Patents by Inventor Magdalena M. Fincham

Magdalena M. Fincham 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).

  • Patent number: 7914375
    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: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 7912758
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving a request to display at least one product. A substitute product for the at least one product is selected from a plurality of substitute products. The selection may be based on, for example, expected revenue from display of the selected substitute product, expected revenue for purchase of the selected substitute product, or a substitution success rate. The selected substitute product is then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7905775
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a gaming device, comprises a processor, a wagering game controlled by the processor, and an input device that allows a player of the gaming device to request an amount be dispensed from a balance of the gaming device, the amount being less than an entirety of the balance, wherein the balance comprises a balance available for wagering at the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 7878901
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention an offer is presented to a player (e.g., at a gaming device or a table game in a casino). The offer defines a benefit to be provided in exchange for the player's commitment to an obligation defined by the offer. The offer may be provided once it is determined that a condition of a gaming device satisfies a predetermined criterion. The benefit defined by the offer may be provided to the player and/or to one or more associated persons designated by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Scott T. Friesen, Russell P. Sammon, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20110017837
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7874914
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 7871327
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. Such gaming systems and methods allow a player of a gaming device, such as a slot machine or an arcade video game, to access entertainment services, such as broadcast television programming, web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue telephone services, such as 900 or 976 services, for enhanced player retention. In accordance with one or more embodiments, when play is initiated, a predefined establishment-specific criteria is evaluated to determine whether the player should be provided with access to entertainment services. A player entitled to access such services may be presented with a list of available entertainment services. Upon receipt of the player's selection, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a connection may be established between the gaming device and the provider of the selected entertainment service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7867073
    Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating a game of video poker, where a payout may be determined based on aspects of both an initial hand, and a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a ranking of an initial hand and a ranking of a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and absent from a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in a final hand and absent from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and present in a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a probability of generating a final hand from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on an order of cards within an initial hand, final hand, and/or within a set of replacement cards drawn to complete a final hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 7862424
    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: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7862416
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 7862426
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, an expiring prepaid casino account is disclosed. The expiring prepaid casino account has associated therewith an amount of money, time, and/or game plays. The amount of money, time, and/or game plays expires in predetermined portions over a plurality of defined expiration periods, thus encouraging a player to return to a casino during each of the predefined expiration periods. The present invention may be implemented via either a brick-and-mortar casino or an online casino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20100331068
    Abstract: 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. 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. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the player's credit account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Publication number: 20100328066
    Abstract: Methods, systems and articles of manufacture are provided for administering sobriety tests to online gamblers, as well as to determining whether, when and to whom to administer a sobriety tests. Various mediation events to be initiated upon certain results of such sobriety tests are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Zachary T. Smith, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7860753
    Abstract: Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. A purchasing system may communicate with a buyer through a communication network to establish a first price for a product between the buyer and a seller. The purchasing system may also arrange for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer, different from the seller, that offers the product for sale at a second price. Verification information, which enables the retailer to authorize the buyer to take possession of the product, is transmitted to the retailer. The buyer provides a payment, based on the first price, to the purchasing system in exchange for the right to take possession of the product at the retailer. In one embodiment, the purchasing system receives a buyer offer, including an offer price, related to the product. In another embodiment, the purchasing system transmits redemption information, including a redemption code, to the buyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchne, Magdalena M. Fincham, Daniel E. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7845555
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, 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: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    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: 7835950
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving from a customer a selection of a product category. At least one product is determined that is associated with the selected product category. A substitute product for the determined product is selected. In one embodiment, a signal is transmitted to display the selected substitute product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Andrew S. Van Luchene, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Publication number: 20100267444
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method comprises associating, with a casino patron, a benefit of a first value. The benefit of the first value is determined based on a first algorithm and based on the patron's activity during a first portion of a period of time. The method further comprises associating, with the patron, a benefit of a second value. The benefit of the second value is determined based on a second algorithm and based on the patron's activity during a second portion of the period of time, the second portion occurring after the first portion. Associating the benefit of the second value is only performed if the associating the benefit of the first value is first performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7817182
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a central server to manage remote monitoring tasks performed by users of a data network. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request from a user of a user device to monitor a remote location; determining a remote location to be monitored; enabling communication between a sensor at the remote location and the user device; and crediting value to the user in accordance with an amount of time the user device has been in communication with the remote sensor for remote monitoring purposes. An alternate exemplary method includes measuring user attentiveness while the user device is in communication with the remote sensor. Thus, the disclosed system and method provide a way for users of a data network such as the Internet to log on at any time and perform remote monitoring tasks for value. Idle time can now be turned into value using the disclosed system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Dean P. Alderucci, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7806320
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Michael D. Downs, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Publication number: 20100248821
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving an indication of a wager, determining at least one balance of a gaming device having a plurality of balances, the at least one balance being associated with the wager, and determining an outcome of a play of the gaming device based on the at least one balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham