Patents Examined by Lawrence Galka
  • Patent number: 9814974
    Abstract: A system is provided that modifies a haptic effect experienced at a user input element, where the user input element is positioned within the housing so that a first contact with the housing defines a first maximum range of a first movement of the user input element. The system receives a position of a user input element of a peripheral device. The system further sends a haptic effect definition to the haptic output device in response to the received position of the user input element. The system further causes the haptic output device to output a force to the user input element of the peripheral device in response to the haptic effect definition. The system further causes the haptic diminishment prevention to define a first diminishment range of the first movement of the user input element, where the first diminishment range is less than the first maximum range and prevents the first contact with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny Grant, Aaron Kapelus
  • Patent number: 9818255
    Abstract: Provided is a game system that makes it possible for different user groups mutually to participate in the progression of a game. In a game system (1), a user terminal (8) that provides a mobile game to a first user group, a game machine (GM) that provides an arcade game to a second user group that is different from the first user group, and a center server (3) that provides a predetermined service thereto, are connected together via a network. And, upon the condition that the first user of the first user group expends a predetermined value, the game system (1) provides an advantageous situation for the arcade game to the second user of the second user group; and moreover, if a benefit condition is satisfied in the arcade game, confers a benefit that can be used in the mobile game upon the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigehito Mukasa
  • Patent number: 9814937
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the performance of an individual during a fitness activity are disclosed. A method of monitoring the performance of a participant engaged in a fitness activity includes receiving a GPS signal during the fitness activity at a portable fitness device used by the participant; determining participant performance data based on the received GPS signal; at a stationary position beacon, transmitting location data associated with the location of the stationary position beacon; at a mobile participant receiver supported by the participant, receiving the location data from the stationary position beacon; and modifying the participant performance data based on the data received from the stationary position beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Jon Harald Werner, Christian Dibenedetto, Stephen John Black
  • Patent number: 9808719
    Abstract: The information processing device according to the present invention is provided with a fusion processing unit which, before satisfying a preset condition related to fusing a basic first game content and a second game content used as source material for fusion, varies parameters configured in the first game content each time the second game content is fused with the first game content, and, once the preset condition is satisfied, provides benefits, without varying the parameters configured in the first game content, each time the second game content is fused with the first game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyohei Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9811236
    Abstract: A video gaming system is disclosed that includes one or more game processors, one or more video displays, an apparatus for a player to control the play of the game, and a memory device. The memory device stores a set of fixed instructions to control the game processor and is configured to: enable the player to interact with the game interface to select a game from a list of games offered by the video gaming machine, wherein the game is represented by a game bubble floating in the game interface; display a game selection interface to enable the player to select the game and add the game in a control panel, wherein the control panel is configured to display multiple games selected by the player; and enable the player to switch among the plurality of games and control a game play of the plurality of games concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Hilbert, Joseph R. Hedrick, David Ponce, Yogendrasinh Hematji Rajput, Prateek Kumar Baishkhiyar, Ravi Subramanian, Pratima Mary Yedluri
  • Patent number: 9792778
    Abstract: Bundled game assets are provided to game clients based on device characteristics of a client device. The game assets can include executable modules, audio data, video data, configuration files etc. A web site, for example, a game lobby, receives a request for a game from a client device. The game lobby receives device characteristics for the client device. The game lobby sends the device characteristics to a server. The server determines if an asset bundle has already been created for the client device based on the device characteristics. If an asset bundle has already been created, the asset bundle is provided to the client device. If an asset bundle does not exist for a client device having the indicated characteristics, the system creates an asset bundle, where at least some of the assets included in the bundle are determined, based at least in part, on the indicated device characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Irby, II, Fredrik Arvidsson, Nisse A. Bergman, Per O. Hjelm, Markus P. Hogberg, Andreas D. Larsson
  • Patent number: 9789389
    Abstract: An example recording medium records an information processing program causing an information processing apparatus to operate as: a reading part reading a game program capable of being executed by any other information processing apparatus having a configuration different from that of the information processing apparatus and execution situation information indicating an execution situation at a given execution position of the game program; an emulation part, by using the execution situation information, emulating the game program with starting at the given execution position; a judgment part judging an execution situation of the game program to be emulated; and a changing part, when it is judged that the execution situation of the game program satisfies a condition set forth in advance, changing an execution status of the emulation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koichi Hayashida
  • Patent number: 9781244
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for dual-mode communication are provided. Example embodiments provide a an enhanced mobile device that includes a CPU, a low latency transceiver, and a high latency transceiver. The enhanced mobile device is in communication with a console via both the low latency transceiver and the high latency transceiver. The console also includes a CPU, a low latency transceiver, and a high latency transceiver. In some embodiments, the low latency communication channel is used to transmit control messages to an entertainment console whereas the high latency communication channel is used to communicate data between the mobile device and the entertainment console. The dual-mode communication may be used in different scenarios, including entertainment applications, such as with dual-mode eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Griffin
  • Patent number: 9779584
    Abstract: A gaming system may include a gaming machine having a monetary input device, a wager input device, and a processor may be coupled to the wager input device and a memory device. The processor may establish a credit balance based on the monetary value, decrease the credit balance by the selected wager, and present the wagering game at an interface. The wagering game may include a jackpot winnable based on an outcome of the wagering game. A game server may transmit content for the wagering game to the gaming machine. The game server may also determine a plurality of parameters relating to the jackpot, track a turnover of the gaming machine, and change a parameter of the plurality of parameters in response to comparison of the turnover to a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventor: Roman Czubak
  • Patent number: 9773367
    Abstract: A method and system for using a touch interface to detect a lateral edge of a human hand of a user to selectively reveal an item to the user. The method includes providing a general purpose computer having a main board with program memory, software, a processor and RAM connected in operative communication, providing an interface in operative communication with the processor, the interface being accessible by the user. The interface includes a touch screen that detects multiple points of contact indicative of the lateral edge of the human hand and reveals the item to the user in response to the step of detecting. The interface detects movement of the multiple points of contact and reveals the item at a position on the touch screen determined by the position of the multiple points of contact. Detecting movement further causes the item to track the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventor: Alois Homer
  • Patent number: 9754443
    Abstract: Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable remote play of a game hosted by a gaming machine using a mobile device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network in communication with the gaming machine and the mobile device, and the network includes a first wireless access point located in a first area and a second wireless access point located in a second area of a venue. Also included is a remote gaming server in communication with the gaming machine and mobile device over the network. The remote gaming server enables remote play when the mobile device is connected to the second wireless access point and prevents remote play when the mobile device is connected to the first wireless access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Martin S. Lyons, Sean C. Martin
  • Patent number: 9744403
    Abstract: An activity tracking racquet attachment device tracks activity such as calories burned over a period of using a racquet to which the device is attached. The device includes a housing having a first face and a perimeter sidewall extending from and around the first face. A processor is coupled to the housing. A motion detector is coupled to the housing such that the motion detector detects movement of the housing. The motion detector is communicatively coupled to the processor wherein the processor receives motion data from the motion detector. A coupler is coupled to and extends from a second face of the housing coupling the housing to an end of a handle of a racquet such that the first face of the housing faces outwardly from the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge H. Rangel, Gerardo Marvez
  • Patent number: 9746354
    Abstract: A motion sensor package with an elastomer layer that encases the sensor electronics, including the sensors, a processor, an antenna, and a battery. The elastomer layer may provide shock isolation and water resistance to protect the enclosed electronics. Embodiments may also include an outer housing into which the elastomer encased package is installed. The outer housing may for example comprise two cylindrical sections that screw together to close the outer housing. In one or more embodiments part of the outer housing may be integrated into an item of sports equipment. Embodiments for golf may also include a golf club grip adapter that is inserted into the top of a grip, and which attaches to the outer housing containing the elastomer enclosed sensor package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Martin, Bhaskar Bose, Michael Bentley, Ryan Kaps
  • Patent number: 9746912
    Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, William H. Gates, III, Gary W. Flake, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, Alexander G. Gounares, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
  • Patent number: 9733702
    Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Takeshi Hayakawa, Norihiro Aoyagi, Seiki Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9700805
    Abstract: A system and method for automated fantasy drafting are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving one or more user-defined rules with respect to a list of players, wherein each player on the list is associated with one or more characteristics from a set of predefined characteristics and wherein at least one of the user-defined rules specifies a particular characteristic and selecting a player from the list of players satisfying the one or more user-defined rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Nathaniel Sloan, Chris Tembreull, John Diver
  • Patent number: 9694279
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention monitor and dynamically manage game instances within a game service. A game service provides a remote gaming environment to which users connect over a wide area network, such as the Internet. For example, embodiments of the invention may forecast demand for a specific game title. The demand forecast is used to determine how many standby game instances are needed to meet demand as players join and leave game sessions. Games with higher demand may have more standby game instances ready for players to drop in. Games with less demand may have fewer active game instances running waiting for players to drop in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Peter Bruno, Donald James McNamara, Hsiang-Ling Jamie Lin, Christopher Lane Boedigheimer, Per-Ola Anders Orvendal, Joseph Cusimano, Scott Q. Longstreet
  • Patent number: 9687729
    Abstract: A computer device has user interface configured to display user actuatable game elements and to detect user input when a user engages with a game element; and a processor configured to receive a detected user input and on detecting a match game condition to control the user interface to remove at least three game elements from the display and to provide on the user interface replacement user actuatable game elements, wherein the manner of providing each replacement game element has a graphical representation governed by a tile associated with each game element, wherein each tile has a selectable physics which controls at least one of (i) the direction in which it moves to replenish a vacancy left by the removed user game elements; and (ii) the speed at which it moves to replenish the vacancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Magnus Hansson, Niclas Alftberg, Tobias Nyblom, Rikard Jaksch
  • Patent number: 9685040
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display and an electronic game controller. A first game, second game and third game are playable on the display, the second game being triggered during play of the first game and the third game being triggered during play of the second game. A player must make an additional wager to play one of the second and third games and does not need to make a further bet to play the other of the second and third games. A gaming method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ainsworth Game Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jason Meyer
  • Patent number: 9682314
    Abstract: A system and method for temporarily altering the determination of gameplay metric values in a game space, and distributing awards based on the relative change in gameplay metric values during the temporary time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Peter Glover, Jay Jodway, Jay Ambrosini