Patents Examined by Paul A. D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 11027196
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and managing electronic transactions and providing a domain specific collection of remotely callable functions in a video game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Baca, Chris Mueller
  • Patent number: 11007430
    Abstract: A system for virtual reality (VR) motion control includes a multi-dimensional motion platform and a thrust universal spherical plain bearing. The VR motion control method includes: setting parameters; calibrating a device; obtaining parameters; receiving a head-mounted display device tracking packet and/or an action control packet; determining whether a real-time angle difference is greater than a set dead zone angle; and calculating a difference between a current angle of a head-mounted display device and a current status of the multi-dimensional motion platform, and feeding the difference into an action control system of the multi-dimensional motion platform, to eliminate the difference. The multi-dimensional motion platform uses single-point bearing or single-point lifting bearing and lever traction-type transmission, thereby realizing functions of swinging and rotating in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: XI'AN KISSFUTURE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, GUANGZHOU LEADCOM SEATING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wei Zhong, Ying Lin, Hengke Liu, Lu Wang
  • Patent number: 11007424
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and a method of realizing an image for virtual golf that are capable of realizing an image that provides greater realism to a user who plays golf using images realized on a front screen and on a floor screen in a user golf play space and of enabling a simulation image output through the front screen and the floor screen to naturally progress as a golf game progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: GOLFZON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woo Jin Jung, Min Yong Cho
  • Patent number: 10991195
    Abstract: An information processor displays a slot game on a display and stores the detail of a bet in a flash memory in accordance with an input indicating the bet. When the slot game is finished, the information processor determines whether an item for automation is valid. When the item for automation is valid, the information processor starts the next execution of the slot game with the detail of the bet stored in the flash memory. When the item for automation is not valid, the information processor waits for an input of a bet on the next execution of the slot game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Oyama, Toshikazu Jinnouchi
  • Patent number: 10987591
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of synchronizing an online game, and a server device, that do not require centralized information management, reduce the processing burden on each device during online communication, and allow for continuation of processing in an offline environment. A method, according to the present disclosure, of synchronizing an online game that allows for transmission and reception of information related to game processing between a first client terminal and a second client terminal via a server includes: receiving, from the first client terminal connected online, first information related to game processing on the first client terminal; determining whether the first information is information that determines a game status; and storing the first information on the server and transmitting the first information to the second client terminal when the first information is determined to be information that determines the game status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Jay Gould
  • Patent number: 10987578
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a gaming session via cloud services with a first device, receiving information at the first device to establish a connection with a second device, and receiving at the first device instructions from the second device via the connection, wherein the instructions control an aspect of the gaming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: South Park Digital Studios LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Thomas, Jeff Lake, Michael Kelly, Kain Shin, Stephen Alexander
  • Patent number: 10987575
    Abstract: Disclosed is a game service providing server and method. The game service providing server includes a processor configured to generate a game interface in which an audio generated in the vicinity of a game character of a user is visualized through an interface element, and provide a game service based on the generated game interface. The processor may generate the game interface including a plurality of interface elements arranged in preset regions, adjust the interface element based on audio data related to the audio, and generate the visualized game interface based on a result of the adjusting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Netmarble Corporation
    Inventors: Ilhwan Seo, Hyejeong Jeong
  • Patent number: 10981066
    Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for valuing third-party generated content within a video game environment. Third-party generated content (e.g., a persona item for a virtual character) for a video game comprising file(s) is received. The file(s) are analyzed to detect more predefined objective property(ies) of the received third-party generated content. A rarity score for the third-party generated content is calculated based, at least in part, upon the detected one or more predefined objective properties and, optionally, a weight assigned to each predefined objective property. A rarity level for the third-party generated content is assigned based, at least in part, on the calculated score. Information regarding the assigned rarity level of the third-party generated content is provided (e.g., to a user of the video game and/or a creator of the third-party generated content).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Benjamin Greiner, Kara Jane Kono, Lauren Elizabeth Careccia
  • Patent number: 10984626
    Abstract: A system controls access to games, such as Lottery games, over communication devices, including wireless devices. A ticket comprising a substrate identifies a game and indicates that it is a lottery electronic access ticket (LEAT). A participation number, typically obscured, is provided and communicated by typing or keying the number. In one aspect, the system placing a limit on the number of plays allowed, where the number is greater than one, and the system placing a time limit on game play. The use of the system is subject to limits on the number of plays allowed, and includes a time component. Game play proceeds once the system verifies that the number is valid. If valid, and a monetary amount remains available to the player, game play is permitted to proceed. The player is then provided with an indication of whether they have won, and if so, the amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 10974136
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using reduced hops to generate an augmented virtual reality scene in a head mounted display. The head mounted display is used for game play via a game cloud system. The head mounted display includes a communications circuit for sending real-world media associated with a game program via a network. The real-world media is processed by the game cloud system and streamed directly from the communications circuit to the game cloud system. The head mounted display further includes a game processing circuit coupled to the communications circuit. The game processing circuit is used for decoding computer-generated interactive media received from the game cloud system via the network. The game processing circuit drives a portion of interactivity associated with the game program by superimposing the computer-generated interactive media on the real-world media. The computer-generated interactive media is generated based on the real-world media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
    Inventor: David Perry
  • Patent number: 10967270
    Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Mullen
  • Patent number: 10967278
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a description of systems and methods for providing anonymity to users of computing devices engaged in communication to facilitate truthfulness by the users. A first mobile computing device may establish, with a plurality of other mobile computing devices, a game between a first user of the first mobile computing device and a plurality of other users respectively of the plurality of other mobile computing devices. The first mobile computing device may transmit a first original question and preset answer options for display. The first mobile computing device may determine a first follow-up question to the first original question, a correct answer to the first follow-up question, and one or more incorrect answers to the first follow-up question based on the answer to the first original question from the first user and the plurality of answers to the first original question from the plurality of other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Kieran Goodwin
  • Patent number: 10967276
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventor: Jesper Jensen
  • Patent number: 10967272
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Willoughby H. Walling
  • Patent number: 10970956
    Abstract: A system and method include a database configured to store results of wagers on at least one prior game for a plurality of players, a first server, a second server, and an application executable by a user computing device processor. The first server queries the database to receive the results of the wagers and to determine a ranked list of leaders based at least in part on the results of the wagers. The application presents the ranked list of leaders to a user, enables the user to select one of the leaders, and transmits data representative of the selected leader to the first server. The second server receives the selected leader from the first server and automatically links the user with the selected leader such that when the leader places a wager, the second server automatically places the same wager on behalf of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: John English
  • Patent number: 10967271
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Willoughby H. Walling
  • Patent number: 10953316
    Abstract: In methods and apparatuses for reducing latency in graphics processing inputs are received and a first set of frames is generated and stored. Once all of the frames in the first set of frames have been produced, they may be delivered to a GPU. Each frame is then rendered by the GPU, a latency increase resulting from storing the first set of frames is less than a decrease in overall latency resulting from avoiding thread stalls due to the GPU running out of frames to process. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Jacob P. Stine, Victor Octav Suba Miura
  • Patent number: 10953325
    Abstract: Resources for hosting game sessions can be dynamically selected based upon factors in addition to availability and capacity. A requested session may have various criteria enabling it to be hosted on different types of resources, such as different types of resource instances operating on physical servers. While a fixed amount of capacity can be purchased over an extended period of time, options can also exist that enable purchasing resource capacity for a limited period of time, or purchasing excess capacity without a fixed time limit but that is subject to potential interruption. Benefits relating to cost and performance may offset these potential limitations, and the selection of a type of resource to host a game can be based upon an analysis of these factors. If a game session is to be interrupted or will time out, advance notice can be provided such that the game can take a corresponding action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hok Peng Leung, Geoffrey Scott Pare, Christopher Paul Dury
  • Patent number: 10957153
    Abstract: A progressive pool controller within a gaming environment can have programmable contents thereof retrieved or changed without need for user interaction with the controller other than inserting a dynamically-linkable and reprogrammable storage device (e.g., a USB flash drive) into an I/O receptacle of the controller. The controller has a service automatically repeatedly executing therein, checking for insertion of the storage device, checking for recognizable commands within the inserted storage device after it is inserted, executing command following programs for the recognizable commands, saving output results of the executed programs into the inserted storage device and signaling that the storage device should be removed from the I/O receptacle upon completed execution of all the command following programs. Contents of the storage device remain encrypted when in transit and are exposed within secured confines of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: AGS LLC
    Inventors: Anil Kumar Narra, Jasonlee Kissee Hohman, Scott Andrew Melnick
  • Patent number: 10953327
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, methods and apparatus for processing media content for reproduction by a first apparatus. The method includes obtaining pose information indicative of a position and/or orientation of a user. The pose information is transmitted to a second apparatus that provides the media content. The media content is rendered based on the pose information to obtain rendered media content. The rendered media content is transmitted to the first apparatus for reproduction. The present invention may include a first apparatus for reproducing media content and a second apparatus storing the media content. The first apparatus is configured to obtain pose information indicative and transmit the pose information to the second apparatus; and the second apparatus is adapted to: render the media content based on the pose information to obtain rendered media content; and transmit the rendered media content to the first apparatus for reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignees: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation, Dolby International AB
    Inventors: Christof Fersch, Nicolas R. Tsingos