| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080200244 | Game collectibles - Some implementations of the invention allow patrons to earn a “collectible” during the course of playing a wagering game. A collectible (and/or a hierarchy of collectibles) may be associated with a particular casino. While playing a game, a player may have options to redeem one or more collectibles. In some such implementations, a collectible may activate special game features, such as a special bonus round, a higher paytable for a defined period of time, or other features described in detail herein. A collectible may persist after a gaming session is completed. Some implementations of the invention provide persistent collectibles only for patrons who are members of a player loyalty program. However, other implementations of the invention provide persistent collectibles even for patrons who are not members of a player loyalty program. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080214300 | METHODS FOR ELECTRONIC DATA SECURITY AND PROGRAM AUTHENTICATION - Apparatus and methods for improving security and preventing tampering in a gaming system are described. In particular, the gaming system may comprise an authorization device that is configured to control a download of gaming data, such as an executable image for generating a game of chance, from a first gaming device to a second gaming device. For each download between two different devices, the authorization device may be operable to generate a unique encryption key pair utilized in the download and determine whether the downloaded data is authentic. The gaming device receiving the download of game data may be configured such that it doesn't utilize the game data until an approval is received from the authorization device. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080318671 | Prize redemption kiosk - Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090062001 | VIRTUAL CAMERAS AND 3-D GAMING ENVIRONMENTS IN A GAMING MACHINE - A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090104954 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING AN EVENT OF AN EXTERNALLY CONTROLLED INTERFACE - A method for tracking an event of an externally controlled interface (ECI) is described. The method includes generating the externally controlled interface independent of an outcome of a wager-based game regulated by a regulatory authority, and logging the event of the externally controlled interface. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090325686 | Distributed Side Wagering Methods and Systems - Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating side wagering activities conducted at a casino which includes a casino gaming network. In at least one embodiment, the gaming network includes a plurality of gaming devices, including a first gaming device. A side wager request may be received for placing a first side wager relating to a first target. In at least one embodiment, the first target may be selected from a group of possible targets which, for example, may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following (or combination thereof): casino players, game tables, electronic gaming devices (EGDs), game themes, game denominations, game paytables, etc. An identity of a first player associated with generating the first side wager request may be determined. A first side wager session may be automatically initiated. In at least one embodiment, the initiation of the first side wager session may include automatically placing the first side wager at the casino gaming network, and associating the placed first side wager with the identified first player. In at least one embodiment, the placing of the first side wager includes placing first wager on a game play-related event or activity associated with the second person, wherein an outcome of the game play-related event or activity is influenced by a decision or action of the second person. In one embodiment, the first side wager includes first side wager criteria specifying that an outcome of the first side wager is related to at least one event associated with a different player's game play which is associated with the first target. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100087249 | Ancillary display component for a gaming machine - The present invention discloses gaming machines with ancillary display monitors that operate independently of the gaming machine and methods of using the monitors to interact and engage with players. A gaming machine may have one or more monitor components that are physically attached to the gaming machine and can be adjustable to accommodate player ergonomics. In one embodiment, there are no data connections between a monitor component and the gaming machine. The monitors obtain data from non-gaming or secondary gaming data networks rather than a primary gaming network (e.g., a server-based gaming network) that the gaming machine may be connected to for wager game play. The display components may have RFID capabilities that allow them to interact with a player and which enable the player to obtain a wealth of non-gaming data and secondary gaming information, such as information on tournaments, progressive slots, and so on that is not directly related or dependent on the primary game play. Processors in the ancillary display components are not subject to gaming regulations of the local jurisdiction since they do not affect game play on the machine and they do not communicate with the master gaming controller of the gaming machine. The only non-mechanical connection with the gaming machine may be an A/C power connection if the machine has an external outlet and provides electrical power to the display monitor component. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100105454 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFACING WITH A THIRD-PARTY APPLICATION - A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20110143779 | Providing City Services using Mobile Devices and a Sensor Network - Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. A mobile device can be configured to receive information from local sensor nodes, such as parking sensor nodes, in the vicinity of the mobile device. In a parking application, the mobile device located in a moving vehicle can be configured to locate available parking based upon the information received from the parking sensor nodes. In other embodiments, the mobile device can be utilized in a retail establishment in conjunction with a remote server to display eye-level image data taken at various locations throughout the retail establishment. The eye-level image data can include products displayed throughout the retail establishment and can be augmented with one or more indicators that indicate product placement locations associated with the products. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110250952 | SERVER BASED METER MODEL SOFTCOUNT AND AUDIT PROCESSING FOR GAMING MACHINES - Systems and methods for metering accounting activities on gaming machines are disclosed. Remote metering can be had for a gaming machine having a master gaming controller, an external cabinet housing a display device and one or more acceptors, dedicated meters, and communication paths between the master gaming controller and display device, and between meters and acceptors. Dedicated meters are located outside and remote from the external cabinet, and are adapted to track continuously at least one item of accounting information associated with the gaming machine. Such meters can be recognized by a gaming regulator as the official meters for the gaming machine, and can be located at a central location in close proximity to other dedicated meters associated with other gaming machines. Such meters can be individual discrete physical devices secured along dedicated communication lines, or can be electronic meters residing on a single server. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20120203600 | PROVIDING CITY SERVICES USING MOBILE DEVICES AND A SENSOR NETWORK - Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. A mobile device can be configured to receive information from parking sensor nodes in the vicinity of the mobile device. In a parking application, the mobile device located in a moving vehicle can be configured to locate available parking based upon the information received from the parking sensor nodes. After an available parking space is obtained, the mobile device can be configured to initiate a purchase of parking and receive information related to parking enforcement. The mobile device can be configured to receive other types of information from local sensor nodes, such as transportation related sensor nodes and merchant provided sensor nodes. Based upon the information received from the local sensor nodes, a transportation application executing on the mobile device can be utilized to formulate a transportation solution involving one or more transportation modes. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20130035157 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFACING WITH A THIRD-PARTY APPLICATION - A system for interfacing with a third-party application is described. The system includes a third-party device, a server-based system configured to communicate with the third-party device, and a gaming device configured to communicate with the server-based system to display content of the product or service. The gaming device is configured to generate an outcome of a wager-based game independent of the content that is displayed. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130059648 | PRIZE REDEMPTION KIOSK - Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20140038730 | EXECUTING MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS AND THEIR VARIATIONS IN COMPUTING ENVIRONMENTS - Techniques for execution of multiple application programs and their variations are disclosed. One or more individual application program components that are determined to be already stored and/or loaded into memory are not loaded into memory again, thereby allowing the associated application program to be executed without unnecessarily reloading the one or more individual application program components into memory. Generally, by keeping track and/or predicting of the application components loaded into memory, it can be determined whether to load or unload a particular application program component. In addition, data that can readily identify the application components that are not already into memory can be provided as differential application data for loading various application programs and their variations to facilitate switching between and/or concurrently running multiple application programs and their variations. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140106875 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MOBILE USER INPUT DEVICE - Intelligent gaming tables and methods of providing game play through the gaming tables are described herein. The gaming table includes a table having a table surface, a plurality of player stations, and a common display configured to display gaming content to a plurality of players. The gaming table further includes an interface configured to communicate with a plurality of user input devices. The gaming table includes a gaming controller. The gaming controller is configured to communicate with the plurality of user input devices through the interface, receive location information relating to touches or contacts detected on the table surface, analyze the information relating to the touches or contacts, identify a user performing each of the touches or contacts with the table surface, and implement player input instructions contained within the information relating to the touches or contacts. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140207540 | PARKING LOCATOR SYSTEM PROVIDING VARIABLY PRICED PARKING FEES - A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140256435 | 3-D REELS AND 3-D WHEELS IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine is configured to receive a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device, determine the location of the at least one player; and present on a display of the gaming machine, location information including the determined location of the at least one player. Where the gaming machine is located within a casino, the gaming machine may further be configured to present, on the display, a 3D virtual gaming environment which is a model of the casino. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140337135 | PARKING LOCATOR SYSTEM PROVIDING VARIABLY PRICED PARKING FEES - A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20150066607 | CITY PARKING SERVICES WITH AREA BASED LOYALTY PROGRAMS - Apparatus and methods related providing city services, such as parking, are described. Methods and apparatus for providing parking rewards programs are described. The methods and apparatus can include maintaining accounts for participants in the rewards program, tracking purchases of parking and other participant activities and determining parking awards based upon the activities. The parking rewards programs can be used to incentivize behaviors that balance the use of the parking space commodity according to the needs of different stakeholders, such as the city, residents, merchants and visitors. For example, parking awards and the criteria used for earning awards can be used to encourage particular behaviors while a parking space is being utilized, such as shopping, the use of public transportation or efficient trip planning. | 03-05-2015 |
