Abstract: The present invention is an expert matching method and apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an expert request. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller having a database for storing expert qualifications. In one embodiment, the controller receives an expert request. A search program identifies experts qualified to respond to the expert request. The expert request is then transmitted to the expert, which results in an expert answer transmitted to and received by the central controller. After authentication of the expert answer, using a wide range of security levels from passwords to cryptography, the answer is forwarded to the end user. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional voice telephony systems.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a player may accumulate occurrences of matched lottery numbers over a plurality of lottery outcomes (e.g., lottery number drawings) and/or a plurality of lottery entries. The player may be allowed a bonus if a running count of occurrences of matched numbers is at least equal to a predetermined number.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and authenticating usage of features of gaming devices is presented. The methods include tracking and/or accumulating usage data relating to gaming device features, determining an authentication code based on the usage data, outputting the authentication code to an operator for transmission to an interested party, and verifying the authentication code. The present invention allows regulatory agencies and manufacturers of gaming devices to reliably verify the usage of individual features of gaming devices without having to rely upon a casino to report the usage data.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device.

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. Site owners compensate the operator of the computer system for this monitoring service, and the operator in turn compensates Guardians based on, for example, (i) the amount of time spent monitoring, and/or (ii) the degree of a given Guardian's responsiveness to real or fabricated security breaches.

Abstract: According to one described embodiment, a method is provided in which transaction information is determined. The transaction information is associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price. Information is transmitted that facilitates the acquisition of the product by the buyer, in exchange for payment provided by the buyer to the central controller. An amount based on the second price is provided to the merchant.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods are provided for facilitating commerce. In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., a central computer) facilitates posting of an item for sale by receiving a digital image of an item for sale, receiving an audio description (e.g., included in an audio file) of the item, and providing an indication of the description to at least one potential buyer. In one embodiment, the digital image and the audio description are received from a mobile phone.

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.

Abstract: A billing statement according to one aspect of the invention includes a description of a transaction and an offer pointer associated with the transaction, wherein the offer pointer includes information that may be used to review an offer. In one example of this aspect, a telephone number or a hyperlink is provided adjacent to a total amount owed listed on a statement (e.g., an electronically-displayed billing statement). The offers reviewed may be customized, for example, based on details of the transaction such as the product purchased or the amount of the purchase, the identity of the consumer, and/or on other data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the establishment and management of vending machine subscriptions, including systems and methods for constructing, communicating, and registering subscriptions, as well as various methods for processing the redemption of vending machine subscription items. Several additional embodiments are disclosed, including various alternate methods of promoting longitudinal machine-customer relationships.

Abstract: The present invention is an expert matching method and apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an expert request. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller having a database for storing expert qualifications. In one embodiment, the controller receives an expert request. A search program identifies experts qualified to respond to the expert request. The expert request is then transmitted to the expert, which results in an expert answer transmitted to and received by the central controller. After authentication of the expert answer, using a wide range of security levels from passwords to cryptography, the answer is forwarded to the end user. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional voice telephony systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for processing telephone calls from a plurality of customers directed to a call center. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a telephone call at a call center from a first customer, determining that all agents of the call center are unavailable, placing the telephone call in a queue, obtaining first customer information, and matching the first customer information to second customer information associated with an ongoing communication between a second customer and an agent. The first customer is then offered an opportunity to monitor the ongoing communication, and in some embodiments is connected to the ongoing communication.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for team play in video games is provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a gambling game for a player of a first networked machine and joining a second player of a second networked machine to a team. The method further enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked machines during play of the gambling game. The method debits an account of a player using the networked machine that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method further enables wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency, and the method is executed by at least one processor.

Abstract: Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may provide for improved health care compliance. Embodiments may comprise, for example, identifying an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, determining output information associated with a game, and providing the output information to the patient. Some embodiments may comprise receiving a code associated with a patient, wherein the code includes encoded information that is indicative of an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, decoding the code to determine the information, determining whether the occurrence of the event is compliant with a condition associated with the taking of the substance, and providing, in the case that compliance with the condition is determined, one or more rewards to the patient.

Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.

Abstract: A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting a physical change (e.g., via a sensor of a transaction card), and, in response to detecting the physical change, producing an output signal promoting use of a financial account.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance.

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.