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: 20110081958
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to combine a gambling establishment player club with one or more second chance games. Players are thereby given multiple opportunities and incentives to interact with the gambling establishment and player club. The gambling establishment is thereby able to gather valuable player data, build player profiles, and incentivize players to take actions desired by the gambling establishment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Michael C. Lightman, Matthew S. Ross
  • Publication number: 20110053673
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Francis J. Lichtenberger, Scott N. Weller, Michael C. Lightman, John E. Taylor, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110014972
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided to combine a casino or lottery player club with a system that provides a unified platform and middleware for the production, delivery, management and measurement of consumer engagement across multiple delivery mechanisms, networks, applications, platforms and marketing channels. The gambling establishment is thereby able to gather valuable player engagement data, build player profiles, and determine how to most effectively cost effectively reach, entertain and influence the behavior of their most valuable consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Dow K. Hardy, Francis Josef Lichtenberger, Nathan Short
  • Publication number: 20100311496
    Abstract: According to one aspect, provided are systems and methods for generating unrestricted games (e.g. promotional games) that preserve predetermination and/or do not introduce chance elements into the games while at the same time reduce the overhead associated with generating and maintaining entries (i.e. tickets) into the games. As part of systems and methods for creating ticketed entries, values can be assigned to any of one or more of players, game machines, or games. These values can used as unique identifiers. Additionally, information already associated with any one or more of the players, game machines, or games can also be used to generate these values. The values can have static components and can be combined with dynamic components, that can be used individually, separately, or in combination. In one example a predetermined numeric value is used, stored as part of a record. In another, static information can be used to generate the numeric value, or a component of the value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: John E. Taylor, Dow K. Hardy, Michael C. Lightman, Peter D. Kovacs, Nathan Short
  • Publication number: 20090191962
    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. In one embodiment, the method includes the acts of qualifying a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20090176578
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090176564
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090176560
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090176579
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090176580
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170611
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170608
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170612
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170610
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170614
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090170613
    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: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, JR., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Publication number: 20090054148
    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. One aspect relates to accumulating outcomes. Another relates to incentives provided to player program member(s). In some embodiments, the person does not need to be qualified. In one embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location, in another at a redemption location. In one embodiment, a player is required to take an action in order to redeem an outcome. In some embodiments, a game play and/or redemption and/or any action must occur in a specified time, respectively. In one embodiment the electronic game is not located at a gambling location, in another it is not located at a redemption location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, JR., John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20080280669
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to video gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting casino-based gaming. A player may be provided the option to personalize the design of the video game. The player may choose design options from pre-set themes or develop a personalized theme. A player may be provided the option to personalize the game itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20080146323
    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: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20080146346
    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: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane