| BALLY GAMING, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120123567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING AND PREDICTING CASINO KEY PLAY INDICATORS - A gaming system and method is set forth which provides for the predictive analysis of gaming machine performance. In one embodiment, a user may obtain useful predictions of gaming asset performance and may determine assets which should be replaced by using Microsoft® Analysis Services as a component of a predictive. | 05-17-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120118947 | System and Method for Assisted Maintenance in a Gaming Machine Using a Mobile Device - Disclosed is a method for enabling a technician to open a door of a gaming machine without needing a physical key using a gaming system having a biometric controlled door lock. The method includes: enabling the technician to scan a barcode on the gaming machine using a camera on a mobile device; sending the image of the barcode via a network to a server; determining a gaming machine ID using the barcode decoding module, wherein the gaming machine ID is used by a gaming machine ID database to determine which gaming machine has been scanned; enabling a picture to be taken of a technician that has presented itself to the camera of the mobile device; transmitting the picture of the technician; using facial recognition software to identify the technician and authorize the technician's corresponding employee ID; receiving a mobile device identifier that is transmitted from the mobile device to the biometric lock component; enabling receipt of a technician's personal identification number that is transmitted from the mobile device to the biometric lock component; after the gaming machine receives an unlock signal, causing the door solenoid to unlock the door; wherein four credentials are passed to the biometric lock component to unlock the door solenoid, the four credentials including the employee ID, the mobile device identifier, the gaming machine ID, and the technician's personal identification number. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116556 | GAMING MACHINE WITH VIRTUAL USER INTERFACE - Methods for receiving and processing input on a gaming machine using a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. Gaming machines having a virtual user interface are also disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game. The gaming machine also includes a virtual interface controller for generating and presenting a virtual user interface on a surface of the gaming machine where the virtual user interface receives user input for gaming or non-gaming functions. The gaming machine also includes a game controller in communication with the game display and the virtual interface controller. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109344 | 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. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108324 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS TO PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - Disclosed is a gaming system for playing a progressive game, wherein the progressive game has an initial increment rate and threshold limit, and each time the progressive game is played a contribution is made to a progressive jackpot's current value. The system includes: a display screen for displaying a gaming presentation, one or more player-activated buttons for receiving player input, and a processor that executes game software and processes input from the player-activated buttons. In this gaming system, each contribution increases the current value until the jackpot reaches the threshold limit, wherein once the threshold limit has been reached, the progressive jackpot uses a secondary increment, to speed up, slow down, or stop the amount contributed to the progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot's current value is reset to a lower reset value, when a jackpot is won by a player. Further, the progressive game implements a hidden increment that channels contributions to an overflow amount. The progressive game is configured to increase a starting jackpot amount to more than the reset value after a jackpot win by adding the overflow amount to the reset value, thereby encouraging more game play. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108323 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120100909 | METHOD FOR MANAGING GAMING DEVICES - A method for managing a casino gaming system is disclosed. One embodiment provides a web server embedded in at least one gaming component of a gaming machine, wherein the web server is configured to deliver a management user interface to a web browser. A management user interface is delivered to a web browser from the embedded web server, and input is received via the management user interface. The received input includes instructions for managing the gaming component in which the web server is embedded. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094772 | 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. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088572 | 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. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088571 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120077598 | INTER-GAME COMMUNICATIONS IN MULTI-MACHINE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The disclosed system and method provide a dynamic and scalable gaming system in which a plurality of gaming machines are connected to a network switch. The gaming switch has two sets of data ports configured into two virtual local area networks (VLANs). The gaming machines are connected through their network interfaces to a first set of data ports of the network switch to form a first VLAN. The gaming machines are connected through their serial interfaces and serial-to-network adapters to a second set of data ports of the network switch to form a second VLAN. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with devices external to the gaming network through their network interfaces. The gaming machines are configured to communicate with each other through their serial interfaces. External and internal communications within the gaming network are segregated both at the device and network levels. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077583 | RECONFIGURABLE GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine has at least one video screen, but preferably three. One screen displays a primary game and the other two screens preferably display pay tables, a secondary game, or artwork related to the primary and/or secondary game. The content of the video screens is reconfigurable. The content may be downloaded over a network connecting a plurality of gaming machines to a central computer, or the content of several different games may be stored locally within the gaming machine. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077570 | 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. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077566 | 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 first set of reels, second set of reels, and the base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. 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, or combinations thereof. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071233 | HIGH GRANULARITY PROMOTION-BASED 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 base 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 base game to an enhanced base game state in response to the Newprom award. The Newprom award may be configured to add one or more base game play enhancements available to a player only by way of the Newprom award to the base game. This may alter the base game to the enhanced base game state so that the base game is played with the one or more game play enhancements. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071227 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING WINNING OUTCOMES IN A REEL SPINNING GAME - Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of 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, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes 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. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120064979 | 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. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064965 | 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. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120058828 | HYBRID NETWORK SYSTEM AND METHOD - A hybrid network system and method is used for incrementally upgrading a gaming system from legacy equipment to broadband equipment while maintaining the capability to support the assets and functionality of both legacy gaming devices and networks and modern gaming devices and networks. The hybrid network system enables new gaming devices and networks to coexist in the same system as existing, legacy gaming devices and networks, and thereby upgrade components as resources and availability allow. The hybrid network system enables the addition of modern devices and networks having new capabilities while continuing to support legacy equipment that is currently in use. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058818 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046092 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the reel displays in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reel displays at any time, even while the reel displays are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel display. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120040738 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A DISPLAY AND SPEAKER SYSTEM WITH LIGHT PIPING MATERIAL - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected 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 light emitting diode projector for projecting 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 further includes 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. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120034966 | Wagering Game with Hot Pick Bonus - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a hot pick bonus. A player selects one of a number of indicia/symbols and initiates a primary slot machine game spin. If a predetermined number of the selected symbols appear as the result of the spin, a bonus feature is initiated. Because the symbols selectable by the player occur with different frequency on the reels, the symbol chosen by the player affects the likelihood of triggering a bonus game. In general, the amount won in a bonus game is correlated to the frequency with which the selected triggering symbol combination may occur. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120028699 | 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120005049 | 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. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004747 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004746 | 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. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004028 | PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT ALERTS IN A GAMING SYSTEM - Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004027 | Self Configuring Progressive Jackpot Award Systems - A self configuring progressive jackpot award system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The plurality of EGMs respectively include a plurality of EGM configuration options, and operate in accordance with the EGM configuration options. A subset of the plurality of EGM configuration options relates to participating in a progressive jackpot award game. A progressive controller is coupled to the plurality of EGMs and controls the operation of a progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller includes a plurality of progressive jackpot award game configuration options. A subset of these progressive jackpot award game configuration options correspond to the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller automatically sends data representing this subset of progressive jackpot award game configuration options to the plurality of EGMs. The plurality of EGMs receives the progressive jackpot award game configuration option representative data from the progressive controller, stores the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game represented by the data, and participates in the progressive jackpot award game in accordance with the EGM progressive jackpot award game configuration options. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110312400 | SLOT MACHINE GAME HAVING WILD REELS - Disclosed are a game, gaming machine, gaming system and methods including a wild reel game. The occurrence of triggering symbols on the reels of a primary game results in the corresponding reels becoming wild during play of a subsequent feature game. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110306416 | SUPERSTITIOUS GESTURE INFLUENCED GAMEPLAY - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gesture enhanced game play system that includes a display system, a sensor system, a feedback system, and one or more computing systems. The sensor system is configured to detect at least one touch gesture when the touch gesture is at least proximate the virtual game layout. During play of the base game, when a player makes a touch gesture the touch gesture is evaluated as either a direct gameplay touch gesture or an indirect gameplay touch gesture. Each direct gameplay touch gesture relates directly to reaching an outcome of a current game. Each indirect gameplay touch gesture may be associated with a feedback system that responds to the indirect gameplay touch gestures by the player with visual, audio, and/or tactile feedback. The feedback system enables indirect gameplay touch gestures by the player to altered game parameters by modifying a hit frequency and corresponding prize pay range, enabling the player to indirectly modify the hit frequency and prize pay range by making indirect gameplay touch gestures. The sensor system is configured to detect multiple touch gestures, wherein gestures include simultaneous touches by multiple fingers, consecutive touches by a single finger, touching and sliding of a finger, touching and sliding of multiple fingers, and combinations thereof. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110300937 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A MOLDED CURVED DISPLAY - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected 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 projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has 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. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110294575 | Method for Monitoring and Controlling Gaming Devices - A configuration and management system monitors and controls one or more gaming devices in a gaming system on at least one gaming floor. The system includes one or more gaming devices in a gaming system, wherein the gaming devices are interconnected via a network; a processing and control system; and a back-end, graphical user interface. The processing and control system is interconnected to the gaming devices via the network. Further, the processing and control system acquires gaming performance data from the gaming devices in the gaming system. The back-end, graphical user interface includes an interactive map of the gaming floor. Additionally, graphical user interface enables monitoring and configuration of multiple gaming platform capabilities, multiple game titles, and multiple gaming parameters for each gaming devices on the gaming floor, and is interconnected to the processing and control system. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294571 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING VARIABLY BOUND SECONDARY GAME - The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294570 | Voucher Gaming Player Terminal - A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to change the base wagering denomination during game play. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110287824 | 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. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110281654 | 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. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110270425 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269550 | 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269549 | 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269545 | 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269535 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269534 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method 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. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269533 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PROVIDING GAMING AND PRIZE REDEMPTION CAPABILITIES - A graphical user interface for allowing play of a game that is “prize-enabled” is disclosed. A frame is shown to include a first display for depicting a current amount of available credits of a particular user based on the user identification code. A second display is provided for depicting a number of prize credits that are currently awarded to the user. Also positioned on the frame is a third display for indicating either a point-to prize credit conversion table, a list of possible prizes, or a list of high scores. The frame is also equipped with links including a select game link for allowing selection of a game to play and buy credits links for purchasing additional game credits. Links are provided for linking to the prize redemption user interface of the prize database server. Positioned in the frame is a game interface that is to be executed. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110263316 | 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, flexible 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. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110250953 | 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. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110218040 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - An embedded user interface includes a display screen and an embedded processor, and is incorporated into a gaming machine that in turn includes a gaming screen and a gaming processor. The embedded processor employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor. The embedded processor reads incoming data, translates the data into a web authoring language, and maps the data to the web page display screen. The display screen presents web page information to a user via the display screen, thereby increasing user excitement by providing a richer gaming experience. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components (input/output peripherals) that have been used in the past to access service and system information, such as a 2-line, 20-character VF display and a 12-digit keypad. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110172014 | GAMING MACHINE GAME INCLUDING A MATCHING GAME - Disclosed is a gaming machine that displays a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110165932 | GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING 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. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110131401 | AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM FOR GAMING MACHINES AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming devices having a secured basic input/output system (BIOS) and methods for determining the validity of the gaming device's BIOS. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a secured module for authenticating the BIOS of the gaming device. During the boot-up process, the secured module selects a challenge from a plurality of challenges, and the selected challenge is issued to the BIOS. The BIOS generates a response to the challenge, and the secured module determines whether the BIOS response matches the calculated response of the secured module. If the BIOS response matches the secured module response, the gaming device continues the boot process. Otherwise, the boot process is halted by the gaming device. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110123024 | ROLLBACK ATTACK PREVENTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A rollback attack prevention system | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110119754 | 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. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110119474 | Serial Peripheral Interface BIOS System and Method - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a serial peripheral interface-based (SPI-based) BIOS system for improved upgrading of a BIOS software image in a gaming machine. The system includes a flash BIOS chip and a SPI BIOS chip. The flash BIOS chip is operable to be written to by an Intel chipset for storage of an onboard Ethernet controller's information, wherein the flash BIOS chip may contain a new BIOS software image. The SPI BIOS chip comprises a traditional BIOS including gaming extensions to the BIOS. The SPI BIOS chip can be disabled from write actions at a jumper/circuit level. When a SPI BIOS write enable jumper circuit is ON, a write protect pin of the serial peripheral interface BIOS is in the disabled state. In this regard, when the write protect pin is in the disabled state, the SPI BIOS content may be updated to the new BIOS software image from a BIOS install compact flash. When the BIOS write enable jumper circuit is OFF, the write protect pin of the serial peripheral interface BIOS is in enabled state. In this regard, when the write protect pin is in the enabled state the serial peripheral interface BIOS content cannot be updated | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118016 | Video Extension Library System and Method - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a game platform and video extension system for a gaming machine, in which game videos interact with the game platform and video extension system. The system includes a game operating system that provides services to render graphics for the gaming machine. Further, the operating system includes an OS video engine and a window server. The system also includes a game, wherein the game comprises a game library and game application. The game library includes one or more library video engines, in which each video engine may be used in conjunction with the window server of the operating system. The game application includes one or more game modules, in which each game module is associated with, and supported by, a corresponding library video engine in the game library or OS video engine in the game operating system. The game application uses an application program interface of the operating system to display video content. 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. In this manner, the system does not require game operating system enhancements to play game modules that have new features which are unsupported by the game operating system. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118014 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A TOP BOX WITH A RECONFIGURABLE POINTER - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines with a top box having a reconfigurable pointer. The reconfigurable pointer identifies a particular game outcome and is alterable for different games. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a first display located within a main cabinet for presenting a main game, and a second display located in a top box for presenting a second game. In one embodiment, the main cabinet also includes a virtual button deck for controlling the main game and the second game. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117996 | 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. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117995 | Games, Gaming Machines, Systems and Method Having an Accumulation/Matching Bonus - A method of operating a game controlled by a gaming machine includes accepting a wager from a player, presenting a primary game, awarding any primary game awards to the player, and upon a triggering event, presenting a feature game. The feature game includes performing a first portion of the feature game during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated and performing a second portion of the feature game. The second portion of the feature game 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. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117994 | 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 and a third display where the second display is positioned above the third display. The second and third displays are used in combination 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, second and third monitors. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117992 | GAMES, GAMING MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD HAVING AN ACCUMULATION BONUS - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having an accumulation bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which may pay an award each time an accumulation threshold is reached, at which time as associated accumulator is reset to allow further accumulation and awards. In some embodiments, termination icons gradually end the feature. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117988 | WAGERING GAME WITH RANDOMLY AWARDED FEATURE GAME ATTRIBUTES - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a feature game having attributes at least partially determined by one or more random outcomes of an attribute determination game played prior to the play of the feature game itself. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115824 | Multimedia Codec System and Method Providing Bink Support - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an audio/video codec engine system and method for a gaming machine. The method displays content using a multimedia codec engine system with BINK support. The method includes: loading a multimedia file into memory from a disk; decoding a frame from memory to the off-screen buffer when requested by the video engine, wherein decoding a frame from the off-screen buffer requires a seek operation to a proper position in the multimedia file; and performing a draw operation on decoded data from the off-screen buffer that was requested by the video engine, wherein the draw operation may request only a target region of the source resolution to be updated by specifying an update region that is smaller than the source resolution. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115810 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A COLOR REDUCTION FILTER AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming devices utilizing a color reduction filter. In one embodiment, the color reduction filter reduces the number of unique colors in a digital image presented on a gaming device from N to M where N>M. The color reduction filter maintains the color palette and clarity of the image with fewer colors while enhancing the effectiveness of file compression. As a result, the processing unit of the gaming device has more time to run various applications and has more available memory for computational processes. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110112667 | Gaming Audio Codec System and Method - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method for playing an audio file using an audio codec engine system in a gaming environment. The method comprising: reading an audio file into a memory buffer only once; receiving a request from a game application to play the audio file; inputting the memory buffer into the audio codec engine to obtain a decompressed audio sample in response to the request; and decoding only a one second maximum of an audio sample at time, wherein the audio codec does not decode the entire audio file at once; and wherein an audio file's samples are decoded only when the audio file is requested for active playback by the game application. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111865 | 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. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111861 | GAMING DEVICE ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED COMPONENTS - A gaming platform for a gaming machine includes a game application having non-shared, executable game objects and game specific information. The game application comprises at least one game manager interface, at least one library routine for receiving commands from the game manager and sending commands to gaming machine drivers, and at least one I/O server comprising a plurality of gaming machine hardware drivers. The gaming platform also includes an operating system having an operating system application and data that are used to provide a plurality of general gaming features, wherein the operating system runs the game application and executes general gaming features in response to requests from the game application. The gaming platform further includes a testing manager in communication with the game manager, wherein the testing manager communicates with an external test client to determine operability of one or more components within the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the game manager interface receives an I/O stream to the game application and communicates with at least one of the library routine, the I/O server, and the operating system to facilitate game application functions. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110110416 | Video Codec System and Method - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a video codec engine system for a gaming machine. The system includes: an encoder and decoder system for encoding and decoding video and still images, wherein the encoder and decoder system includes a library to encode to blob and decode from blob, wherein blob is a binary large object comprising a large image or sound file, and a partial decoding component, wherein the partial decoding component supports decoding a sub-rectangle of a given frame. The encoder and decoder system breaks up an image into spatial blocks, choosing an encoding type for each block from a list of possible encoding schemas. The schemas are individually designed such that decoding procedures are a series of repetitive operations on byte-aligned symbols in a fixed length data stream. The video codec engine system enables a seek function that advances in stream without decoding all frames in-between a beginning seek frame and an ending seek frame. The video codec engine system enables alpha blending of its output buffer with an output from another buffer. The system supports both still frames and video. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109640 | System and Method for Sprite Capture and Creation - A sprite capture and reproduction system for a gaming machine is disclosed. A sprite is a graphic image that can move within a larger graphic image. The system includes a sprite capture component and a sprite reproduction component. The sprite capture component enables capture of a sprite in video memory for use as another sprite. The sprite reproduction component enables reproduction of independent animated images that are combinable in a larger animation. The system does not require a discreet texture for each and every image that is loaded. Additionally, the system dramatically increases likelihood that desired images are resident and available for use in video memory, thereby saving texture memory. Further, the system minimizes shadow RAM usage. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110086696 | CASHIER GENERATED VOUCHER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for generating a voucher in exchange for cash from a patron for use with a gaming machine are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving an amount of cash or cash equivalent from a patron and depositing the amount in a patron account stored on a server. A voucher in the amount of the deposited cash is printed and the voucher can be redeemed by the patron and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110086691 | Voucher Gaming System - 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. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110081974 | Service Enhancing Power Supply System for Gaming Machines - A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110081957 | Modified Poker With Bonus Match Card - A system and method for adding a bonus round to any poker-style card game on a Nevada-style gaming machine. The bonus round is characterized by the existence of a match card. The match card is not part of the traditional poker hand (the “in-hand” cards) of the player, and only comes into play during a bonus round. The suit and value of the match card may be generated by the game machine or a remote game controller or backend server. The match card is then displayed in a manner visually associating the match card with one of the player's “in-hand” cards. A bonus is determined by evaluating the associated pair. Alternatively a bonus may be determined first, in which case the game machine determines a match card and associated card from the player's in-hand cards that is the equivalent of the predetermined bonus. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110059789 | SHARED SECONDARY WHEEL GAME AND METHODS - A multiple game-of-chance that occupies the same floor space as a traditional slot machine but has a spinning reel game mounted below a spinning wheel game. The game is also an outcome bank for storing outcomes from the spinning wheel game. The spinning wheel game may provide an outcome that activates the upper spinning wheel game, and the outcomes in the spinning wheel game can alter the outcome of the lower spinning reel game and also provide a bank of outcomes in the outcome bank, which can also be utilized to alter the outcome, or likely future outcomes, in the spinning wheel game. The game also utilizes a flexible, resilient, Z-shaped radial drive gear to drive each of the three wheels in the upper wheel game independently. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110052049 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR EVALUATING A STACK OF OBJECTS IN AN IMAGE - An object evaluation system may determine a value for a stack of objects that appear in a pixelated color image. To determine the value of the stack of objects, the evaluation system preprocess at least a portion of the 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 (if any), 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. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110028199 | Vending Machine 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. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110021270 | DEVICE VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for authenticating a gaming device, wherein the gaming device includes a plurality of components, one of which is a storage device. The method includes: starting up the gaming device; authenticating a data file stored on the storage device, wherein the authenticating comprises: opening and reading a file allocation structure in a storage device using a file allocation reader; processing the file allocation structure using a processor to provide access to files stored in the storage device, wherein the files in the storage device include installed identification data from one or more selected gaming units as to components actually installed on the selected gaming units, and wherein the files also include registered identification data for components supposed to be installed on the selected gaming units, each component including hardware components and software components, and each gaming unit including multiple components with identification data; and examining the installed identification data and registered identification data to determine enablement of the gaming units. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021265 | Voucher Gaming System - A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to change the base wagering denomination during game play. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110014976 | 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. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014964 | WIDE-AREA TOURNAMENT GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system and method for concurrently playing a base game and an associated tournament game is disclosed. The system includes one or more gaming machines that are capable of stand-alone base game play. The gaming machines are coupled to a network that enables players of the gaming machines to place side wagers against other players of other gaming machines in the gaming system. As players at the gaming machines play stand-alone base games, the players are concurrently offered an opportunity to engage in side wagers on tournament play against other players at the gaming machines using scores from play of the stand-alone base games. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100291997 | 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. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100291986 | GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING A MATCHING GAME - Disclosed is a gaming machine that displays a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100248842 | Download and Data Transfer Gaming Method - A download and data transfer gaming 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 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 system is much more redundant by eliminating the possibility of a client missing a download broadcast. The system 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. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248813 | WAGERING GAME WITH COLLAPSIBLE REEL AREA - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a collapsible active reel display. During play of a game, the reels may be reduced in height from spin to spin in order to form different winning combinations. A multiplier may be modified upon each reduction in height. Similar reductions in the active reel display may result from columns or individual symbol cells being removed from subsequent play. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100240448 | POWER WINNERS PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is disclosed for running an automated campaign for progressive games. The system automatically awards a maximum amount of progressive prizes set by the casino during a progressive prize time to multiple progressive winners. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240438 | WAGERING GAME WITH COLLAPSIBLE REEL AREA - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a collapsible active reel display. During play of a game, the reels may be reduced in height from spin to spin in order to form different winning combinations. A multiplier may be modified upon each reduction in height. Similar reductions in the active reel display may result from columns or individual symbol cells being removed from subsequent play. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240434 | Server for Coordinating Manufacturing of 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. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100234104 | 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. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234101 | ALTERABLE STORAGE MEDIA GAMING MACHINE - A system for verifying one or more downloaded components | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100227658 | PERCEIVED SKILL GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD - A gaming system having a plurality of primary game devices sharing a secondary bonus station is disclosed. The secondary game station comprises a secondary game which is configured to provide play pursuant to a triggering event originating from any one of the primary game devices in the gaming environment. The secondary game station is equipped with controls suitable for playing the secondary game. During play of the secondary game station, the triggering primary game device may also be “locked” so that the player may resume playing the primary game subsequent to playing the secondary game. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100222138 | Shared Progressive Gaming System and Method - The present invention provides a progressive system for paying out a primary progressive prize and a secondary progressive prize. The system includes a progressive controller, a plurality of game devices each configured to execute a game of chance, and a network interconnecting the progressive controller and the game devices. A funding module is executable by the progressive controller to maintain primary and secondary progressive awards and detect occurrence of a win event on any of the game devices. Upon occurrence of the win event, the funding module awards the primary progressive award, and also determines a distribution of the secondary progressive award. The system further includes a prize server and a prize expiration and reissue module executable by the prize server which determines an expiration period for a prize issued by any of the game devices, and then funds the prize to the secondary progressive award upon expiration of the expiration period. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100205247 | 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. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203962 | VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A verification system has an operational component registry that includes an interface, a memory device, and a processor. Preferably, the interface in the operational component registry communicates the installed identification data from the gaming units to the operational component registry. The memory device preferably stores registered identification data for the gaming units. Preferably, the processor in the operational component registry then analyzes the registered identification data and the installed identification data from the gaming units, after which enablement of the gaming units is determined based upon the examination of the registered identification data and the installed identification data. An operational component registry may also monitor changes, services, requirements, enablement, and productivity of the gaming units or components of the gaming units. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203941 | BONUS GAMES COORDINATED OVER NETWORK - A bonusing game 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. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100161798 | 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; querying a database for a list of clients that have registered for a particular type of notification by a UDP broadcast processor; receiving a reply with a list of clients that have registered for a particular type of notification from the database; and sending notification to all clients on the list using an assigned port number from the UDP broadcast processor. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100151936 | HIGH GRANULARITY PROMOTION-BASED AWARDS AND USE IN GAMING ENVIRONMENTS - A system and method for determined, issuing, and using promotion based awards and games based on those awards that encompass granularity and diversity of individually enforceable options, such as individual games at specified locations, heretofore not achievable in a gaming environment. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100151926 | UDP BROADCAST FOR USER INTERFACE IN A DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION GAMING METHOD - A method is 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 including: sending a registration message to 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; adding the client IP address to a list in a registration message database; requesting a port number from the server by the client; and responding with the port number on which the client should listen by the server. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100144418 | GAMING SYSTEMS WITH LOTTERY TICKET PRIZE COMPONENT - A system of increasing player interest in gaming machines is disclosed by the use of lottery tickets as prizes. Lottery ticket purchasing pools are funded from either coin-in (wagers), coin-out (winnings), or in networked gaming systems from player tracking funding (promotional funding). The lottery ticket funding pools build value to a predetermined level, and then individual game machine printers are issued instructions to print lottery tickets (or vouchers redeemable for lottery tickets) to players. This enables an alternative to traditional progressives while providing similar player interest and excitement while using fewer casino resources than traditional progressives. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100131772 | MODULE VALIDATION - A module validation system and methods are disclosed for use with graphical user interfaces provided by a workstation that, among other things, remotely monitor and/or control game and/or gaming devices and/or systems. Validation of modules used in shells that provide graphical user interfaces enables the module validation system to provide users with varying levels of access to a gaming system. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100130284 | GAMING METHODS WITH LOTTERY TICKET PRIZE COMPONENT - A method of increasing player interest in gaming machines is disclosed by the use of lottery tickets as prizes. Lottery ticket purchasing pools are funded from either coin-in (wagers), coin-out (winnings), or in networked gaming systems from player tracking funding (promotional funding). The lottery ticket funding pools build value to a predetermined level, and then individual game machine printers are issued instructions to print lottery tickets (or vouchers redeemable for lottery tickets) to players. This enables an alternative to traditional progressives while providing similar player interest and excitement while using fewer casino resources than traditional progressives. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100125851 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM TO PROVIDE A MULTI-CORE PROCESSOR FOR AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE (EGM) - An electronic gaming machine (EGM) implements a multi-core processor. A first of the processor cores is adapted to perform or otherwise control a first set of operations. The first set of operations can include, for example, game manager operations and other operations of the EGM that are more time-sensitive. A second one of the processor cores is adapted to perform or otherwise control a second set of operations. The second set of operations can include, for example, operations related to multimedia presentation associated with the running/playing of a game and/or other operations of the EGM that are not time-sensitive or are otherwise less time-sensitive than the operations performed/controlled by the first processor core. Each of the processor cores may run an operating system that matches the needs of its respective processor core. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124990 | 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. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124984 | Networked Gaming System With Award Based On Sub-Game Outcomes and Method - 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. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124978 | Gaming Machine With Award Based on Sub-Game Outcomes and Method - 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. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124977 | Networked Gaming System With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124976 | Gaming Machine With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124975 | Wagering Game With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124974 | 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. A mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to visually 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. Back lights for each mechanical reel are to provide a uniform light source, and enough light coverage for all viewable reel payline positions. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location between preferably the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124963 | Game With Award Based on Sub-Game Outcomes and Method - 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. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100123286 | GAMING METHOD HAVING GAMING MACHINES WITH PROJECTED OR POLARIZED IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A method 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. A mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to visually 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. Back lights for each mechanical reel are to provide a uniform light source, and enough light coverage for all viewable reel payline positions. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location between preferably the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100120527 | CO-PROCESSOR ASSISTED SOFTWARE AUTHENTICATION METHOD - A system and method of using a main processor and a co-processor to authenticate software and execute software reduces processing loads, by distributing processing requirements between authentication and software execution. This system requires less code to perform software authentication, because the software does not need to instruct the main processor to both authenticate and execute the software. In this manner, the co-processor frees up processing capability on the main processor, which can result in improved game play. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120526 | CO-PROCESSOR ASSISTED SOFTWARE AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM - A system and method of using a main processor and a co-processor to authenticate software and execute software reduces processing loads, by distributing processing requirements between authentication and software execution. This system requires less code to perform software authentication, because the software does not need to instruct the main processor to both authenticate and execute the software. In this manner, the co-processor frees up processing capability on the main processor, which can result in improved game play. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120491 | METHOD OF SPIN TO WIN - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having at least a promotional base game component and a promotional bonus game component. According to one method, player eligibility is determined for a multi-tiered promotional game and is based on player tracking information. The promotional base game component is presented after play of a primary game if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game. Promotional credits are awarded to the player for a winning outcome in the promotional base game component. The player is also awarded a bonus game entry point for a promotional bonus game component if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game, wherein a predetermined number of bonus game entry points are required to play the promotional bonus game component. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120490 | SYSTEM OF SPIN TO WIN - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having a promotional base game component, promotional bonus game component, and a cash giveaway component. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a player tracking system having a database of player gaming data that includes a record of multi-tiered promotional game entry points and multi-tiered promotional bonus game entry points. The gaming system also includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with the player tracking system, wherein each gaming device presents a primary game. The gaming devices also include a secondary display associated with each gaming device, wherein the secondary display is capable of presenting a promotional base game or a promotional bonus game. The gaming system further includes a multi-tiered promotional game server in communication with the secondary display, wherein the multi-tiered promotional game server manages the promotional base game and the promotional bonus game. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100113162 | Tournament Gaming Systems and Administration Server - Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a tournament gaming system, includes a plurality of gaming machines connected to a network, a tournament administration server, a tournament session server, a session service, and a session database. The tournament session server uses message stream classes and acts as a link between the tournament administration server and the gaming machines. Additionally, the tournament session server registers with the tournament administration server, wherein upon successful registration, the tournament administration server sends tournament messages to gaming machines via the tournament session server. The session service includes transport libraries. Preferably, the transport libraries use pre-configured socket ports for communication, and the session service registers with the libraries to send and receive messages to gaming machines. Typically, the session database is operable for data storage. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113142 | 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 polymorphous network of game managers. In the polymorphous 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 where a first group of gaming machines is only in communication with a first game manager. 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. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113140 | Gesture Enhanced Input Device - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a gesture enhanced game play system that includes a display subsystem, a sensor subsystem, and one or more computing subsystems. The display subsystem is configured to display images related to one or more games to be played on at least a first game playing surface. The images include a virtual game layout having a number of demarcations of at least one area associated with the play of the one or more games. The sensor subsystem is configured to detect at least one physical aspect of at least one game related piece when the game related piece is at least proximate the virtual game layout. The one or more computing subsystems communicatively coupled to the display subsystem to control the images displayed by the display subsystem. Additionally, one or more computing subsystems are communicatively coupled to the sensor subsystem to receive information indicative of the at least one physical aspect of the game related piece sensed by the sensor subsystem. The sensor subsystem is configured to detect multiple touch gestures, wherein gestures include simultaneous touches by multiple fingers, consecutive touches by a single finger, touching and sliding of a finger, touching and sliding of multiple fingers, and combinations thereof. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113139 | METHODS FOR COORDINATING A DISTRIBUTED GAME IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - Various methods for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming system are disclosed herein. According to one method, a player request is received at a dedicated game manager to participate in a distributed game where the dedicated game manager is in communication with other game managers in the polymorphous network. The dedicated game manager then determines whether it is an appropriate session host to satisfy the player request. If the dedicated manager is deemed the appropriate session host for the distributed game, play of the distributed game is managed at the dedicated game manager. Otherwise, the player request is forwarded to the appropriate session host. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113127 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTI-GAME REEL STRIPS - A system for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113125 | CONFIGURABLE DISPLAYS USED, FOR EXAMPLE IN GAMING MACHINES - Configurable rotatable displays may allow display of visual effects and/or information, and may simulate a non-configurable mechanical reel, for example those found in conventional slot machines. Rotatable displays may be used in a variety of locations on a gaming machine, providing a primary game display and/or box top displays such as a pole. A single rotatable display may be logically segmented to create an appearance of multiple sections or reels. One or more rotatable displays, or one or more mechanical reels, may be positioned within an outer rotatable display. A configurable fixed translucent or transparent display may be positioned between a configurable rotatable display and a user or player. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100109238 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTI-GAME REEL STRIPS - A method for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100100430 | RETAIL RATINGS MODULE SYSTEM - A retail rating system for use in connection with gambling activities is disclosed. Points or credits are accumulated for commercial activity and made available for gambling activity. A management system and/or player tracking cards are employed to track accumulation of points and commercial activity. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100099486 | RETAIL RATINGS MODULE METHOD - A retail rating system for use in connection with gambling activities is disclosed. Points or credits are accumulated for commercial activity and made available for gambling activity. A management system and/or player tracking cards are employed to track accumulation of points and commercial activity. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100099485 | METHOD FOR PLAYER PURCHASING USING FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH PLAYER ACCOUNTS - A system and method of providing purchase of gaming and non-gaming services or items while continuing to use a gaming machine. The purchase activity is unrelated to the gambling activities provided by the gaming machine. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100099484 | SYSTEM FOR PLAYER PURCHASING USING FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH PLAYER ACCOUNTS - A system and method of providing purchase of gaming and non-gaming services or items while continuing to use a gaming machine. The purchase activity is unrelated to the gambling activities provided by the gaming machine. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100093441 | 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. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100075757 | Player Club Ladder System For Casino Gaming - The present invention is generally directed to a casino gaming system including participation in a player club. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines each enabling play of a base game-of-chance. There is also a plurality of player tracking user interfaces embedded in each gaming machine, and a player club module in communication with the gaming machines and the player tracking user interfaces. The player club module includes a memory and a processor for grouping player club participating players into sub-groups within the main group, wherein the memory of the player club module stores the sub-groups of participating players. The player club module is in communication with a server for informing each player club participating player of their standing during a challenge period. Prizes are awarded to player club players based on the rankings within each sub-group of the main group. Attorney Docket No. 83336.1688(S) | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075747 | Player Club Ladder Method For Casino Gaming - The present invention is generally directed to a method for enabling a player club ladder. The method includes arranging a main group of players registered in the player club into sub-groups, and during a challenge period, only players in the same sub-group compete against one another. Information about the player club challenge period is sent to the players, including identification of other players in their sub-group. During the challenge period, players log into a gaming machine and the game play data created by the participating players is tracked by the system. Points acquired by players at the gaming devices are monitored during the challenge period, and the players within each sub-group are ranked based on points accumulated during the challenge period. At the end of the challenge period a bonus or prize is provided to at least one player within each sub-group based on the total amount of points. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075735 | Method 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. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100069149 | COORDINATING GROUP PLAY EVENT FOR MULTIPLE GAME DEVICES - A networked system that provides group play features for respective end users of a plurality of game machines is provided. The gaming machines may be connected together through a peer-to-peer environment or through a network controller or other device. An eligibility score may be maintained by each gaming machine, and the eligibility score indicates eligibility to participate in the group-play bonus feature. The group-play bonus feature is initiated when a triggering event is detected. Intermediate and final results of the group-play bonus feature are provided by the eligible gaming machines to all other eligible gaming machines. Each gaming machine apportions a bonus award from a bonus pool associated with the group-play bonus feature to each player. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100062844 | AUTHENTICATION AND VALIDATION SYSTEMS FOR GAMING DEVICES - Systems and methods for authenticating and validating a device are disclosed herein. In one method, a manifest file is created for a gaming component, wherein the manifest file includes contents of each file from the gaming component. A digital signature is generated for each file from the gaming component, wherein the digital signature is created by using the contents of each file. Each digital signature is saved with each file in the manifest file. A digital signature calculation is performed on a file accessed during a bootup process. The contents of the accessed file are validated by comparing the calculated digital signature to the saved digital signature, and an error message is presented on a video display when the contents of the accessed file is not validated. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062837 | PARTIAL CREDITS CASHOUT SYSTEM - 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. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062836 | PARTIAL CREDITS CASHOUT METHOD - A system or method providing a player an ability to cashout 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. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100048281 | METHOD FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A method for providing animation on a gaming machine having mechanical reels is disclosed. The method comprises spinning at least one mechanical reel, and illuminating a first symbol on the spinning mechanical reel, wherein the lighting system directs light onto the first symbol for a designated amount of time while the mechanical reel is spinning. A second symbol on the spinning reel is then illuminated, and combined effect of illuminating the first and second symbols while the mechanical reel is spinning is to produce the appearance of animation. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048280 | 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 spinning mechanical 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 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. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100035675 | Wireless Monitoring Of A Card Game And/Or Wagers In Gaming - A method for automating a card game includes wirelessly interrogating each of a plurality of playing cards using radio frequency transmissions. For at least some of the playing cards, determining a rank of the playing card is based on the wireless interrogation using a mapping stored on a computer-readable medium that uniquely identifies playing cards based on a random distribution of conductive material carried by each of the playing cards. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100016068 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM WITH ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING METHODS AND APPARATUS - A computerized management system and methods including accounting, auditing, and correcting systems and processes are disclosed for use with game and/or gaming devices, systems, and methods enable users to remotely monitor, control, and modify financial data, reports, and information related to game and/or gaming machines and apparatuses of different classes, for example Class II and Class III gaming machines and table games, and different facilities, such as Class III gaming establishments, bingo establishments, and lottery establishments. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016067 | NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM WITH ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING METHODS AND APPARATUS - A computerized management system and methods including accounting, auditing, and correcting systems and processes are disclosed for use with game and/or gaming devices, systems, and methods enable users to remotely monitor, control, and modify financial data, reports, and information related to game and/or gaming machines and apparatuses of different classes, for example Class II and Class III gaming machines and table games, and different facilities, such as Class III gaming establishments, bingo establishments, and lottery establishments. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090298583 | WEB PAGES FOR GAMING DEVICES - A Web page is received at a gaming device from a Web server device and then displayed. Information indicative of a player's interaction with the Web page is received at the Web server device. The Web server device sends a request to a gaming property server device based at least in part on the interaction, and the gaming property server device sends a reply to the Web server device. The Web server device then provides Web content to the gaming device based at least in part on the reply. A display of the gaming device is changed based at least in part on the Web content. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090280907 | SERVER CLIENT NETWORK THROTTLING SYSTEM FOR DOWNLOAD CONTENT - A server-client download throttling system is disclosed in which the download speed is varied when transferring a download package from a gaming server to a gaming machine in a background process, while the gaming machine is still playable by a player. The server-client download throttling system enables the downloading of software (or other data) to gaming machine on the network without affecting game play and casino revenue. In this manner, the server-client download throttling system prevents game play interruption while maximizing throughput for download transfers. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280906 | SERVER CLIENT NETWORK THROTTLING METHOD FOR DOWNLOAD CONTENT - A server-client download throttling method is disclosed in which the download speed is varied when transferring a download package from a gaming server to a gaming machine in a background process, while the gaming machine is still playable by a player. The server-client download throttling method enables the downloading of software (or other data) to gaming machine on the network without affecting game play and casino revenue. In this manner, the server-client download throttling method prevents game play interruption while maximizing throughput for download transfers. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280893 | VARIABLY BOUND SECONDARY GAME METHOD - The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090276715 | USER INTERFACE FOR MANAGING NETWORK DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION TASKS - A user interface for management of network operations, particularly networked electronic gaming machines, the user interface including operation assignment interfaces, each assignment interface providing information about the respective operation, a calendar interface on which the assignment interfaces are provided, the calendar interface providing at least date and time information, and at least one graphical linking indicator that provides visual relational information of related operations. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276517 | DOWNLOAD AND DATA TRANSFER GAMING METHOD - A download and data transfer gaming method 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 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. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276516 | DOWNLOAD AND DATA TRANSFER GAMING SYSTEM - A download and data transfer gaming 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 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 system is much more redundant by eliminating the possibility of a client missing a download broadcast. The system 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. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276341 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED CUSTOMER ACCOUNT CREATION AND MANAGEMENT - A method and system to automatically create and manage patron accounts using electronic data capture at an automated machine or kiosk, including electronically obtaining personal patron identification information from a patron identification source, such as a driver's license, determining if a patron account exists and if the identification source has expired and updating any existing patron account with the captured data. If the patron identification source is current and no account exists, a temporary account is created and a temporary patron account card supplied to the patron along with promotional offers. Patron activity is monitored at the location and used in creating a permanent patron account for providing additional offers, bonuses, and the like to the patron. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275407 | VIRTUALIZATION FOR GAMING DEVICES - The resources of a gaming device may be partitioned to create a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine. A first application is executed in a first operating system executing on the first virtual machine, and a second application is executed in a second operating system executing on the second virtual machine. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275402 | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION IN GAMING NETWORKS - Patron information generated at an originating gaming property may be transmitted to a requesting gaming property based on a set of permissions associated with a group of gaming properties. Vouchers generated at a first gaming property may also be redeemed at a second gaming property. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275401 | METHOD, SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE FOR PROFILE-DRIVEN CONFIGURATION FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES (EGMS) - Changes to configuration settings of disparate electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are indicated in a profile. The profile provides generalized values for the configuration settings and can provide a time schedule in which the changes are to be performed. The generalized values of the configuration settings are translated into specific values for particular EGMs. The EGMs may be interrogated to obtain current specific values of their configuration settings. The current specific values of the configuration settings are changed to the specific values translated from the generalized values provided in the profile. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275400 | MULTIPLE DENOMINATION PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - A gaming device operable to accept wagers in a plurality of bet denominations accepts a first wager associated with a first bet denomination and a second wager associated with a second, different bet denomination. The first wager is then logically associated with a first progressive jackpot, and the second wager is logically associated with a second progressive jackpot different than the first progressive jackpot. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275399 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY AWARDING BONUS POINTS - A player of an enhanced game receives a bonus for playing the enhanced game and a chance for an additional extra award. The additional extra award may be based on one or more factors: the actual game title of the game being played by the player, the rate of gameplay by the player, the rate of gain/loss for an entity different from the player, a rate of gain/loss for the player, or the like. Gameplay and player data may be gathered and a dynamic bonusing system may reconfigure a gaming machine being played by the player based at least on the gathered data. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275398 | OVERLAPPING PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - A gaming device accepts a wager. The wager is logically associated with a first progressive jackpot, the first progressive jackpot associated with a first set of participating gaming devices. The wager is also logically associated with a second progressive jackpot different than the first progressive jackpot, the second progressive jackpot associated with a second set of participating gaming devices, the second set of participating gaming devices comprising more gaming devices than the first set of participating gaming devices. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275395 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OUT-OF-BAND GAMING MACHINE MANAGEMENT - Gaming machines may be remotely accessed by a gaming machine management server. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered off. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered on and concurrently while an operating system of the respective gaming machine is being executed. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275394 | 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. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275393 | 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. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275385 | METHOD FOR SELECTING LUCKY WINNING SYMBOLS IN GAMES - The present invention is generally related to a method for operating an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) having a symbol selection feature. This feature allows a player to select the winning symbols that will be displayed during play of a game on the EGM. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a plurality of original or default winning symbols on a display of the EGM. In this method, the EGM receives player input for selecting one of the original symbols to be changed. The EGM also receives player input for selecting a new symbol that will be used to replace the selected original symbol. Further, the EGM replaces the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol on the display. In one embodiment, replacing the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol includes replacing all original symbols identical to the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275384 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING A FEATURE FOR SELECTING LUCKY WINNING SYMBOLS - The present invention is generally directed to a system for allowing a player to change symbols on an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) during play of a casino game. The EGM enables play of a casino game displaying a plurality of original symbols. The system also includes a memory associated with the EGM, and the memory stores a plurality of new symbols. A symbol selection module is associated with the EGM and the memory, and the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one or more of the original symbols with one or more of the new symbols on the casino game. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275383 | MECHANICAL REELS WITH INTERACTIVE DISPLAY - Systems for enhancing a mechanical reel game are disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a video screen having a touch screen, and a set of mechanical reels positioned behind the video screen. A user interface is displayed on the video screen and is configured to receive user input to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels. The video screen then displays the mechanical reels in the rearranged order. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275382 | 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. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275378 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH A SELECT AND DRAG FEATURE - The present invention relates generally to a casino gaming system including a select and drag feature. In the system, a gaming device is capable of enabling play of a game of chance, wherein the game of chance displays multiple game positions for insertion of values related to the game of chance. Also, the system includes a processor associated with the gaming device, and the processor includes an algorithm allowing a player to select an initial value in one of the game positions and then copy the initially selected value into another game position. The select and drag feature may be used with any game, including a lottery style game. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275376 | SELECT AND DRAG METHOD FOR A GAMING MACHINE - The present invention generally is directed to a method for playing a casino gaming device including a select and drag feature. In one embodiment, a player selects values for multiple positions or spots on a game of chance, such as a lottery style game. The player initially selects a value in one of the game positions. The player touches a touch-screen display or other input device located above the game position displaying the initially selected value, and then touches any other game position to copy the initially selected value into the other game positions. In one method, the player touches the touch-screen display located above the touch-screen display, and then drags the initially selected value across the remaining game positions with his finger to set the values for the remaining game positions to the initially selected value. This select and drag feature increases the rate of play for players selecting the same value for multiple game positions. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275374 | TOURNAMENT PLAY IN A GAMING PROPERTY - A gaming property may host a tournament having a tournament duration. Tournament games having timed tournament sessions shorter than the tournament duration may be played on the gaming property, and the tournament scores achieved in the tournament games may be compared. A winning player of the tournament may then be chosen based on the comparison. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090270170 | BIOFEEDBACK FOR A GAMING DEVICE, SUCH AS AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE (EGM) - Environmental feedback and/or biofeedback is associated with one or more players' emotions in real time. The emotional feedback is provided to a game device being used by the player, such an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The game device uses the biofeedback and/or environmental feedback to appropriately adjust the game play to maximize the game's entertainment value to the player(s). The player(s) can be identified, and the game device matches the emotional response with certain game elements being presented at that time and associates this matching to the identified player. The matches can be used to make an adjustment to the game device, to the environments, and/or to take some other action. The game device can also store the matches, combined with any collected environmental and/or biometric stimuli, on a game server or player tracking database via the network. Previous environmental/biometric information can be used to make immediate adjustments to the game or environment, or incorporated into future game design and environmental design. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270157 | METHOD FOR INITIATING A GROUP PLAY FEATURE ON A PLURALITY OF CASINO GAMES - The present invention is directed to a method for presenting a game having a bonus feature. The method includes initiating a game on at least one of a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another and arranged in a circular bank. The gaming machines are monitored to determine whether a triggering event has occurred on any of the plurality of gaming machines. A bonus feature is initiated on all of the plurality of gaming machines in response to the triggering event. The bonus feature play includes activating indicators associated with each gaming machine located around the circular bank, in a sequential order, for a specific amount of time. At the end of the sequence only one gaming machine indicator remains activated, designating a winner of the bonus feature. The winner is awarded a bonus. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270156 | SYSTEM FOR INITIATING A GROUP PLAY FEATURE ON A PLURALITY OF CASINO GAMES - The present invention is directed to a gaming system including a group play feature. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines associated with one another, and a plurality of indicators with one indicator associated with one gaming machine. There is also a bonus feature module in communication with the plurality of gaming machines and the plurality of indicators. A random event in one of the plurality of gaming machines triggers a bonus feature, and the bonus feature module activates the plurality of indicators in a sequential order to highlight one gamine machine at a time. The activation of the indicators in a sequential order stops leaving only the activation of the indicators on one gaming machine that is awarded a bonus. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090264195 | ADJUSTABLE GAMING DISPLAY AND RELATED METHODS - Methods for tailoring a gaming machine to a player are disclosed herein. According to one method, a first gaming machine receives a player input via a player interface to tilt a display. The display pivots about a horizontal axis of the display in response to the player input from the player interface, and data related to the position of the display is saved. The data is then associated with a player identifier for future use on the first gaming machine or a gaming machine having a similar display configuration. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264194 | ADJUSTABLE GAMING DISPLAY - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having one or more adjustable displays. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a first display and an adjustable display mounted in a gaming cabinet where the adjustable display is rotatable about a horizontal axis of the adjustable display. The gaming machine also includes a motor operatively coupled to the adjustable display. The gaming machine also includes a player tracking device is also located on the gaming cabinet. The player tracking device is capable of receiving player-specific information. A controller is also provided in the gaming machine. The controller is operatively coupled to the motor and the player tracking device, and the controller causes the motor to rotate the adjustable display to a position based on the player-specific information received by the player tracking device. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090258701 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A MOLDED CURVED DISPLAY - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected 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 curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has 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. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090258697 | 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 Master Gaming 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 digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously 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 receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090240721 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONICALLY SCHEDULING PLAYBACK OF MEDIA CONTENTS - Methods of electronic scheduling for playback of media contents. Discrete items of content are scheduled for play back based upon a schedule created by the integration of five standard scheduling methods into a single scheduling algorithm. In the 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. The 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. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239667 | 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. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090221375 | Wide-Screen Bar Top Gaming Machine and Method - A bar top gaming machine cabinet is disclosed. The gaming machine cabinet includes a wide-screen display mounted in a top of the cabinet. Peripherals such as a currency acceptor and/or printer are installed in the interior of the cabinet beneath the display. Paper chutes extend from the peripherals to the exterior of the cabinet. This mounting scheme allows a bar top with a widescreen display to be implemented in the space of a typical bar top footprint. A method of assembling such a bar top gaming machine is also disclosed. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090209350 | BROWSER MANAGER, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING NETWORK, AND METHOD - An integrated browser manager and networked gaming method for providing server based dynamic content onto a content display area of one or more gaming machines is disclosed. The method includes: receiving incoming message queues, and after message receipt, processing the message and sending back reply message, if needed; converting incoming messages to a browser manager message with respect to browser manager schema and processing the commands; validating incoming message data with the available data in a database and if any inconsistent data found, building and sending a negative acknowledgement response back to a client; saving command data information that is determined to relevant tables in the database; logging information messages and error messages to log file; logging incoming and outgoing messages to log files, wherein messages are logged to a message log file, wherein a data table stores information about commands received, commands processed, commands sent to gaming machines, and responses received from gaming machines; and enabling an ID provider class to generate the required new ID from ID provider data table by incrementing the relevant key id based on category and key name. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090186701 | 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. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090183243 | USER AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM AND METHODS - 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 computerized authorization system authorizes users access to the slot management system. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181776 | GAMING MACHINE COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT - 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 computerized method and system manage a collection of electronic gaming machines. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090176572 | 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. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176568 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY CONTENT AND METHODS - 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. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176566 | METHODS FOR BIOMETRICALLY IDENTIFYING A PLAYER - Various systems, gaming devices, and methods for biometrically identifying a player are disclosed herein. The capture of the biometric information is undisclosed to the player. The captured biometric information may be used to verifying a player's age, prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, authorize and/or authenticate an electronic funds transfer. The biometric information may also be used to provide player-centric gaming. The player's preferences are associated with the biometric information, and a gaming device is reconfigured to the player's preferences once the player's biometric information is obtained at the gaming device. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176565 | GAMING DEVICES FOR BIOMETRICALLY IDENTIFYING A PLAYER - Various systems, gaming devices, and methods for biometrically identifying a player are disclosed herein. The capture of the biometric information is undisclosed to the player. The captured biometric information may be used to verifying a player's age, prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, authorize and/or authenticate an electronic funds transfer. The biometric information may also be used to provide player-centric gaming. The player's preferences are associated with the biometric information, and a gaming device is reconfigured to the player's preferences once the player's biometric information is obtained at the gaming device. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176554 | 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. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090170594 | 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. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090149254 | VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER SYSTEM FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A Display Manager is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of the video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the 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. Also, the overlaid signal may provide different levels of transparency in different areas of the display, effectively superimposing an image on top of the background signal. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149253 | 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 is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the 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. Also, the overlaid signal may provide different levels of transparency in different areas of the display, effectively superimposing an image on top of the background signal. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090137311 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible 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 system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090132720 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION JOB PROGRESS TRACKING AND DISPLAY VIA HOST USER INTERFACE - 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 download tracking system and method is provided for providing dynamic monitoring and displaying of download progress. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131175 | 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 an on-demand tournament game in which the on-demand tournament game is player initiated. The tournament server manages play of the on-demand tournament game, and the tournament server determines a location of active and eligible players for the on-demand tournament game. The plurality of tournament displays are positioned throughout a gaming establishment, and the tournament displays are also in communication with the tournament server. The tournament server sends tournament information to the tournament displays near the location of active and eligible players of the tournament game. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131163 | ASSIGNMENT TEMPLATE AND ASSIGNMENT BUNDLE IN A GAMING CONFIGURATION AND DOWNLOAD SYSTEM - 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. An assignment-creator/modifier is provided for creating and modifying assignment templates for assignments that include at least one job to modify a gaming machine. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131162 | METHOD FOR TRACKING SYSTEM GENERATED WINNINGS - One or more gaming machines include an external attendant paid bonus win meter. More particularly, when the casino gaming system generates a jackpot, and awards the jackpot to a player at a gaming machine, the amount of the winning jackpot is recorded on the external attendant paid bonus win meter. Otherwise stated, the system-based jackpot is awarded to a player at a gaming machine, and the amount of the winning jackpot is recorded on a gaming machine-based meter. The player may be randomly determined. Additionally, the trigger for awarding the jackpot may be randomly determined based on predetermined criteria set by the casino or gaming system manufacturer. Once the jackpot win occurs, the player at the selected gaming machine is notified, usually by a visible sign or message. In one embodiment, the amount of the jackpot win (or bonus win) is recorded on the external attendant paid bonus win meter. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131150 | 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, flexible 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. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131144 | META-OPTION - 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 different game devices may be modified via a meta-option. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131143 | 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. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131142 | PLAYER GAMING CONSOLE, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING METHOD - 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. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090125603 | 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. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124394 | 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. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124392 | DOWNLOAD AND CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT ENGINE FOR GAMING SYSTEM - 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 download and configuration system controller and method is provided for managing the download and configuration server-based sub-system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124391 | Neworked Gaming System and Method Having a Multi-Progressive Feature - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a multi-progressive feature. During play of a feature game, tallies are kept of the appearance of various symbols. One or more progressive awards may be paid based on the tallies. | 05-14-2009 |
