Patents Assigned to Walker Digital, LLC
  • Patent number: 7236942
    Abstract: 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 for purchase by a consumer at a POS terminal, various manufacturers may decide to offer a substitute product to the consumer, prior to completing the purchase of the original product. As such, various manufacturers may offer promotional offers to encourage the buyer to favorably “switch” products. If the customer accepts the offer, the point of sale terminal completes the sale of the substitute product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay. S Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena Mik
  • Patent number: 7233912
    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
  • Patent number: 7231035
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7216754
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Tedesco, Dean P. Alderucci, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7218991
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7201655
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided that comprises determining a first strategy for play of a game and a second strategy for play of the game, selecting at least one final outcome of the game that cannot result from the first strategy, and increasing a payout ratio associated with the selected at least one final outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 7198572
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
  • Patent number: 7194423
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining and applying a discount to a customer's transaction. The discount is of a progressive nature, wherein the value of a customer's discount increases if the customer meets the conditions associated with the discount. The system rewards more frequent or profitable customers with benefits such as larger increases in the discount or higher maximum discount than those awarded to less frequent or profitable customers. The discount is decreased or eliminated if the customer fails to meet the conditions associated with the discount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Magdalena Mik, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 7192352
    Abstract: 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 provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7188080
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein an indication of a plurality of product categories is received, each product category being associated with a plurality of products. For example, the indication of the plurality of product categories may be received from a buyer. Buyer offer information, including an indication of an offer amount associated with the plurality of product categories, is also received. A subset of the plurality of products is selected for each of the product categories, and an indication of the selected products is provided. The buyer's offer may then be evaluated. If the buyer's offer is accepted, the selected products may be provided to the buyer in exchange for payment of the offer amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Magdalena Mik, John M. Packes, Jr., Russell Pratt Sammon, Michiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7184990
    Abstract: An automated kitchen apparatus determines a time until expiration of a food product. In one embodiment, the kitchen apparatus determines the time until expiration by receiving a start signal indicating that a food product is available to sell. Such a start signal may be generated by a timer on a warming bin that is initiated when a food product is placed in the warming bin. By measuring the elapsed time since the start signal was received, the time until expiration is determined. Based on the time until expiration, the automated kitchen apparatus sets the minimum price of that food product. Customers at a POS terminal may then purchase the aged food product for the minimum price. In one embodiment, an offer describing the food product and its minimum price is displayed on the POS terminal. In another embodiment, the customer is offered the food product for his change due, if that change due is not less than the minimum price.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Jonathan Otto, Daniel E. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 7179168
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a gaming system. In one embodiment, an outcome amount associated with a total number of events is determined. For example, a total payout amount associated with a number of instant lottery tickets may be determined. Based on a parameter associated with a player, the outcome amount is allocated among the total number of events. The outcome amount may be allocated, for example, based on a total number of events selected by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker
  • Patent number: 7177835
    Abstract: A device for facilitating financial account transactions is described which includes a processing unit including a cryptographic processor. The device also includes an input unit, a display unit and a memory device connected to the processing unit. The memory device contains a private cryptographic key, a first data element and a second data element. The processing unit encrypts the first data element using the private cryptographic key and the second data element, modifies the second data element, combines the encrypted first data element and the second data element to generate a single-use financial account identifier, and displays the single-use financial account identifier. This identifier is then transmitted to a central processor for authorization of the transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Sanjay K. Jindal, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7168617
    Abstract: A game presentation such as a virtual slot machine is displayed by a display device associated with a point of sale (POS) terminal. The game presentation includes images of products for which product identifying codes are entered at the POS terminal. The game presentation indicates to a customer an outcome of a random process pursuant to which the customer may be awarded a benefit such as a free product, a discount on a product selected for purchase, a coupon or an upsell offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Norman C. Gilman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Keith Bemer, Andrew P. Golden, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 7162434
    Abstract: A POS terminal receives a signal that indicates an item, for example, via a bar code scanner. The POS terminal ascertains whether the item is associated with an offer for a rebate. If so, a code is generated and output to the customer, such as on a printed receipt. The code is associated with an offer for a rebate in exchange for establishing a subscription to a periodical. If the customer subscribes to a required periodical, he will be credited the amount he paid for the item. Subsequently, the customer requests a subscription to a periodical from a subscription fulfillment house, and provides his code in conjunction with the request. If the code is valid, the customer is provided with a rebate. The rebate may be provided directly by the subscription fulfillment house (e.g. a credit to a credit card account) or may be provided by a merchant (e.g. a discount on a future purchase).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Deirdre O'Shea, Dean Alderucci
  • Patent number: 7156734
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resolving a hand of blackjack played by a player. If it is determined that the hand of blackjack has resulted in a push, then it is determined if the player has won the hand of blackjack based on a random outcome. For example, a dealer may receive from the player an indication of a wager amount associated with a hand of blackjack. The hand of blackjack may then be played according to traditional rules. If it is determined that the hand has resulted in a push, an indication of a random outcome may be received. The random outcome may be, for example, statistically independent of the hand of blackjack. Based on the random outcome, it is determined if the player has won the hand of blackjack. If the player has won, he or she receives payment of a winning amount based on the wager amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Peter Kim
  • Patent number: 7156739
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7140964
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. In accordance with one embodiment, a player may enter into a contract, wherein the contract specifies the flat rate play session as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 7111845
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a game provides a player with at least one option for playing at least one round of the game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. For example, a player may agree to play a current round of play and/or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Peter Kim, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Peter J. Vogel, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7107228
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and physically acquires the product at a location associated with a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, the second price being different from the first price. Transaction information associated with the buyer and the merchant is received. Information that enables the buyer to physically acquire the product at a location associated with the merchant in exchange for providing payment of an amount based on the first price, such as by providing payment to a central controller, is transmitted. According to one embodiment, a central controller provides payment of an amount based on the second price to the merchant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Andrew S. Van Luchene