Patents Examined by Ross Williams
  • Patent number: 10188942
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for enabling a mobile station to control a virtual world being executed on a console system are described. The method can include establishing a communication link between the mobile station and a console system, identifying user interface characteristics of the mobile station, and providing a controller application to the mobile station, the controller application being based on the identified user interface characteristics and configured to transform user interface inputs into controller commands. The method can further include receiving signals containing data representing the controller commands from the mobile station over the communication link and determining a sequence of events of the virtual world based on the received controller commands. In one aspect, the controller application can execute in the context of an application on the mobile station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Pramod P. Patil
  • Patent number: 10176666
    Abstract: Gaming machines and systems are configured to distribute of viral events, such as viral gaming events, amongst devices. The devices can present the viral events. The devices can, for example, be gaming machines and/or mobile devices. According to one embodiment, once a viral event is triggered, it is presented at one or more first devices at a first time. The viral event spreads to other devices, such as one or more second devices where it can be presented at a later time. The viral event may continue to spread to numerous other devices. Feedback or metrics may be used to control the devices to which the viral event spreads and/or the rate of spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Nguyen Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Binh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10166480
    Abstract: When a communication unit receives a connection request from a device, a selection screen generating unit provides a selection screen for selecting a registered user. A login user storage unit separately stores information identifying a primary user who logged in first and information identifying one or more secondary users who logged in second or thereafter. Specifically, the login user storage unit stores the information identifying the primary user in association with information indicating initial login. An application startup unit starts an application upon receipt of a start instruction from the device used by the primary user but does not start the application when given the start instruction from the device used by the secondary user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Akitsugu Tsuchiya, Shigeru Enomoto, Nobukazu Koyama
  • Patent number: 10163301
    Abstract: A gaming system receives a total wager for a game session which occurs over a designated period of time. The game session includes a plurality of different wagering events. Each of the wagering events is associated with one of a plurality of different magnitudes. For each of the plurality of different wagering events, the gaming system determines: a portion of the total wager amount, and a wager by modifying the determined portion by the magnitude associated with that wagering event. The gaming system causes the wagering event to occur, determines at least one outcome for the wagering event, determines any awards based on the determined wager and the at least one determined outcome, and provides any of the determined awards to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cameron A. Filipour, Adam Singer, Alexander Popovich
  • Patent number: 10147275
    Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Lee E. Cannon
  • Patent number: 10147262
    Abstract: A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Hoffman, Paulina Rodgers, Christmas C. Parker
  • Patent number: 10134225
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include establishing a connection with an input device, from a plurality of input devices configured for user input, for use in a wagering game during a wagering game session. The operations can further include receiving input data from the input device, wherein the input data has a first format specific to the input device, and wherein the wagering game requires the input data in a second format different from the first format. The operations can further include converting the input data from the first format to the second format required by the wagering game, and providing the input data to the wagering game in the second format for use as the user input for the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric V. Erickson, Sean P. Kelly, Jesse M. Smith, Martin R. Ugarte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10099133
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an interactive digital multimedia platform for converting existing video objects to gamified multimedia objects and a method for the same. An editor-user of the platform may modify an existing video object while the content of the video object is playing. The editor-user may provide an editing input to the platform for assigning a gaming gesture at a point in video timeline associated with the video content thereby generating a modified video content. The modified video content may be a gamified multimedia object generated from the original video object. The platform also allows multiple editor-users to assign a plurality of gaming gestures at a plurality of points in video timeline associated with the existing video content. As such, the platform is collaborative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Abrakadabra Reklam ve Yayncilik Limited Sirketi
    Inventor: Mehmet Tokgoz
  • Patent number: 10102709
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system displays an arrangement of symbols including a plurality of symbol positions. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a randomly generated symbol in each symbol position. One or more of the symbols are displayed as associated with a directional indicator indicating a shift direction for that symbol. If any winning symbol combination is displayed, the gaming system shifts at least one symbol within the symbol matrix according to the directional indicator associated with that symbol, such as by shifting the symbol as designated distance in the shift direction indicated by the symbol's directional indicator. In one embodiment, the gaming system removes one or more symbols in the shift path of a shifting symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system generates and displays new symbols in the then-empty symbol positions of the symbol matrix and repeats the determination, shifting, and generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Scott A. Caputo
  • Patent number: 10076704
    Abstract: In such a timing game that a user taps on a collision position at a time when fore ends of a line object 51A and a line object 51B (hereinafter line objects 51) collide, a background image in perspective is displayed as if moving in depth direction. Simultaneously, the line objects 51 are moved corresponding to the background image. Therefore, it is possible to display the line objects 51 as if moving in depth direction, so that it is possible to provide the timing game with sense of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: CAPCOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruka Tawarayama, Hsinyun Hsieh, Yoshiyuki Yoshita, Naoki Maeda, Naoki Tarama, Takenobu Fujishima
  • Patent number: 10035066
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote play device for an interactive entertainment system and may include a class D amplifier and at least one motion detection device. The remote play device may also include a processor to adapt sound effects played through the class D amplifier based upon the at least one motion detection device. A battery may also be included powering at least the class D amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marco Angelici, Andrea Mario Onetti
  • Patent number: 10013843
    Abstract: A display, as for an electronic gaming machine, includes one or more rotatable mechanical reels including at least one variable displaying position at which the display may be varied. Content is displayed at the variable displaying position when the variable displaying position registers with the display. One or more reels can include a reel strip which includes at one location a pre-printed symbol and at another location a window. A video display can be arranged, configured and controlled by a processor to cast a display at the inside of the reel to impart light and video effects to pre-printed symbol locations or to cast video content through the reel strip window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
    Inventors: Philip Jeffery Anderson, Linn Anthony McKay, Scott Monroe Stewart, Anthony Wayne Bond
  • Patent number: 9990803
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include one or more one or more subscription based progressive structures. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: AGS LLC
    Inventors: Godfrey Imudia, Jared Torres, Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 9916718
    Abstract: A console for enabling play of a casino wagering game has: a video display screen; a player input system; a wager accepting and resolving system; a ball drop-and-capture gaming system; sensors for the gaming system; and a processor. Separate areas are provided on the video display screen for display of distinct results from at least two consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture events. The processor is configured to: a) receive information from sensors as to results of each ball drop-and-capture event; b) transmit viewable information to each separate area provided on the video display screen for each consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture event; and c) to compare all ball drop-and-capture events to a preselected number of memorialized ball drop-and-capture outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Joze Pececnik
  • Patent number: 9911082
    Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to identify relevant features in a deep question answering system, by classifying a first case received by the deep question answering system, and, while training the deep question answering system to answer the first case, identifying a first feature in the first case, computing a first feature score for the first feature, the first feature score indicating a relevance of the first feature in generating a correct response to the first case, and, identifying the first feature as relevant in answering the classified first case upon determining that the first feature score exceeds a relevance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SINOEAST CONCEPT LIMITED
    Inventors: Adam T. Clark, Mark G. Megerian, John E. Petri, Richard J. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9901833
    Abstract: A system has a computerized server connected to a network and having a processor, a data repository coupled to the processor, and software (SW) executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium. The software enables a player operating a computerized appliance connected to the network to log in to a site hosted on the server, the site providing video games and other places to which the player may navigate, enables the player to purchase virtual currency spendable in games the player may enter to play and at other places the player may select to navigate, credits the player with Points in a pre-established ratio to virtual currency spent by the player while logged in to the site, and accounts for points accredited to the player and other players, and displaying on the site Point totals for at least players having the greatest number of Points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Roblox Corporation
    Inventors: William Henry Kelly Mooney, David Baszucki
  • Patent number: 9881463
    Abstract: Provided is a gaming machine which does not bore the player through reel actions until completion of rearrangement of symbols. Under the condition where predetermined symbols are aligned on a payline when the symbols of a first scroll line of at least one of a plurality of scroll lines are being scrolled and symbols on the remaining second scroll lines are stopped, the gaming machine changes scrolling motion of symbols of the first scroll line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Susumu Mio, Hidekazu Suzuki, Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 9880797
    Abstract: A software application program that intelligently interfaces with a statistical data recording program, mass data storage devices and programmable electronic display devices to monitor the situational current state of a real-time event or activity such as a sporting contest and to identify, select, compile, organize, prioritize, present and recommend a plurality of relevant data items compiled from a plurality of recorded data sources to provide visual display content for selection by an operator for display on one or more electronic display boards. The intelligent interface software application program enables an operator of a programmable electronic display device instantly to review and select relevant data items corresponding to a given situational current state of a real-time event or activity and transmit selected data items for display on electronic display boards to a viewing party or public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas Kuck, Jon Curtis Grann, Samuel A. Martens, Casey M. Stout
  • Patent number: 9855503
    Abstract: A system and method for providing secondary gaming for fantasy sports to provide more interactive, robust and comprehensive fantasy sports gaming. A secondary game involves one or more fantasy sports players, one or more statistics to measure fantasy performance of the players, one or more time period in which to evaluate the fantasy player, and a game value amount, which is the consideration contested in the fantasy game. Accordingly, Users may place wagers on the expected performance of fantasy players or teams in a fantasy league regardless of whether the party is a participant in the league. The system may be functionally connected to the league software manager to provide real-time registration, submission, monitoring, and submission of second games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Rishi Nangia
  • Patent number: 9836924
    Abstract: A bonusing system used in a casino environment is described. The bonusing system enables a player to make secondary wagers on a bonus outcome. In one embodiment, the bonusing system can include a bonusing device which is installed at a gaming table at which a card game is played, such as baccarat or black jack. In the card game, the player makes a primary wager on an outcome of a card hand. The bonusing device can be configured to select a bonus card hand from among a subset of card hands associated with the card game and output the selected bonus hand. Based upon one or more of a player's card hand, a dealer's card hand, the bonus card hand or combinations thereof, the bonusing device can determine whether a bonus is to be awarded. The bonus amount awarded can depend on the amount of the secondary wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLED UP GAMING PARTNERS
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Van Asdale, Richard Brian Lopez