Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080214264 | Random number generator based roulette wheel - The invention provides for the use of a random number generator in a roulette wheel to play a game of roulette. The gaming apparatus may have a random number generator, a roulette wheel, and means for controlling the roulette wheel to indicate a first winning number corresponding to a first random number generated by the random number generator. The roulette wheel may have a top ring, outer ring, separator ring, and an inner ring and each ring may be decoupled from each outer to spin in different directions. | 09-04-2008 |
20080231457 | Radio direction finder for gaming chip and/or player tracking - Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating tracking locations of players and/or wireless communication devices in a casino network. In at least one embodiment, an electronically switched Doppler antenna array may be utilized to detect a first wireless signal from a first signal source. Bearing information may be generated using information from the detected signal. In at least one embodiment, the bearing information may include a first directional bearing to the first signal source. Using at least a portion of the first bearing information, a first location of the first signal source may be determined. According to specific embodiments, the first signal source may correspond to a wireless communication device such as an RFID-enabled player tracking card or gaming chip. In at least one embodiment, a current location of the wireless communication device may be automatically tracked in real-time as the wireless communication device is moved through a first region of the casino. | 09-25-2008 |
20080248844 | FORMATION AND USE OF FORMAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR PLAY GAMES - Techniques for forming and using formal partnerships are disclosed. Two or more entities (e.g., individual players, groups, organizations) can form a partnership for the purpose of participating in one or more games. In effect, a game can be played for a partnership without the active participation of all the entities (or partners) that have formed the partnership. The game can, for example, be played by one or the partners or an authorized representative of the partnership. When a game is played on behalf of a partnership, the gaming activity is effectively tracked and verification data is stored for the partnership. Verification data can be made available to allow the partners to verify the outcome of the game. | 10-09-2008 |
20080254862 | Gaming system having retractable gaming unit - Various aspects are directed to a gaming system configured or designed for use with a bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may include a movable gaming unit, the movable gaming unit which is operable to be lowered below an upper surface of the bar top or table top, and which is operable to be raised, at least partially, above the upper surface of the bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to control a wager-based game played on the gaming system. The gaming system may be further operable to lower the gaming unit below the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one first condition or event. The gaming system may be further operable to raise a first portion of the gaming unit above the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one second condition or event. | 10-16-2008 |
20080268934 | Technique for displaying gaming machine information using machine readable display mechanisms - Various aspects are directed to gaming machines, and more particularly to techniques for dynamically generating and displaying gaming machine related information in at least one format which can be read (and/or otherwise interpreted) by appropriately configured electronic devices. | 10-30-2008 |
20090011821 | GAMING ACCESS CARD WITH DISPLAY - Systems and methods for conducting cashless gaming or player tracking within a gaming environment are disclosed. Players with associated player accounts are provided player tracking instruments having rewriteable displays. Also provided are gaming devices or machines having display panels adapted to display content and communicate with the player tracking cards or instruments. Data on player tracking instruments is updated and displayed thereupon. The player tracking instruments may contain an RFID tag to receive communications from a transceiver associated with the gaming device or machine. A feedback loop from a master gaming controller to a transceiver to a player tracking instrument to an input display panel and back to the master gaming controller can be created. Player tracking instruments may also have lights, speakers, vibration components, and other advanced features thereupon. | 01-08-2009 |
20090019188 | PROCESSING INPUT FOR COMPUTING SYSTEMS BASED ON THE STATE OF EXECUTION - Techniques for processing input based on the execution state of computer programs are disclosed. One or more discreet locations (e.g., points, areas, regions, surfaces) of the input device can be effectively selected for an execution state of an instance of computer program code. Only the selected input locations of input devices including those capable of receiving multiple input need to be monitored for input. Input is detected and effectively filtered for visually-based input devices (e.g., touch screens). A visual image representing the input surfaces (or areas) of the input device can be captured as graphics data (e.g., graphics data captured by a camera). Moreover, the captured image can be effectively filtered by only processing the portions of the graphics data that correspond or represent the selected input locations of the input device (i.e., the selected input locations for the current state of execution). One or more Inferred (IR) sources are configured to emit controlled IR light for a multi-touch screen. The IR light can be effectively trapped within the surfaces of the touch screen, whereby the presence of an object that comes in close proximity and/or contact with the touch screen surface disturbs the controlled IR light and causes it to diverge out of the surfaces of the touch screen so that it can be captured by an IR detection mechanism (e.g., a camera). One or more portions of the graphics data captured by the IR detection mechanism are then analyzed to detect the presence of a physical object provided as input. As such, relatively more sophisticated detection mechanism can be utilized and/or system performance can be improved. Input detection mechanisms can be effectively tuned to account for various conditions including wear and tear of the input surfaces. | 01-15-2009 |
20090036208 | REEL AND VIDEO COMBINATION MACHINE - Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for displaying game related information on gaming machines. The gaming machines include two or more game presentation devices such as rotating reels, video display screens, touch screens, etc. One or more of these game presentation devices can be moved into and out of position with respect to other game presentation devices. This may allow, among other things, flexibility in presenting different types of games or different game features within a single game. | 02-05-2009 |
20090054159 | GAMING DEVICE WITH MODULAR GAMING TABLE COMPONENTS - Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a gaming device having a plurality of dynamically connectable modular gaming table components that provide a variety of configuration options. In one example embodiment, the gaming device includes a first modular gaming table component and a second modular gaming table component, where the first modular gaming table component and second modular gaming table component are connectable in a variety of arrangements. Each of the first and second modular gaming table components may include at least one gaming station having a gaming display, gaming control circuitry, structural connection means, and communication connection means, whereby the structural and communication connection means of the two components may be dynamically connectable in a variety of component arrangements. | 02-26-2009 |
20090084612 | MULTI-USER INPUT SYSTEMS AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR SERVING MULTIPLE USERS - Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). The first input detection can be provided as a Radio Frequency (RF) system that detects a change in RF energy received by a RF receiver provided in the proximity of a user when the user touches a touchscreen. The second input detection can include an APR (Acoustic Pulse Recognition) or capacitive touchscreen (or multi-touch screen). It will also be appreciated that both input system can be integrated into a single device which can be presented, for example, as multi-user touchscreen. The multi-user touch screen can provide a common input surface to serve numerous applications. For example, a virtual roulette table with a touchscreen surface can be provided for multiple players. The players can interact with the game by touching the touch screen surface provided as a common playing area (e.g., players can place bets by touching various positions of the touchscreen). | 04-02-2009 |
20090104969 | Gaming Machine Reel Having a Rotatable Dynamic Display - A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating. | 04-23-2009 |
20090111578 | SINGLE SOURCE VISUAL IMAGE DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION ON A GAMING MACHINE - Systems and methods for displaying multiple visual images from a single source at a gaming machine are disclosed. A reversible display device at the gaming machine presents multiple visual images from a display cell or other core display component. Virtual curtains alternate between blocking and permitting the display of visual images at various surfaces of the reversible display device. For a display cell or similar component needing a separate illumination source, illumination components alternate on and off in coordinated fashion with the virtual curtains, and are arranged to reflect light through the display cell in one direction to display one visual image at one surface and then in an opposite direction to display another visual image at the opposite surface. Lenses, mirrors and other optical devices redirect or alter a visual image from a surface such that it is not viewed directly from the display device itself. | 04-30-2009 |
20090124321 | System and methods for dealing a video card - A physical device that triggers a deal of a video card is described. The physical device triggers the deal when a subject moves an object of the subject on the physical device. | 05-14-2009 |
20090131151 | Automated Techniques for Table Game State Tracking - Techniques are disclosed for facilitating game state tracking of gaming activity conducted at a gaming system including a first live casino gaming table. In at least one embodiment, the system may be operable to: control a wager-based game played at the first gaming table; enable a first active game session to be conducted at the first gaming table; automatically detect a first table game state change event for triggering a change of state of the first active game session; and automatically update the state of the first game session using at least a portion of information relating to the first table game state change event. According to specific embodiments, the first table game state change event may include (or may correspond to) at least of the following events: an event relating to a first player's physical gestures or movements; an event relating to a first casino employee's physical gestures or movements; an event relating to the first player's verbal instructions; an event relating to a casino employee's verbal instructions; and/or an event relating to wagering activity which occurs outside of officially designated wagering zones at the gaming table. In at least one embodiment, the first table game state change event may be analyzed and/or interpreted with respect to selected criteria, and the state of the first game session may be automatically advanced (and/or updated) in response to the analysis and/or interpretation of the first table game state change event. | 05-21-2009 |
20090143141 | Intelligent Multiplayer Gaming System With Multi-Touch Display - Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating gesture-based interactions with intelligent multi-player electronic gaming systems which include a multi-user, multi-touch input display surface capable of concurrently supporting contact-based and/or non-contact-based gestures performed by one or more users at or near the input display surface. Gestures may include single touch, multi-touch, and/or near-touch gestures. Some gaming system embodiments may include automated hand tracking functionality for identifying and/or tracking the hands of users interacting with the display surface. In some gaming system embodiments, the multi-user, multi-touch input display surface may be implemented using a multi-layered display (MLD) display device which includes multiple layered display screens. Various types of MLD-related display techniques disclosed herein may be advantageously used for facilitating gesture-based user interactions with a MLD-based multi-user, multi-touch input display surface and/or for facilitating various types of activities conducted at the gaming system, including, for example, various types of game-related and/or wager-related activities. According to various embodiments, users interacting with the multi-user, multi-touch input display surface may convey game play instructions, wagering instructions, and/or other types of instructions to the gaming system by performing various types of gestures at or over the multi-user, multi-touch input display surface. In some embodiments, the gaming system may include gesture processing functionality for: detecting users' gestures, identifying the user who performed a detected gesture, recognizing the gesture, interpreting the gesture, mapping the gesture to one or more appropriate function(s), and/or initiating the function(s). In at least some embodiments, such gesture processing may take into account various external factors, conditions, and/or information which, for example, may facilitate proper and/or appropriate gesture recognition, gesture interpretation, and/or gesture-function mapping. | 06-04-2009 |
20090195518 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING LIFT OFF ON A TOUCHSCREEN - A composite touchscreen incorporates acoustic pulse recognition sensing and capacitive sensing technology. The hybrid screen incorporates the advantages of each technology while minimizing the drawbacks. When such a screen is incorporated in a gaming device specialized gestures and functions can be implemented that enhance the interface, the range of games, and the gaming experience. | 08-06-2009 |
20100009745 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING PLAYER INTERACTION IN CONNECTION WITH A MULTI-PLAYER GAMING TABLE - Method and apparatus for use with a gaming table. An apparatus includes a base, a user-actuated wheel coupled to the base such that the wheel is rotatable relative to the base, and a display configured to display an image corresponding to a position of the wheel to a player. | 01-14-2010 |
20100056278 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN A MULTI-STATION GAMING MACHINE - Gaming machines and related methods for controlling and managing electrical current to peripheral devices in a gaming machine are described. A gaming machine having multiple high-current peripheral devices drawing power from a single power supply within the gaming machine is able to regulate the timing at which the peripherals may receive power. The gaming machine may be a multi-station gaming machine, such as a gaming table, where each station has various standard peripheral devices. The gaming machine determines whether the power required by the peripherals at any given time will exceed a threshold current supply and, if so, delays the operation of one of the peripherals to regulate the amount of current the power supply has to supply at any given time. Current usage and time overlaps of two or more peripheral devices are determined using current profiles of the devices. A current profile contains time-related data and current usage data that are utilized in determining total current usage during operational overlaps between two or more peripheral devices in the gaming machine. A peripheral device is provided with current when it is determined that the total current supplied does not exceed a maximum efficient current output of the power supply. | 03-04-2010 |
20100062833 | Portable Gaming Machine Emergency Shut Down Circuitry - A portable casino gaming device includes a data preservation system and is operable to monitor movement activity relating to the portable gaming device, and generate movement information relating to movements of the portable gaming device. In at least one embodiment, the movement information includes at least one of: data relating to rotation of the portable gaming device, data relating to displacement of the portable gaming device, data relating to velocity of the portable gaming device, data relating to acceleration of the portable gaming device, and/or data relating to an orientation of the portable gaming device. The portable gaming device may also be operable to analyze the movement information with respect to a first set of threshold criteria in order to detect an occurrence of a first critical condition or event at the portable gaming device, and to initiate at least one action in response to detection of the first critical condition or event. In at least one embodiment, the at least one action includes automatically initiating at least one operation to save selected gaming information in non-volatile memory, wherein the selected gaming information includes information relating to game play conducted at the portable gaming device. | 03-11-2010 |
20100093428 | Intelligent Wagering Token and Wagering Token Tracking Techniques - Various techniques are disclosed for implementing wireless communications among devices in a wager-based gaming environment which may include at least one portable electronic smart card device and/or at least one electronic wagering token. Some aspects relate to periodically engaging in wireless communications between a portable electronic smart card device and a plurality of electronic wagering tokens. Some aspects relate to performing tracking of electronic wagering tokens which are detected as being within possession or control of a patron during various events such as, for example: a patron entering an authorized gaming region of the live casino gaming environment, a patron exiting an authorized gaming region of the live casino gaming environment, a patron initiating start of a gaming session at a gaming device or gaming table of the live casino gaming environment, a patron being detected as being within a predefined proximity to the gaming device or gaming table of the live casino gaming environment, an event relating to the closing of the gaming session, the location of the patron being detected as no longer being within the predefined proximity to the gaming device or gaming table, etc. Some aspects relate to determining an identity of a patron whose presence is detected at the live casino gaming environment. Some aspects relate to detecting and identifying electronic wagering tokens which are within possession or control of the patron of the live casino gaming environment during at least one time interval. Some aspects relate to generating, in response to detecting and identifying a presence of a electronic wagering token which is determined to be within possession or control of the patron, token-owner association information which includes information relating to a ownership association between the patron and the electronic wagering token. | 04-15-2010 |
20100093429 | Intelligent Player Tracking Card and Wagering Token Tracking Techniques - Various techniques are disclosed for implementing wireless communications among devices in a wager-based gaming environment which may include at least one portable electronic smart card device and/or at least one electronic wagering token. Some aspects relate to periodically engaging in wireless communications between a portable electronic smart card device and a plurality of electronic wagering tokens. Some aspects relate to performing tracking of electronic wagering tokens which are detected as being within possession or control of a patron during various events such as, for example: a patron entering an authorized gaming region of the live casino gaming environment, a patron exiting an authorized gaming region of the live casino gaming environment, a patron initiating start of a gaming session at a gaming device or gaming table of the live casino gaming environment, a patron being detected as being within a predefined proximity to the gaming device or gaming table of the live casino gaming environment, an event relating to the closing of the gaming session, the location of the patron being detected as no longer being within the predefined proximity to the gaming device or gaming table, etc. Some aspects relate to determining an identity of a patron whose presence is detected at the live casino gaming environment. Some aspects relate to detecting and identifying electronic wagering tokens which are within possession or control of the patron of the live casino gaming environment during at least one time interval. Some aspects relate to generating, in response to detecting and identifying a presence of a electronic wagering token which is determined to be within possession or control of the patron, token-owner association information which includes information relating to a ownership association between the patron and the electronic wagering token. | 04-15-2010 |
20100093445 | Thermal management in a gaming machine - A gaming machine has thermal control components for controlling its internal temperature. Temperatures within the cabinet of the machine may be controlled by either monitoring the temperatures near or of heat-producing components, such as the CPU, video controllers, and the like, or by monitoring ambient temperatures in zones or areas within the machine. These thermal control components include a thermal management sub-system, fans, baffles, digital thermometers, and control signal alarms. Also included is a thermal specification profile or table that includes thermal data for heat-producing components in the machine. Such data may include high temperature thresholds, such as an alert and alarm temperatures, instructions or actions to be taken when those temperatures are met, and which elements within the machine to use, such as baffles, fans, and the like. In this manner, the internal temperatures of a gaming machine may be more finely controlled and elements within the machine for cooling are used only when needed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100304819 | CONTACTLESS PLAYER CARD WITH IMPROVED SECURITY - A gaming system that is compatible with photonic-powered card devices is described. The gaming system may comprise a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines. The gaming machines may be operable to provide wagering on an outcome of a game of chance, display the outcome of the game of chance, accept cash or an indicia of credit and dispense an award, such as cash or indicia of credit, to a player utilizing the gaming machine. The gaming machines may be configured to accommodate a photonic-powered card including communicating with these cards via an optical communication interface. One or more transactions on the gaming machine, such as a transfer of cash or indicia of credit on or off the gaming machine or an initiation of a player tracking session, may be enabled using photonic-powered card devices and associated hardware/software. | 12-02-2010 |
20110118013 | MOVABLE MECHANICAL DISPLAY DEVICES AND METHODS - A gaming machine includes a rotating object that has at least one configurable surface that may be configured electronically. The rotating object may be synchronized with a video display. Configurable surfaces can use bistable materials, electroluminescent materials, LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, projection, or other techniques. The appearance of the rotating object is changed without physically changing the rotating object. | 05-19-2011 |
20110183758 | GAMING APPARATUS HAVING A CONFIGURABLE CONTROL PANEL - A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined. | 07-28-2011 |
20110269536 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
20110269537 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
20110269538 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
20120127126 | MULTI-USER INPUT SYSTEMS AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR SERVING MULTIPLE USERS - Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). It will also be appreciated that both input system can be integrated into a single device which can be presented, for example, as multi-user touchscreen. The multi-user touch screen can provide a common input surface to serve numerous applications. | 05-24-2012 |
20130102376 | GAMING MACHINE REEL HAVING A ROTATABLE DYNAMIC DISPLAY - A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating. | 04-25-2013 |
20140155162 | CONTROL OF WAGER-BASED GAME USING GESTURE RECOGNITION - Various techniques are described for controlling a wager-based game played at a gaming system. In one embodiment the gaming system may include a gesture input interface device operable to detect movements gestures associated with one or more persons, and a gesture interpretation component operable to identify selected movements or gestures detected by the gesture input interface device. In one embodiment, the gesture interpretation component may also be operable to generate gesture interpretation information relating to interpretation of the selected movements or gestures. In one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to automatically detect a gesture by a player participating in a game session at the gaming system; interpret the gesture with respect to a set of criteria; generate gesture interpretation information relating to the interpretation of the gesture; and advance a state of the game session using at least a portion of the gesture interpretation information. | 06-05-2014 |