Michael P Hartman

US Patent:

6755742, Jun 29, 2004

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/244039

Inventors:

Michael W. Hartman - Reno NV
Brett N. Keeton - late of Reno NV

Assignee:

GameTech International, Inc. - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 924

US Classification:

463 40, 463 42

Abstract:

Methods of administering a game in a wireless embodiment utilizing failure fallback and recovery between automatic and manual modes is disclosed. In one embodiment, a remote game device listens for a game state message and verifies the presence and signal strength of a game state message. If the signal strength is weak or there is no signal, the remote game device transitions to a manual mode to allow a user to manually update game state and continue play in an uninterrupted manner. Once signals of sufficient strength are received, the remote game device transitions from the manual mode to an automatic mode.

US Patent:

7175529, Feb 13, 2007

Filed:

Sep 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/244098

Inventors:

Michael W. Hartman - Reno NV, US
David Loar - Reno NV, US
Hilary Keeton, legal representative - Reno NV, US

Assignee:

Game Tech International, Inc. - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 13/00

US Classification:

463 39, 463 40, 463 42

Abstract:

A method of administering a game in a wireless embodiment utilizing multiple transmitters connected to a game server and base station controller is disclosed. The method comprises generating game state data describing game state in a bingo game; passing the game state data to each transmitter in a plurality of transmitters; and transmitting from transmitters in the plurality in sequence the game state signal to a wireless receiver, wherein the game state data are transmitted repeatedly.

US Patent:

7294056, Nov 13, 2007

Filed:

Dec 23, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/743350

Inventors:

Mark Lowell - Reno NV, US
Michael W. Hartman - Reno NV, US
Calvin Nicholson - Reno NV, US
Hong J. Kim - Reno NV, US
Joseph Kisenwether - Reno NV, US
Stephen E. Patton - Reno NV, US

Assignee:

GameTech International, Inc. - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 9/24

US Classification:

463 17, 463 42

Abstract:

An enhanced gaming system through which a variety of games of chance and/or games of skill can be made available to players. The gaming system separates game outcomes from game themes and game payout/buy-in information, thereby enhancing game flexibility. The gaming system also allows different games of chance and/or games of skill to be available to different subsets of player units, and gives a gaming hall operator the ability to dynamically control the size and distribution of such subsets. An “apparently random” permutation production technique is disclosed for use in certain games and regulatory environments. A PKI-based architecture is also disclosed.

US Patent:

7749066, Jul 6, 2010

Filed:

Feb 2, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/050114

Inventors:

Michael Hartman - Reno NV, US
Calvin Nicholson - Reno NV, US
Joseph Kisenwether - Reno NV, US

Assignee:

Gametech International, Inc. - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 9/24
G06F 19/00
A63F 1/18

US Classification:

463 19, 463 25, 463 27, 273269, 273296

Abstract:

Novel enhanced gaming systems employ unique, specialized, for example, FIRESTAR ™ type of indicia disposed upon at least one location of a plurality of pre-mapped locations housed on, for example, a multiplicity of bingo-type of cards. Percentages of indicia arrayed on, for example, card sets are controlled by a gaming proprietor's or operator's configuration settings as are the respective locations of the subject indicia, for example, by using a random number generator to induce players to participate in multiple opportunities to garner prizes, for example, for achieving a bingo-type of victory concomittant with pre-established winning requirements and a pre-selected occurrence of a unique specialized indicum. Progressive reports serve to keep players, proprietors/operators and gaming authorities apprised of earnings both in terms of amounts, odds and related data on occurrence of the same indicia in real time providing unique inducement and tracking value in both hard copy and electronic form.

US Patent:

20030144050, Jul 31, 2003

Filed:

Jan 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/060871

Inventors:

Brett Keaton - Rena NV, US
Michael Hartman - Reno NV, US
Deborah Leake - Reno NV, US
Calvin Nicolson - Reno NV, US
Mark Lowell - Reno NV, US

International Classification:

A63F013/00

US Classification:

463/019000

Abstract:

An enhanced game of bingo is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a bingo card to a player, the bingo card including a plurality of numbered spaces having a range of numbers and being arranged in a matrix of rows and columns; providing a random number generator that generates random numbers within the range; providing at least a first set of indicators, the indicators capable of being displayed on the bingo card; designating at least one configuration of at least one pattern of at least one numbered space on the bingo card, the configuration determining a winner of the game; until the at least one configuration of at least one pattern of numbered spaces on the bingo card is matched to at least one indicator from the first set of indicators, iteratively generating a random number, matching the number to its corresponding numbered space if present on the bingo card, and, if the numbered space is not matched to an indicator, then randomly selecting an indicator and matching it to the pattern containing the numbered space; generating additional numbers and matching them to corresponding numeric spaces on the bingo card until the game has ended; and awarding a prize to the player if the bingo card has numbers that match at least part of the configuration of at least one pattern matched with the indicators.

US Patent:

20040178579, Sep 16, 2004

Filed:

Nov 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/698862

Inventors:

Mark Lowell - Reno NV, US
Deborah Leake - Marshall NC, US
Michael Hartman - Reno NV, US
Calvin Nicholson - Reno NV, US
Brett Keaton - Reno NV, US
Hilary Keeton - Reno NV, US

Assignee:

GameTech International, Inc. - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F003/06

US Classification:

273/269000

Abstract:

A method, apparatus, and computer program process for playing an enhanced bingo game. A first set of indicators may be selected, with each of the first set of indicators associated with a win enhancement value, or bonus value, and at least one of the first indicators can be assigned to at least one column of a bingo card. A second set of indicators can also be selected, with each of the second set of indicators associated with bonus value, and at least one of the second indicators can be assigned to at least one row on the bingo card. At least one number from the set of numbers associated with each column of the bingo card can be designated as a diamond symbol number. A player winning a bingo game by matching a column or row of called numbers may be eligible for the bonus prize associated with the column or row if the column or row contains a predetermined number of diamond symbol numbers. Indicator and diamond symbol assignments may happen after game play begins, to enhance the overall excitement associated with the game.

US Patent:

20060253702, Nov 9, 2006

Filed:

Nov 7, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/269134

Inventors:

Mark Lowell - Reno NV, US
Stephen Patton - Reno NV, US
Michael Hartman - Reno NV, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/16
H04L 9/00
G06F 17/00
G06F 9/00

US Classification:

713156000, 713175000, 713181000, 713172000, 726011000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for authenticating equipment and software in a distributed gaming environment through the use of embedded, digital keys and digital certificates in a private key infrastructure (PKI) is disclosed. By issuing a key from a trusted root server, authentication is performed in a serial manner throughout the operational chain of hardware and/or software modules that collectively serve to support the gaming environment. Beginning with the root certificate authority server, each module in the operational chain authenticates itself to another module that relies on that module's authenticity. By authenticating the chain of modules in a serial manner from beginning to end, security of the gaming environment is ensured.

US Patent:

20090075713, Mar 19, 2009

Filed:

Sep 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/857935

Inventors:

Michael W. Hartman - Reno NV, US
Justin Goodman - Sparks NV, US

International Classification:

A63F 13/00

US Classification:

463 19

Abstract:

A system, method and computer-readable medium for implementing gaming systems and devices using portable e-ink bingo display devices. In one embodiment, an electronic game device includes a display controller adapted for generating a game face and a display assembly that displays the generated game face. The display assembly includes an electronic ink display sheet on which the generated game face is displayed, and a dauber interface that converts dauber input signals to electronic signals received by the display controller to adjust the display of the game face on the electronic ink display.