Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080224822 | GAME ACCOUNT ACCESS DEVICE - Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. Bracelets, wristwatches or collars can be used as communication objects, such that the removal of such an object from a player cannot be accomplished without breaking the closed electrical circuit contained therein, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A communications object may emit a signal which can be tied to one of two or more player accounts. One of the two accounts may be charged for a player transaction depending on the nature of the transaction. A computer server having a player verification program and database may also be used. | 09-18-2008 |
20080254881 | Game of Chance Display - In various embodiments player may participate in gaming related activities using a terminal with multiple display screens. | 10-16-2008 |
20080268931 | GAME WITH PLAYER ACTUATED CONTROL STRUCTURE - In various embodiments, motion is used to control games played on a mobile gaming device. | 10-30-2008 |
20080300055 | GAME WITH HAND MOTION CONTROL - In various embodiments, the motion of a wristband is used to control games. | 12-04-2008 |
20090012878 | Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Facilitating Commerce - According to one or more embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods are provided for facilitating commerce. In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., a central computer) facilitates posting of an item for sale by receiving a digital image of an item for sale, receiving an audio description (e.g., included in an audio file) of the item, and providing an indication of the description to at least one potential buyer. In one embodiment, the digital image and the audio description are received from a mobile phone. | 01-08-2009 |
20090307062 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC FILE USE AND MANAGEMENT - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307289 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC FILE USE AND MANAGEMENT - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307579 | VIEWING FILE MODIFICATIONS - Upon closing and/or saving a file, a user may view changes made to the file. | 12-10-2009 |
20100016070 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC CREDITS AT A GAMING DEVICE WITHOUT FIRST REQUIRING PAYMENT THEREFOR - In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing electronic credits to a player of a gaming device. The electronic credits are provided in response to an occurrence of an event other than an outcome of a game play. Further, the electronic credits are provided without requiring the player to first provide payment therefore. In some, the number of electronic credits may be determined based on information associated with at least one of the player, the gaming device, and a casino associated with the gaming device. In some embodiments, the an offer for the electronic credits is output to the player at the gaming device and the electronic credits are added to a credit meter balance of the gaming device upon the player's acceptance of the offer. In some embodiments, the player is required to provide a payment for the electronic credits at a time subsequent to the time at which the electronic credits are provided to the player. | 01-21-2010 |
20100049621 | REQUEST FOR QUOTE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided are request-for-quote (RFQ) systems and methods in which quotes received in response to a RFQ are held until a condition is met and only released for display when that condition is met. | 02-25-2010 |
20100094751 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENFORCING PURCHASE AGREEMENTS - Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture and methods are provided for establishing (e.g., online) a buyer price for a first plurality of products. In one embodiment, the buyer price is lower than a retail price of the first plurality of products. A second plurality of products that the buyer has actually received during the subsequent transaction is determined. A penalty may be assessed if the first plurality of products does not correspond to the second plurality of products. | 04-15-2010 |
20100106636 | INTERPROGRAM COMMUNICATION USING MESSAGES RELATED TO ORDER CANCELLATION - A trading platform and trading method that allows access to additional pools of liquidity is described. Other embodiments are also described. | 04-29-2010 |
20100131840 | PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR PROVIDING ONE OR MORE LINKS IN AN ELECTRONIC FILE THAT IS PRESENTED TO A USER - Methods, systems, and apparatus are described for providing a link in an electronic file being presented to a user in accordance with a set of one or more preferences, each preference providing an association between one or more data patterns and a computer network resource. According to some embodiments, one or more layers may be available and/or selectively activated (e.g., by a user) for modifying electronic files. | 05-27-2010 |
20100138288 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCEPTING OFFERS VIA CHECKS - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and system are provided for facilitating the processing of at least one check in accordance with an offer which the account holder may accept, in one example, via a check being presented by the account holder as payment for a transaction. | 06-03-2010 |
20100205064 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC FILE PLAYBACK - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 08-12-2010 |
20100211438 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYBACK OF AN ELECTRONIC FILE - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
20110047022 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CROSS-BENEFITS BASED ON A CUSTOMER ACTIVITY - In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero. | 02-24-2011 |
20110073646 | Game Presentation In A Retail Establishment - According to one embodiment, a game presentation such as a virtual slot machine may be displayed by a display device associated with a point of sale (POS) terminal. | 03-31-2011 |
20110172008 | VERIFYING A GAMING DEVICE IS IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH A GAMING SERVER BY PASSING AN INDICATOR BETWEEN THE GAMING DEVICE AND A VERIFICATION DEVICE - A system includes a verification server and a gaming server, which provides gaming activities and possibly other services to a player through a gaming device. The system further includes a verification device in communications with the verification server. The verification server passes an indicator between the verification device and gaming device via the gaming server and in this fashion, verification can be made that the gaming device is in communications with the gaming server. | 07-14-2011 |
20110201418 | STORING INFORMATION FROM A VERIFICATION DEVICE AND ACCESSING THE INFORMATION FROM A GAMING DEVICE TO VERIFY THAT THE GAMING DEVICE IS COMMUNICATING WITH A SERVER - A system includes a server, which provides activities and possibly other services to a player through a mobile gaming device. To verify that the mobile gaming device is communicating with the server, information received from a verification device is stored. Thereafter, in response to a request from the mobile gaming device, the stored information is determined and sent to the mobile gaming device via the server | 08-18-2011 |
20110201419 | VERIFYING A FIRST DEVICE IS IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH A SERVER BY STORING A VALUE FROM THE FIRST DEVICE AND ACCESSING THE VALUE FROM A SECOND DEVICE - A system includes a first server and a second server. The second server receives a value from a first device, possibly via the first server, and stores the value. In response to a request from a second device, the second server then determines the value and sends the value to the second device. In this fashion, verification can be made that the first device is in communications with the first server. | 08-18-2011 |
20110201420 | ACCESSING KNOWN INFORMATION VIA A DEVICVE TO DETERMINE IF THE DEVICE IS COMMUNICATING WITH A SERVER - A server provides activities and/or services to a player through a mobile device. In response to a request from the mobile device, information known to a player is determined and sent to the mobile device via the server. In this fashion, verification can be made that the mobile device is communicating with the server. | 08-18-2011 |
20110212772 | ACCESSING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH A MOBILE GAMING DEVICE TO VERIFY THE MOBILE GAMING DEVICE IS IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH AN INTENDED SERVER - To verify that a mobile gaming device is in communications with an intended server that provides activities and/or services to a player through the mobile gaming device and maintains information related to these activities and/or services, a verification server determines one or more pieces of the maintained information and sends the determined information to a verification device as a confirmation that the mobile gaming device is in communication with the intended server. | 09-01-2011 |
20110244950 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING GAMING DEVICE PLAY AND DETERMINING COMPLIANCE STATUS - After a player purchases a contract providing insurance against gambling losses, a server or other device in communication with a gaming device (e.g., a “player tracking” server, “slot accounting” server and/or other computer device) may operate to (i) receive game play data in association with one or more plays of the gaming device, (ii) determine a compliance status based on the received game play data and one or more play requirements associated with the contract, and (iii) provide a refund amount due to the player based on the compliance status. Before providing any refund, the server or other device may store a status indicator relating to the one or more plays indicating whether the play was compliant with the contract. Furthermore, an alert may be provided to the player if a particular play is not compliant with the contract. | 10-06-2011 |
20110270713 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF OPINIONS TO A SHOPPER FROM A PANEL OF PEERS - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system determines an image, selects a panel of participants, and outputs the image to each of the participants of the panel of participants. Responses may be collected from the participants and an indication of the results may be output to a shopper. | 11-03-2011 |
20110286638 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE WORK SESSIONS - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. | 11-24-2011 |
20110294573 | DETERMINING THAT A GAMING DEVICE IS COMMUNICATING WITH A GAMING SERVER - A gaming server provides activities and/or services to a player through a gaming device. To verify whether the gaming device is communicating with the gaming server, a verification server may send an indicator to the gaming device, via the gaming server, and also send the indicator to a verification device. Alternatively, the verification server may send an indicator, via the gaming server, to the gaming device, for example, which indicator may then be sent back to the verification server from a verification device. | 12-01-2011 |
20110302161 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A LINK IN AN ELECTRONIC FILE BEING PRESENTED TO A USER - A method for providing a link in an electronic file being presented to a user which includes defining a customized viewpoint for the user. The viewpoint includes a preference for the user that provides an association between a data pattern and a computer network resource. The method also includes generating a request for content, receiving an electronic file in response to the request, and evaluating the electronic file to recognize a match between at least one portion of the electronic file and the data pattern. Upon recognizing a match, the electronic file is modified to include a link to the computer network resource associated with the matching data pattern, and the modified electronic file is presented to the user. Thus, the link included in the electronic file presented to the user is customized for the user, and different users who retrieve the same content can be provided with links to different computer network resources depending on their respective viewpoints. | 12-08-2011 |
20120022923 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENFORCING PURCHASE AGREEMENTS - Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture and methods are provided for establishing (e.g., online) a buyer price for a first plurality of products. In one embodiment, the buyer price is lower than a retail price of the first plurality of products. A second plurality of products that the buyer has actually received during the subsequent transaction is determined. A penalty may be assessed if the first plurality of products does not correspond to the second plurality of products. | 01-26-2012 |
20120056742 | System for Image Analysis in a Network that is Structured with Multiple Layers and Differentially Weighted Neurons - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. Site owners compensate the operator of the computer system for this monitoring service, and the operator in turn compensates Guardians based on, for example, (i) the amount of time spent monitoring, and/or (ii) the degree of a given Guardian's responsiveness to real or fabricated security breaches. | 03-08-2012 |
20120136479 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ACCESS - Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, a request from a customer to initiate a communication session, establishing a first communication link between the vending machine and a device associated with the customer, and establishing a second communication link between the vending machine and a remote network device, such that a communication session is established between the device associated with the customer and the remote network device. Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, an indication of a selection of a product sold by the vending machine, receiving, from a customer, payment for the selected product, dispensing the product to the customer, the product comprising an indication of a communication session activation code, receiving, by the vending machine, an indication of the communication session activation code, and establishing a communication session between a device associated with the customer and a remote network device. | 05-31-2012 |
20120238340 | MULTI-STAGE CARD SELECT - Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described. | 09-20-2012 |
20120278420 | Methods and Systems for Facilitating the Provision of Opinions to a Shopper from a Panel of Peers - In particular embodiments, a request for at least one opinion is received from one or more participants regarding an image of the user's appearance. An image of the user's appearance is determined, wherein the image showing how the user's appearance is changed by a product or changed after a service has been performed. The one or more participants from whom to obtain the at least one opinion are then selected. Each of the one or more participants may have a rating above a certain level. At least one response to the request is received from at least one of the one or more participants, each response comprising an opinion of the respective participant. An indication of at least one opinion of at least one participant from whom a response was received is then provided, the indication being based on the received responses regarding the user's appearance. | 11-01-2012 |
20120284085 | Methods and Systems for Facilitating the Provision of Opinions to a Shopper from a Panel of Peers - In particular embodiments, requests for opinions are received from shoppers. Each request is associated with an image of the respective shopper's appearance. A modified image of the shopper's appearance is determined in relation to a product or service, showing how the shopper's appearance is changed by the product or changed after the service has been performed. The request for opinions and the image of the shopper's appearance is sent to one or more participants. One or more opinions responsive to the request are received. Market intelligence information is determined in relation to the product or service, based on information associated with the requests for opinions. | 11-08-2012 |
20130005447 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADVERTISING ON A MOBILE GAMING DEVICE - In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices. | 01-03-2013 |
20130006773 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING PROMOTIONS - In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices. | 01-03-2013 |
20130065679 | GAME ACCOUNT ACCESS DEVICE - Verifying eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events is disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed circuits are worn by players within a verification system. A casino desk, hotel concierge, or other entity can administer the system. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio waves. Each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern responsive to any break of its closed circuit. Communication objects may be bracelets, wristwatches or collars, such that object removal results in the closed circuit breaking, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A communication object may emit a signal which can be tied to one of two or more accounts. One of the two accounts may be charged for a player transaction depending on the transaction nature. A server having a verification program and database may also be used. | 03-14-2013 |
20130072295 | BIOMETRIC ACCESS DATA ENCRYPTION - The present application provides methods and corresponding systems for accessing services on a gaming device which, in certain embodiments, include the step or steps of obtaining at least one item of identity verification data from a user of a gaming device; encrypting the at least one item of identity verification data; comparing the at least one item of encrypted identity verification data received and at least one item of encrypted identity verification data obtained and stored previously on an authentication device; enabling at least one service on the gaming device based on a match between the encrypted identity verification data, the at least one service comprising a wager-type game; and displaying an interface screen comprising graphic objects associated with the wager-type game and at least one selectable element for the user to submit a gaming command and a wagering command during game play. | 03-21-2013 |
20130102372 | GAME OF CHANCE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In various embodiments, players may compete in a gaming context. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103540 | ORDER CANCELLATION - A trading platform and trading method that allows access to additional pools of liquidity is described. Other embodiments are also described. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103551 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING COMMERCE - According to one or more embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods are provided for facilitating commerce. In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., a central computer) facilitates posting of an item for sale by receiving a digital image of an item for sale, receiving an audio description (e.g., included in an audio file) of the item, and providing an indication of the description to at least one potential buyer. In one embodiment, the digital image and the audio description are received from a mobile phone. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116038 | GAME WITH CHANCE ELEMENT AND TAX INDICATOR - In various embodiments a player of a gaming device or mobile gaming device is presented with an indication of a payout amount less any taxes that would be owed for the payout. | 05-09-2013 |
20130144976 | System for Image Analysis in a Network that is Structured with Multiple Layers and Differentially Weighted Neurons - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. Site owners compensate the operator of the computer system for this monitoring service, and the operator in turn compensates Guardians based on, for example, (i) the amount of time spent monitoring, and/or (ii) the degree of a given Guardian's responsiveness to real or fabricated security breaches. | 06-06-2013 |
20130165213 | BIOMETRIC ACCESS SENSITIVITY - Methods and corresponding systems are provided for accessing services on a gaming device which, in certain embodiments, include the step(s) of receiving at least one item of identity verification data from a user of a gaming device; enabling at least one service, such as a wager-type game, on the gaming device based on a match between the at least one item of identity verification data received and at least one item of identity verification data obtained previously; displaying an interface screen comprising graphic objects associated with the wager-type game and at least one selectable element for the user to submit a gaming command and a wagering command during game play; obtaining at least one item of user change data from a user during game play; and prompting the user for identity verification data when a user change is suspected based on the at least one item of user change data. | 06-27-2013 |
20130165221 | CONDITIONAL BIOMETRIC ACCESS IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - The present application provides methods and corresponding systems for accessing services in a gaming or other environment based on conditional biometric identity verification. In one aspect, this includes the step or steps of determining a location of a gaming device having a display and at least one biometric sensor associated therewith; prompting a user of the gaming device for at least one item of physical biometric data with the biometric sensor based at least on the location of the gaming device; receiving the at least one item of physical biometric data; and enabling at least one service on the gaming device based on a match between the at least one item of physical biometric data received and at least one authenticated item of physical biometric data associated with the user. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166473 | CASH FLOW RATING SYSTEM - Methods and systems are provided herewith for rating a likelihood of payment of one or more cash flows. A computing device determines a probability of payment for one or more scheduled payments for each of one or more debt instruments in a debt instrument portfolio. The computing device may also determine a portfolio cash flow rating of the debt instrument portfolio based on the quantity and purchase price associated with each of the one or more debt instruments, the probability of payment for the one or more payments, a current market price of each of the one or more debt instruments, a net present expected value of the one or more payments in the payment schedule for each of the one or more debt instruments, and/or a credit rating of one or more issuers associated with the debt instruments. | 06-27-2013 |
20130178277 | APPARATUS, PROCESSES AND ARTICLES FOR FACILITATING MOBILE GAMING - In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184042 | TOP PERFORMERS - In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game of a top performing player. | 07-18-2013 |
20130190084 | GAME SIMULATION - In various embodiments, a player may play a simulation of a mobile gaming device over the Internet using a personal computer. | 07-25-2013 |
20130316774 | GAME WITH CHANCE ELEMENT AND STRATEGY COMPONENT THAT CAN BE COPIED - In various embodiments, a first player may follow the same pattern of betting used by a second player. | 11-28-2013 |
20130317930 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RATING ASSETS AND EXCHANGING FRACTIONAL INTERESTS THEREIN - Methods and systems are provided herewith for exchanging and/or rating works of art. A value for each of a plurality of portfolios of art owned by a plurality of participants is determined. Each portfolio of art comprises one or more works of art. The value of a particular work of art may be determined by a processor based on rating information and/or a value of another work of art. Ownership interests of the plurality of portfolios of art are pooled in a legal ownership entity having an initial total number of shares. For each participant, an initial participant value and quantity of shares is determined, e.g., based on the determined value of the respective participant's portfolio. An indicia of the respective quantity of shares is transmitted to each respective participant. In various embodiments, participants may buy and sell usage and ownership interests in the portfolios of art. | 11-28-2013 |
20130344943 | AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND GAMES INCLUDING MEANS FOR PROCESSING ELECTRONIC DATA WHERE ULTIMATE OUTCOME OF THE GAME IS DEPENDENT ON RELATIVE ODDS AND/OR WHERE CHANCE IS A FACTOR - Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games. | 12-26-2013 |
20140018139 | System and Method for Providing a Baccarat Game Based on Financial Market Indicators - A system comprises a client operable to communicate a bet regarding a baccarat game. The system further comprises a controller communicably coupled to the client and operable to determine a result of the baccarat game, the result based at least in part upon one or more digits of at least one financial market indicator at a configurable point in time. The controller is further operable to determine an outcome of the bet based at least in part on the determined result. | 01-16-2014 |
20140057724 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO WIRELESS GAMING DEVICES - Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security check, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users. | 02-27-2014 |
20140081806 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING COMMERCE - According to one or more embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods are provided for facilitating commerce. In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., a central computer) facilitates posting of an item for sale by receiving a digital image of an item for sale, receiving an audio description (e.g., included in an audio file) of the item, and providing an indication of the description to at least one potential buyer. In one embodiment, the digital image and the audio description are received from a mobile phone. | 03-20-2014 |
20140087852 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING WITH ALTERNATE VALUE PAYOUTS - Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089018 | BIDDING FOR A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding. The service is provided for a particular time and a particular date. The methods and system also include receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service. The at least one other bid is associated with a second amount. The methods and system also include determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indicia that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder, in which the first amount submitted by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount. | 03-27-2014 |
20140095434 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONIC FILE USE AND MANAGEMENT - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating online storage of files (e.g., audio tracks, video, etc.) for playback/access or sale/exchange by the owners of the files without violating copyrights that copyright holders have in the files. For example, by providing a playback service that does not store additional versions of an audio file when the file is transmitted to, and immediately played on, a user device without buffering, the present invention avoids violating copyright laws by not making copies of the file. Numerous other aspects are disclosed. | 04-03-2014 |
20140106841 | ROULETTE GAME - According to various embodiments, an apparatus may laser project a customized ordering of numbers onto a roulette wheel. | 04-17-2014 |
20140113707 | GAME ACCESS DEVICE WITH PRIVILEGES - A gaming system that includes communication objects adapted to be worn by players wherein at least one of said communication objects comprises an RFID tag and an associated closed electrical circuit and is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of said closed electrical circuit. The system includes player tracking devices adapted to obtain information regarding a specific player from said communication objects, wherein at least one of said player tracking devices is adapted to grant priority seating at a restaurant to the specific player. The system includes a computer server having a player verification program adapted to verify whether obtained information regarding said specific player is adequate according to one or more set criteria, said computer server is adapted to deny the initiation or continuation of a particular gaming event when said player verification program determines that obtained information is unacceptable or insufficient. | 04-24-2014 |
20140135091 | AUTOMATIC GAME PLAY - In various embodiments a gaming device may play games automatically without input from a player. | 05-15-2014 |
20140206433 | GAME APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION ABOUT A GAME - Various embodiments may include an apparatus operable to determine a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck. | 07-24-2014 |
20140222609 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CROSS-BENEFITS BASED ON A CUSTOMER ACTIVITY - In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero. | 08-07-2014 |
20140223278 | VIEWING FILE MODIFICATIONS - Upon closing and/or saving a file, a user may view changes made to the file. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236803 | TRADING RELATED TO FUND COMPOSITIONS - An electronic marketplace uses a fund composition to guide trading opportunities. Mutual funds typically have a target composition of financial instruments. When prices change for constituents of such a mutual fund, the fund typically needs to rebalance in order to maintain a desired composition. A marketplace that understands the target composition and the movement in prices targets trading opportunities to a fund in a more tailored manner than a traditional marketplace. | 08-21-2014 |
20140309770 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ACCESS - Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, a request from a customer to initiate a communication session, establishing a first communication link between the vending machine and a device associated with the customer, and establishing a second communication link between the vending machine and a remote network device, such that a communication session is established between the device associated with the customer and the remote network device. Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, an indication of a selection of a product sold by the vending machine, receiving, from a customer, payment for the selected product, dispensing the product to the customer, the product comprising an indication of a communication session activation code, receiving, by the vending machine, an indication of the communication session activation code, and establishing a communication session between a device associated with the customer and a remote network device. | 10-16-2014 |
20150026029 | LARGE BLOCK TRADING - Systems and methods for administering trade orders are described. An embodiment comprises receiving, from a first server operated by a first trader, a communication including a first trade order and one or more selection criteria, the first trade order including at least one of a specified instrument, a specified quantity, and a specified price; determining that a database of trade orders does not contain a trade order matching the first trade order; identifying a plurality of traders satisfying the selection criteria; sending, to a plurality of second servers, a query including at least one of the specified instrument, the specified quantity, and the specified price; receiving, from a one of the plurality of second servers operated on behalf of a second trader, a positive response to the query; and facilitating execution of a trade between the first trader and the second trader for the specified instrument at the specified price. | 01-22-2015 |
20150072768 | ZONE DEPENDENT PAYOUT PERCENTAGE - Various embodiments include game configurations that are specific to a location. | 03-12-2015 |
20150080077 | AMUSEMENT DEVICE INCLUDING MEANS FOR PROCESSING ELECTRONIC DATA IN PLAY OF A GAME OF CHANCE - Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described. | 03-19-2015 |