Patents by Inventor Robert P. Bartholomew
Robert P. Bartholomew 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).
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Patent number: 9715669Abstract: A system and associated method for monitoring and reporting productivity in an enterprise environment. The enterprise environment has a server, a database, a client program and a web interface. The database stores transaction data and administration data. The transaction data stores records of time spent by an end user to perform a certain volume of work for a transaction. The administration data configures operations of the client program per transaction. The client program records a time log and provides an interface to upload a volume log of the transaction. The end user or an administrative user manages content of the database via web interface. The server processes a respective request for recording transaction time and volume log and subsequently generates a productivity report including efficiency, availability, and utilization values based on the transaction data in the database.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kumara Arunagiri, Robert P. Bartholomew, Guruprasad Gowda, Nitish Kumar, Derek A. Reid
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Patent number: 9449462Abstract: In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM 10. The system checks to see if any multiplier currently applies to the machine and player. The multiplier is available as a token and can communicate to the guest via display on the EGM. The multiplier would be displayed using a conditional message feature of the display. Session points would accumulate at the “multiplied” rate and are displayed as such on the EGM display. Alternately, an assurance message is available to be displayed frequently that shows the current multiplier. When the player removes his or her card, the session is posted to the patron management system. Casino personal can then review the session detail by accession the history of the player at a workstation capable of querying the player tracking system. The session multiplier and points earned by the multiplier are listed within the record.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventor: Robert P. Bartholomew
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Publication number: 20150348021Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to facilitating cashless digital transactions. In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes: (1) a memory storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering; (2) a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device; and (3) a secure transaction device configured to: (a) transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information, (b) receive from the portable electronic device an indication that the second amount of credit has been updated in accordance with the request when it is determined that the security authorization information complies with one or more security authorization requirements, and (c) update the first credit balance stored in the first memory device in accordance with the request.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham, II, Scott J. MacMillan
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Patent number: 9123204Abstract: Various embodiments described or referenced herein are directed to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating cashless digital transactions (e.g., in a casino environment). A wager-based gaming machine may include a memory device capable of storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering. The wager-based gaming machine may include a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device capable of storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device. The wager-based gaming machine may include a secure transaction device. The secure transaction device may be operable to transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham, II, Scott J. MacMillan
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Publication number: 20140100019Abstract: In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM 10. The system checks to see if any multiplier currently applies to the machine and player. The multiplier is available as a token and can communicate to the guest via display on the EGM. The multiplier would be displayed using a conditional message feature of the display. Session points would accumulate at the “multiplied” rate and are displayed as such on the EGM display. Alternately, an assurance message is available to be displayed frequently that shows the current multiplier. When the player removes his or her card, the session is posted to the patron management system. Casino personal can then review the session detail by accession the history of the player at a workstation capable of querying the player tracking system. The session multiplier and points earned by the multiplier are listed within the record.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: IGTInventor: Robert P. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 8545314Abstract: In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM 10. The system checks to see if any multiplier currently applies to the machine and player. The multiplier is available as a token and can communicate to the guest via display on the EGM. The multiplier would be displayed using a conditional message feature of the display. Session points would accumulate at the “multiplied” rate and are displayed as such on the EGM display. Alternately, an assurance message is available to be displayed frequently that shows the current multiplier. When the player removes his or her card, the session is posted to the patron management system. Casino personal can then review the session detail by accession the history of the player at a workstation capable of querying the player tracking system. The session multiplier and points earned by the multiplier are listed within the record.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: IGTInventor: Robert P Bartholomew
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Patent number: 8202156Abstract: In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM (10). The system checks to see if any multiplier currently applies to the machine and player. The multiplier is available as a token and can communicate to the guest via display on the EGM (10). The multiplier would be displayed using a conditional message feature of the display. Session points would accumulate at the “multiplied” rate and are displayed as such on the EGM display. Alternately, an assurance message is available to be displayed frequently that shows the-current multiplier. When the player removes his or her card, the session is posted to the patron management system. Casino personal can then review the session detail by accession the history of the player at a workstation capable of querying the player tracking system (40). The session multiplier and points earned by the multiplier are listed within the record.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: IGTInventor: Robert P. Bartholomew
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Publication number: 20120142432Abstract: In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM 10. The system checks to see if any multiplier currently applies to the machine and player. The multiplier is available as a token and can communicate to the guest via display on the EGM. The multiplier would be displayed using a conditional message feature of the display. Session points would accumulate at the “multiplied” rate and are displayed as such on the EGM display. Alternately, an assurance message is available to be displayed frequently that shows the current multiplier. When the player removes his or her card, the session is posted to the patron management system. Casino personal can then review the session detail by accession the history of the player at a workstation capable of querying the player tracking system. The session multiplier and points earned by the multiplier are listed within the record.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: IGTInventor: Robert P. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 8052517Abstract: A method for customizing play of a gaming device to a particular player level or group, where the gaming device is connected by a network to a host computer, includes creating a player account accessible by the host computer. The player account is associated with a player and has stored therein one of a plurality of player levels. The player is allowed to play on the gaming device and the gaming device is operated responsive to the player level. That is, the step of operating the gaming device includes adjusting a bonus triggering threshold and/or quantitative amount awarded based on the player level. In this way, high rated players such as those that gamble frequently and in high amounts, have gaming and bonusing events and award amounts tailored to their style of play and preferences to encourage continued play.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Vincent S. Manfredi, Richard J. Schneider, William J. Turner, Robert P. Bartholomew, Lawrence R. Pitman
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Publication number: 20110264710Abstract: A system and associated method for monitoring and reporting productivity in an enterprise environment. The enterprise environment has a server, a database, a client program and a web interface. The database stores transaction data and administration data. The transaction data stores records of time spent by an end user to perform a certain volume of work for a transaction. The administration data configures operations of the client program per transaction. The client program records a time log and provides an interface to upload a volume log of the transaction. The end user or an administrative user manages content of the database via web interface. The server processes a respective request for recording transaction time and volume log and subsequently generates a productivity report including efficiency, availability, and utilization values based on the transaction data in the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: KUMARA ARUNAGIRI, ROBERT P. BARTHOLOMEW, GURUPRASAD GOWDA, NITISH KUMAR, DEREK A. REID
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Patent number: 7958021Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a slot machine data collection and reporting system capable of operating with multi-denomination, multi-game machines. These machines allow the patron to select the denomination of the wager unit, the game type, and the exact game pay schedule to be played. Each possible combination of denomination, game type, and game pay schedule may result in a unique theoretical hold percentage. Each combination may also have differing levels of player acceptance. The described system allows for the computation and tracking of handle, game hold percentage, theoretical hold percentage, and net win for each of the possible combinations within a single slot machine cabinet, and for all the games coupled to a gaming network.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Rena M. Schoonmaker, Robert P. Bartholomew, Richard J. Schneider
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Patent number: 7824264Abstract: A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: IGTInventors: Robert P. Bartholomew, Erik B. Petersen, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
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Publication number: 20100197383Abstract: Various embodiments described or referenced herein are directed to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating cashless digital transactions (e.g., in a casino environment). A wager-based gaming machine may include a memory device capable of storing a first credit balance representing an amount of credit available for wagering. The wager-based gaming machine may include a communication interface configured to communicate with a portable electronic device capable of storing a second credit balance representing a second amount of credit available on the portable electronic device. The wager-based gaming machine may include a secure transaction device. The secure transaction device may be operable to transmit to the portable electronic device a request to update the second credit balance, the request including security authorization information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: IGTInventors: Richard Rader, Erik B. Petersen, Robert P. Bartholomew, Marc Espin, William R. Cunningham II, Scott J. MacMillan
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Patent number: 6878063Abstract: A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Acres Gaming IncorporatedInventors: Vincent S. Manfredi, Richard J. Schneider, William J. Turner, Robert P. Bartholomew, Lawrence R. Pitman
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Publication number: 20040133485Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a slot machine data collection and reporting system capable of operating with multi-denomination, multi-game machines. These machines allow the patron to select the denomination of the wager unit, the game type, and the exact game pay schedule to be played. Each possible combination of denomination, game type, and game pay schedule may result in a unique theoretical hold percentage. Each combination may also have differing levels of player acceptance. The described system allows for the computation and tracking of handle, game hold percentage, theoretical hold percentage, and net win for each of the possible combinations within a single slot machine cabinet, and for all the games coupled to a gaming network.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: Acres Gaming IncorporatedInventors: Rena M. Schoonmaker, Robert P. Bartholomew, Richard J. Schneider
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Publication number: 20040072618Abstract: A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Acres Gaming IncorporatedInventors: Robert P. Bartholomew, Erik B. Petersen, Lawrence R. Pitman, Michael B. Shelby
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Patent number: 6358149Abstract: A method and apparatus for awarding bonuses over a gaming network having a plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines, interconnected by a network. Play is allowed to occur on a plurality of gaming machines as the bonus pool, common to the gaming machines over the network is incremented responsive to play on the plurality of gaming machines. The total number of eligible gaming machines is detected responsive to play on each of the plurality of gaming machines. A first threshold value is set in consideration of the total number of eligible gaming machines detected. A bonus period would be initiated when the bonus pool satisfies the first threshold value. Accordingly, the threshold necessary to start the bonus period would be low if few players are detected, and high if many players are detected. Bonus amounts are paid from the bonus pool to the eligible gaming machines after which time the bonus period would end.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Acres Gaming IncorporatedInventors: Richard J. Schneider, Joseph G. Hart, Joseph W. Canon, Robert P. Bartholomew, Michael B. Shelby, Lawrence R. Pitman