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.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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 drawing, the winning lottery numbers are compared to the entries in a never-lose ticket database to determine if any of the entries match the winning number. Winning entries are appropriately identified and tagged as inactive, while entries that have not yet won a drawing-based prize remain active for future drawings. Ticket pricing methodology is provided for appropriately pricing never-lose tickets. A method and apparatus are further provided whereby a ticket holder may query the status of a never-lose ticket directly from the server.

Abstract: 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. Thereafter, a second plurality of products which the buyer has actually received during the subsequent transaction is determined. A penalty may be assessed if the first and second plurality of products do not correspond.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome.

Abstract: 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 customers per time, the number of customers in a store or the number of customers in the vicinity of the POS terminal. The POS terminal in turn compares the measured criteria with a predetermined threshold. Based on the results of the comparison, the POS terminal determines whether to perform a supplementary process. For example, the POS terminal may perform the supplementary process only if the number of transactions per minute is less than a predetermined threshold.

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.

Abstract: 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 amount may be determined in accordance with one or more “balance management rules”. The gaming device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming device.

Abstract: 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 client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user.

Abstract: 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 peripherals included with the item. Based on the received information, a posting payment amount is determined.

Abstract: 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 customer and a product. At least one retailer which offers the product is then identified, and terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. The customer is then able to redeem subscription products at the retailer by identifying the subscription using the redemption identifier.

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.

Abstract: 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 resells the product to a subsequent purchaser.

Abstract: 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 and shared-revenue telephone services, such as 900 or 976 services, for enhanced player retention. In accordance with one or more embodiments, when play is initiated, a predefined establishment-specific criteria is evaluated to determine whether the player should be provided with access to entertainment services. A player entitled to access such services may be presented with a list of available entertainment services. Upon receipt of the player's selection, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a connection may be established between the gaming device and the provider of the selected entertainment service.

Abstract: 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 discount is dependent upon the customer visiting the retail establishment on a regular basis. A customer's visits are tracked, and the customer is provided with a discount that is incremented by a pre-defined value if the customer visits at least once every pre-defined period. The discount may only be incremented once in every pre-defined time period and may be negated if the customer did not visit at all during the pre-defined time period. Coupons that are representative of the discount earned by the customer may also be offered. If the coupon is redeemed within the pre-defined time period, a new coupon is issued having a higher discount value of a pre-defined value.

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.