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).
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Patent number: 9799160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 9666025Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
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Patent number: 9398317Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 9307091Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
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Publication number: 20150371494Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 9159186Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Publication number: 20140282639Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Inventor Holdings, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8814665Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
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Publication number: 20140177838Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 8756644Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Inventor Holdings, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
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Publication number: 20140094288Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8675837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 8608552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Publication number: 20130324251Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
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Publication number: 20130316807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
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Patent number: 8548871Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Priceline.com IncorporatedInventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, Robert S. Wisse
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Patent number: 8529339Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
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Publication number: 20130231176Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8500546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Geoffrey M. Gelman
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Patent number: 8408984Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico