Patents Examined by Kevin Carter
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Patent number: 9295413Abstract: A fitness monitor comprises a housing, a wrist band, a motion sensor, a display, a non-transitory memory element and a processing element. The wrist band is coupled to the housing and configured to attach to a wrist of a user. The motion sensor is configured to sense motion of the user and generate motion data. The display is coupled to the housing and configured to present information associated with user activity. The memory element is located in the housing and configured to store the activity data and a daily activity goal. The processing element is operably coupled to the memory element and configured to determine daily activity data, a daily activity goal corresponding to a predetermined level of activity for the user, compute an activity countdown and level of inactivity, and present, on the display, the activity countdown and inactivity indicia indicating the level of inactivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbHInventors: Wai C. Lee, Michael K. George, Andrew J. Skarsgard
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Patent number: 9272221Abstract: The subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for determining a current performance of a gamer during a first gaming session of a gaming application, where the performance is determined from a first plurality of stimulus signals generated by a gaming accessory during the first gaming session according to a configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory, identifying a prior performance of the gamer during a prior gaming session of the gaming application, where the prior performance is determined from a second plurality of stimulus signals generated by the gaming accessory according to the configuration setting, comparing the current performance to the prior performance to determine a change in performance of the gamer, and adjusting the configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory according to the change in the performance of the gamer. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: STEELSERIES ApSInventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Bruce Hawver, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
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Patent number: 9259652Abstract: In one embodiment, a method provides a game for a first player. The method receives timing information for a second player that competed in a first instance of the game participated in by the second player and determines a set of parameters for an opponent in a second instance of the game based on the timing information. The second player started competing in the first instance of the game before the second instance of the game is started. Then, the opponent is created based on the set of parameters for the second instance of the game. After which, the method provides the second instance of the game in which the first player competes with the opponent. The opponent is automatically controlled in the second instance of the game by a game controller to perform according to the set of parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.Inventors: Kynan Woodman, Ian Uniacke
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Patent number: 9224270Abstract: A slot game is provided. A display device displays a plurality of reels. During the slot game the reels are spun and an outcome of the game is randomly determined. The outcome of the game is displayed on the display device in a grid comprised of a plurality of symbol positions in a predetermined arrangement. One of the symbols from a corresponding reel are displayed at each symbol position. The spinning reels are visible in the grid during play of the game. The controller awards the player an award as a function of the wager, the outcome of the game and a predetermined paytable. A first one of the reels contains a stack of adjacent, similar symbols. The stack of adjacent similar symbols are displayed with a first single graphic overlay.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventors: Arthur Lee, Jason Gilmore
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Patent number: 9216349Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices are described herein. In various embodiments, a system for gripping controllers for use with portable computing devices includes two gripping controllers. Each gripping controller includes a top portion having a face with an input controller arranged to receive input from a user, a bottom portion coupled to the top portion, and a radio antenna. Each gripping controller clamps onto a side of the portable computing device. At least one gripping controller communicates the received input from one or both gripping controllers to the portable computing device via the radio antenna using a wireless communication protocol.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: Michael Paul South
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Patent number: 9162140Abstract: A method for simulating a game of baseball via a computer network is playable by opposing managers running game application logic at remote computers communicating with an event outcome server. The server executes steps for receiving selected pitcher data and a pitcher control value from a first remote computer, and receiving, for an engagement with the selected pitcher data, selected batter data from a second remote computer. The server optionally modifies the pitcher control value according to the batter data, and generates a first random number for comparison to the pitcher control value. Based on the comparison, the server selects a set of probabilities representing possible outcomes of the engagement, where one selectable set favors the pitcher and another selectable set favors the batter.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ghostrunner Interactive, LLCInventor: James Steven Gustafson
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Patent number: 9120021Abstract: An interactive system adapted for lean-based control of ride or video game experiences. The system includes a vehicle seat and a motion base with a vehicle base upon which the vehicle seat is mounted. The system includes an actuator assembly moving the vehicle base and seat. A control system interprets sensor input signals and generates control signals to operate the actuator assembly to move the vehicle base and seat. Force sensors positioned in the vehicle seat sense forces applied by the passenger to the vehicle seat and transmit sensor data signals to the control system. The control signals operating the driver assembly are generated based on the sensor data, which is output from left and right sensors provided in a bench of the vehicle seat as well as in a front and a back support to provide X and Y-axis values based on passenger leaning in the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Isaac D. Talamantes, Tyler Emptage, Jonathan Ackley, Bei Yang, Hao Wang
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Patent number: 9111413Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting one or more audible communications made during a wagering game session, evaluating the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information associated with the wagering game session; and presenting an automated response to the one or more audible communications based on the evaluating of the one or more audible communications in context with gaming information.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Sean P. Kelly, Jesse M. Smith, Matthew J. Ward
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Patent number: 9110557Abstract: A method and system for a user interactive game capable of training and monitoring motor and cognitive skills of a patient, is provided. The method includes obtaining an image of an object being manipulated by the user, said image having an image frame; within the image frame, defining a shape of a field of movement; adding a bounding rectangle to the shape of the field of movement; mapping a coordinate from within the object to the bounding rectangle; mapping the coordinate from the bounding rectangle to the image frame; mapping the coordinate from the image frame to the target; and displaying the coordinate on the a computer monitor as an icon.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Timocco Ltd.Inventors: Sarit Tresser, Shay Yagur, Gil Wohlstadter
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Patent number: 9098972Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) may use a temporary network to perform configuration updates upon determining that a maintenance mode is active and that normal gaming operation is suspended. The temporary network may use cryptographically paired wireless devices that prevent man-in-the-middle attacks or eavesdropping. Alternatively, the temporary network may use an existing network that is utilized during normal gaming operation for accessories and/or loyalty data. Once the temporary, or ad hoc, network is established, a host electronic gaming machine or a standalone device may be used as a repository from which configuration information may be propagated to other electronic gaming machines, even if the other electronic gaming machines have a different games or configurations from that of the host. This capability may be particularly helpful in jurisdictions where EGM networking is prohibited during game play operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: WMS GAMING, INC.Inventors: Jorge Luis Shimabukuro, Ranjan Dasgupta
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Patent number: 9005018Abstract: A gaming system identifies, from a gaming network having a cluster of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), those of the EGMs having an availability and unavailability for use. Those of the EGMs having the availability for use are organized. A user selects one of the organized EGMs.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: IGTInventor: Durga S. Maddhali
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Patent number: 8894514Abstract: Arena Baseball Game system method of play includes base excessive force, no collision contact slide zones and describes a protective helmet apparatus for use by baseball fielders. The protective sport television or radio audio device means of communication equipped with display, GPS, infrared scan and sensors to monitor performance and physiological parameters. In operation one or more infrared sensor sits against skin of a user to measure his or her heart rate. In response to oscillation translation and/or rotation of the electronic sport device, portions of forces induced by the mass are transferred to the piezoelectric elements. Electrical energy output by these piezoelectric elements is received in a power controller and can be applied to the battery as self charging.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Inventor: James Edward Jennings
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Patent number: 8814702Abstract: A method for introducing an object with a unique identifier in a video game. A request to a server to introduce the object is made. An identity of a user of the video game is sent to the server. The server generates a token paired with the identity, embeds the token in a multimedia file, and sends the multimedia file to the video console. The video console reproduces the multimedia file and shows a message to the user so that the user executes an application in a smartphone. The application activates a reader to obtain the unique identifier of the object and activates a sensor element to be able to extract said token associated with the multimedia file. The smartphone sends the unique identifier of the object and the token to the server. The server pairs the unique identifier of the object with the identity of the user by means of the token and sends the unique identifier of the object to the video console to introduce it in the video game.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing LimitedInventors: Ruben Rodriguez Machado, Francisco Javier Rubio Andres, Unai Labirua Iturburu, Lucia Garate Mutiloa
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Patent number: 8727891Abstract: A method for introducing an object with a unique identifier in a video game. A request to a server to introduce the object is made. An identity of a user of the video game is sent to the server. The server generates a token paired with the identity, embeds the token in a multimedia file, and sends the multimedia file to the video console. The video console reproduces the multimedia file and shows a message to the user so that the user executes an application in a smartphone. The application activates a reader to obtain the unique identifier of the object and activates a sensor element to be able to extract said token associated with the multimedia file. The smartphone sends the unique identifier of the object and the token to the server. The server pairs the unique identifier of the object with the identity of the user by means of the token and sends the unique identifier of the object to the video console to introduce it in the video game.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing LimitedInventors: Ruben Rodriguez Machado, Francisco Javier Rubio Andres, Unai Labirua Iturburu, Lucia Garate Mutiloa