Patents Examined by Kang Hu
  • Patent number: 11007441
    Abstract: Systems and methods of evolving content for computer games are disclosed. One such method comprises tracking popularity according to one or more users of at least a portion of a plurality of game content items available in a game world. The game world is associated with the game. The game world also comprises evolving an additional game content item based on the popularity of the tracked game content items. The usage of each tracked game content item determines a reproduction availability of the tracked game content item. The game world also comprises inserting the additional game content item into the game world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stanley, Erin J. Hastings
  • Patent number: 11004303
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for enabling monitoring and managing aspects of gaming terminals and related game plays. One method of monitoring a gaming terminal comprises steps of receiving, by a companion board communicatively coupled to a gaming board of the gaming terminal, data regarding various aspects of game play at the gaming terminal; transmitting, by the companion board, the data to a communication board utilizing a first protocol; and transmitting, by the communication board, the data from the communication board to a monitoring system utilizing a second protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Surfnote, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming C. Liu, Urban Bergant, Kristjan A{hacek over (z)}man, Klemen Peterlin, Matja{hacek over (z)} Sprogar
  • Patent number: 10987590
    Abstract: Systems and methods for incentivizing user participation in gameplay events that take place in an online game are presented herein. The gameplay events may include one or more time intervals that take place during the duration of the gameplay event. The time intervals may be associated with incentivizing one or more actions and/or activities by the users during the intervals. The users may be distributed awards based on their performance during the intervals. The awards associated with time interval performance may impact awards distributed based on final ranking in the gameplay event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Luther Patenge, Dylan Ortiz, Luc Pieron, Thomas Baxter, Henry Rull
  • Patent number: 10987581
    Abstract: A system and method configured to enhance gameplay between users in an online game and to provide enhanced interest in virtual goods associated with collections of virtual goods through the ability to rotate drop rates associated with these virtual goods from time to time. The system and method includes the provision of functionality which allows providers of online games to periodically rotate drop rates associated with mystery boxes in order to maintain and/or generate additional interest in specific mystery boxes. As a result, it is possible for game operators to enhance revenue opportunities associated with these boxes even in the case where such boxes have been available for a relatively lengthy period of time and/or where players would have otherwise lost interest in specific boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Pieron, Thomas Baxter, Henry Rull
  • Patent number: 10981057
    Abstract: An example information processing apparatus executes a setting process of setting a content set including a plurality of game contents for a player of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus executes a selection process of selecting at least one game content from the content set. A game content is chosen, according to a predetermine rule, from a game content group including a plurality of game contents selected by performing the selection process on each of content sets that have been set for a plurality of players. A game process based on the chosen game content is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miyuki Hirose, Tsutomu Komiyama
  • Patent number: 10974154
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus and computer program product for gaming, the computer-implemented method performed by a computerized device, and comprising: starting a single game session for two or more players using two or more end units, wherein the two players are located at different geographic locations; receiving a game command from one of the end units; providing the game command to the game session; receiving from the game session a video stream comprising one or more video frames; and transmitting the video frames to the end units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventor: Asaf Barak
  • Patent number: 10960311
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that incorporate teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, presenting at a display of a computer device a first graphical user interface depicting a game space of a gaming application, receiving a detected stimulation from a mobile communication device associated with a second graphical user interface depicting a virtual peripheral controller for capturing control information for controlling the gaming application, detecting a request to swap between the computer device and mobile communication device presentation of the first graphical user interface depicting the game space and the second graphical user interface depicting the virtual peripheral controller, and presenting at the display of the computer device an adaptation of the second graphical user interface depicting the virtual peripheral controller responsive to the detected request to swap. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Ed Guntin
  • Patent number: 10964162
    Abstract: A kiosk for gaming by patrons. An identification scanner may scan an identification document into digital form. A biological sensor such as a camera may obtain biological data describing a human patron. Input-output device(s) mounted in the kiosk may present information and accept registration/login information and gaming commands from a human patron. A currency acceptor and dispenser may accept money. The kiosk may ask a patron to insert an identification document into the identification scanner, and scan the document. The kiosk may obtain biological data describing the patron. The kiosk may verify the identity of the patron and acceptability of the patron for gaming based at least in part on the digital form of the patron's identification and the biological data. The kiosk may accept currency for deposit into a wagering account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Williams, Matthew Morrissette
  • Patent number: 10933327
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a network-based game modification system. The network based game modification system can provide users with access to game application source data and editing tools through a game editor client. The game editor client can provide an interface by which the developers can provide access to public source data while preventing access to private game source data. Additionally, the game editor client can provide an interface for access to some of the developers tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Per Henrik Benny Karlsson, Joseph Steven Pribele
  • Patent number: 10933328
    Abstract: A method includes communicatively coupling a physical object with a body. One or more of the body or the physical object has connectivity to a computer having a processor. The method also includes detecting a sound determined to match an audio fingerprint. The method further includes setting a function of the physical object based on the audio fingerprint. The method additionally includes generating a virtual representation of the physical object and the body in a virtual reality viewable by way of a display associated with the computer. Generating the virtual representation of the physical object and the body includes orienting a virtual version of the physical object with respect to a virtual version of the body. The method also includes causing the virtual version of the physical object to be usable in accordance with the function of the physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYFUSION LIMITED
    Inventors: Riaan Hodgson, David Gomberg, Mark Gerhard
  • Patent number: 10933323
    Abstract: A class of games and activities of skill and logic, particularly puzzles based on reason and logic are described. Disclosed are a method and a system for comparing solutions to the puzzles based on the paths to solution and for completion of the activities based on the order of carrying out the steps of the activity. A number of applications of the method are disclosed for development of further puzzles and activities from the initial puzzle or activity, as well as for other enriching experiences and expressions, particularly the method of providing a priori or real time hints to a participant to solve the puzzle or advance in the activity. Also disclosed is a particular, novel method for participation by remote audience in logic and skill based activities such as creating or improving known logic puzzles and wagering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Indu M. Anand, Ishan Anand
  • Patent number: 10926180
    Abstract: Controlling the display of a computer device to deliver functions of a new type of clicker game, in which a player can control the location at which a booster is created on a game board. This provides a player with many more strategic options over game play because the clearing effects of a booster can be targeted more effectively. A game element which a player selects (clicks) to remove a group of adjacent matching game elements is identified and its location on the game board is ‘reserved’. When the game board refills, the ‘reserved’ location is not refilled, but remains as a ‘soft void’ in which a booster object can be created after refill has taken place. At that point the booster may be activated (automatically or by user interaction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Dennis Gustafsson, Grant Lafarge, Gerardo Basurto
  • Patent number: 10921877
    Abstract: A silhouette-based limb finder may be used to detect limbs from a camera image. This limb determination may be used to control an application, such as a game, or a combination with other image processing. A first distance field indicating a distance from the edge of a silhouette in an image and a second distance field indicating distance from a location in the silhouette may be used to generate a path from an extremity point on the silhouette to the location. This path then may be used to determine a limb in the silhouette. This allows tracking of limbs even for hard to detect player poses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Hoof, Daniel G. Kennett
  • Patent number: 10922917
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing personal preferences and interests of end-users by engaging one or more end-users in a game in which the end-user may be given a chance to win a product item from a collection of product items selected by the end-user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Transform SR Brands LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. Skoler
  • Patent number: 10918938
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide a phased streaming system and process using a dynamic video game client. The dynamic video game client can utilize a state stream game engine in combination with a game application streaming service to provide users with the ability to begin playing games quickly on a huge range of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventor: Per Henrik Benny Karlsson
  • Patent number: 10913001
    Abstract: Gamer friend devices can be detected by a gaming console and the gaming console user can be prompted to add the friend devices to a friend list, which automatically logs the friends on its the console without requiring them to manually log in. The gaming console may also be automatically configured with profile information of the friends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Javier Fernandez Rico
  • Patent number: 10913000
    Abstract: Provided is a server device including: target control means for controlling movement of an operation target in a game space in accordance with operation input of a player; object giving means for giving, when the player has established a given positional condition, the player a collection item or a chance to acquire the collection item; search information generation means for generating, as search information supplied to the player, information on the presence/absence or a position of the collection item in a search area that moves in the game space in accordance with the movement of the operation target; search information control means for controlling accuracy of the search information in accordance with a collection result of the collection item by the player; and provision control means for controlling the provision of an event in accordance with the collection result of the collection item by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kyono, Ken Masumori
  • Patent number: 10914645
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker
  • Patent number: 10909798
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for transferring a monetary value from a first gaming station to a second gaming station by use of biometric data are disclosed. Each station includes a biometric sensor that provides biometric data that is used in the transfer of the payout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Stanley P. Dabrowski
  • Patent number: 10898798
    Abstract: An air flow generator may be implemented on an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) controller or head-mounted display (HMD) through which an AR or VR experience is presented. Based on content upon which the AR or VR experience is based, air flow effects can be provided by the air flow generator. In particular, desired air flow effect parameters based on or obtained from the content, can be used to enhance the AR or VR experience through generating air flow directed at a user of the HMD. The air flow generated by the air flow generator can be further enhanced by the addition of liquid and/or scented additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Javier Soto, Mehul Patel, Joseph Popp, Calis Agyemang