Patents by Inventor Ali Saffari

Ali Saffari has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240153340
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240135771
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240135776
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240135772
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240135773
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240135777
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240127664
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20240127305
    Abstract: Aspects include a pre-service optimization system that provides timely and accurate estimate information to clients. Responsive to an indication of an order for a service, the system may generate an estimate of service costs, including the client responsibility amount, generate an elasticity estimate corresponding to the estimate including an indication of how likely the estimate is to change, a range within which the estimate is likely to change, and information about trigger points that affect the possible variability of the estimate. The system may push a notification to the client that includes a link to access the estimate and elasticity estimate. The notification may be delivered to the client in real time or near-real time as the estimate is generated. The system may further provide a user interface via which the client can access the estimate and elasticity estimate, and to access scheduling, payment, and financial assistance functionalities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Edmond Chase Pilkington, Spiro E. Kalapodis, Ali Saffari, Kristen Simmons, EIizabeth Donato Serie
  • Publication number: 20230245039
    Abstract: A tracking system for a food commodity supply chain includes a tracking device and a computing device. The tracking device is mounted to a conveyance structure that is configured to receive a unit load of a food commodity. The tracking device includes a sensor to track an environmental condition of an environment of the tracking device while the tracking device is traveling along the food commodity supply chain. The computing device is configured to receive an environmental value of the environmental condition sensed by the sensor, process the environmental value to determine whether the environmental condition is within a predetermined environmental range, and transmit an alert when the environmental condition falls outside the predetermined environmental range. The alert includes a suggested interventive action based on the environmental condition that falls outside the predetermined environmental range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Vaishnavi NATTAR RANGANATHAN, Peeyush KUMAR, Ali SAFFARI, Ranveer CHANDRA, Michael McNab BASSANI, Jessica Ayeley QUAYE, Krishna Kant CHINTALAPUDI, Tusher CHAKRABORTY
  • Publication number: 20230214455
    Abstract: Embodiments of various systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for generating artificial intelligence or machine learning models for predicting denials of medical claims, predicting approvals of resubmitted medical claims, as well as automatic workflow clustering processes for automatically assigning medical claims to workflow queues using predictive segmentation and smart resource allocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Johnathan P. Menard, Robert J. Stucker, Elsie E. Henry, Ali Saffari, John R. Bush, Robert P. Hattori, Harry David Hickey
  • Publication number: 20220292915
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20200226551
    Abstract: Aspects include a system that provides an end to end, digital self-registration experience to significantly limit and/or eliminate the time a user must spend in a registrar or waiting area checking in and filling out paperwork prior to a scheduled appointment, while also increasing accuracy of the user information obtained. For example, once an appointment has been scheduled for the user, the system may generate and transmit a push notification, such as a text message, to the user's device. The text message may include a selectable link directing the user to an application that guides the user seamlessly through a self-registration process. The self-registration process includes, among other steps, identity verification, payer verification, provision of demographic information, appointment confirmation, and post-confirmation steps (e.g., form completion, reminders, and day of appointment instructions and directions).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: Experian Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Spiro E. Kalapodis, Jason M. Considine, Jennifer Rosenquist
  • Publication number: 20200126137
    Abstract: Aspects include a pre-service optimization system that provides timely and accurate estimate information to clients. Responsive to an indication of an order for a service, the system may generate an estimate of service costs, including the client responsibility amount, generate an elasticity estimate corresponding to the estimate including an indication of how likely the estimate is to change, a range within which the estimate is likely to change, and information about trigger points that affect the possible variability of the estimate. The system may push a notification to the client that includes a link to access the estimate and elasticity estimate. The notification may be delivered to the client in real time or near-real time as the estimate is generated. The system may further provide a user interface via which the client can access the estimate and elasticity estimate, and to access scheduling, payment, and financial assistance functionalities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Experian Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmond Chase Pilkington, Spiro E. Kalapodis, Ali Saffari, Kristen Simmons, Elizabeth Donato Serie
  • Patent number: 10249129
    Abstract: A gaming system used in a wager-based electronic gaming machine is described. The gaming system is configured to provide picture in a picture capabilities on the electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming system can include a first gaming device and a second gaming device where the first gaming device controls the second gaming device. The first gaming device can be configured to receive data and/or communicate with an electronic gaming machine controller, a value input device and value output device. The second gaming device can be configured to receive touchscreen data from a touchscreen display and first video data from the first gaming device and second video data from the EGM controller. Under control of the first gaming device, the first video data and second video data can be output in various sizes and locations on the touchscreen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Wells, Ali Saffari, Christopher Lundy, Craig A Paulsen, Andrew George Novotak, Jr., Thomas Quick
  • Patent number: 10002494
    Abstract: Methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot in a gaming network having a plurality of operatively coupled gaming units are described. A progressive jackpot award amount may be determined in part based on the amount of the player's wager for the occurrence of the wagering game in relation to a maximum wager amount that may be made on one of the gaming units in the gaming network. The progressive jackpot pool may include a main pool and a reserve pool. Portions of players' wagers being added to the progressive jackpot pool may be apportioned between the main pool and the reserve pool based on calculation performed at the gaming network, with the apportionment being at least partially determined by the amount in the main pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Bryan Wolf, Diane Wanex, Richard E. Michaelson
  • Patent number: 9721434
    Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20170076540
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells
  • Publication number: 20170024968
    Abstract: Methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot in a gaming network having a plurality of operatively coupled gaming units are described. A progressive jackpot award amount may be determined in part based on the amount of the player's wager for the occurrence of the wagering game in relation to a maximum wager amount that may be made on one of the gaming units in the gaming network. The progressive jackpot pool may include a main pool and a reserve pool. Portions of players' wagers being added to the progressive jackpot pool may be apportioned between the main pool and the reserve pool based on calculation performed at the gaming network, with the apportionment being at least partially determined by the amount in the main pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Bryan Wolf, Diane Wanex, Richard E. Michaelson
  • Publication number: 20170004672
    Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9489799
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Ali Saffari, Thomas Mikulich, Chris Gumiela, Kirk Kover, William R. Wells