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).

  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE
    Publication number: 20130296032
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE
    Publication number: 20130296033
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY OF ROULETTE BETTING LAYOUT
    Publication number: 20130288767
    Abstract: A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Method and apparatus for employing flat rate play
    Patent number: 8568219
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman
  • Methods for Processing Online Gaming Using Electronic Devices
    Publication number: 20130281203
    Abstract: Methods for processing online gaming operations. One method includes determining that a player has completed a game of chance. The game is accessible from a plurality of devices having online access. Completing the game includes a requirement that a player of the game must play from more than one of the devices. The requirement that the player must play from more than one of the devices includes a requirement that the player must present an identifier at each of the more than one of the devices during completion of the game. A requirement is provided that the player needs to collect specific outcomes when playing from the devices. The method further includes providing a reward to the player in response to determining that the player has completed the game. The method is executable by a processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert R. Lech
  • Gameplay-altering portable wagering media
    Patent number: 8562424
    Abstract: Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    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
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING OUTCOMES
    Publication number: 20130267296
    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: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE
    Publication number: 20130267308
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. if the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Gaming system and method for providing and redeeming partial wagering game outcomes
    Patent number: 8545308
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    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 USING CONDITIONAL PARAMETERS TO ALTERNATE BETWEEN WAGERING GAMES
    Publication number: 20130244762
    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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Method and apparatus for gaming with alternate value payouts
    Patent number: 8535145
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDHELD GAMING, INCLUDING INTERACTIVE MAPS
    Publication number: 20130231192
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device, determining the location of the at least one player based upon gaming information derived from the at least one gaming device of the at least one player, and transmitting location information comprising the determined location of the at least one player to the handheld device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Gregory Scribner, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Systems and methods for determining a level of reward
    Patent number: 8523670
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a first player at a first gaming device to initiate at least one play of a first game, enabling a second player at a second gaming device to initiate at least one play of a second game, determining, based at least in part on at least one activity of the first player, a benefit, and providing the determined benefit to the second player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    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 network linked gambling video games
    Patent number: 8512117
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL BUYERS
    Publication number: 20130211896
    Abstract: A method by which potential buyers are identified includes receiving a description of an item a potential buyer intends to purchase within a particular time, determining a reward for the potential buyer based on intent data, providing the reward to the potential buyer and applying a penalty to a financial account of the potential buyer if the potential buyer does not purchase the item within the particular time period. The system includes a controller coupled to at least one input device with the controller operable to compute a reward offer. The controller includes circuitry, or software, configured to compute and apply a penalty if the potential buyer does not purchase the item within the particular time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: GROUPON, INC.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, John M. Packes, JR., Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley, Keith Bemer, James A. Jorasch
  • Group play of a lottery game
    Patent number: 8500537
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating play of group lottery games are described. In an embodiment, a process includes establishing at least two groups for play of a group lottery game, wherein each group includes a plurality of players. The method also includes determining at least one winning player from each group of a first round of the multiplayer lottery game, and advancing each of the winning players to a second round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Michael W. Patterson, Nancy Palumbo, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating multi-round lottery play
    Patent number: 8491372
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for facilitating play of multi-round lottery games. In one embodiment, a player may be allowed to change one or more of various aspects of a wager in a multi-round lottery game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Zachary T. Smith, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Electronic amusement device offering secondary game of chance and method for operating same
    Patent number: 8480467
    Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert R. Lech
  • Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player based on a credit balance
    Patent number: 8480482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Stephen C. Tulley, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Customizable display of roulette betting layout
    Patent number: 8474820
    Abstract: A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco