Abstract: 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 question to be entered by a customer. At least one answer to the at least one question is received via the interface. Based on the answer, a level of access to one or more products available for sale by the vending machine is determined. A product is provided if the level of access permits providing of a product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 1, 2008
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Paul T. Breitenbach, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco
Abstract: 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 the proportional share. The method may further include providing the prize share amount to a holder of the winning game entry. In some alternative embodiments, a prize for a winning game entry may be a non-monetary benefit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 2003
Date of Patent:
April 1, 2008
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Sanjay K. Jindal, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Stephen C. Tulley
Abstract: 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 product is then displayed to a customer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 4, 2008
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Magdalena M. Fincham
Abstract: 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 visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player.
Abstract: 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 and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. In one embodiment, images of“no-man” zones—areas where no humans or vehicles should be present or monitored—are sent to Guardians for a simple determination of whether or not a human exists in the picture.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
November 6, 2007
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, Vincent M. O'Neil, Dean P. Alderucci
Abstract: 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 interact with the gambling chips to read and write data from and into the chips. A central controller is connected to the slot machines and other devices that interact with the chips. The chips carry a display and/or an audio device to apprise players of the value currently associated with the chip.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 20, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 11, 2007
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Scott Wolinsky, William B. Van Vooren, Nathaniel Levin, Andrew P. Golden
Abstract: 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 product selection. Based the customer's product choice, a determination is made as to whether or not that product qualifies for an alternate product offer. If it does not so qualify, the customer's original selection will be dispensed and the transaction ends. On the other hand, if the product does so qualify, the customer will be presented with an offer message that suggests that he or she should try an alternative product. Typically, the product that is offered as an alternative will be the one whose sale is most beneficial to the vending machine operator, e.g., the one yielding the greatest profit. If the customer accepts the alternate offer, the alternate product will be dispensed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 24, 2007
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Keith Bemer
Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a plurality of products from a vending machine is disclosed. The method generally allows an offer for a package to be output, in which the package defines a plurality of products, including a selected product. An apparatus is also disclosed to carry out the method steps of the present invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 11, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 19, 2007
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Robert R. Lech, Dean P. Alderucci
Abstract: A vending machine handles a purchase transaction by receiving a payment, receiving a product selection from the customer, and dispensing the product indicated by the product selection. As part of the same transaction, the vending machine offers an information item such as an audio recording or a video recording. The vending machine also receives from the customer a destination address, which may be an e-mail address. The vending machine or a system of which it is part transmits the information item to the received destination address.
Abstract: 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 correlating possible outcomes to a second set of payouts second set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to positive payouts and the first set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to other than positive payouts. The gaming device also includes a payout selector indicating which of the first set of data and the second set of data the gaming device is to access. In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device includes a memory having only the second set of data.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 16, 2002
Date of Patent:
September 4, 2007
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
Abstract: 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 the purchases price and the rounded price. The coupon value is set based on the round-up amount. For example, the coupon may be redeemable for triple the amount of change due. The POS terminal prints on the coupon an identifier, such as a bar code, that is based on the coupon value. The bar code allows the coupon to be read by a POS terminal when the coupon is redeemed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 2, 2003
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
Walker Digital, LLC
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Dean P. Alderucci