Amusement (e.g., Game, Lottery) Patents (Class 379/93.13)
  • Patent number: 11099901
    Abstract: A method for resource allocation and a terminal device are provided. The method includes the following. System-state information of a terminal device is acquired, and the terminal device has a target application running in a foreground of the terminal device. An internal running scenario of the target application is determined according to the system-state information. A performance improvement strategy corresponding to the internal running scenario is acquired. Allocation of system resources for the internal running scenario is adjusted according to the performance improvement strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Yan Chen, Jie Cheng
  • Patent number: 10937278
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 10713901
    Abstract: A system has a pre-recorded content database. Further, the system has a processor that generates a graphical user interface that renders a virtual scratch card game. The processor receives a participant user input corresponding to one of the plurality of selection indicia. Further, the processor randomly determines a plurality of events in a plurality of pre-recorded video clips. The processor also associates a game image with each of the plurality of pre-recorded video clips in the interactive menu such that a rendering device renders a corresponding pre-recorded video clip from the plurality of pre-recorded video clips based on game imagery user input. The graphical user interface comprises a plurality of selection indicia associated with less than a totality of potential virtual sport-based game participants. Further, the graphical user interface comprises an interactive menu of game imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Highlight Games Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Patrick Jonathan Green, Steven John Holmes, Stewart James Whittle, Nick Gardiner
  • Patent number: 10657240
    Abstract: The present invention provides an information display device which may simply display a defined information to improve the convenience. The information display device is able to read the member card having the member identification code, and access the member management server storing the plurality of information associated with the user, and display the plurality of information associated with the user. In the member management server, the plurality of information associated with the user is distinguished to be information not requiring to be authenticated and information requiring to be authenticated respectively and then is stored. The information display device acquires the information not requiring to be authenticated from the member management server according to the member identification code under the condition of reading the member card, and directly display the acquired information not requiring to be authenticated without being authenticated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Shigehiko Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 10530958
    Abstract: Content transmission between devices is to be appropriately performed. An information processing device includes a control unit. In addition, the control unit included in the information processing device performs control to select content to be transmitted from among content recorded on a recording medium and transmit the selected content to a second external information processing device when a contact with or proximity to the second external information processing device is detected by using short-distance radio communication. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device uses selection information, which is information for selecting content to be transmitted from among the content recorded on the recording medium and which is generated by the first external information processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryogo Ito, Keiji Okamoto, Kazuma Akamatsu, Yoko Fukata
  • Patent number: 10445981
    Abstract: A geographically based lottery game is described where prizes are allocated based on the geographic location or residence of the lottery player. The lottery terminal determines the player's residence and sets parameters for the lottery ticket, such as the count of symbols to be picked and the range of the symbols. Prizes are then awarded within the geographic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher M. Jones
  • Patent number: 10269221
    Abstract: A system controls access by under-age players to games, such as Lottery games, over communication devices, including wireless devices. A ticket comprising a substrate identifies a game and indicates that it is a lottery electronic access ticket (LEAT). The LEAT is purchased at a physical retail establishment. The LEAT is scanned at the retail location, ticket information is sent to a remote server. A participation number, typically obscured, is provided on the LEAT, and then communicated by typing or keying the number. Game play proceeds once the system verifies that the number is valid. If valid, and a monetary amount remains available to the player, game play is permitted to proceed. The player is then provided with an indication of whether they have won, and if so, the amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 10137369
    Abstract: Cellular phone games based on television archives allow users to play games on their cellular phones wherein the games are based on archived television programs. The game is able to be played simultaneously between competitors or on demand. Game data and video data are combined into one file and are sent to participating cellular phones so that the required information is received at the same time at each cellular phone. Each cellular phone contains software to manipulate the game and video data so that the user is able to play the game. The game is played by watching video clips from archived television programs and then selecting choices related to the video clips using the inputs on the user's cellular phone. User scores are determined based on the answers to the questions related to the video clips and results are distributed to the participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner
  • Patent number: 9911285
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 9911278
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 9626837
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 9430789
    Abstract: A method for verifying the age or location of a player of an Internet-based lottery game entails providing lottery tickets for purchase by players at an authorized retail location, the lottery tickets having a game authorization code that is entered by the initiate play of the Internet-based lottery game on an internet enabled device. The age of the player is verified at the retail location and a separate verification password is entered via a terminal that is in communication with to the lottery system central computer, with the password linked to the game authorization code. Upon initiating play of the game via a web site, the player enters the verification password separately from the game authorization code. An Internet game server communicates with the lottery system central computer to ensure that the entered verification password corresponds to the linked verification password prior to permitting play of the Internet-based lottery game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Earl Irwin, Jr., Charles Kline, Gary Streeter
  • Patent number: 8583431
    Abstract: A communications system includes a first communications device cooperating with a second communications device. The first communications device multiplexes a digital speech message and a corresponding text message into a multiplexed signal, and wirelessly transmits the multiplexed signal. The second communications device wirelessly receives the multiplexed signal, de-multiplexes the multiplexed signal digital into the speech message and the corresponding text message, decodes the speech message for an audio output transducer, and operates a text processor on the corresponding text message for display. The corresponding text message is displayed in synchronization with the speech message output by the audio output transducer. A memory is coupled to the text processor for storing the text message, and the text processor is configured to display the stored text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: William N. Furman, John W. Nieto, Marcelo De Risio
  • Patent number: 8449373
    Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr., Warren Rapelye White
  • Publication number: 20130003951
    Abstract: A user equipment communications device is configured to provide personal content to a party to a call with a user of the device, when the user places the party on hold. The device determines that the party has been placed on hold and that the user has enabled sharing of personal content with the party. The device then transmits a visual menu to a communications device of the party via a data network, to allow the party to select a type of personal content to receive from the device while the party is on hold. When the device receives a selection from the party's device indicating the type of personal content, it transmits a personal information asset to the party's device according to the type of personal content indicated by the selection. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Pitschel, Imran Chaudhri, Freddy Anzures, Marcel van Os
  • Patent number: 8308552
    Abstract: The present invention is to be capable of inhibiting the occurrence of an instance where the enjoyment of a player who plays with the game apparatus by the total event is decreased when a single total event is carried out among two or more game apparatuses. The present game system includes: two or more game apparatuses, each of which comprises a game progress control unit for performing game progress control; and an event processing apparatus for performing a process for carrying out a single total event at the same timing by the plurality of game apparatuses. The event processing apparatus and each game apparatus are connected in a manner to enable communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Goto, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Masato Okuaki, Takashi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8292728
    Abstract: The present invention is to be capable of carrying out an unusual performance beyond type of machine. The present game apparatus includes: two or more types of game apparatuses having hardware configurations different from each other, each of the game apparatuses including a performance unit for carrying out a performance visually and audibly appealing to a player, and a game progress control unit for controlling game progress and performing game performance control according to the game progress by controlling the performance unit; and a total performance processing apparatus for executing a process for carrying out a total performance in the two or more types of game apparatuses by using the performance unit provided in each of the two or more types of game apparatuses. The total performance processing apparatus and the two or more types of game apparatuses are connected and capable of communicating with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Goto, Kazuhiro Kusuda, Masato Okuaki, Takashi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8262452
    Abstract: It is possible to select plural types of drawing games in accordance with a condition and to provide a game player with the selected drawing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Okuaki, Hitoshi Arisawa
  • Patent number: 8257178
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technology that allows a plurality of mobile phones to execute a game. Utilization information is stored for each mobile phone which indicates other mobile phones that have played or tried to play the game with the mobile phone. A request is received from a challenger mobile phone for selecting an opponent of a match-up in the game. Opponent candidates are selected from among the other mobile phones based on the utilization information. A list of the opponent candidates is transmitted to the challenger mobile phone. The challenger mobile phone selects an opponent mobile phone from the list. A match-up challenge is sent to the opponent mobile phone. When acceptance information is received from the opponent mobile phone, match-up start mail is transmitted to the challenger mobile phone and the opponent mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Mitsuru Shibahara, Aya Suzuki, Jun Takemura
  • Patent number: 8226463
    Abstract: It is possible to select plural types of drawing games in accordance with a condition and to provide a game player with the selected drawing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Okuaki, Junichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8199742
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a retailer to track shoppers by a customer's phone number are disclosed. When the customer reaches a purchase target, e.g., a predefined amount of money spent at the retailer, the present invention enables a trigger to place an outbound call to the customer to present a promotional announcement, e.g., inviting the customer to come into the store of the retailer and to receive a discount at the point of sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Marian Croak, Hossein Eslambolchi
  • Patent number: 8077843
    Abstract: A system and method effectively implement an auction game through telephones, which utilize cellular, mobile, land, satellite, cable, and Internet telephone numbers. Due to the fact of the impossibility of having one contact number for different mobile owners, the probability of confusion regarding the identity of the first winner or winners in the auction game becomes nearly nonexistent. The cellular user sends a short message to a specific telephone number to input a number to outbid or to offer more than a selected number which consists of one digit at a predetermined time beforehand and at a price which the user finds suitable. The selected number consists of one digit which is part of an operating mobile number. The auction game is managed through a specific telecommunication network or through a number of networks in agreement between the networks and the organizer of the auction game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Zeid Abu Odeh
  • Patent number: 8037307
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an authentication code across a network for use in authentication of documents, such as printed lottery tickets. The system includes document-printing terminals that include a key that is used in a mathematical function with the bet information for a specific-game entry to generate a document code that is sent to a central server. The central server stores the received document code and then generates an authentication code for the document desired to be printed at the terminal, and sends the authentication code back to the terminal for printing on the issued document. The authentication code can be a further mathematical processing of the document code. Verification of the document occurs from comparison of the authentication code on the document and stored authentication and/or document codes at the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Scientific Games International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Irwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8029361
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: GameLogic Inc.
    Inventors: Dow K. Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, John E. Taylor, John F. Acres, Steven N. Kane
  • Patent number: 7991134
    Abstract: An intelligent telephone set is disclosed that includes a caller-ID circuit that extracts a call identifier from an incoming call. A call processing circuit in communication with the caller-ID circuit assigns the incoming call to a caller category associated with the call identifier. Subsequently, it selects a call processing action corresponding to the caller category and processes the incoming call using the selected call processing action. The intelligent telephone set allows users to set criteria for receiving and processing calls based on CID data. One such call processing action is to use CID data to forward an incoming call to a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLC
    Inventor: Hack Kim
  • Patent number: 7887405
    Abstract: An off-line remote lottery system which enables players to purchase instant-type lottery game outcomes from a randomized prize data stream in a central computer, and view the outcomes on remotely disposed gaming computers which do not require an on-line connection during play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Schneier, Jay S. Walker, James Jorasch
  • Patent number: 7850518
    Abstract: A keno game is tied to video content such that events in the video content determine the outcome of the keno game. The outcome determinative events are selected from a set of potential outcome determinative events and marked with cues when the video content is displayed to the keno players and other video content watchers. The cues may be audible or visual and accentuate the fact that an outcome determinative event has occurred. If the player's wager has enough of the outcome determinative events selected relative to the actual outcome determinative events, the player may receive a benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 7758413
    Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr., Warren Rapelye White
  • Patent number: 7708639
    Abstract: A progressive gaming method includes producing a set of game records with each game record being associated with a result in a game. Progressive prize bearing records are included in the set of game records according to a progressive win frequency rule. Each progressive prize bearing record is associated with a progressive win indicator and a progressive prize. After producing the game record set, the method includes assigning game records from the game record set to a number of players. Each game record is assigned to a respective player in response to a game play request associated with the respective player. The method also includes awarding a progressive prize to the respective player to whom a progressive prize bearing record is assigned in response to a game play request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Enzminger, Nimai Malle, Clifton Lind, Brendan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7625279
    Abstract: A distributed manufacturing and distribution process for lottery tickets is disclosed. The manufacturing/vending system comprises a ticket manufacturing server and one or more vending devices located at remote sites. Each vending device is operatively coupled for communication with the server, normally via a network connection. Each vending devices is further equipped with blank media and printing means, so that a customer is able to purchase on-demand tickets from a vending device in communication with the server. Additionally, the vending devices may be configured as electronic aid to display the results of the purchased lottery tickets in entertaining ways to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr., Warren Rapelye White
  • Patent number: 7497778
    Abstract: A word-based lottery game wherein a player buys a ticket with a word or set of words and may win a prize if the outcome of a draw confers a win status to one or more words in the ticket. The draw is a random process for which an outcome is a concatenation of characters and may confer word a winner based upon a rule such as being able to compose the word with the drawn characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Patent number: 7470183
    Abstract: In a gaming method, data indicative of a final outcome may be received, and an initial set of symbols indicative of the final outcome may be displayed if the data indicative of the final outcome indicates a winning outcome, the initial set of symbols including an initial winning subset of symbols and an initial non-winning subset of symbols. Player input data indicative of a subset of symbols in the initial set to be discarded may be received, and replacement symbols may be determined such that a final set of symbols is indicative of the final outcome if the subset of symbols to be discarded includes at least one symbol from the initial winning subset, wherein the final set of symbols includes the replacement symbols in place of the subset of symbols to be discarded. The final set of symbols may be displayed, and an award corresponding to the winning outcome may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Michael Wishart
  • Patent number: 7463725
    Abstract: Communication on a telephone line, or line segment or internet link, as to a fund, is monitored, and unauthorized accessing via that line, segment or link is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: William W. Haefliger
  • Patent number: 7381136
    Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The gaming device allows the game player to place a telephone call. A controller generates a prize. Several images of persons who may receive the telephone call are displayed to the game player. The telephone call is placed to one of the images. The prize is announced by the selected image to the game player. A second telephone call is placed to a telephone number in order to select a multiplier. The controller generates the multiplier. The multiplier is the last digit of the telephone number. The prize is multiplied by the multiplier to obtain a total prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 7353274
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of determining whether a lottery player or the player's computer is within a particular location. The player's computer is connected to a computer network. The method transmits, through the computer network, a pass code and a telephone number to the lottery player's computer. The method requests the lottery player or the player's computer to call the number and provide the pass code within a pre-determined amount of time. The method determines whether the pass code is provided within a predetermined amount of time after the transmission of the pass code from a telephone specified to be within the particular location. The method verifies whether the lottery player or player's computer is within the particular location, based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Medisys/RJB Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam G. Rouhi, Ramin Ron Rouhi
  • Patent number: 7272211
    Abstract: The present invention allows a messaging system such as a voice mail system to determine if it is connected to a property management system or some other device. If it is coupled to a property management system, the present invention allows the messaging system to determine which, if any, of several known protocols to use for communication all without the intervention of a user or administrator. In one embodiment, the invention includes determining whether a device is connected to a communications port of a messaging system, receiving a data packet at the communications port, determining a communications protocol for the received packet, and analyzing the received packet data structure. The invention further includes comparing the received packet data structure with a data structure for a known device, and if the data structure of the packet matches that for the known device determining the device coupled to the communications port to be a known device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Colemon
  • Patent number: 7264546
    Abstract: An interactive wagering system is provided that promotes wagering to users at user equipment. The user equipment may be based on a set-top box and television, a personal computer, a cellular telephone with a display, or other such devices. Wagering may be promoted by notifying the user of an opportunity to place a wager on a given race. Wagering may also be promoted by providing the user with an on-screen opportunity to sign up for a wagering television channel or interactive wagering service. The on-screen promotions that are displayed to the user may be targeted based on the television programming that is being displayed or the user's interests. The user's activities may be monitored to collect information on the user's interests. If a particular race or the like is being discussed during a television program, the user may be provided with an opportunity to wager on that race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc
    Inventors: Connie T Marshall, Masood Garahi, Jody M Brown
  • Patent number: 7231033
    Abstract: A system and a method for providing a service begins when a customer establishes a communication link, such as a telecommunications link, with a service provider, such as directory assistance. An exchange of information occurs, and a service, such as a telephone number or catalog order, is provided by the service provider at least in part via the communication link. Before the customer terminates the communication link, he or she is requested to provide feedback, which preferably relates to the quality of the service provided. In another embodiment, the exchange of information is monitored, and an action, such as notifying a supervisor, is taken if a predetermined condition is detected, such as usage of unacceptable language by a call handling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: Robert O. Stuart, Scott P. Stuart
  • Patent number: 7201658
    Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that displays information areas on various wager creation screens. The information areas may be configurable. Information such as promotions, weather information, jockey information, trainer information, odds, or any other suitable information may be displayed in the information areas. The interactive wagering application may create a wagering ticket that reflects the amount of a user's wager and the total amount of the user's wager when multiple runners are taken into account. The interactive wagering application may record the user's position within the application and the user's recent wagering selections, so that this information may be used to assist the user in restarting the application after exiting or when creating additional wagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Connie T. Marshall, Kevin D. Satterfield, Jon C. Zaring, Joni L. Hamilton, Joseph C. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7103160
    Abstract: A lottery is provided, requiring participants to use a telephone company's line, or line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: William W. Haefliger
  • Patent number: 6964608
    Abstract: Skill games are described that are implemented using network communications. The subject matter of the present invention concerns games of skill that are legal, under current law, in most states of the United States and in many jurisdictions of other countries and the game includes a mechanism for determining if a player is eligible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: John R. Koza
  • Patent number: 6956932
    Abstract: A method and system for receiving, logging, answering, controlling, and forwarding calls from radio or other promoter call-in contestants, wherein said method provides an efficient means for controlling call-in contests. Radio call-in contests are the most typical, but the method applies to other types of promotions, such as direct mail, store banners and print ads. The system consists of a voice vendor, web server, database, telecommunications, and application software to control and count the calls and to provide administrative functions. Every caller receives a positive response, acknowledgement and notification of the caller number, and an opportunity to obtain other benefits, such as discounted items. Only the winning caller is forwarded to the radio station. The radio station only needs to answer to the winning caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Marco Ciavolino
  • Patent number: 6907114
    Abstract: A lottery is provided, requiring participants to use a telephone company's line, or line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: William W. Haefliger
  • Patent number: 6868154
    Abstract: A system and a method for providing a service begins when a customer establishes a communication link, such as a telecommunications link, with a service provider, such as directory assistance. An exchange of information occurs, and a service, such as a telephone number or catalog order, is provided by the service provider at least in part via the communication link. Before the customer terminates the communication link, he or she is requested to provide feedback, which preferably relates to the quality of the service provided. In another embodiment, the exchange of information is monitored, and an action, such as notifying a supervisor, is taken if a predetermined condition is detected, such as usage of unacceptable language by a call handling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Robert O. Stuart, Scott P. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6863610
    Abstract: A method for providing interactive wireless gaming using standard wireless communication devices comprising; receiving a target identity and a delivery location for a game related action from a first game subscriber, wherein the target identity corresponds to a second game subscriber; determining an actual location of the second game subscriber; comparing the actual location of the second game subscriber to the delivery location; and performing game related actions based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: UTStarcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Vancraeynest
  • Patent number: 6773347
    Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that displays information areas on various wager creation screens. The information areas may be configurable. Information such as promotions, weather information, jockey information, trainer information, odds, or any other suitable information may be displayed in the information areas. The interactive wagering application may create a wagering ticket that reflects the amount of a user's wager and the total amount of the user's wager when multiple runners are taken into account. The interactive wagering application may record the user's position within the application and the user's recent wagering selections, so that this information may be used to assist the user in restarting the application after exiting or when creating additional wagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Connie T. Marshall, Kevin D. Satterfield, Jon C. Zaring, Joni L. Hamilton, Joseph C. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040151290
    Abstract: A method for providing the communication of information services between customer premises equipment (CPE) at a customer's premises and a source of the information services includes providing a demarcation device at the customer's premises. The demarcation device defines an interface between an external transport medium that is substantially external to the customer's premises and an internal transport medium that is substantially internal to the customer's premises. The method also includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between the demarcation device and the source of information services and establishing a virtual local area network (VLAN) between the demarcation device and the CPE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Jelena Magarasevic, Steven M. Casey, Bruce A. Phillips, Donald L. Brodigan
  • Publication number: 20040109547
    Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Patent number: 6741682
    Abstract: Method, computer system and program for processing over the telephone net bets and games of chance including placements of bets and winning requests, comprising: a data base; call distribution means (ACD) connected to the telephone net for receiving incoming calls and distributing to a plurality of processing queues (Q1-QK), and a number N of listening and speaking terminals (P1-PM) connected to M first processing queues (Q); means (ASR1-ASRN) for evaluating a caller identification of a caller, a number N of speech recognition modules connected to N second processing queues (Q) for converting one or more bet placements of the caller into a machine processable set of data and storing it in the data bank together with the caller identity, and\ a selective evaluation device (ASRi, S) connected to the call distribution means (ACD) and, dependent of the input selection by the caller, controls the caller recognition means (ACD) to direct the call to a speech recognition module (ASR) in case placement of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt Krenn, Helmut Buchner, Detlef Train
  • Patent number: 6690779
    Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 5083804
    Abstract: A self-propelled car is placed on a handcart in such a manner that it can freely ride on and ride off of the handcart. The handcart is provided with at least one roller which engages with the driving wheels of the self-propelled car to interrupt the running thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Miyashita, Nori Harada