Patents by Inventor Jay S. Walker

Jay S. Walker 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).

  • Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels
    Patent number: 9135784
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch
  • Social and retail hotspots
    Patent number: 9122881
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for social and retail hotspots are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Renny S. Talianchich, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Carson C. K. Fincham
  • System to determine casino offers
    Patent number: 9117338
    Abstract: A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Russell Pratt Sammon, Magdalena Mik, Nandu A. Talwalkar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD
    Publication number: 20150228156
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Gaming device method and apparatus employing modified payouts
    Patent number: 9105156
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for a gaming device to determine when to offer a player an opportunity to play using a “jackpot only” pay table. The player may choose to accept the gaming device's offer to switch from using a conventional pay table to using a pay table that only pays top payout amounts. Play with a jackpot only pay table may only require a small wager amount as compared to play with a conventional pay table. Play with a jackpot only pay table may be automated to generate outcomes quickly to allow a player to relatively inexpensively avoid spending time playing a gaming device perceived to be in a “cold period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING ACCESSORY DEVICES USABLE TO FACILITATE REMOTELY VIEWABLE WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES
    Publication number: 20150221173
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The outcomes on the DVD or CD ROM may be viewed on a video display generated by a primary output device (e.g., a personal computer or a DVD player). In addition, the player may purchase or otherwise obtain an accessory device that interacts (e.g., augments the outcomes) with the game play recorded on the tangible medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Michael W. Patterson
  • Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine
    Patent number: 9098966
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon
  • Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine
    Patent number: 9098965
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon
  • Gameplay-altering portable wagering media
    Patent number: 9098975
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory J. Scribner, James A. Jorasch, Carson C. K. Fincham, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Systems and methods for operating lottery games including player-designated beneficiaries and conditional payout distribution
    Patent number: 9092945
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture provide for the distribution of a payout amount associated with a lottery ticket being conditioned or otherwise based on the payout amount. Some embodiments provide for determining a positive payout amount associated with a lottery ticket and determining at least one recipient and/or beneficiary of the positive payout amount based on (i) the positive payout amount and/or (ii) a recipient or beneficiary associated with the lottery ticket and/or the payout amount. In one embodiment, larger prizes (e.g., a jackpot prize, a prize greater than a predetermined threshold payout amount) are awarded to the player(s) of a virtual lottery ticket (e.g., shared by the players), and smaller prizes are distributed to a charitable organization (e.g., other than any of the players) selected by one or more players of the lottery ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Michael W. Patterson, Evan R. Walker, Matthew P. Ellenthal
  • GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN
    Publication number: 20150206390
    Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING OUTCOMES
    Publication number: 20150206392
    Abstract: Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Method and apparatus for using conditional parameters to alternate between wagering games
    Patent number: 9076293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES
    Publication number: 20150179020
    Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GAMING CONTENT
    Publication number: 20150170459
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • GAMEPLAY-ALTERING PORTABLE WAGERING MEDIA
    Publication number: 20150161848
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Gregory J. Scribner, James A. Jorasch, Carson C.K. Fincham, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Method and apparatus for providing a time based award
    Patent number: 9050523
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANNING AND CUSTOMIZING A GAMING EXPERIENCE
    Publication number: 20150154828
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Norman C. Gilman, Scott T. Friesen, Steven M. Santisi
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CAPTURING AND MANAGING IMAGES
    Publication number: 20150146026
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a camera determines whether to acquire an image (e.g., automatically), determines whether to store the acquired image, and determines how to store the acquired image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. WALKER, James A. JORASCH, Russell P. SAMMON
  • Gaming system, gamine device and method employing audio/video programming outcome presentations
    Patent number: 9039410
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: receives a wager, upon receiving the wager, randomly generates one of a plurality of different numbers, after the random generation of the number, accesses a database that includes each of the plurality of different numbers, each different number being preassociated with one of a plurality of different audio/video segments and one of a plurality of different game results, the audio/video segments produced for a purpose other than for inclusion on the gaming device, determines which audio/video segment and game result are preassociated with the randomly generated number regardless of any player input, displays the determined audio/video output segment and the determined game result, and determines an outcome value based on the determined game result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker