| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| RE40186 |
Method and apparatus for generating a coupon |
March 25, 2008 |
| A POS terminal generates a purchase price of a purchase, and generates a rounded price. The rounded price may be, for example, the lowest whole number greater than the purchase price. The POS terminal then calculates a round-up amount (change due the customer) as the difference between t |
| RE39817 |
Gaming device for operating in a reverse payout mode and a method of operating same |
September 4, 2007 |
| A gaming device of the type wherein a play generates one of multiple possible outcomes having reverse payout information. The gaming device comprises a memory device containing a first set of data correlating possible outcomes to a first set of payouts and a second set of data correl |
| RE38733 |
Method and apparatus for motivating players to return to a casino using premiums |
May 10, 2005 |
| A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is p |
| 7433451 |
System and method for facilitating account-based transactions |
October 7, 2008 |
| One embodiment of the present invention comprises associating a first person with an account, associating a second person with the account, receiving a request to authorize a transaction between the second person and a third party, and enabling communication between the first person |
| 7430521 |
System and method for managing customized reward offers |
September 30, 2008 |
| In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second |
| 7427233 |
Method and apparatus for setting game parameters |
September 23, 2008 |
| The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels or random number generators. In some embodiments, game parameters may be established with various initial values, and then, by spinning the |
| 7426268 |
System and method for call routing and enabling interaction between callers with calls positione |
September 16, 2008 |
| According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for enabling a caller on hold to listen to one or more ongoing calls. The method includes receiving an incoming call, determining a subject category and at least one keyword associated with |
| 7416486 |
Method and apparatus for providing insurance policies for gambling losses |
August 26, 2008 |
| A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits |
| 7416485 |
Methods and apparatus for managing an account to fund benefits for a player |
August 26, 2008 |
| In accordance with one or more embodiments, an account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in an increase in the balance is a |
| 7416186 |
Methods and system for facilitating a secondary card game |
August 26, 2008 |
| According to an embodiment, a player of a game (e.g., video poker) wagers on a game in which a first set of cards represents a bonus hand having a high value (e.g., royal, straight). The player is also dealt a second set of cards. In one embodiment, an indication of a first set of cards |
| 7415425 |
Systems and methods wherein a security deposit facilitates a transaction in which a benefit is a |
August 19, 2008 |
| Systems and methods are provided wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. It is arranged for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer. For example, a subsidy provider may offer to appl |
| 7406438 |
System and method for tracking and establishing a progressive discount based upon a customer's v |
July 29, 2008 |
| In accordance with one described embodiment, methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining a progressive discount for a customer. In one example, a customer is provided with a discount that is incremented if the customer visits at least once in a pre-defined period. |
| 7393279 |
Methods and apparatus for facilitating gambling loss insurance policies without requiring a serv |
July 1, 2008 |
| In accordance with some embodiments, a gambling loss insurance policy may be provided to a player. In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for receiving at a gaming device an amount a player desires to pay for an insurance policy to provide protection against gambling loss |
| 7390264 |
Method and system to incorporate game play into product transactions |
June 24, 2008 |
| A method for providing a product is described in which a selection of a product is received from a customer, a game is selected by the customer, the customer provides his credit card number, the customer plays the game and an outcome is determined. If the customer wins, the credit card i |
| 7390255 |
System and method for facilitating play of a video game via a web site |
June 24, 2008 |
| A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is p |
| 7389919 |
Products and processes for promoting multiple transactions at a retail establishment |
June 24, 2008 |
| Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for promoting multiple transactions at a retail establishment are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, products and processes are disclosed for receiving, via a point-of-sale terminal that is not a vending machine, an indica |
| 7387571 |
Method and apparatus for linked play gaming |
June 17, 2008 |
| The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gamin |
| 7387569 |
Method and apparatus for operating lotteries and for generating and processing lottery entries |
June 17, 2008 |
| In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for facilitating play of a lottery game. An indication of a lottery entry is received, the lottery entry being active in at least a first lottery drawing. An indication is received that the lottery entry |
| 7384333 |
Method and apparatus for operating lotteries and for generating and processing lottery entries |
June 10, 2008 |
| In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for operating a lottery. One example provides for receiving a result of a lottery drawing and comparing the result to a plurality of stored lottery entries. If the result corresponds to one of said plura |
| 7384332 |
Method and apparatus for operating lotteries and for generating and processing lottery entries |
June 10, 2008 |
| In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for receiving from a terminal a request of a customer to purchase a lottery entry for a first lottery drawing. If the lottery entry is not a winning entry in the first lottery drawing the lottery entry i |
| 7383200 |
Method and apparatus for collecting and categorizing data at a terminal |
June 3, 2008 |
| A method and system for collecting and categorizing survey data includes receiving customer information from a customer. A query is identified based at least in part on the customer information. The query is output for presentation to the customer. In one embodiment, the query is pre |
| 7376580 |
Method and apparatus for providing a benefit during a transaction for use during a later transac |
May 20, 2008 |
| A method and apparatus for allowing a customer to purchase or otherwise receive a benefit during a first transaction that will be redeemed by the customer or provided to the customer at a later time or during a future transaction for the purchase, rental, lease, etc. of one or more produ |
| 7366675 |
Methods and apparatus for increasing, monitoring and/or rewarding a party's compliance with a sc |
April 29, 2008 |
| Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing and/or for monitoring a party's compliance with a schedule for taking medicines. In a first embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving information regarding whether at least two medicine containers were able to communica |
| 7364510 |
Apparatus and method for facilitating team play of slot machines |
April 29, 2008 |
| A method for team play of slot machines, including determining a first result corresponding to a first player on a team, determining a second result corresponding to a second player, determining whether the second player is on the team, and determining a result based on the first result |
| 7362862 |
Methods and apparatus for awarding prizes based on authentication of computer generated outcomes |
April 22, 2008 |
| The present invention provides authentication of computer generated game or test results ("outcomes"), and a system by which persons who play games or take tests on a game or testing computer, respectively, may submit the outcomes of the games or tests to a central authority having a |
| 7361085 |
Device and method for providing payouts based on activity and ranks of other gaming sessions |
April 22, 2008 |
| One embodiment of the present invention provides for determining a first gaming session; determining a rank of the first gaming session; determining at least one gaming session, each at least one gaming session of the first set having a respective rank that is not higher than the ran |
| 7353080 |
Products and processes for controlling access to vending machine products |
April 1, 2008 |
| An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request to purchase a product from a vending machine. At least one question to be output is determined, and the determined question is output.An interface is provided which that permits at least one answer to the at least one questi |
| 7351142 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating play of fractional value lottery games |
April 1, 2008 |
| According to one embodiment, a method is provided for redeeming a game entry. The method includes steps of determining a wager amount that is associated with a winning game entry, determining a proportional share based on the wager amount, and determining a prize share amount based on |
| 7347364 |
Method and apparatus for managing vending machine offers |
March 25, 2008 |
| In accordance with one or more embodiments, a promotion redeemable at a vending machine is determined. The promotion comprises an offer distinct from a general offer to sell products from the vending machine at posted prices. The promotion is output (e.g., via an output device of a vendi |
| 7343319 |
Multi-tier pricing of individual products based on volume discounts |
March 11, 2008 |
| A point of sale system or other computer system stores a product pricing database in which a full price and discount prices corresponding to one or more discount pricing tiers are stored for each product available for sale. Each of the discount prices for a given product has an associate |
| 7340419 |
Method and apparatus for product display |
March 4, 2008 |
| Systems and methods are provided for receiving a request to display a type of product. Thereafter, a substitute product for the product is selected from a plurality of substitute products. The selection is based on expected revenue from display of the selected substitute product. The |
| 7318041 |
Multiple party reward system utilizing single account |
January 8, 2008 |
| A method enabling a frequent shopper reward system capable of tracking performance data of a plurality of members or account holders linked to a single frequent shopper account. |
| 7311603 |
Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels |
December 25, 2007 |
| A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second |
| 7303468 |
Off-line remote system for lotteries and games of skill |
December 4, 2007 |
| An off-line remote lottery system which enables players to purchase instant-type lottery game outcomes from a randomized prize data stream in a central computer, and view the outcomes on remotely disposed gaming computers which do not require an on-line connection during play. |
| 7300349 |
Method and apparatus for operating lotteries and for generating and processing lottery entries |
November 27, 2007 |
| A system and process for generating, distributing, and processing lottery tickets guaranteed to win a drawing-based prize. Tickets are appropriately priced, and are validated at point of sale by a central server in which the ticket information is stored. Subsequent to each lottery dr |
| 7293703 |
Apparatus and methods for enforcing purchase agreements |
November 13, 2007 |
| Systems and methods are provided for establishing online a buyer price for a first plurality of products. The buyer price being lower than a retail price of the first plurality of products, the first plurality of products to be picked up during a subsequent transaction at a retailer. |
| 7292723 |
System for image analysis in a network that is structured with multiple layers and differentiall |
November 6, 2007 |
| Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches.In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies a |
| 7285045 |
Off-line remote system for lotteries and games of skill |
October 23, 2007 |
| An off-line remote lottery system which enables players to purchase instant-type lottery game outcomes from a randomized prize data stream in a central computer, and view the outcomes on remotely disposed gaming computers which do not require an on-line connection during play. |
| 7275990 |
Method and apparatus for bonus round play |
October 2, 2007 |
| Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the |
| 7272569 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the performance of a supplementary process at a point-of-sa |
September 18, 2007 |
| A POS terminal measures one or more criteria, such as the activity rate of the POS terminal. For example, the POS terminal may measure the number of completed transactions per time, the number of items purchased through the POS terminal per time, the number of upsells accepted by custome |
| 7267614 |
Gaming token having a variable value |
September 11, 2007 |
| A system installed in a casino allows gambling chips in the casino to have variable values. Each chip has an electronic circuit installed in it to store a chip identifier and data indicative of a value currently associated with the chip. Slot machines and other devices are arranged to |
| 7261635 |
Method and apparatus for operating a gaming device to dispense a specified amount |
August 28, 2007 |
| A gaming device, such as a slot machine, determines a balance and a "dispensed amount" that is less than the balance. The dispensed amount may be determined by, for example, receiving signals from one or more key presses that specify the dispensed amount. Alternatively, the dispensed |
| 7260201 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring telephone status |
August 21, 2007 |
| The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the |
| 7251620 |
Process and product for determining an amount of posting payment |
July 31, 2007 |
| Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post for an item to be sold. The information may include, e.g., the class and type of item being sold, the reputation of a seller, a floor price below which the item will not be sold, a condition of the item and |
| 7251617 |
Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions |
July 31, 2007 |
| A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with any of a number of retailers by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system. In one embodiment, a subscription is established by first receiving information identifying a cu |
| 7249050 |
Vending machine system and method for encouraging the purchase of profitable items |
July 24, 2007 |
| This invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering products-on-demand to individuals and, more particularly, to delivery via vending machines. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method of the instant invention is initiated when a customer makes an initial |
| 7246072 |
System and method for reselling a previously sold product |
July 17, 2007 |
| A seller, having previously sold a product to an original purchaser subject to a buyout-provision condition, determines if the buyout-provision condition is satisfied. If the buy-out provision condition is satisfied, the seller retakes the product from the original purchaser and rese |
| 7241219 |
Methods and apparatus for providing entertainment content at a gaming device |
July 10, 2007 |
| Gaming systems and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. Such gaming systems and methods allow a player of a gaming device, such as a slot machine or an arcade video game, to access entertainment services, such as broadcast television programming, web sites, pay-per-view services a |
| 7240021 |
System and method for tracking and establishing a progressive discount based upon a customer's v |
July 3, 2007 |
| A system and method for rewarding a customer's loyalty to a retail establishment and encouraging regular customer visits by offering a progressive discount on their purchases includes a point of sale (POS) controller that determines a loyal customer's discount. The value of the disco |
| 7236942 |
Pre-sale data broadcast system and method |
June 26, 2007 |
| A method for promoting the sale of a substitute product at the point of sale (POS). At least one POS terminal communicates with a POS server which in turn communicates with various manufacturer servers to transmit information therebetween. Upon the presentation of an original product |
