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: 8402500Abstract: 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: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8388430Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides for: receiving data indicating a request by a player for an automated session, in which the automated session comprises a plurality of lottery outcomes; determining at least one parameter associated with the automated session; determining at least one lottery outcome; and providing the at least one lottery outcome based on the at least one parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: John M. Packes, Jr., Michael F. Steib, Andrew P. Golden, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8360865Abstract: 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 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8328624Abstract: 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: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jesse M. Fink
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Patent number: 8325907Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for processing telephone calls from a plurality of customers directed to a call center. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a telephone call at a call center from a first customer, determining that all agents of the call center are unavailable, placing the telephone call in a queue, obtaining first customer information, and matching the first customer information to second customer information associated with an ongoing communication between a second customer and an agent. The first customer is then offered an opportunity to monitor the ongoing communication, and in some embodiments is connected to the ongoing communication.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Robert C. Tedesco
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Patent number: 8306834Abstract: A customer whose conditional purchase offer (CPO) has been accepted may receive a bounce back offer from a vendor (supplier-partner) of other services or products. The bounce back process determines whether a supplier-partner can participate in a bounce back transaction. If a bounce back transaction is effectuated between the customer and supplier-partner, the partner notifies the principal of the transaction. In the case of automobile rentals, the bounce back process permits a traveler to recognize reduced automobile rental rates while enabling a rental agency to more effectively manage its excess capacity. The CPO management system employing bounce back capability can be utilized to acquire any underlying product and/or service and bounce back product and/or service.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: priceline.com, IncorporatedInventors: Brian Harniman, Thomas M. Sparico, Hugh J. Crean, Christopher R. Lenz, Rambabu Vallabhajoyusulu
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Patent number: 8229773Abstract: An unspecified-time airline ticket representing a purchased seat on a flight to be selected later, by the airlines, for a traveler-specified itinerary (e.g., NY to LA on March 3rd) is disclosed. Various methods and systems for matching an unspecified-time ticket with a flight are also disclosed. An exemplary method includes: (1) making available an unspecified-time ticket; (2) examining a plurality of flights which would fulfill the terms of the unspecified-time ticket to determine which flight to select; and (3) providing notification of the selected flight prior to departure. The disclosed embodiments provide travelers with reduced airfare in return for flight-time flexibility and, in turn, permits airlines to fill seats that would have otherwise gone unbooked.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: priceline.com, IncorporatedInventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, T. Scott Case
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Patent number: 8206210Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: 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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Publication number: 20120077574Abstract: 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 7, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8133112Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to 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. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: 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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Publication number: 20120027186Abstract: 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: October 11, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: WALKER DIGITAL, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 8095401Abstract: A customer whose conditional purchase offer (CPO) has been accepted may receive a bounce back offer from a vendor (supplier-partner) of other services or products. The bounce back process determines whether a supplier-partner can participate in a bounce back transaction. If a bounce back transaction is effectuated between the customer and supplier-partner, the partner notifies the principal of the transaction. In the case of automobile rentals, the bounce back process permits a traveler to recognize reduced automobile rental rates while enabling a rental agency to more effectively manage its excess capacity. The CPO management system employing bounce back capability can be utilized to acquire any underlying product and/or service and bounce back product and/or service.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: priceline.com IncorporatedInventors: Brian Harniman, Thomas M. Sparico, Hugh J. Crean, Christopher R. Lenz, Rambabu Vallabhajoyusulu
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Patent number: 8087996Abstract: 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 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 8037321Abstract: 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: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
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Patent number: 7914375Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to 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. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: 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: 7874914Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: 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: 7871327Abstract: Gaming systems and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. Such gaming systems and methods allow a player of a gaming device, such as a slot machine or an arcade video game, to access entertainment services, such as broadcast television programming, web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue telephone services, such as 900 or 976 services, for enhanced player retention. In accordance with one or more embodiments, when play is initiated, a predefined establishment-specific criteria is evaluated to determine whether the player should be provided with access to entertainment services. A player entitled to access such services may be presented with a list of available entertainment services. Upon receipt of the player's selection, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a connection may be established between the gaming device and the provider of the selected entertainment service.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Magdalena M. Fincham
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Patent number: 7862424Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to 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. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
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Patent number: 7862416Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a contract is established for a session comprising two or more plays of at least one gaming device. Information about the game play session, such as outcomes generated at the at least one gaming device, is communicated to a player device. The information is presented to a player via the player device.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: 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: RE43037Abstract: A gaming device of the type wherein a play generates one of multiple possible outcomes having reverse payout information. The gaming device comprises a memory device containing a first set of data correlating possible outcomes to a first set of payouts and a second set of data correlating possible outcomes to a second set of payouts second set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to positive payouts and the first set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to other than positive payouts. The gaming device also includes a payout selector indicating which of the first set of data and the second set of data the gaming device is to access. In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device includes a memory having only the second set of data.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico