Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090124355 | SYSTEM FOR ATTRIBUTING GAMEPLAY CREDIT TO A PLAYER - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to properly and accurately attributing gameplay to a player. Identification of a player can be associated with the gameplay either before gameplay begins, during the gameplay itself, or after the gameplay ends. Some embodiments use various gathered data and metrics to accurately determine the proper player to attribute. | 05-14-2009 |
20100323780 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING INCREASED AWARD FREQUENCY - Embodiments of this invention are directed to gaming devices having increased award frequency and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide more frequent awards. These more frequent awards, or secondary awards, may be provided on gaming devices or systems with multiple gaming devices to keep player interest and involvement high. The secondary awards are arranged to have a fairly common or easily achievable triggering criterion or condition and can include awards ranging from non-cashable credits to casino service comps to prize money. | 12-23-2010 |
20100323781 | DELAYED BONUS WIN DETERMINATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time. | 12-23-2010 |
20100323784 | GAMING BONUS HAVING ODD-INCREASING WINS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having bonuses with odd-increasing wins and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide bonuses that have better odds of providing awards as the bonus progresses. During game play, bonus selections are awarded and selections are made among covered elements of a linked bonus display. As bonus elements become selected and revealed during a bonus cycle, the odds of a jackpot value being selected increase. In some variations, players direct which element is selected and revealed. | 12-23-2010 |
20100323788 | RESERVE CREDITS FOR USE ON GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus in which a player plays one of a plurality of networked gaming devices. Game awards below a predefined level are tracked and stored on the network. If the game awards are less than a predefined criterion, a pay command is sent over the network to the player's gaming device, which may be used for a free game. Implementation in a single gaming device is also disclosed. | 12-23-2010 |
20110021259 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE GAME PLAY OPTION - Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. | 01-27-2011 |
20110039615 | DETERMINATION OF GAME RESULT USING RANDOM OVERALL OUTCOME - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to determining a game result on a gaming device by randomly selecting the overall outcome of each game event on the gaming device. Unlike conventional gaming devices that analyze a plurality of random selections, embodiments of the present concept select the overall outcome of a game event a plurality of possible game outcomes. By utilizing the selection of an overall outcome, it may be easier to direct certain outcomes on a gaming device in response to triggering events and may provide a more flexible design platform in which to design the play of the gaming device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110053680 | GAME PERFORMANCE DETERMINATION BY INCREMENTAL REVENUE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of determining the performance of a gaming device by analyzing the incremental revenue generated by the gaming device. This method may include identifying an analysis period, recording game performance data for a set of gaming devices and a test gaming device during the analysis period, and comparing the recorded data to historical gaming data for the set of gaming devices. Some examples of this method may also include developing parameters for the analysis period and using those developed parameters to normalize the recorded game data for the analysis period prior to comparing the recorded data to the historical gaming data. | 03-03-2011 |
20110065492 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING NEAR-MISS CONFIGURATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to implementing a near-miss outcome on a gaming device. The display characteristics of the near-miss outcome including the representative indicia that makes up the near-miss outcome and the display positioning of this representative indicia is determined. The near-miss outcome may be directly selected as a game outcome from a plurality of possible game outcomes, or may be identified as the result of a triggering game event and displayed instead of or in conjunction with a determined game outcome. | 03-17-2011 |
20110081964 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING MYSTERY BONUS IN PLACE OF BASE GAME RESULTS ON GAMING MACHINE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and methods for implementing mystery bonus results in place of base game results on a gaming display. The gaming device comprises a base game having a base game display. A random number generator is optionally operable with the base game to obtain a base game result, and the base game display operative to display the base game result. A base game pay table is tied to the base game result and includes winning outcomes and non-winning outcomes. A bonus game award mechanism is configured to determine a threshold tied to a bonus result, track play of the base game, advance a counter responsive to play at the base game, display the bonus result at the base game display in place of the base game result when the counter bears a predefined relationship with the threshold, and award a bonus to a player. | 04-07-2011 |
20110086690 | OUTCOME DETERMINATION METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes. | 04-14-2011 |
20110092276 | DEGRESSIVE BONUS SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time. | 04-21-2011 |
20110098099 | VIDEO SLOT MACHINE OVERLAY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a video overlay screen. Windows within the screen are generally transparent or translucent, while other non-window portions of the screen are generally translucent or opaque. Combining the overlay screen with a typical video display gives a modified appearance to the screen that some players find attractive. In some instances the video display screen may be programmed to show a video depiction of a mechanical reel that, when combined with the overlay screen appears as if the game contains actual mechanical reels. In other embodiments the overlay screen may include a touchscreen. | 04-28-2011 |
20110111836 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING GAMING PLAYER BEHAVIOR - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to analyzing recorded game information to determine information about a player's behavior. This is accomplished by analyzing the player's actions following a positive increase in credits within credit meter data. This analysis can be utilized in automatically altering a game parameter of the gaming device being played by the player or in providing operators trend information that can be used in modifying the game device or designing future gaming devices. An analysis station may be included in a gaming system using this analysis process to allow an operator to view and manipulate a graphical representation of the credit meter data. | 05-12-2011 |
20110118006 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING GAMING RESULT - Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has one. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot. | 05-19-2011 |
20110136561 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ADVANCE GAME INFORMATION ANALYZER - This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information. | 06-09-2011 |
20110159940 | LINKED GAME PLAY ON GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices configured for linked game play. First and second gaming devices that are separately playable by first and second players are electronically linked so that a gaming event being played at the first gaming device may also be being played at the second gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play across multiple gaming devices, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming device, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming device, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming devices, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming devices. These and other arrangements of the present concept may allow cooperative or competitive game play between the first and second player. | 06-30-2011 |
20110183753 | SYSTEM FOR PLAYING BACCARAT - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to overcoming a problem of finding information about neighboring players in an electronic baccarat system by displaying each player's bet on each game, along with a statistical summary of how that person is doing, thereby making it easy for players to see what others are doing and recall whether they've been consistently winning or not. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism by which a player can select a player to bet upon and enact that wager, or multiple thereof, through a gaming machine. Further, embodiments of the invention provide an interesting manner of handling tie outcomes. Because tie bets are relatively rare in baccarat, embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism to increase the likelihood of making a tie event, along with the opportunity for a player to profit from such a successful wager. | 07-28-2011 |
20110207529 | PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR GAMING AND BONUS SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to communication methods in gaming networks using portable devices. In some networks portable devices communicate information about the status of particular gaming machines on the gaming network. In other networks portable devices are used as a secondary display for the gaming device. In yet other networks bonus games may be played on the portable devices. Further embodiments include a portable device that operates to match a current state of a game to a pre-defined state or states. | 08-25-2011 |
20110218028 | ENTERTAINMENT GAME-BASED GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are direct to a game that includes a combination of an entertainment game and a gambling game. This game combination provides an entertainment game that retains the playability and fun of a skill game or other non-traditional gambling game while allowing for wagers to still be placed and awards won. In some embodiments, the wager-based gambling game is tied directly into the entertainment game, which provides additional entertainment and excitement. Other embodiments separate some of the aspects of the gambling game from the entertainment game to retain the feel of well known gaming devices while still providing an entertainment game to the player. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218030 | SYSTEM FOR TRADE-IN BONUS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that allow customers to wager, or “trade-in” an object of value or winning situation for a chance to win an even more valuable award. The chance for valuable award may be a bonus game or chance to win a bonus game. Bonus awards are “funded” by the savings achieved from the players trading in their wins in the base game, which would otherwise be paid. Players who do not trade-in see no changes from the base game paytable, while those players who participate in the trade-in bonus have a different gaming experience. | 09-08-2011 |
20120135800 | GENERATING A SCORE RELATED TO PLAY ON GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to generating and displaying a score related to the results of wagering by a player on an electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, a method for generating a score related to play on at least one electronic gaming device includes tracking the amount wagered on the gaming device, tracking the amount awarded by the gaming device, and generating a score related to the tracked amounts. | 05-31-2012 |
20120149456 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH SERVER-CENTRIC ARCHITECTURE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that utilize a server and one or more gaming stations in a server-centric type architecture. In one example, gaming system includes a central game server that has multiple circuit cards each having a processor and a memory, as well as a set of redundant circuit cards respectively paired with each of the multiple circuit cards. The central game server is connected to at least one game device terminal through a network, where all game play occurring on the game device terminal is controlled by the central game server. | 06-14-2012 |
20120172107 | MEANS FOR CONTROLLING PAYBACK PERCENTAGE OF GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present concept provide means to control the payback percentage of games being played on gaming devices. In one example, a gaming device includes a processor configured to initiate a payback-controlling event and determine a game outcome to display on the game display in response to a gaming event being initiated. Here, the determined game outcome is a payback-controlling outcome when the payback-controlling event satisfies the payback-controlling criterion, and the determined game outcome is a game outcome determined from the base-game paytable when the payback-controlling event does not satisfy the payback-controlling criterion. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172108 | MEANS FOR ENHANCING GAME PLAY OF GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement means for enhancing game play. Here, various embodiments of this concept use game insertion techniques to enhance the game play experience for players. These game insertion techniques include placing bonus spins, free games, or other incentives within traditional game play. In one model, a gaming device may use a bonus spin routine to replace a losing game outcome with a winning game outcome. Here, the player may be shown the initial losing game outcome and then be notified that a bonus spin has been awarded, which ultimately results in the winning game outcome. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172130 | EVENT-BASED GAMING OPERATION FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement event-based gaming operations. Here, a gaming device includes a game event list that has game outcomes associated with each entry in the game event list. The game event list is generated before game play on the gaming device by selecting general game outcome types or specific game outcomes for each of the entries in the game event list. During game play, a game counter is incremented to a next entry in the game event list and an associated game outcome is displayed on the gaming device during the gaming event. | 07-05-2012 |
20120190426 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE SPEED OF PLAY - This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of the this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input. | 07-26-2012 |
20130116037 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRIGGERING A BONUS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bonus game that is common to a bank of electronic gaming devices. One or more pools accrue with each wager placed. A player qualifies to play the bonus game when at least one tracked player or game criterion, such as wagers made, exceeds a threshold, triggers a mystery-jackpot counter, or is selected by a weighted pay table. The bonus game includes a video display of a wheel bouncing against a brick wall with bricks being exploded by coins. After an opening is formed in the wall and the wheel escapes, a wheel spin determines the bonus game outcome. More than one player may play the bonus game in sequence until the last player spins the wheel. | 05-09-2013 |
20130184043 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY INDICATING WIN PROBABILITY - Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. | 07-18-2013 |
20130274010 | METHOD OF APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION ABOUT NETWORKED GAMING MACHINES TO PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS - On a network of electronic gaming machines, data regarding the performance of the machines or the players of the machines is collected and processed to make predictions of future jackpots and recommendations of games to play. The predictions and recommendations are delivered via at least one virtual persona that communicates with players or potential players via displays in a casino or on a web browser, via smartphone. Players can conduct conversations with the persona using cellular telephone, text messaging, or other types of Internet communications. | 10-17-2013 |
20130275169 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A NETWORK OF GAMING MACHINES AND DISPATCHING SERVICE PROVIDERS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for dispatching a person to a location in a casino to respond to a request for service at the location. A listing of persons who may be dispatched to various locations is stored on in a database. At least some of the persons are associated with a primary qualification for the type of service that he or she may provide. A communication on a network of gaming devices is received indicating that service is required a particular location. A signal is automatically sent to a wireless device carried by a person having an appropriate qualification to provide the service. Player tracking data is also sent to permit the provider to personalize the service. | 10-17-2013 |
20130296016 | LINKED GAME PLAY ON GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices configured for linked game play. First and second gaming devices that are separately playable by first and second players are electronically linked so that a gaming event being played at the first gaming device may also be being played at the second gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play across multiple gaming devices, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming device, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming device, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming devices, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming devices. These and other arrangements of the present concept may allow cooperative or competitive game play between the first and second player. | 11-07-2013 |
20130303256 | OUTCOME DETERMINATION METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes. | 11-14-2013 |
20130310152 | DISCOUNTED CREDITS AS INCENTIVE TO PLAY GAMING DEVICES - In the present embodiments, offering credits for gaming machine play in excess of the cash used to purchase the credits may incentivize various player behaviors. Such behaviors may include remote enrollment in the player-tracking system—and payment for the credits—via a web browser; wagering a minimum amount; and wagering within a predefined time period. | 11-21-2013 |
20140080564 | ELECTRONIC WAGERING - The present system incorporates mobile computing devices to play games, such as electronic pull-tabs, in a plurality of venues, each having a local wireless network. Each network communicates with a central system that generates decks of game outcomes and associated awards. All wagers and awards for each game are tracked on the central system, which also provides each game award and associated outcome from a deck stored on the central system. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080588 | GAME PERFORMANCE DETERMINATION BY INCREMENTAL REVENUE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of determining the performance of a gaming device by analyzing the incremental revenue generated by the gaming device. This method may include identifying an analysis period, recording game performance data for a set of gaming devices and a test gaming device during the analysis period, and comparing the recorded data to historical gaming data for the set of gaming devices. Some examples of this method may also include developing parameters for the analysis period and using those developed parameters to normalize the recorded game data for the analysis period prior to comparing the recorded data to the historical gaming data. | 03-20-2014 |
20140094264 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A VIRTUAL WIN - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having at least one winning event and at least one related award that is generated according to a set of rules associated with the game. The game is driven to present a predefined winning outcome and an award is generated as if the winning event and award were generated according to the rules. Also provided are rules and/or conditions for determining when to generate the predefined wining event, including rules that take into account player value to the casino and game volatility preference. | 04-03-2014 |
20140113711 | DELAYED BONUS WIN DETERMINATON - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time. | 04-24-2014 |
20140135093 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE SPEED OF PLAY - This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of the this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135125 | GAMING DEVICE WITH PERSONALITY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices that provide audio-visual animated characters in response to game play. The character has a personality that may be encouraging, taunting or another quality. A plurality of expressions of the personality is presented, between one extreme and another, dependant upon the history of game outcomes. | 05-15-2014 |
20140171178 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ADVANCE GAME INFORMATION ANALYZER - This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171187 | DEGRESSIVE BONUS SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time. | 06-19-2014 |
20140179404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE GAME PLAY OPTION - Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. | 06-26-2014 |
20140200068 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING GAME RESULT - Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has one. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot. | 07-17-2014 |
20140349756 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING GAMING ACTIVITY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gaming device configured to record gaming activity, a method of processing the recorded gaming activity to analyze player behavior, and a system including the gaming device. The gaming device may include a gaming display to display gaming events played on the gaming device by a player during a gaming session, a player interface panel including a plurality of gaming buttons and a game initiating button configured to initiate the gaming events, and a game processor configured to record each activity between the player and the gaming device, wherein each recorded activity is associated with a time stamp. | 11-27-2014 |
20150045122 | METHOD FOR CREATING AN ELECTRONIC LOG FOR DOCUMENTING ENTRIES INTO GAMING MACHINES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for creating an electronic log for documenting entries into electronic gaming machines on a network. The network is monitored by a network computing device. People who enter the machines carry mobile computing devices that communicate over a normally operating wireless network. Cooperating among the network computing device and the wireless network results in creating an entry that includes the identify of a person entering one of the gaming machines, the identity of the gaming machine entered, and the reason for entry. The entry is stored in an electronic log. | 02-12-2015 |