming system. In one embodiment, the method includes: enabling a user to view a live image of a player card through a display of a mobile device; acquiring player identification information from the player card; sending the player identification information via a network to a server; retrieving player specific information from the server using the mobile device; and displaying the player specific information in conjunction with the player card when viewing the player card through the display of the mobile device using augmented reality. | 12-10-2015 |
20150325077 | MOBILE CONTROL FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND TABLES - Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced mobile control of electronic gaming machines and tables. In one aspect, statistical information is provided to a player in convenient and useful formats. Also disclosed are approaches to providing convenient transactions that a player can employ to fund game play. | 11-12-2015 |
20150317877 | WAGERING GAME AND METHOD HAVING A PLAYER-PURCHASABLE BONUS GAME WITH A PRORATED COST - Disclosed are a game, gaming device, system and method for initiating play of a feature game having a fixed cost of entry. A portion of each wager of a base game may be allocated to a pool for entry into the feature game. When the entire cost of entry has been accumulated, the feature game may be triggered. A visual indicator may tell a player when the next feature game will be paid for and available for play. Furthermore, the player may have an option to buy immediate play of the feature game, the immediate cost to the player prorated according to the amount already in the fund. Once the feature game is initiated, the pool is cleared, the feature game is played and the process repeats. | 11-05-2015 |
20150287265 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED WAGERING - Disclosed is a method and system involving augmented wagering. In one contemplated approach, context-sensitive betting options are conveniently presented to a player. Promotion of time sensitive propositions are presented to both simplify the wagering experience and provide a better targeted experience. | 10-08-2015 |
20150253954 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR VIDEO TUNING OF A VIDEO SWITCHING DEVICE FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections. | 09-10-2015 |
20150228153 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE CONTROL GAMING SESSIONS USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable remote play of a game hosted by a gaming machine using a mobile device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network in communication with the gaming machine and the mobile device, and the network includes a first wireless access point located in a first area and a second wireless access point located in a second area of a venue. Also included is a remote gaming server in communication with the gaming machine and mobile device over the network. The remote gaming server enables remote play when the mobile device is connected to the second wireless access point and prevents remote play when the mobile device is connected to the first wireless access point. | 08-13-2015 |
20150228151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING PLAYER EXPERIENCE USING SOCIAL MEDIA DATA - A method is disclosed of enabling a player to use a social-media enhanced kiosk system to obtain an enhanced gaming experience using player preference services. The method includes: enabling a player to access the social-media enhanced kiosk system; enabling a social account of the player on a social network to be accessed, wherein social data is retrieved from the social account of the player on the social network and transferred to a database within the social-media enhanced kiosk system; formatting and storing the social data; processing the social data; enabling the processed social data in the social-media enhanced kiosk system to be searched. | 08-13-2015 |
20150199868 | SYSTEM GAMING - A system provides an instant-close tournament such that an actual player is always the last player to enter the tournament. The instant-close tournament has a number of player spots. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines, a communication link connecting the plurality of gaming machines, and a tournament history table that stores previous tournament information for a plurality of previous players in the tournament. At least a first gaming machine enables play of a first base game that has a first theoretical payout percentage, and at least a second gaming machine enables play of a second base game that has a second theoretical payout percentage. The previous tournament information is used by the tournament controller to configure one or more simulated players in the tournament to fill each player spot in the tournament, except for at least a final player spot that is filled by the actual player. | 07-16-2015 |
20150194012 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING A LOCATION MONITOR AND DISPATCHER USING PERSONAL DATA KEYS - A networked gaming system is disclosed that includes location detection and dispatcher servers operative together with one or more wireless personal digital (PDK) devices communicating with receiver/decoders (RDCs) for tracking and communicating with casino employees and patrons throughout the casino. An employee and patron tracking system in a casino is disclosed wherein beverage and other service staff are properly assigned, dispatched to the right patron or location and can be located and tracked throughout various transactions. | 07-09-2015 |
20150126279 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING - Disclosed is a method for enabling an augmented reality interaction system and a mobile device to overlay a virtual 3D component over a physical 3D component with which the virtual 3D component interacts. The method includes: enabling a user to capture a live camera image of a gaming machine cabinet via a camera on the mobile device; determining if there are image tags on the gaming machine cabinet in the live camera image; producing a virtual rendering of the gaming machine cabinet; determining virtual 3D components to be displayed over an image of a virtual gaming machine cabinet; comparing a virtual depth rendering of the virtual 3D components to a virtual depth rendering of the virtual gaming machine cabinet; and overlaying virtual 3D components without the subtracted elements onto a live camera image of the virtual gaming machine cabinet on a display of the mobile device. | 05-07-2015 |
20150072764 | Systems and Methods for Providing, Accessing and Reporting for a Group eWallet - Gaming systems and methods are set forth for players or customers to form groups and invoke a shared group electronic fund accessible by the players or customers for commerce. The commercial enterprise or players may establish competitive tournaments between groups with prizes to be awarded. Each member of the group has defined access and may view group data in real time, if desired. | 03-12-2015 |
20150065233 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DECOUPLED AND PLAYER SELECTABLE BONUS GAMES - Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and methods including a bonus game that can be decoupled from base games and/or are player selectable. Bonus features can be added to existing games and player selection of progressive play can be provided. The method and system can further provide switching among possible links without dynamic reconfiguration. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065232 | PROGRESSIVE POOL MANAGEMENT - Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing management of multiple progressive pools. In some embodiments, a progressive pool management system may include at least one gaming machine configured to present a first game having a progressive pool. The progressive pool management system may include at least one gaming machine configured to present a second game having a progressive pool. The progressive pool management system may include a server in communication with the at least one gaming machine configured to present the first game and the at least one gaming machine configured to present the second game. The server may associate a section of a unified pool with the progressive pool of the first game. The server may associate a section of the unified pool with the progressive pool of the second game. | 03-05-2015 |
20150018068 | GAMING MACHINES, GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF AWARDING WILD SYMBOLS DURING PLAY OF A GAMING MACHINE GAME - Disclosed are gaming machines and gaming machine systems and methods including a feature game in which a player is awarded one or more wild symbols. In one embodiment, the number of wild symbols awarded is derived from a number of special symbol occurrences during preliminary play of the game. In another embodiment, each play of a plurality of plays enables an additional symbol in a symbol set as a wild symbol for the remaining duration of the game. | 01-15-2015 |
20140357361 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE TO MONITOR GAMEPLAY USING AUGMENTED REALITY - A portable computing system acquires images representative of a gaming environment (e.g., a gaming table and game participants) and provides augmented reality images including player personal and financial information and/or game or employee related information. The portable computing system can include a tablet form factor computing system having a touchscreen display. Using the acquired images, the game table, game participants, and other objects are identified. Player personal and financial information and/or game information logically associated with the identified game participants and/or objects are retrieved. The player personal and financial information and the game information may be incorporated in real-time or near real-time into the acquired image data to provide an augmented reality monitor useful for monitoring table games. | 12-04-2014 |
20140353983 | Electronic Locking Mechanism - An electronic lock and system particularly for replacing existing mechanical locks for gaming devices are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a cabinet having a chassis and a main gaming device door locked by a mechanical lock. The electronic lock is configured to have a profile to replace the existing mechanical locks and includes a rotatable bolt receiving a sleeve. In a retained and locked position the sleeve is within the lock barrel and an operator is nested in a pocket in the barrel head. Upon receiving a command a motor rotates a cam and the sleeve is released to axially move to release the operator from the pocket for rotation of the sleeve and bolt to unlock the door. Sensors sense for fault conditions. Authentication is required to provoke the opening command Opening events may be logged at a system server or local memory. | 12-04-2014 |
20140329604 | TRANSPORT AGNOSTIC IPC MECHANISM - A distributed computer system includes at least two processors. Each processor includes at least one process including at least one thread and a network server. A host module is in a thread in a first processor and a client module is in a thread in a second processor. A network couples the respective network servers in the processors. The host module registers with the system via the network server in the first processor. The client module on the second processor establishes a connection with the host module on the first processor. The host module and the client module communicate through the established connection. | 11-06-2014 |
20140329581 | Method for Operating a Cooperative Game - A cooperative/competitive gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines, a bonus server and a network for coupling the plurality of gaming machines to the bonus server. A method for operating a cooperative/competitive game includes providing two or more pools having respective levels. Two or more players are permitted to form groups. The groups are allowed to play for pool levels based on the number of players in the group. | 11-06-2014 |
20140315637 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING TRANSPARENT DISPLAY - Disclosed are various embodiments of transparent displays for gaming machines and, more particularly, to placement of a single transparent or partially transparent display between two facing gaming machines for common play of a shared gaming machine feature. | 10-23-2014 |
20140309028 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROVIDE USER-CONFIGURABLE PREFERENCES AND/OR OPTIONS FOR TEAM PLAY ON A SINGLE GAMING MACHINE - A method and system to provide user-configurable preferences and/or options for team play on a single gaming machine is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented gaming system comprises a memory device having stored thereon a gaming application that enables multiplayer, turn-based gameplay among one or more players. A computer-processing unit is operatively connected to the memory device and processes the gaming application to enable the one or more players to specify a condition for determining when a player's turn at gameplay ends. Processing the gaming application further includes determining that the condition is satisfied for a current player and generating a message to indicate that the current player's turn at gameplay is terminated. A display presents the generated message to the one or more players. | 10-16-2014 |
20140309012 | System, Device and Method for Providing One or More Bonus Games in a Keno, Bingo or Lottery Game - A system, device and method are set forth for providing a number based game such as Keno, Bingo or a Lottery. The player selects their numbers (or Bingo card) and prompts play. An outcome set of numbers is randomly chosen from a field of numbers and if the player has a predetermined outcome of matching numbers from their selected number they earn a prize. The game also randomly selects one or bonus numbers. If there is a match between one or more bonus numbers and the outcome set, one or more secondary spinning reel bonus games are enabled and are played resulting in winning or losing outcome. For winning outcomes the player earns a prize. Prizes may be progressive prizes. | 10-16-2014 |
20140302932 | Adaptive Game Audio - Disclosed are a system and method wherein a gaming machine samples the ambient sound environment and performs a time to frequency conversion to create an ambient sound profile. Profiles of alternate sounds for emission by the gaming machine are compared to the ambient profile and the sound most likely to minimize ambient noise masking is selected for use. | 10-09-2014 |
20140302915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING - Disclosed is a method for enabling a mobile augmented reality (AR) table betting system to facilitate game play with a table game and one or more players each using a mobile device. The method includes: enabling a player to register at an available betting spot on the table game using the player's mobile device; providing a dealer display that presents information to a dealer as game events occur on the player's associated mobile device; enabling a player to access funds from an electronic wallet associated with the player to place an initial bet at the table game; commencing game play at the table game; enabling a player to place an subsequent bet or game decision at the table game using the player's mobile device; in response to a winning table game outcome, transferring funds to the player; and in response to a losing table game outcome, transferring funds from the player. | 10-09-2014 |
20140287822 | PARTIAL CREDITS CASHOUT GAMING UNIT - Disclosed are a system and method providing a player the opportunity to cash out a portion of credits accumulated during gaming. Anonymous cashing out of credit is available to a player through routes both external and internal to a gaming machine. | 09-25-2014 |
20140287820 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMES HAVING A SKILL-BASED COMPONENT - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a predetermined award presented in a manner in which a player's skill at the game appears to affect the amount of the award without actually having an effect on its amount. | 09-25-2014 |
20140280518 | METHOD FOR SCHEDULING DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT TO A PLURALITY OF MEDIA DEVICES - Methods of electronic scheduling for playback of media contents are disclosed. Discrete items of content are scheduled for play back based upon a schedule created by the integration of scheduling methods into a single scheduling algorithm. In a first scheduling method, a discrete item of content is assigned a frequency rating relative to other items of content. A second way to schedule is repeating a content item at specific intervals of time. A third scheduling method allows the content to be played at a specific date and time. A fourth scheduling method includes playing a content item upon receipt of a trigger event which is received from a source external to the scheduling system. And lastly, means are provided for selectively determining whether or not particular content is available for play in a particular venue or during a particular period of time. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274344 | GAME RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND ARTICLES THAT COMBINE VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL ELEMENTS - Disclosed are physical objects which may be employed with a virtual game layout to enhance wager and non-wagered based gaming. Display subsystems may provide a changeable or selectable virtual game layout with demarcations appropriate to a selected game. A sensor subsystem may detect physical aspects of game related pieces (e.g., playing cards, chips, markers, dice, spinners, tokens, tiles) as well as media (e.g., identity media, financial media). All gaming functions may occur through interaction with a playing surface, as well as functions such as ordering food, beverages and services. Automated tracking of players, dealers and games may be realized along with bonusing and promotions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140248962 | UDP BROADCAST FOR A USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A method for sending a notification message using a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture. The method includes: determining that the server wants to send a notification message, wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; querying, via a UDP broadcast processor, a database for a list of clients that have registered for one or more types of notification; receiving a reply with the list of clients that have registered for the one or more types of notification; and sending a notification to the clients on the list. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248953 | SYSTEM GAMING - A gaming system for displaying real-time pushed data of tournament scores is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network each having a display capable of presenting a game, wherein each gaming machine enables play of chat-based games. The system also includes a gaming server and a chat server that are connected to the network. The gaming server is in communication with the plurality of gaming machines via the network. The chat server pushes real-time tournament data to the first and second gaming machines for presenting tournament data and on the display to facilitate competition between the first and second gaming machines. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248942 | RESONANT GAMING CHIP IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for a gaming chip identification system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises a plurality of gaming chips, each gaming chip operable to emit a respective unique electromagnetic signature in response to incident non-optical electromagnetic radiation, a computer-readable medium that stores information indicative of the electromagnetic signatures of at least a number of the plurality of gaming chips, and a processor-based system configured to verify that the electromagnetic signature from an interrogated gaming chip in an interrogation zone is a member of the plurality of gaming chips. | 09-04-2014 |
20140244826 | SEPARABLE URL GAMING SYSTEM - A system and method for enabling one network to use the functionality of another network is provided. The system comprises a first network system having a first network functionality and a second network system having a second network functionality. A server connected to the second network system passes directions through the first network to enable a component connected to both the first network system and the second network system to perform a second network functionality. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243075 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING INSTANCES OF A SECONDARY GAME - A gaming machine is configured to selectively provide instances of a primary game and instances of a secondary game. Instances of the secondary game may be provided based at least on outcomes of primary games. The gaming machine may provide instances of the secondary game based at least on a number of secondary game credits. The number of secondary game credits may be associated with a player of the gaming machine. The number of secondary game credits may be awarded to a player of the gaming machine based at least on an outcome of the primary game and/or an outcome of the secondary game. The gaming machine may provide instances of the secondary game based at least on a number of available secondary game credits. The number of available secondary game credits may be based at least on a number of secondary game credits and/or a number of other credits. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243070 | Gaming Machine Having a Molded Curved Display - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels on a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235345 | Gaming System, Method and Device for Generating Images Having a Parallax Effect Using Face Tracking - Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide a three-dimensional effect to at least apportion of the content displayed. A first video display overlays at least a portion of a second video display. The first display is adapted to be controlled to be transparent or display vertical lenticular lines. The second display displays video content. In response to a command the first display assumes a lenticular configuration to cooperate with the display of video content on the second display to provide a three dimensional effect. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235344 | Gaming System, Method and Device for Generating Images Having a Parallax Effect Using Face Tracking - Devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon the motion parallax of the player to create a 3D effect. Issuance of a command may cause the display to go from the 2D display of content to content presented according to motion parallax. Further the intensity of the motion parallax effect may be presented and switched between a first and a lesser, second application. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235343 | Gaming System, Method and Device for Generating Images Having a Parallax Effect Using Face Tracking - Devices and methods are set forth which provide for determination of relative movement between a user and a video display and for using that detected relative movement for applying a motion parallax effect to the display of video content and for applying or removing the motion parallax effect based upon a command such as an event occurring to the play of a video game. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235342 | Gaming System, Method and Device for Generating Images Having a Parallax Effect Using Face Tracking - Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon several degrees of the motion parallax effect. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235340 | Universal Overlay Games in an Electronic Gaming Environment - A method is disclosed herein for displaying winning and non-winning game results in a traditional gaming environment. The system uses an overlay game to present an entertaining display to a player upon the occurrence of a win or trigger event. An overlay game has limited capabilities and additionally is engineered to be usable on a variety of gaming machines. To be usable on a variety of gaming machines, the overlay game is intentionally kept simple; in one case, it comprises a visual display that is shown to a player upon the occurrence of a trigger event. In another embodiment, it requires a simple button press to start the overlay game. The overlay games are downloaded on an as-needed basis, run on the gaming machine, and then discarded. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235331 | DYNAMIC PAYTABLE FOR INTERACTIVE GAMES - Disclosed are an interactive game, gaming system and method that include a dynamic paytable. The method operates by enabling a game session that includes a plurality of game events. After each game event, the player is given an opportunity to terminate or continue the game session. The player can use skill to determine whether to terminate or continue the game session. A paytable determines whether a prize is awarded to said player after each game event. In one embodiment, the dynamic paytable is displayed on a player interface. During the game session, the player may terminate the game session before the remaining game events are completed. The player is provided with an opportunity to view the paytable and can generate a strategy to maximize the prize awarded or minimize losses generated during the game session. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235328 | PERCEIVED SKILL GAME AND METHOD - Disclosed are a game device and method for providing a predetermined prize to a player of an apparent skill game. The player perception is that his skill in playing the device affects the outcome even though the win amount is predetermined. Even if the player does not play with optimum skill, the player will still win the predetermined amount. The perceived skill game may be played as part of a game including wagering or as part of an amusement-only game. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235320 | DYNAMIC PALPABLE CONTROLS FOR A GAMING DEVICE - Disclosed is a gaming machine touch screen system incorporating a flat transparent or nearly transparent layer that contains a series of active elements/actuators/chambers that enable a vertical displacement of the touch screen top surface. These active elements displace the top surface of the touch screen upon command of the gaming machine to provide features perceptible to the player's touch. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235309 | Apparent Skill Games for Use with Predetermined Outcomes - A gaming system having a game outcome generator separate from a gaming device, where the gaming device is wirelessly connected to the game outcome generator and, upon a game play request from a player, generates a request for a game play result. The game outcome generator generates a specific game outcome (won amount if the game play is a winning result, or a no-win, 0-value result) and sends it back to the gaming device. The gaming device uses the predetermined result to mimic or simulate a skill based game. The skill based game is designed to play just like an actual skill based game, which may result in poor players not getting the game to a state that has an equivalent value as that which is supposed to be awarded (equal to the predetermined game play). Each game includes a final game event, consistent with the game just played, which enables the game to make up any difference between the actual result of the skill based and the predetermined amount. This preserves the look and feel of the skill based game while allowing the game to award the player the total amount of the predetermined award. | 08-21-2014 |
20140208436 | ALPHA II LICENSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The Alpha II installation architecture requires extra management of per-seat installations to ensure the games are only installed with as many instances as were sold to the site. The License Management method manages and enforces proper per-license activation since a mechanism is present on the gaming machines to copy the software which is sold on compact flashes and installed onto hard drives. A method for providing license management using an activation application to manage and enforce proper per-license activation is disclosed. The method includes: adding purchased game titles to an active license database; requesting activation installations for game titles that are desired to be activated on associated gaming machines; creating activation installations on a portable memory device that associates the activation installations with associated gaming machines; enabling software to be installed onto each machine which the software is inserted using the portable memory device; enabling return of the portable memory device to the activation application where the portable memory device is read, after completion of the gaming machines being updated; and passing the current snapshot and confirmation data to a central licensing host to confirm the activation installations and free any uninstalled software licenses. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206454 | Local Game-Area Network System - A local game-area network includes a plurality of gaming devices and local game-area servers. Each local game-area server is associated with a corresponding gaming device. Each local game-area server in the local game-area network is operatively associated with every other local game-area server in the local game-area network. Additionally, one of the local game-area servers is a host local game-area server while the remaining gaming devices and associated local game-area servers are clients. Furthermore, the host status of the host local game-area server moves dynamically to an available local game-area server in the local game-area network in response to the host local game-area server becoming non-operational. | 07-24-2014 |
20140179390 | AFFILIATED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for providing a secondary gaming feature across affiliated properties, which includes enabling secondary game elements based upon based upon the wagering activity of the player at a base game. When the elements have been enabled a winning or losing outcome for the secondary game may be derived. In certain embodiments the player may select from one or more secondary games. The player may wager upon the secondary game using promotional funds. The secondary game may be a progressive game whose prize is funded based upon player wagering activity. | 06-26-2014 |
20140172964 | MULTIPLE VIRTUAL MACHINE MEMORY USAGE REDUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is described herein for streaming content to a plurality of client devices of the type including a video display. The system includes: a host server, a communication network to enable communication between the virtual machines and the client devices, and a data structure accessible by the host server storing a combined manifest for AV data assets loaded across at least a plurality of virtual machines. The host server is configured to include a plurality of virtual machines each configured to receive commands to load or cache audio-visual (AV) data assets into a memory for processing and delivery of content to a client device. Additionally, the host server is configured to intercept a command from a virtual machine to load or cache a data asset, compare the data asset to the manifest, and if the data asset exists in the manifest, enable the virtual machine to access an instance of the data asset stored in the manifest. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171197 | SYSTEM GAMING - A system for enabling tournament gaming provides a plurality of gaming machines and a tournament controller in communication with the gaming machines. At least a first gaming machine enables play of a first base game and at least a second gaming machine enables play of a second base game. The first base game has a first set of parameters and the second base game has a second set of parameters. The first base game with the first set of parameters is a different game theme from the second base game with the second set of parameters. The base game play data from each gaming machine is converted into a normalized tournament score that is designed to substantially equalize differences resulting from the base games that have differing sets of parameters, wherein calculation of the normalized tournament score uses monitored data spanning multiple base game plays. | 06-19-2014 |
20140162770 | WAGERING GAME WITH A RANDOMLY-SELECTED FEATURE GAME TRIGGERED BY A TABLE GAME RESULT - Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods that include a randomly selected feature game are disclosed. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager. | 06-12-2014 |
20140155167 | VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUICH ROUTER METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A method is described for presenting video signals from a first video source and one or more second video sources on a single touch screen display. The method includes: enabling display of primary content from a first video signal and secondary content from a second video signal on the touch screen display, using a display manager, in an adjacent or overlapping condition by scaling or shifting one of the first video signal(s) or the second video signal(s) to alter the size and to render the first video signal with the second video signal(s); and calculating a coordinate transformation, using a touch router device, on coordinates received from the touch screen display that correspond to the presentation at the touch screen display of the video signals and to accommodate any scaling or shifting performed on the first video signal(s) or the second video signal(s). | 06-05-2014 |
20140148241 | GAME RATING SYSTEM FOR GAMING DEVICES - Gaming machines and gaming systems having a game rating system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of games where each game has a distinct game style that is based in part on game volatility. The gaming device also includes a game controller for managing and operating the plurality of games, and a game rating system in communication with the game controller. The game rating system includes a player interface for selecting a game, and an icon presented on the display of the gaming device where the icon represents the distinct game style. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148235 | Vending Device for Manufacturing On-Demand Lottery Tickets - A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer. | 05-29-2014 |
20140141868 | Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods - A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141855 | GAMING MACHINE WITH AWARD BASED ON SUB-GAME OUTCOMES - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a primary game award at least partially based on the outcomes of one or more sub-games. The outcomes are related according to a pay table associated with the primary game. | 05-22-2014 |
20140135107 | SYSTEM GAMING - A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. | 05-15-2014 |
20140122219 | CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of analyzing customer relationships in response to promotional efforts is disclosed. The method includes: enabling gaming activity by patrons; providing a server that includes an interaction database that stores interaction data, wherein the interaction data includes gaming activity and patron information; accessing data from the server, using a data retrieval system, based on patron information; defining a promotional group of the patrons; defining a control group of the patrons, wherein the patrons in the promotional group and the patrons in the control group have all engaged in gaming activity; initiating promotional efforts only to the promotional group of the patrons; and enabling retrieval and analysis of data from the interaction database, using a promotional analyzer, related to interactions involving patrons in the promotional group after the promotional efforts. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121014 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method of operating a gaming system is disclosed. The method includes: enabling, using one or more processors, play of a first game on a gaming machine; enabling, using one or more processors, play of a second game on a user interface that is operatively coupled to the gaming machine, wherein the gaming system enables a player to choose which bonus game to play out of a plurality of bonus games independent of player ranking and bonus level, wherein each of the plurality of bonus games may be initiated on demand, wherein once the player chooses the bonus game to play on demand, the chosen bonus game is presented to the player via the player tracking user interface; and enabling, using one or more processors, wherein the gaming system enables a player to activate the second game displayed on the user interface. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121001 | Portable Gaming Device Having Embedded Reel Games With Progressives - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. | 05-01-2014 |
20140113731 | ALTERABLE STORAGE MEDIA GAMING MACHINE - A system for verifying one or more downloaded components | 04-24-2014 |
20140106880 | VIDEO EXTENSION LIBRARY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a game platform and video extension system for a gaming device. The system includes an operating system that provides services to render graphics for the gaming device. Further, the operating system includes an OS video engine and a server. The system also includes a game that includes a game library and game application. The game library includes one or more library video engines. The game application includes one or more game modules, in which each game module is associated with a corresponding library video engine in the game library or OS video engine in the operating system. Additionally, the system enables game modules within the gaming application that have new features which are not supported by the video engine of the game operating system to be instead supported by corresponding library video engines within the game library. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106844 | SELECT AND DRAG METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A method for playing a casino gaming device including a select and drag feature is disclosed. In one embodiment, a player selects values for multiple positions or spots on a game of chance. The player initially selects a value in one of the game positions. The player selects a touch-screen display location (or uses another input device) above the game position displaying the initially selected value, and then selects any other game position to copy the initially selected value into the other game positions. The player may select the touch-screen display location and then drags the initially selected value across the remaining game positions to set the values for the remaining game positions to the initially selected value. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100039 | Legacy Game Download and Configuration - A system includes a download configuration host server coupled to an electronic gaming machine which, in turn, comprises an operating system. A method for configuring a legacy game application on the electronic gaming machine comprises the following steps. A downloadable package comprising a game image of the legacy game and a game descriptor file is generated. The downloadable package is communicated from the download configuration host server to the electronic gaming machine. The legacy game image is installed on the electronic gaming machine. The installed legacy game is configured by the operating system. The operating system simulates configuration of the installed legacy game by an operator in response to data in the game descriptor file. The installed legacy game is then enabled for game play. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094298 | Multigame Action Button Deck In a Concurrent Gaming System - A multi-game action button deck in a concurrent gaming system is disclosed. The system includes at least one gaming machine in communication with a game server via a network, a display manager, a multi-game action button, and a touch sensor. The display manager is configured to display content related to one or more games to be played on the display areas of the gaming machine, wherein the content includes at least one game display area and a virtual button deck display area associated with each game. The display manager resizes and repositions the streaming video content on the display areas of the gaming machine depending on the game themes that are selected and the number of games that are selected. The multi-game action button is displayed on the virtual button deck, wherein the multi-game action button has multiple touch areas to control different combinations of games. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094272 | System and Method for Cross Platform Persistent Gaming Sessions Using a Mobile Device - Disclosed is a method for enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device. | 04-03-2014 |
20140087873 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR VIDEO TUNING OF A VIDEO SWITCHING DEVICE FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087850 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING PURCHASES OF INSTANCES OF GAME PLAY AT A HYBRID TICKET/CURRENCY GAME MACHINE - Systems, methods, and devices may be capable of allowing a player to purchase an instance of game play at a game system with a pre-paid ticket or with another item of value. The game system may determine a denomination of a unit of a currency and generate a session request indicative of the denomination. The game system may also determine a ticket code of a ticket and generate a session request indicative of the ticket code. A remote authorizer may provide the game system with game authorization indicative of a number of entertainment credits in response to receiving a session request. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087846 | Networked gaming system communication protocols and methods - A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims. | 03-27-2014 |
20140080590 | System and Method for Providing Loyalty-Based Virtual Objects Across Various Media Including Gaming Devices - Gaming systems and methods are set forth designed to promote user loyalty with an enterprise. The user obtains a virtual object such as a virtual dog and earns the ability to acquire accessories or upgrades for their virtual dog through interaction with the enterprise. Certain accessories or upgrades may only be acquired or restored at a physical, brick and mortar venue for the enterprise to encourage the user to visit the venue. Acquisition of attributes such as accessories and upgrades may provide a basis for tournaments and prizes. The virtual object may be accessed and displayed at terminals at the venue or at remote devices. Acquisition of virtual objects may be used to qualify the user for a feature such as a progressive jackpot game. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080577 | FIXED POOL BONUS APPARATUS - A gaming system comprising tablet-style gaming terminals that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields. | 03-20-2014 |
20140073426 | CONFIGURABLE CELEBRATION FOR A GAMING TERMINAL, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Configurable celebration gaming terminals, systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the configurable celebration system comprises a first data storage device defining one or more celebration activities and a second data storage device defining more triggering events. A library of celebration bindings associates triggering events with celebration activities, such that upon the occurrence of a particular triggering event, the associated celebration activity is activated. Additionally, a configuration component provides a casino operator interface for configuring at least one of the celebration activities, triggering events, binding parameters, or a combination thereof. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073404 | MULTI-MONITOR SUPPORT FOR GAMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having multi-monitor support for controlling up to four monitors on a gaming device. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a first display for presenting a primary game. The gaming device also includes a second display. The second display is used to present a secondary game. The gaming device further includes a multi-core processor in communication with a first video chipset and a second video chipset, wherein the first and second video chipsets support the first and second monitors. | 03-13-2014 |
20140057702 | System and Method for Providing a Mystery Prize - A system and method are set forth for offering a mystery award amongst a plurality of gaming devices. Based upon the play of a base game, the players are provided with an initial instance of a mystery game presentation such as a Bingo card. Players may increase their chances of winning by acquiring, for value, addition Bingo cards to be played with each base game play. For each base game play a determination is made as to whether a predetermined trigger condition has been satisfied. If it has the host computer sends a signal to a local controller to control one or more winning game instances to display a winning sequence to accompany and award. If the trigger condition is not satisfied, the local controller controls the display to display losing game sequences. Various trigger conditions may be used including basing a trigger on odds related to the game instance type. The game instance type can be Bingo, Keno, Poker, a sporting event or other event. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054856 | CARD HAVING A FLEXIBLE, DYNAMICALLY CHANGEABLE DISPLAY, A SET OF SUCH CARDS AND RELATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dynamically changeable, flexible card is set forth such as a playing card or a set of playing cards. The cards have one or more flexible displays controlled by a controller to change the display(s). The controller may interface with a wireless communication device to control the displays For card games, the electronic display can be changed so that only several such cards need be used to play the game. The face value content of the display can be changed by contact or wirelessly. | 02-27-2014 |
20140045585 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AWARDING COMPONENT PRIZES IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines. | 02-13-2014 |
20140045582 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BONUS GAMING USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed is a method for enabling a player to use a mobile bonus feature system and a mobile device to become eligible for mobile promotions in addition to prizes or awards offered by a game on an underlying gaming machine. The method includes: enabling selection of a mobile promotion and an associated game on an underlying gaming machine; once the player meets criteria of the mobile promotion on the underlying gaming machine, enabling the player to use a camera of the mobile device to take a photo of a game result that satisfies the mobile promotion; analyzing the photo of the game result to confirm the player has met the criteria of the mobile promotion; and once confirmed, awarding the player a bonus associated with the mobile promotion. | 02-13-2014 |
20140045574 | SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A system for providing animation on reel games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. | 02-13-2014 |
20140038693 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A DISPLAY AND SPEAKER SYSTEM WITH LIGHT PIPING MATERIAL - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels displayed onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a display system for displaying video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine may further include light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038688 | SYSTEMS FOR COORDINATING A DISTRIBUTED GAME IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - Various embodiments of a gaming system for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a network of game managers. In the network, each game manager is dynamically interconnected with one or more of the other game managers, and the dynamic interconnections are based on a game manager criteria or gaming data. The gaming system also includes a plurality of groups of gaming machines. The first game manager receives game requests from the first group of gaming machines to initiate a game. The first game manager initiates the game if a sufficient number of game requests are received by the first game manager. Alternatively, the first game manager forwards the game requests to an appropriate game manager if the first gaming machine manager receives an insufficient number of game requests. | 02-06-2014 |
20140018175 | WIRELESS GAMING NETWORK - The disclosed embodiments provide a gaming system that provides an opportunity to win a prize, in response to game play. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected to the game server over a network. In one aspect, the gaming system enables real-time game play on the game units via the network connection to the game server. The gaming system enables one or more games to be downloaded over the network from the game server to one or more gaming units. Notably, a game that is downloaded to a gaming unit is stored and executed locally by a processor of the gaming unit without requiring further interaction with the server to operate the game. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018164 | WAGERING GAME DEVICE WITH A MULTIPLE-PROGRESSIVE WHEEL GAME - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018142 | Gaming Device Using An Interactive Wheel Feature - Disclosed is a gaming device including an interactive animated representation of a wheel image or partial wheel image. A player of the device can start the wheel image spinning by touching and dragging their finger on the surface of the wheel image in order to move and spin the wheel image at a variety of speeds and directions. | 01-16-2014 |
20130344955 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY CONTENT - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems with multiple displays having interchangeable display content. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a first display for presenting a primary game, a second display for presenting secondary display content to a player, and a player input device for receiving player input to configure content displayed on the first display and the second display such that the first display presents the secondary display content and the second display presents the primary game. | 12-26-2013 |
20130337898 | SYSTEM GAMING - A disclosed method provides for tournament gaming. The method comprises: allowing a wager on non-modified base game in normal mode and awarding pay table prize for a winning event on said base game; monitoring said base game wager and win data; processing a calculated normalized tournament score using said monitored data spanning multiple base game plays; and providing a tournament game and awarding a tournament prize to at least one tournament winner; wherein the tournament score calculation also uses the theoretical payout percentage for the base game in determining player ranking. | 12-19-2013 |
20130337892 | ENHANCED GAME PLAY AWARDS AND USE IN GAMING ENVIRONMENTS - A method is shown for enhancing game play on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a processor, a memory, and program logic stored in the memory that may be executable to play a game in exchange for a wager. The method includes receiving a Newprom award that is not issued by the gaming machine. The method may include altering, using the processor, the game to an enhanced game state in response to the Newprom award. The Newprom award may be configured to add one or more game play enhancements available to a player only by way of the Newprom award to the game. This may alter the game to the enhanced game state so that the game is played with the one or more game play enhancements. | 12-19-2013 |
20130331163 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 12-12-2013 |
20130324226 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING TIME-SENSITIVE TICKETS AS PLAYER AWARDS IN GAMING MACHINES - Method and systems are set forth for player devices, such as gaming machines, to award at least a right to one or more time-sensitive tickets in response to a triggering event during play of a feature where the event results in a prize having a value. The devices are networked with a host computer and a database storing data representing the right to one or more tickets as an award where the ticket or tickets awarded have a value corresponding to the value of the event prize. The event may be a gaming machine outcome, an event related to a player loyalty program. The tickets may be airline tickets, entertainment event tickets, sporting event tickets or the like. In an embodiment the tickets are initially held by a third party and the event host has an arrangement to purchase the awarded tickets to settle with the third party. | 12-05-2013 |
20130310179 | VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER SYSTEM FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system is disclosed for presenting both game content and secondary content on a single display. The gaming system includes: a touch screen game display configured to display content, a gaming controller configured to generate game content, and a secondary controller configured to generate secondary content. The display manager scales at least one of the game content and the secondary content to an altered size, enabling the game content from the gaming controller to be rendered with the secondary content from the secondary controller on the touch screen game display. The gaming system also includes a coordinate transformation calculation device that receives coordinates from an input on the touch screen game display and accommodates any scaling or shifting performed on at least one of the game content and the secondary content to determine transformed coordinates corresponding to the altered size of the rendered content. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310167 | TOURNAMENT GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES, AND METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming device provides a base game in a normal, non-tournament mode, and the player's eligibility to play a tournament game is also determined. An eligible player is prompted to select a desired tournament game from a list of available tournaments while base game is in the normal, non-tournament mode. In response to the player's selection of a tournament game, the gaming device is reconfigured from the normal mode to a tournament mode. The gaming device processes game play in the tournament mode and creates a final tournament score for the player. | 11-21-2013 |
20130301884 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTED MAINTENANCE IN A GAMING MACHINE USING A MOBILE DEVICE - A gaming system is disclosed for enabling a technician to open a door of a gaming machine without needing a physical key having a biometric controlled door lock. The system comprising: one or more gaming machines each having a door, a server connected to the one or more gaming machines via a network, and one or more mobile devices. The server stores a code decoding module for determining a gaming machine identifier (ID). The gaming machine ID is used by a gaming machine ID database to determine which gaming machine has been scanned. Each mobile device enables a technician to scan a code on the gaming machine using the camera on the mobile device. The mobile device transmits a mobile device identifier and a technician's personal identification number, after which the door unlocks after the gaming machine receives an unlock signal. | 11-14-2013 |
20130267323 | UDP BROADCAST FOR A USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A method for sending a notification message using a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method includes: identifying information at a server that has potential for inclusion in a notification message, wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; querying a database for a list of clients that have registered for one or more types of notification by a UDP broadcast processor; receiving a reply with the list of clients that have registered for the one or more types of notification; and sending notification to the clients on the list. | 10-10-2013 |
20130252739 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING A GAMING MACHINE - Systems and methods for configuring a gaming machine are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the systems and methods reduce operator activity at a gaming machine in order to configure a default set of game packages. By selecting a pre-defined set of games in conjunction with a set of game denominations, the operator will be able to configure a complete game suite at one time on a gaming machine, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to configure each game profile individually. | 09-26-2013 |
20130252722 | NETWORKED WAGERING GAME WITH A RANDOMLY-SELECTED FEATURE GAME - Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods that include a randomly selected feature game are disclosed. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager. | 09-26-2013 |
20130252702 | SLOT MACHINE GAME FOR TWO PLAYERS - Disclosed are two-player games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including one or more shared feature games. Each player has a respective base game, game board and a token movable on his game board in response to his base game outcomes. Certain combinations of token positions on the two game boards may trigger play of one or more feature games shared by the players. | 09-26-2013 |
20130252683 | Portable Gaming Device - Disclosed are a game and method for a game including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award. | 09-26-2013 |
20130244781 | System and Method To Impose Activity Limitations on a User With Biometrical Enforcement - A system and method are disclosed by which, in one embodiment, a user of a user terminal may select or be subject to one or more imposed limitations on their activities over a period of time. The commitment and data corresponding to an identifying biometric feature of the user are stored. When the user uses a user terminal the system and method compares a capture biometrical image of the user with the stored image and if there is a match the one or more limitations is/are enforced. Biometrical data for files where the temporal period of the limitation has passed are ignored to reduce the number of files with which the comparison must be made reducing the number of false matches | 09-19-2013 |
20130244753 | Portable Gaming Device - Disclosed is a new bonus game for reel-based slot machines. The bonus game is an embedded slot game, with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. | 09-19-2013 |
20130231190 | INTEGRATION GATEWAY - A message oriented middleware server application executable by at least one processor implements a message oriented middleware message provider that mediates messaging operations with a plurality of heterogeneous applications including a number of casino gaming applications, where instances of the heterogeneous applications which execute on the plurality of networked processor-based client devices including the networked processor-based casino gaming devices. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231185 | METHODAND APPARATUS FOR AUDIO SCALING AT A DISPLAY SHOWING CONTENT IN DIFFERENT AREAS - A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy. | 09-05-2013 |
20130231180 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING ANONYMOUS PLAYER BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION AND TRACKING - A system and method are set forth which provides for biometric identification at a first server of an identified user and an established anonymous user and a device such as a gaming device and for using a second device such as a cellular telephone interfacing with the device to also access a second server which may also store biometric information as well as chargeable account information. If a user cannot be identified the first server establishes a new anonymous player account. Location determination may also be used where use of the device is subject to area use restrictions, such as remote gaming, to enable or disable the restricted use. | 09-05-2013 |
20130225270 | PLAYER GAMING CONSOLE, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Gaming devices, systems, software products and methods are disclosed that provide for the play of a bonus game upon a player achieving eligibility during play of a base game. Indicators such as scalars are displayed to graphically show progress toward eligibility. The bonus games may include a Bingo game or a playing-card based game like Poker. | 08-29-2013 |
20130217491 | VIRTUAL BUTTON DECK WITH SENSORY FEEDBACK - Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing sensory feedback on a virtual button deck, or more generally, to systems and methods for providing sensory feedback on a touch device associated with a gaming machine. For example, a gaming machine may include a display for presenting a primary game to a player. The gaming machine may include one or more player input devices for receiving player input. At least one of the one or more player input devices may be a touch screen display having a touch surface having a first side and a second side. The touch screen display may be configured to provide audio feedback to a player by emanating audio from the touch surface. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217482 | NETWORK GAMING SYSTEM - A method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system is disclosed. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e., web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217459 | Voucher Gaming Player Terminal - A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher. | 08-22-2013 |
20130210523 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED REALITY USING A PLAYER CARD - Disclosed is a method of displaying augmented reality gaming information associated with a player card using mobile device in an augmented reality gaming system. In one embodiment, the method includes: enabling a user to view a live image of a player card through a display of a mobile device; acquiring player identification information from the player card; sending the player identification information via a network to a server; retrieving player specific information from the server using the mobile device; and displaying the player specific information in conjunction with the player card when viewing the player card through the display of the mobile device using augmented reality. | 08-15-2013 |
20130203490 | System and Method for Cross Platform Persistent Gaming Sessions Using a Mobile Device - Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a mobile device-enhanced system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for reformatting original graphical content designed for presentation on a gaming machine for presentation on a mobile computing device for which the original graphical content was not originally designed may include transmitting display information associated with a display on the mobile computing device to the gaming machine. The method may include receiving, by the gaming machine, the display information transmitted by the mobile computing device. The method may include determining a resolution or aspect ratio associated with the original graphical content. The method may include reformatting the original graphical content based on the resolution or aspect ratio associated with the original graphical content and the display information received from the mobile computing device. | 08-08-2013 |
20130203489 | System and Method for Cross Platform Persistent Gaming Sessions Using a Mobile Device - Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a mobile device-enhanced system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method may include enabling a cross platform gaming session in a system that includes a gaming machine that presents a game, and a computing device distinct from the gaming machine, both in communication with one another. The method may include associating the computing device with the gaming machine. The computing device may have one or more displays. The method may include receiving, by the computing device, reformatted graphical data from the gaming machine. The method may include presenting the game on the one or more displays of the computing device using the reformatted graphical data. | 08-08-2013 |
20130196760 | GAMING BROWSER MANAGER CLIENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A window manager server is able to initialize and configure one or more windows on a gaming device display screen. The window manager has the ability to configure specific URLs for each window, configure and Z-order depth for each window, set window size and position, and call functions on the pages. A client side application on a gaming device is capable of creating multiple windows on an electronic gaming device and responding to said server configuration or window message commands. | 08-01-2013 |
20130185590 | Method in a Gaming Machine for Providing Data Recovery - Disclosed is a gaming machine capable of data restoration. | 07-18-2013 |
20130184055 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE SHARED AWARD-MODIFIER REELS - A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
20130179738 | BACKGROUND MEMORY VALIDATION FOR GAMING DEVICES - Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device including a background memory validation system. The background memory validation system includes a background kernel thread that validates read-only pages on the gaming device. Additionally, the background kernel thread also minimizes potential timing problems because this process only validates page content in memory that is fully-loaded and functional. | 07-11-2013 |
20130178279 | PROGRESSIVE CONTROLLER AND TCP/IP IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at intervals rather than being incremented by coin input. In one embodiment, the time intervals are random. In another embodiment, the incrementing intervals are calculated during the course of a game to produce a dynamic progressive increment rate. In still another embodiment, communication with the game server is only required once at a beginning of a game to downloading an incrementing rate and the progressive award. | 07-11-2013 |
20130172066 | NETWORK SYSTEM FOR COORDINATING BONUS GAMES - A bonusing game system and method usable with games of chance in which all participating machines are synchronized so their independent bonus rounds play simultaneously. In one embodiment, one player terminal triggers a bonus round and is deemed a “seller” in a simulated auction, and all other active player terminals in a bank also participate as simulated “buyers.” The “seller” makes choices of items to sell which are communicated to the “buyers.” The “seller” watches as simulated bids are placed on their items, and “buyers” participate in simulated bidding of items shown on their screens. The seller and all buyers are awarded some winnings, enabling all players' terminals that run the simultaneous simulated auction bonus round to win each time the simulated auction bonus game is invoked. | 07-04-2013 |
20130165219 | Progressive Game and Processing System Thereof - A progressive game is implemented on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a game server, and wherein the progressive game has a progressive prize value that increases according to a progressive prize growth rate. The progressive game includes a selectable targeted progressive prize value, a selectable targeted progressive prize time, and one or more enticement factors. The progressive prize growth rate is calculated using the selectable targeted progressive prize value, the selectable targeted progressive prize time, and the one or more enticement factors. The selectable targeted progressive prize time is used to calculate the predetermined time period for testing for a progressive prize win. If a progressive prize win has not been identified, the progressive prize value is incremented by the progressive prize growth rate. If a progressive prize win has been identified, one or more winners are determined. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165196 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 06-27-2013 |
20130157759 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A SIMULATED MUSICAL INTERFACE - A simulated musical interface associated with a gaming machine enhances player excitement and interaction with the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the simulated musical interface is associated with a game in which the player uses the interface to play a simulated instrument on a gaming machine to affect, or apparently affect, the outcome of the game. As the player plays the simulated instrument via the simulated musical interface, indicia or graphical representations may be generated for a game of chance on a display associated with the gaming machine. | 06-20-2013 |
20130157758 | WAGERING GAME DEVICE WITH A MULTIPLE-PROGRESSIVE WHEEL GAME - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game. | 06-20-2013 |
20130150146 | GAMING METHOD HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150143 | EMBEDDED REEL GAMES WITH PROGRESSIVES - A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progressive associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game. | 06-13-2013 |
20130137500 | GAME SYSTEM INCLUDING COMMUNITY REELS - A networked gaming system directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more gaming machines, to spin. One or more community reels are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual gaming machines in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Each gaming machine has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual gaming machine reels in combination with the community reels. Community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 05-30-2013 |
20130123012 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - An embedded user interface is equipped with a touch screen and audio device to operate as a user interface (UI) terminal to provide a gaming machine with the capability of executing applications from one or more web servers, and local applications executing in the gaming machine, simultaneously. The user interface includes a touch controlled browser rendering information from the gaming machine and interconnected web servers, providing the user with game data, local player session data, and back-end casino management data in a single interface. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123010 | VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER METHOD FOR MULTI-LAYER DISPLAYS - A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a multi-layer touch screen display using a multiple Display Manager system is disclosed. First and second display managers are configured to receive game content video signals from a gaming controller and secondary video signals from a secondary video source. The first display manager is in communication with a front layer of the touch screen display and the second display manager is in communication with a back layer of the touch screen display. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123006 | TOURNAMENT GAMING SYSTEMS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming system for presenting tournament games includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server as well as a plurality of tournament displays positioned throughout a gaming establishment. Each gaming device is configured to enable concurrent play of a base game and on-demand tournament games in which the on-demand tournament games are player initiated. The tournament server manages play of the on-demand tournament games. The plurality of tournament displays are positioned throughout a gaming establishment, and the tournament displays are also in communication with the tournament server. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122994 | Partial Credits Cashout Gaming Unit - A system or method providing a player to cashout half of credits accumulated during gaming. Anonymous cashing out of credit is available to a player through routes both external and internal to a gaming machine. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122992 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING WINNING OUTCOMES IN A REEL SPINNING GAME - A method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels is disclosed. The method includes: providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels; determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome; and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel, initiating a secondary game when a secondary game trigger symbol is presented on the shared base award- multiplier reel, or combinations thereof. | 05-16-2013 |
20130097594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VALIDATING DOWNLOAD OR CONFIGURATION ASSIGNMENT FOR AN EGM OR EGM COLLECTION - A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify different game devices and other related activities. The slot management system includes a validator that validates assignments to modify game devices. | 04-18-2013 |
20130097220 | STREAMING BITRATE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT - A bitrate control and management system enables control of the compression module. In one embodiment, the system comprises a server in communication with a client device over a network. The server includes a processor and a compression module. The processor outputs data and one or more bitrate control commands to the compression module. The compression module encodes the data received from the processor according to the one or more bitrate control commands. In one embodiment, the data output by the processor may be rendered by another processor prior to being received by the compression module. Once encoded, the data is sent to the client device over the network. The client device includes a decompression module that receives and decodes the data received from the server. The client device may include a display and a video encoder that encodes the decoded data into a display signal compatible with the display. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093779 | GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT MEMORY USAGE REDUCTION - A memory usage reduction system optimizes GPU memory usage by reducing the memory footprint of graphical resources, and therefore, the amount of memory necessary to store those graphical resources in GPU memory. In one embodiment, the system comprises a CPU with a system memory in communication with a GPU with a video memory. Graphical resources are stored on the system memory. A data collection process intercepts or modifies function calls to the GPU from the CPU to build a data record as the graphical resources are read from the system memory and loaded into the video memory. The data record identifies which graphical resources are to be loaded into the video memory in the compressed or uncompressed state. The GPU may encode the graphical resources. Encoding may be done during a pre-boot operation. The GPU may decode the graphical resources on the fly when needed for rendering during normal operation. | 04-18-2013 |
20130090160 | Progressive Configuration Device, System and Method for Gaming Devices - A device, system and method are set forth which provides for auto-configuration of progressive jackpot gaming linkages. Gaming terminals may be provided with jackpot controller software modules available to be unlocked when a licensed security device is attached. The progressive jackpot controller receives game attribute data and determines which games can be associated with which mystery or symbol based progressive jackpots. Reporting and logging functions are provided as well. | 04-11-2013 |
20130084967 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SAVING GAME STATE AND FOR UTILIZING GAME STATES ON DIFFERENT GAMING DEVICES - The present invention provides a gaming apparatus, method and system for transferring the play of a feature earned from one gaming machine, provided as a system bonus or as a promotional award to another gaming machine. The apparatus, method and system provides for selection between feature values FV | 04-04-2013 |
20130084942 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING SYMBOLS WITH A DYNAMICALLY ALTERED EXTRUDED APPEARANCE - Disclosed are gaming machines and methods that allow a player to recognize the relative importance of one or more symbols above, below or visible on the machine display. In one embodiment, the relative importance of each symbol changes during game play and the appearance of one or more symbols changes dynamically as its importance changes. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081011 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING HARD DRIVE BASED MEDIA AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to a gaming device that uses an internal hard drive for primary media storage. The software is installed on the hard drive without requiring physical access to the hard drive including, but not limited to, removal or replacement of the hard drive. According to one method, an install flash program is used to format and/or reformat an internal hard drive. Additionally, the install flash program is used to install media stored on a removable storage device onto the internal hard drive. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079153 | LOCAL GAME-AREA NETWORK METHOD - A local game-area network includes a plurality of gaming devices and local game-area servers. Each local game-area server is associated with a corresponding gaming device. Each local game-area server in the local game-area network is operatively associated with every other local game-area server in the local game-area network. Additionally, one of the local game-area servers is a host local game-area server while the remaining gaming devices and associated local game-area servers are clients. Furthermore, the host status of the host local game-area server moves dynamically to an available local game-area server in the local game-area network in response to the host local game-area server becoming non-operational. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079121 | BONUS GAME POINTS IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for using bonus points, where bonus points may be accumulated by a player in a casino setting to invoke a bonus play or bonus game ordinarily reachable only through a random event. Bonus points are usable in combination with tiered bonus levels, allowing the issuance of points or credits that a player may accumulate until they have enough to trade-in for a bonus round, event, or game at the chosen level. | 03-28-2013 |
20130071014 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR EVALUATING A STACK OF OBJECTS IN AN IMAGE - An evaluation system to determine a value of a stack of objects preprocess a pixelated color image to produce a set of two color contour data, processes the two color contour data to identify a location of a top and a bottom of the stack, and locates, for each of the objects in the stack, a respective set of color pixels from the pixelated color image corresponding to each object based on the identified locations of the top and bottom of the stack. Each of the objects in the stack are then classified into a color classification based on the object's respective set of color pixels, and the value of the object is determined based on a known correspondence between the color classification and a value. The cumulative value of the stack is determined by summing the determined values for each of the objects in the stack. | 03-21-2013 |
20130065674 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AWARDING COMPONENT PRIZES IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines. | 03-14-2013 |
20130053135 | DECENTRALIZED PROGRESSIVE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to a decentralized progressive gaming system. The system includes a single, repeatable entity to calculate and track one or more progressive systems and their jackpots across a bank of gaming machines, an entire casino, or small or large wide area progressives offered over one or more casinos. The system provides efficient management and tracking of progressive jackpots and payouts. | 02-28-2013 |
20130045790 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on video reel displays of video gaming machines is disclosed herein. The system includes video reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the video reel displays. In one system for dynamically changing graphical video reel content, new image content is placed on the video reel displays at any time, even while the video reel displays are spinning The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary video reel display. | 02-21-2013 |
20130045788 | EMBEDDED REEL GAMES WITH PROGRESSIVES - A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game. | 02-21-2013 |
20130045787 | Gaming Machine Having an Accumulation/Matching Bonus - A feature game in a gaming machine includes a first portion during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated. A second portion includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player. | 02-21-2013 |
20130040732 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO PROVIDE A MULTIPLE PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURE FOR SERVER-BASED GAMING - An architecture for an electronic gaming machine (EGM) includes multiple processors that separate game logic from game presentation. The multi-processor architecture includes a dedicated game logic engine and a dedicated presentation engine. A first processor having the game logic engine is adapted to handle the input/output (I/O), peripherals, communications, accounting, critical gaming and other game logic, power hit tolerances, protocols to other systems, and other tasks related to operation of the EGM. A second processor is adapted to running a presentation engine. The second processor receives commands from the first processor to present game-oriented outcome and results. | 02-14-2013 |
20130029748 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MECHANICAL REELS HAVING FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS - Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. | 01-31-2013 |
20130029747 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING VIDEO STEPPER DISPLAYS - Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. | 01-31-2013 |
20130023330 | GAMING MACHINES HAVING RHYTHMIC REELS - A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner. | 01-24-2013 |
20130012309 | Method, Apparatus and System for Determining the Presence of a User at a Device Such as a Gaming Machine - A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a device such as a gaming machine without identifying the identity of the player is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine. | 01-10-2013 |
20130005460 | RECONFIGURABLE GAMING DISPLAY AND SYSTEM - A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display a first game, information associated with the first game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the first reconfigurable video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display the second game, information associated with the second game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof. | 01-03-2013 |
20130001874 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO HANDLE PLAYING CARDS, EMPLOYING ELEVATOR MECHANISM - A card shoe handling device includes a playing card output receiver including a playing card support surface and a ceiling at least partially disposed relatively over the playing card support surface. The playing card output receiver is sized and positioned to receive a number of playing cards handled by the playing card handling system. The playing card handling system also includes an elevator mechanism operable to selectively move the playing card output receiver between a lowered position and a raised position, where in the lowered position the ceiling limits access from an exterior of the playing card handling system to the playing cards carried by the card support surface of the playing card output receiver and in the raised position the ceiling does not limit access from the exterior of the playing card handling system to at least some of the playing cards carried by the playing card output receiver. | 01-03-2013 |
20120331048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONE-WAY DELIVERY OF NOTIFICATIONS FROM SERVER-TO-CLIENTS USING MODIFIED MULTICASTS - A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify game devices and other related activities. A notification system and method is provided for providing one-way delivery of notifications to clients of a server. | 12-27-2012 |
20120331046 | UDP BROADCAST FOR A USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A system and method are disclosed for implementing a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method includes: receiving a registration message at a server from a client with a client IP address in the registration message, wherein the registration message includes types of notifications desired to be received by the client, and wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; adding the client IP address to a registration message database; receiving a request for a port number from the DCM engine; and responding to the request for the port number. | 12-27-2012 |
20120322552 | RECONFIGURABLE GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display a first game, information associated with the first game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the first reconfigurable video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display the second game, information associated with the second game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof. | 12-20-2012 |
20120322544 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM WITH STORED VALUE CARDS AND METHOD - Disclosed are gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including stored value cards. Networked gaming systems are described which include one or more gaming machines with a stored value card acceptor, casino and/or slot management systems with a stored value server for authenticating stored value cards, verifying stored value, and updating value associated with the stored value cards, and a kiosk system for issuing, validating, and accounting for value associated with updateable stored value cards. The stored value server may also be configured to accept and enforce issuance and redemption rules such as providing for discounted purchase and enhanced redemption. | 12-20-2012 |
20120322531 | GAMING MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A PERCEIVED SKILL COMPONENT - Disclosed are a gaming machine system and method including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award. | 12-20-2012 |
20120315996 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING IP ADDRESSES IN A NETWORK GAMING ENVIRONMENT - Disclosed are systems and methods for managing Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses in a network gaming environment comprising a plurality of gaming machines, having one or more in-game network devices. In particular an in-game switch is provided, which is configured to receiving an external IP address from a centrals DHCP server and to determine a scope of internal IP addresses associated with the one or more in-game network devices. Once the scope is determined, the in-game switch is configured to lease IP addresses from the address scope block to the associated in-game network devices. | 12-13-2012 |
20120315995 | METHOD FOR MANAGING IP ADDRESSES IN A NETWORK GAMING ENVIRONMENT - Disclosed are systems and methods for managing Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses in a network gaming environment. The systems and methods comprise a plurality of electronic gaming machines, having one or more in-game network devices. In particular, an in-game switch is provided, which is configured to receiving an external IP address from a centrals DHCP server and to determine a scope of internal IP addresses associated with the one or more in-game network devices. Once the scope is determined, the in-game switch is configured to lease IP addresses from the address scope block to the associated in-game network devices. | 12-13-2012 |
20120309524 | REMOTE GAME PLAY IN A WIRELESS GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A system employs a server computing system with an integrated database and wireless communications devices. The wireless communications devices permits players to take a position on a potential outcome of a game and includes remote game play and remote backline playing (taking a position on a potential outcome of a position on game outcome taken by a primary player occupying a player position at a gaming table) and other types of positions not involving money. In response to the electronic indication that the primary player is no longer occupying the player position at the gaming table the system automatically initiates a period locking out players taking positions on the potential outcome of the game such as a position on game outcome lock out period for such proposed backline positions on game outcome and modifies the user interface on a wireless device of the dealer accordingly. | 12-06-2012 |
20120302330 | PROGRESSIVE CONTROLLER AND TCP/IP IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302327 | System for Managing Accounting - A method for managing game accounting on at least one gaming machine comprising one or more active games is provided. The method comprises providing a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. Active game data is received and stored in applicable active game meters. For any removed game, the game state data is captured prior to the game's removal and is stored in the applicable accumulating removed game meters. The stored game data is accessed in the active and removed game meters and a theoretical win value is used to determine the overall gaming machine performance. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302318 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING GAMING MACHINES WITH PROJECTED OR POLARIZED IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. The use of the projection devices onto blank mechanical reel strips transforms the multi-game gaming machine to a mechanical reel video game. These projection devices project the multi-game symbol images over the exposed portions of the mechanical reel strips. The projection devices are to be positioned such that its image projection covers one, two, or three reels of the available viewable area. The multi-game symbol projected images are theme based and can be easily changed or updated. The multi-game gaming machine has access to changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302311 | Raffle Game System - An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302310 | TOURNAMENT QUALIFICATION & CHARACTERISTICS IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system is disclosed that provides game play in a tournament in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units, and a tournament administration controller. Each game unit is a game of chance or other game that does not rely primarily on the skill of the player. The casino-based game units enable the play of linked wheel games. The tournament administration controller enables an operator to designate tournament characteristics. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302305 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE AND NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A MULTIPLE-PROGRESSIVE WHEEL GAME AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game. | 11-29-2012 |
20120295713 | GAME TRANSACTION MODULE INTERFACE TO SINGLE PORT PRINTER - A gaming device includes a game module for presenting instances of a game title and a game transaction module for interfacing with a system controller of a game entertainment center. The gaming device further includes a printer for printing various items such as tickets, coupons, vouchers, and other promotional material. The gaming device further includes a printer manager for arbitrating print job conflicts. | 11-22-2012 |
20120295690 | GAMES, GAMING MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD HAVING A HORSERACE BONUS FEATURE - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie. | 11-22-2012 |
20120258803 | VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from a system device, and then displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager splits, overlays, superimposes, or otherwise shares the display among the video input signals. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs. | 10-11-2012 |
20120244931 | RESPONSIBLE GAMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - Various methods of promoting responsible gaming are disclosed herein. According to one method, a communication unit is connected to each gaming device for providing communication between the gaming devices and a back-end server over a communication network and with networks providing one or more of Internet or cellular phone communication. Play at the gaming device is monitored and when a responsible message trigger condition occurs, a message is sent over one more of the cellular telephone or Internet communication networks to one or more recipients. The unit may be enabled to receive input from a player's cellular telephone or PDA. | 09-27-2012 |
20120233306 | UDP BROADCAST FOR A USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A system and method are disclosed for implementing a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method includes: receiving a registration message at a server from a client with a client IP address in the registration message, wherein the registration message includes types of notifications desired to be received by the client, and wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; adding the client IP address to a list in a registration message database; receiving a request for a port number by the client; and responding with the port number to the client. | 09-13-2012 |
20120231872 | WAGERING GAME HAVING MULTIPLE AWARD COMPONENTS - A multiple bonus modifier game includes a base game and two or more base award modifiers. The multiple bonus modifier game comprises a single spin game that includes a plurality of spinning reels in a base game, a first base award modifier that includes at least one spinning reel, and a second base award modifier that includes at least one additional spinning reel. The outcome of the spinning reels in the base game defines a base game award. The outcome of the spinning reel in the first base award modifier defines a first modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award. The outcome of the additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier defines a second modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award. | 09-13-2012 |
20120225707 | VIRTUALIZATION FOR GAMING MACHINES - A gaming device, method and system where the gaming device may be partitioned to create plural virtual machines to execute software applications to operate hardware resources of the gaming device to operate one or more games of chance. At least one of the software applications is subject to real time constraints. | 09-06-2012 |
20120220360 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A CURVED DISPLAY WITH A VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER SYSTEM - Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 08-30-2012 |
20120214601 | UDP BROADCAST FOR USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A method for sending a notification message using a modified form of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) multicast notification system in a client-server architecture that otherwise allows only client initiated messages. The method includes: identifying information at a server that has potential for inclusion in a notification message, wherein the server is a Download and Configuration Management (DCM) engine; querying a database for one or more clients that have registered for a particular type of notification by a UDP broadcast processor; receiving identifiers for the one or more clients that have registered for the particular type of notification from the database; and sending notification to the one or more clients. | 08-23-2012 |
20120214579 | SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING LOSS LIMITS - A loss limit system and method automatically tracks a player's entry and cash play, and does not allow them to play more than an allotted dollar amount during a given time frame or lose more than the established limit. Typically, excursions of play sessions are set up by day. Play is tracked at gaming machines and locked from all other play during card in at a machine. No other play is allowed at gaming machines, auto table rating systems or open table ratings, purchase of tokens, unless buy-in has not reached the loss limit for the session. At rollover, players are allowed to play again until they meet the same criteria for loss limit. | 08-23-2012 |
20120208643 | Method in a Gaming Machine for Providing Data Recovery - Disclosed is a gaming machine capable of data restoration. | 08-16-2012 |
20120208631 | System for Managing Accounting - A method for managing game accounting on at least one gaming machine comprising one or more active games is provided. The method comprises providing a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. Active game data is received and stored in applicable active game meters. For any removed game, the game state data is captured prior to the game's removal and is stored in the applicable accumulating removed game meters. The stored game data is accessed in the active and removed game meters and a theoretical win value is used to determine the overall gaming machine performance. | 08-16-2012 |
20120208626 | Variable Payout Percentage Gaming System - A gaming device adjusts the payout percentage of the gaming device once a player initiates game play. In one embodiment, the payout percentage of the gaming device increases the longer a player plays on the gaming device. In other embodiments, the payout percentage increases as a result of a player-triggered event. Accordingly, player excitement is heightened by the opportunity to obtain a greater payout. | 08-16-2012 |
20120202582 | RECONFIGURABLE GAMING DISPLAY AND SYSTEM - A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen displays a first game located on the gaming machine, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the first game, artwork associated with the first game, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the second game is displayed on the first reconfigurable video screen, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the second game, artwork associated with the second game, or combinations thereof. | 08-09-2012 |
20120196672 | Accounting System - An accounting system for use with at least one gaming machine having one or more games stored thereon is provided. The accounting system includes a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. The accounting system also includes an accounting processor for accessing the game meters and using a theoretical win value to determine the overall gaming machine performance. | 08-02-2012 |
20120190441 | Gaming Platform - A gaming platform is provided. The gaming platform includes a game media and an operating system (OS) media. The game media and the as media are separated. The as media in the platform contains all executable programs and data that drive the core gaming features. This includes but is not limited to hardware control, communications to peripherals, communications to external systems, accounting, money control, etc. The game media contains all executable game code, paytable data, graphics, sounds and other game specific information to run the particular game application or program. The game program communicates with the as programs to perform core gaming features as required. Changes to either the game media or the as media do not affect the other. | 07-26-2012 |
20120190421 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING A LIVE FLOOR VIEW MODULE - A networked gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a network, a network-connected user station having a user interface and a display. The networked gaming system further includes a host computer system having an environment module enabled to capture, analyze, and present both historical data stored in at least one data storage device and real-time gaming data from the gaming machines in accordance with one or more requests from the user station. | 07-26-2012 |
20120184374 | Download and Data Transfer Gaming Method and System - A download and data transfer gaming method and system utilizes a hybrid peer-to-peer, segmented file distribution protocol to vastly improve the download capabilities of a gaming system by improving the upload cost burdened by the download host. The method and system redistributes this cost to the download clients by allowing clients on the gaming system to upload pieces of a file to each other. This method is much more redundant by eliminating the possibility of a client missing a download broadcast. The method alleviates this possibility of missing packets and bad data integrity by using SHA-1 verification of the file pieces. The benefits of the improved bandwidth capabilities enable the download of much larger files, thus enhancing the game play experience. | 07-19-2012 |
20120172134 | BROWSER MANAGER, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING NETWORK, AND SYSTEM - An integrated browser manager and networked gaming system that provides server based dynamic content onto a content display area of one or more gaming machines is disclosed. The system includes: a browser manager, one or more application servers connected to the browser manager by a server-to-server (S2S) server and S2S web service, and one or more gaming machines are connected to the browser manager by a game-to-server (G2S) server and G2S web service. The browser manager includes a user interface application and a core service, wherein the user interface application generates a user interface display on a user control station. Each gaming machine includes a network interface to receive external content from the application server via the browser manager, and a content display area for displaying the external content. | 07-05-2012 |
20120165089 | METHOD FOR INTERACTING A DISPLAY WITH MECHANICAL REELS - Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen. | 06-28-2012 |
20120157213 | DOWNLOAD PROGRESS MANAGEMENT GAMING SYSTEM - A modified form of the UDP multicast protocol is disclosed to implement a one-way download progress notification system between a server and one or more clients. The UDP multicast download progress notification system enables UDP messages to be sent only to registered clients, not broadcasted to all clients. This architecture minimizes network traffic and enhances system security, since only registered clients receive the UDP message. The configuration of the UDP multicast download progress notification system does not require the configuration of network devices in order to support a UDP multicast. Furthermore, any number of the clients may be on a different network domain than the DCM engine. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157188 | FIXED POOL BONUS METHOD AND APPARATUS - A gaming system that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157185 | SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A system for providing animation on mechanical reels games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one mechanical reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. One or more stepper motors is operatively coupled to the mechanical reels and independently spins each reel. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157179 | Enhanced Reel Gaming System with Touch Controls - An enhanced gaming system utilizes a touch panel as a user control device for game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a gaming device environment. The enhanced gaming system includes a set of reels, a panel, and a user control device. The panel overlays a set of reels. The set of reels are visible through at least one portion of the panel. The user control interface includes a substantially transparent touch panel overlaying the reels. In one embodiment, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin direction in correspondence with direction in which the touch panel is touched by the user. In another aspect, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin speed in correspondence with the speed in which the user touches the touch panel. | 06-21-2012 |
20120142425 | Legacy Game Download and Configuration - A system includes a download configuration host server coupled to an electronic gaming machine which, in turn, comprises an operating system. A method for configuring a legacy game application on the electronic gaming machine comprises the following steps. A downloadable package comprising a game image of the legacy game and a game descriptor file is generated. The downloadable package is communicated from the download configuration host server to the electronic gaming machine. The legacy game image is installed on the electronic gaming machine. The installed legacy game is configured by the operating system. The operating system simulates configuration of the installed legacy game by an operator in response to data in the game descriptor file. The installed legacy game is then enabled for game play. | 06-07-2012 |
20120135801 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING GAMING DEVICES - An embedded web server is disclosed. In one embodiment, a casino gaming system comprises a back-end system having one or more servers. One or more gaming machines are operatively connected to the back-end system via a network connection, and one or more gaming devices are operatively connected to at least one gaming machine. The gaming device includes an embedded web server and a web browser in communication with the web server, and delivers a management user interface to the web browser for accessing the gaming device. | 05-31-2012 |
20120122561 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOURNAMENT GAMING USING SOCIAL NETWORK BASED TEAM FORMATION - A method is disclosed of enabling a player to use remote home terminals or mobile devices via a network to enroll in a casino tournament gaming system, in addition to winning prizes offered as an outcome of a primary game on underlying gaming machines located in a casino. The method includes enabling enrollment in the casino tournament gaming system to form tournament teams via remote home terminals or mobile devices, wherein the system uses existing social networks to leverage pre-existing relationships between players that are members of the social network to form tournament teams; enabling play of a game of chance on the underlying gaming machines that award game credits that are redeemable for a payout and are controlled by overall payout percentages relating to the game of chance; and facilitating entry into one or more skill-based tournament games in the player's tournament team against other tournament teams. | 05-17-2012 |
20120122558 | System and Method for Bonus Gaming Using a Mobile Device - Disclosed is a method for enabling a player to use a mobile bonus feature system and a mobile device to become eligible for mobile promotions in addition to prizes or awards offered by a game on an underlying gaming machine. The method includes: enabling enrollment in the mobile bonus feature system; displaying a list of mobile promotions associated with games on underlying gaming machines; enabling selection of a mobile promotion and an associated game on an underlying gaming machine; once the player meets criteria of the mobile promotion on the underlying gaming machine, enabling the player to use a camera of the mobile device, which is controlled by the mobile bonus feature system, to take a photo of a game result that satisfies the mobile promotion; securely transmitting the photo of the game result to a web service; analyzing the photo of the game result to confirm the player has met the criteria of the mobile promotion; and once confirmed, awarding the player a bonus associated with the mobile promotion. | 05-17-2012 |
20120122553 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMES HAVING A SKILL-BASED COMPONENT - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a predetermined award presented in a manner in which a player's skill at the game appears to affect the amount of the award without actually having an effect on its amount. | 05-17-2012 |
20120122529 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED GAMING VENUE USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed is a method for enabling a user in an augmented reality gaming venue to use an augmented reality gaming venue component and a mobile device to find a particular game or gaming machine. The method includes: controlling a camera on the mobile device using the augmented reality gaming venue component, once the component is activated; determining the location of the mobile device; determining the orientation of the mobile device; querying a casino management system to retrieve data for the augmented reality gaming venue; generating a list of gaming machines and other objects currently visible to the camera; rendering a camera-captured image on a display of the mobile device; and overlaying icons on the image for each visible object to display additional visual information to a user on the display of the mobile device in response to the user aiming the mobile device at gaming machines or other objects of interest in the augmented reality gaming venue. | 05-17-2012 |
20120122528 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUGMENTED REALITY GAMING USING A MOBILE DEVICE - Disclosed is a method for enabling a user in an augmented reality gaming venue to use an augmented reality gaming venue component and a mobile device to find a particular game or gaming machine. The method includes: controlling a camera on the mobile device using the augmented reality gaming venue component, once the component is activated; determining the location of the mobile device; determining the orientation of the mobile device; querying a casino management system to retrieve data for the augmented reality gaming venue; generating a list of gaming machines and other objects currently visible to the camera; rendering a camera-captured image on a display of the mobile device; and overlaying icons on the image for each visible object to display additional visual information to a user on the display of the mobile device in response to the user aiming the mobile device at gaming machines or other objects of interest in the augmented reality gaming venue. | 05-17-2012 |