Patents by Inventor Dow K. Hardy

Dow K. Hardy 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: 20130172073
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information, Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8435119
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K Hardy, Mark E Herrmann, Francis J Lichtenberger, Scott N Weller, Michael C Lightman, John E Taylor, Jr., Matthew S Ross
  • Patent number: 8398479
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods configured to retain game state information during the course of game play of multiple individual games to deliver a gaming experience in addition to the game play and/or any outcome associated with the individual games and/or game sessions. Player interest can be enhanced through the requirement that multiple games be played to get to a final outcome of the game experience. Each ticket/entry can represent one step along the way (or some other ratio) of the game experience. Combining online experiences with a progression through the gaming experience with stored state information across sessions allows a game management system to track and manage the player until the game experience is complete and can include, for example, requiring a predetermined number of plays. Further the game management system can permit dynamically establishing criteria for players during any game experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8366550
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8360870
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8277324
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20120238353
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SCIENTIFIC GAMES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8246466
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8192289
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8187087
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8187101
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8182346
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8177634
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8100759
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, Jr., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110281642
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling awards for gaming activity is provided. The system includes a computer that receives an activation code and a notification that a particular game has been accessed. In response, the system validates the activation code and an activated award. The effect of the activation varies between examples and may include such effects as making a game payout accessible to the activator, increasing a payout of a game or altering game play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Scott N. Weller
  • Publication number: 20110282728
    Abstract: Improved systems, methods and apparatus are needed to provide gaming establishments within the casino, lottery and gaming industries a unified platform and middleware for the attraction, registration, engagement, delivery, management and measurement of new player acquisition through interactive mediums and channels. Acquisition of new players using such systems and methods and benefits from integration of external information on the new player. The systems and methods are configured to require entry of external information as part of delivery and/or redemption of incentives designed to attract and engage new and even existing players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Sarah Bingham, Dow K. Hardy, Peter D. Kovacs, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Matthew S. Ross, Nathan Short, Brian Silver, Scott N. Weller
  • Publication number: 20110275438
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 8029361
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110111855
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location. In another aspect, a method is provided for permitting a person to take one or more actions within a gambling location and in response inviting the person to play an electronic game separate from the games offered in a gambling environment at the gambling location, where the game has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome, and if the person obtains a winning outcome, requiring the person to redeem the at least one outcome at the gambling location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20110092267
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry to into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, JR., Matthew S. Ross