Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Sparico

Thomas M. Sparico 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: 9799160
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 9666025
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9398317
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 9307091
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for recording audio is provided so that the recording can be authenticated. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more lines for audio communication, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting communicated data (e.g., audio signals), storing the encrypted information, and providing at least one user with a key that can be used to decrypt the stored information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Publication number: 20150371494
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 9159186
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Publication number: 20140282639
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 8814665
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
  • Publication number: 20140177838
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for recording audio is provided so that the recording can be authenticated. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more lines for audio communication, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting communicated data (e.g., audio signals), storing the encrypted information, and providing at least one user with a key that can be used to decrypt the stored information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 8756644
    Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Publication number: 20140094288
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 8675837
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for recording audio is provided so that the recording can be authenticated. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more lines for audio communication, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting communicated data (e.g., audio signals), storing the encrypted information, and providing at least one user with a key that can be used to decrypt the stored information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 8608552
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Publication number: 20130324251
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
  • Publication number: 20130316807
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 8548871
    Abstract: A system and method for allocating conditional purchase offers (CPO) among a plurality of agency-based and broadcast-based sellers in a buyer-driven commerce system. In one embodiment, the system determines which agency-based or broadcast-based sellers can fulfill or satisfy the CPO and orders those sellers in a priority order. In another embodiment, the priority is determined by relative market share and number of recent opportunities to satisfy the CPO. In another embodiment, the priority is also determined by metrics and buyer information. In another embodiment, the priority is determined randomly. The system ensures that when a buyer can satisfy the CPO at multiple prices levels, the highest price level fulfills the CPO. This ensures maximum seller revenue for each CPO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Priceline.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, Robert S. Wisse
  • Patent number: 8529339
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
  • Publication number: 20130231176
    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: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: 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: 8500546
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 8408984
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico