Patents Examined by Justin Myhr
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Patent number: 9480910Abstract: The present invention refers to an embodied Robot videogame apparatus that receives input through the (human) user's physical actions (full body actions), contact and physiological signals (Bio-signals). The apparatus has principal components: led/sound sensor eye with a video camera; mechanical lever; rotation sensor; rubber torso; solar battery; sensor leds; heart rate and galvanic skin response sensor; multi-touch computer display, with a I/O board v2.0 Bluetooth wireless connection; multiplayer button; microphone; intensity sensor; feet support; suspensions; rubber pneumatic wheels; accelerometer sensor; plastic leveler sensor; wireless Bluetooth digitizers; Velcro strips; and GPS. The apparatus includes a series of electronic sensor that detects the user's input physical actions, contact and physiological signals in real-time. The output result is visualized on a multi-touch computer display. The player's real-time actions are translated in virtual actions in the software game scenarios (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Marta Isabel Santos Paiva Ferraz Conceicao
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Patent number: 9452351Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey George, Edward Sepich, Thomas E. Soukup
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Patent number: 9446317Abstract: A server system refers to the login history of a registered friend player within a given period when an authenticated player has been subjected to a login process. The server system gives a bonus that corresponds to the number (login friend count) of friend users who have logged in within the given period to the authenticated player when the authenticated player has logged in.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Masataka Shimono, Takashi Hamamura
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Patent number: 9440149Abstract: Provided is an incentive granting device, comprising: a second game notifying unit 16 which notifies an existing user of the existence of a second game during the execution by the existing user of a first game app; an introduction code issuing unit 18 which issues an introduction code during the execution of the second game app by the existing user who has received the notification; and an incentive granting unit 20 which grants a prescribed incentive for the existing user's first game, with respect to a new user receiving an introduction from the existing user and downloading the second game app. By allowing an existing user to be aware of the existence of a second game during the execution of a first game, and to obtain an incentive for the first game by executing the second game and introducing a new user thereto, the existing user is given a motivation to proactively spread the word about the second game.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: POKELABO, INC.Inventor: Yuta Maeda
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Patent number: 9418521Abstract: A system and method for aggregating results in a slot game are disclosed. In a given pull outcome of the slot game, multiple results may be determined. An order or orders for aggregating the results in the given pull outcome may be obtained. In some examples, the obtained order(s) may specify temporal sequence for applying different types of results in the given pull outcome. In some examples, the order(s) may be based on the player character(s). In some examples, the order(s) may be based on a difficulty level selected by the player. In some examples, such orders may be for purchase for selection by the players. In some implementations, the results in the pull outcome may include gameplays for implementation in a game space associated with the slot game. In those implementations, the implementation of those gameplays may be in accordance with the obtained order(s).Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: Clive Henrick, Jay Ambrosini
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Patent number: 9409090Abstract: Past usage of an application is presented in order to enhance the experience of a user with an application. An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. Input commands may be obtained from a client and provided to the application. A real-time state of the application may be recorded as the application is executed in the hosted environment. The real-time state of the application that has been recorded may be replayed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bruce J. McKenzie, Adam J. Overton, Brian D. Fisher, Isaac J. Shepard, Eden Ashley JnBaptiste, Eric M. Zhang, Jason C. Jenks, Patrick G. McCuller
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Patent number: 9373226Abstract: A system and method for determining paylines in a slot game based on player characters are disclosed. A given player character may correspond to distinctive paylines along which symbols in a pull outcome may be assessed for rewards, for gameplays to be implemented in a game space, and/or any for other types of results provided by a slot game. In some examples, the number of the paylines corresponding to the given player character may correlate with various aspects regarding the given player character such as, without limitation, a class, a level, a race, a number of experience points, one or more skills, virtual items, and/or any other aspects regarding the given player character. In some examples, the combinations of symbols appearing on active paylines in a pull outcome may trigger one or more gameplays for implementation in a game space associated with the slot game.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: Clive Henrick, Jay Ambrosini
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Patent number: 9373227Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotation reels rotatably installed in a casing; an input device operable by a player; a memory for storing stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels in a previous game; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute processing of (A) determining the stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels conditionally on an input from the input device, (B) stopping each of the rotation reels in rotation at the stop position determined in the processing (A), according to the stop position of each of the plurality of the rotation reels in the previous game preliminary stored in the memory and the stop position of each of the rotation reels in a present game determined in the processing (A).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATIONInventor: Nakayasu Tsukahara
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Patent number: 9367994Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for enhancing social collaboration in an online casino game. One method includes an operation for receiving bets from players playing in a first gambling mode in an online gambling room. The method also includes an operation for determining contributions to a community metric based on the outcomes of the bets, where all players in the online gambling room contribute towards the community metric. After detecting that the community metric reaches a predetermined goal, the online casino game enters all players in the online gambling room into a second gambling mode to achieve a room goal, where the value of the community metric does not change while players are in the second gambling mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Josh Guase, Nimai Malle, Nathan Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 9333432Abstract: To increase the player's expectation in a fight game using game media, the present invention provides a server device that controls a game in which a player does a fight using game media in a game space through a network. The server device includes a storage unit configured to store player information including information about the game media that the player owns in the game space and about a status of the game media; a determining portion configured to determine whether a specific game medium among the game media that the player owns has satisfied a predetermined temporal requirement; and an updating portion configured to update the player information so as to change the specific game medium from a first status to a second status when the determining portion determines that the specific game medium has satisfied the predetermined temporal requirement.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: DENA CO., LTD.Inventors: Masatoshi Inagawa, Eri Aikawa, Ayaka Watanabe, Takahiro Ezaki, Ryo Yamasaki, Yoshikazu Oda
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Patent number: 9314698Abstract: A local gaming machine is in communication with a remote gaming machine over a data network. The local gaming machine may include a storage medium. The local gaming machine may further include an interface for communicating with the remote gaming machine over a network. The local gaming machine may include a controller. The controller is configured to establish communications between the gaming machine and the remote gaming machine through the interface. The controller is further configured to initiate a game streaming session with the remote gaming machine in which output data from an instance of a game application is initiated from the remote gaming machine to the gaming machine. The controller is configured to detect an interrupt in the game streaming session. The controller is further configured to, after the interrupt is detected, determine whether the outcome of the instance of the game application has been received.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Jamal Benbrahim, Mark Bansemer
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Patent number: 9311768Abstract: Certain examples provide gaming systems and methods. An example gaming system includes a display and a game controller arranged to: cause the display to display a plurality of game displays in which a plurality of games will be carried out; receive a player selection of a game of the plurality of games; carry out the plurality of games in their respective game displays; and make an award upon a comparison of an outcome of the player selected game with an outcome of a non-selected game or games satisfying an award criteria.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITEDInventors: Christopher Michael Stevens, Nicholas Luke Bennett, Philippa Alice Graham
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Patent number: 9295918Abstract: A game control server apparatus includes an enemy character providing unit that provides a normal enemy character and a strong enemy character in a game; and a game management control unit that repeats for a first period, a normal step of providing the normal enemy character to appear in the game, a determining step of determining whether an appearance condition of the strong enemy character is satisfied, and a strong step of providing the strong enemy character when the appearance condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Yamamura, Toshiko Enomoto
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Patent number: 9283486Abstract: There is presented a means of making a player more likely to receive a notification notifying the occurrence of a game event. The server device includes: a storage unit; an acceptance processing unit that accepts from a corresponding player terminal a priority display request for displaying a player on a priority basis in a notification candidate list; an update processing unit that performs, when the priority display request is accepted, an update by subtracting data on a consideration charged for the priority display request from data on player information about the player requesting for priority display; a probability setting unit that sets a probability of the player requesting for priority display being selected as a player displayed in the notification candidate list higher than probabilities of other players not requesting for priority display being selected; and a list creating unit that creates the notification candidate list.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Morioka
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Patent number: 9283487Abstract: A server device includes a storage unit which stores data of player information including information on the amount of virtual currency possessed by the player in the game and data of a friend player associated with the player; an acceptance processing part which accepts a help request asking for help in the battle from a first player in the battle to another player; an update processing part which, when the help request from the first player is accepted, deducts data of compensation to be paid for making the help request from the data of the player information relevant to the first player and stores/updates the data in the storage unit; and a screen data generation part which generates screen data of a game page including a link which invites the friend player and a second player different from the friend player to participate in the battle to help the first player.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Morioka
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Patent number: 9280874Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game employing a player-selected one of a plurality of different features. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a set of a plurality of different features, and enables a player to select one of the features for a play of the game. In certain instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game in accordance with the selected feature. In other instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game without the selected feature, and uses the selected feature to modify one of the other, non-selected features that has a designated relationship with the selected feature. The gaming system subsequently enables the player to select the modified feature for a subsequent play of the game.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Brian F. Saunders
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Patent number: 9272215Abstract: A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Dell Products LPInventors: Mark A. Casparian, Gabriel Gonzalez, Frank C. Azor, Reginald I. Rego, David Estrada, Jacqueline F. Gutierrez
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Patent number: 9262884Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the evaluation of a prototype gaming machine by an at least one respondent provides, in the exemplary embodiment, a gaming room containing the prototype gaming machine and an at least one alternative gaming machine. Each respondent is provided with an equal number of play credits to be selectively used in the prototype and alternative machines in lieu of actual money. A game play session is commenced, during which time the respondents are able to freely and selectively interact with each of the prototype and alternative machines. Upon conclusion of the game play session, the number of credits accumulated by each respondent during the game play session are calculated and the respondents are ranked accordingly. Prizes are subsequently awarded to each of the respondents based on their respective rankings, and a survey is conducted with respect to each respondent's opinion of the prototype gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: James T. Medick
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Patent number: 9251590Abstract: Camera pose estimation for 3D reconstruction is described, for example, to enable position and orientation of a depth camera moving in an environment to be tracked for robotics, gaming and other applications. In various embodiments, depth observations from the mobile depth camera are aligned with surfaces of a 3D model of the environment in order to find an updated position and orientation of the mobile depth camera which facilitates the alignment. For example, the mobile depth camera is moved through the environment in order to build a 3D reconstruction of surfaces in the environment which may be stored as the 3D model. In examples, an initial estimate of the pose of the mobile depth camera is obtained and then updated by using a parallelized optimization process in real time.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Toby Sharp, Andrew William Fitzgibbon, Shahram Izadi
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Patent number: 9240105Abstract: A slot game and systems and methods for administering the slot game wherein the slot administrator defines game parameters that in turn define the contours of the slot game. Game play consists of wagers made on plays of alphanumeric combinations that a player tries to successfully match with the characters in outcome sets prepared for each character position in the target phrase, wherein the player selects one or more outcome characters from each outcome set.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: LC Gaming, LLCInventors: Gary F. Kadlec, Craig R. Sedoris