Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Tulley

Stephen C. Tulley 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).

  • System and method for managing customized reward offers
    Patent number: 8781893
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Sanjay K. Jindal, Toby Weir-Jones, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Method and apparatus for outputting a message at a game machine
    Patent number: 8771074
    Abstract: The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi
  • Display of notifications to members of a gaming group
    Patent number: 8771081
    Abstract: Methods for providing notification during an online casino game is provided. One method includes detecting a first gameplay session of the online casino game, the first gameplay session associated with a first user. The method then detects a second gameplay session of the online casino game. The second gameplay session is associated with a second user, and at least part of the second gameplay session occurring simultaneously with the first gameplay session. The method then determines whether the first user and the second user are members of a common group. If so, then the method displays a message to the first user during the first gameplay session. The message to the first user identifying the second user. The methods provided herein provide for social interaction during online game play and social friend interactions that facilitate or advance game play in an online environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, David F. Zucker, Steven M. Santisi
  • System and method for awarding prizes in a local edition of an online game
    Patent number: 8758141
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention a system and method are provided that allow a player of a game to receive at least one prize. The method may include receiving information about at least one merchant, enabling play of a game by a player, determining merchant information to communicate to the player, and providing at least one prize to the player. In some embodiments, the prizes made available to a player (e.g., for selection) may be based on the location of the player, a merchant, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Kurt H. Heinemann, Jose A. Suarez, Daniel E. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Systems and methods for conducting lottery games
    Patent number: 8758137
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems and apparatus for enabling a lottery player to receive information corresponding to a lottery outcome in association with receipt of an incoming communication. In an implementation, the method includes receiving an indication of an incoming communication, determining a lottery entry outcome, and determining an audible output based on the lottery entry outcome and on the indication of the incoming communication. The method also includes outputting the audible output via a player device to indicate both the incoming communication and the lottery entry outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Russell P. Sammon, Gregory J. Scribner, Zachary T. Smith, Renny S. Talianchich
  • Play chat during casino gaming
    Patent number: 8747230
    Abstract: Methods for handling communication between players of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session for the online casino game and assigning a first user and a second user to the group session. The method further includes hosting a group session of the online casino game, the group session defined by linked gameplay of the casino game by each of the first user and the second user. Then, during the group session, activating an instant messaging protocol to define a chat session between the first user and the second user. The method facilitates game play in a social environment and enables coordination of social game activity during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, David F. Zucker, Steven M. Santisi
  • Cooperative group play formats
    Patent number: 8747206
    Abstract: Methods for facilitating cooperative group play of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session of the online casino game over the Internet, the group session defined to include a plurality of players, and defining at least one group objective for the group session. The method then combines outcomes from gameplay of the online casino game of each of the plurality of players during the group session and compares the combined outcomes against the group objective. If the combined outcomes meet the group objective, then the method administers a prize associated with the group objective. The methods further facilitate game play in a social online environment, where the social interactions assist in advancing game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, David F. Zucker, Steven M. Santisi
  • Content determinative game systems and methods for keno and lottery games
    Patent number: 8740688
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Methods and Apparatus for Managing Network Linked Gambling Video Games
    Publication number: 20140148233
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TIME BASED AWARD
    Publication number: 20140141873
    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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Systems and methods for determining a level of reward
    Patent number: 8721450
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Methods and apparatus for managing an account to fund benefits for a player
    Patent number: 8721433
    Abstract: An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Methods and apparatus for managing network linked gambling video games
    Patent number: 8721420
    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 network connected device, and joining a second player from a second networked connected device to a team. The method enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked during play of the gambling game. The method enables debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency, and enabling wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency. The method enables displaying an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device; and displaying an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device, the method being executed by at least one processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING OFFERS USING A BILLING STATEMENT
    Publication number: 20140122236
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Timothy A. Palmer, Russell Pratt Sammon, John M. Packes, JR., Geoffrey M. Gelman, Kurt M. Maschoff, Andrew M. Golden, Michiko Kobayashi
  • Method and apparatus for processing credit card transactions
    Patent number: 8706632
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed whereby credit and debit card transactions are processed at a merchant point-of-sale terminal in a manner that provides customers the opportunity to receive one or more charge enhancement offers which are presented to the customer on a record of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene
  • Gaming device methods and apparatus employing audio/video programming outcome presentation
    Patent number: 8702517
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of operating a gaming device is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) determining an outcome value of a game result of the gaming device; (2) retrieving historical audio/video programming having content that provides an indication of the outcome value; and (3) providing the historical audio/video programming to a player of the gaming device. The historical audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a sporting event, a movie, an animated show, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, David F. Zucker, Taylor M. Davenport
  • Methods and apparatus for employing audio/video programming to initiate game play at a gaming device
    Patent number: 8702492
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of operating a gaming device is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) receiving an indication of an occurrence of a game initiation trigger associated with audio/video programming being provided to a player of the gaming device; and (2) in response to the occurrence of the game initiation trigger, initiating game play at the gaming device. The audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a movie, an animated show, a live event, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker
  • Method and apparatus for linked play gaming with combined outcomes and shared indicia
    Patent number: 8696426
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices wherein players may share and combine outcomes or parts thereof. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. During the interaction, players may combine outcomes in an attempt to win group prizes. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, David F. Zucker, Steven M. Santisi
  • Method and apparatus for providing cross-benefits based on a customer activity
    Patent number: 8700456
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, John M. Packes, Jr., Deirdre O'Shea, Keith Bemer, James A. Jorasch, Dean Alderucci
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DIRECTIVES FOR PERSONNEL
    Publication number: 20140100033
    Abstract: A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Scott T. Friesen, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley