Christopher Reid Blackburn

US Patent:

8317596, Nov 27, 2012

Filed:

Nov 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/742376

Inventors:

Jeff Allen - Naperville IL, US
Christopher W. Blackburn - Reno NV, US
Matthew J. Ward - Northbrook IL, US
Larry Pacey - Chicago IL, US

Assignee:

WMS Gaming Inc. - Waukegan IL

International Classification:

A63F 9/24

US Classification:

463 20, 463 16, 463 25, 463 27, 463 29

Abstract:

Wagering game systems and methods are disclosed in which the occurrence of a triggering event causes a community game to begin. Further, the occurrence of an event may cause a wagering game or wagering game service such as a progressive game to be reconfigured.

US Patent:

20040229699, Nov 18, 2004

Filed:

Feb 26, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/788903

Inventors:

Thomas Gentles - Algonquin IL, US
Vikram Swamy - Chicago IL, US
Christopher Blackburn - Reno NV, US
Rory Block - Carson City NV, US
Terry Warkentin - Carson City NV, US

International Classification:

G06F019/00

US Classification:

463/042000

Abstract:

A gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. Systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. One aspect of the systems and methods includes a loosely coupled architecture that consists of software components that semantically encapsulate discrete functionality (self contained and perform a single function or a related group of functions—the component describes its own inputs and outputs in a way that other software can determine what it does, how to invoke its functionality, and what result to expect). These components may be distributed and programmatically accessible (called by and exchange data with other software) over standard internetworking protocols (TCP/IP, HITP, DNS, DHCP, etc.).

US Patent:

20080300059, Dec 4, 2008

Filed:

Sep 6, 2006

Appl. No.:

12/065946

Inventors:

Mark B. Gagner - West Chicogo IL, US
Nevin J. Liber - Libertyville IL, US
Jason A. Smith - Vernon Hills IL, US
Terry D. Warkentin - Carson City NV, US
Christopher W. Blackburn - Reno NV, US
Abdel Bargouthi - Reno NV, US

International Classification:

A63F 9/24

US Classification:

463 42

Abstract:

Methods and systems for using user-configured networking protocols in wagering game networks are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for using user-configured networking protocols includes receiving values for one or more user-specified options associated with a gaming device and receiving a network address request originating from the gaming device. The computer-implemented method can also include transmitting a reply destined for the gaming device, wherein the reply includes a network address and the values for the one or more user-specified options.

US Patent:

20090124372, May 14, 2009

Filed:

May 1, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/912921

Inventors:

Mark B. Gagner - West Chicago IL, US
Alicia Johnson - Chicago IL, US
John A. Beatty - Reno NV, US
Christopher W. Blackburn - Reno NV, US

International Classification:

A63F 9/24
A63F 13/00

US Classification:

463 29, 463 43

Abstract:

Systems and methods provide mechanisms for updating software assets on a gaming machine ( and ). The gaming software assets may include banner content, advertising content, denomination data, pay table, language data, video content, audio content, episodic game data, wagering game software, operating system software, device driver software and device firmware. The system and methods compare software assets to be placed () on a gaming machine to software assets already on the gaming machine. Only those software assets that are not currently present are downloaded to the gaming machine.