Patents Examined by Tramar Y Harper
  • Patent number: 10482713
    Abstract: Facilitating entry and/or selection of one or more awards associated with a secondary game to increase the probability of obtaining a more desirable award. Access to a secondary game may be selectively provided, to players of an online game, to facilitate player participations in individual episodes of the secondary game. A set of potential awards may be obtained together with a set of award probabilities for the set of potential awards. Entry and/or selection of one or more of the potential awards in the set of potential awards to be removed from or replaced in the set of potential awards to create an adjusted set of potential awards, may be received from the player. A first potential may be selected based on the award probabilities and distributed to the first player for use within the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Schultz, Luc Pieron, Sam McLellan, Henry Rull, Kevin Simmons, Jay Jodway, Weiwei Geng
  • Patent number: 10475274
    Abstract: Three-dimensional displays and related techniques are provided. A method of generating a stereoscopic 3D image of a casino game apparatus is provided. A first static 2D image may be applied to a surface in a virtual 3D environment as a first texture of the surface in a first view of the virtual 3D environment. A second static 2D image may be applied to the surface in the virtual 3D environment as a second texture of the surface in a second view of the virtual 3D environment. A stereoscopic 3D image of the casino game apparatus may be generated, the stereoscopic 3D image comprising the first view of the virtual 3D environment with the first static 2D image applied as the first texture to the surface and the second view of the virtual 3D environment with the second static 2D image applied as the second texture to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventors: Stefan Keilwert, Klaus Achmuller, Lukas Angermayer, Armin Herlitz, Sven Aurich
  • Patent number: 10471331
    Abstract: A pacing system for pacing an activity receives a desired pace that includes a timing interval and generates a first pace signal based on the desired pace and corresponding to the timing interval. The system receives feedback on an actual pace of the activity and determines if the actual pace is different than the desired pace. When the actual pace is different, the system generates a second pace signal having a timing that is different than the timing interval. When the actual pace is not different, the system generates the second pace signal in accordance with the timing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant
  • Patent number: 10471353
    Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting an image of a user interacting with a video game includes providing images of a virtual reality (VR) scene of the video game for rendering on a display screen of a head mounted display (HMD). The images of the VR scene are generated as part of game play of the video game. An input provided at a user interface on the HMD received during game play is used to initiate a signal to pause the video game and to generate an activation signal to activate an image capturing device. The activation signal causes the image capturing device to capture an image of the user interacting in a physical space. The image of the user captured by the image capturing device during game play is associated with a portion of the video game that corresponds with a time when the image of the user was captured. The association causes the image of the user to be transmitted to the HMD for rendering on the display screen of the HMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Phillip Frappiea
  • Patent number: 10471341
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to enabling a user to access a game without registering for a platform account. In implementations, if an unregistered user attempts to access a game supported by a gaming platform, a guest account may be automatically created for the user in response to receiving a request for the user to access the game. The guest account may enable the user to access the game without first registering with the gaming platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventor: Ziqiang Xu
  • Patent number: 10454862
    Abstract: A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a control device allowing a user to control the output of signals from the video apparatus to the screen, thereby selecting a viewing activity; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus, coupled to the memory, network interface and video apparatus, and arranged to execute the communication client application; wherein the client application is configured so as when executed to allow the user to conduct bidirectional communications with other users via the packet-based network, and output notifications to the user of incoming communication events received from other users over the packet-based network; and wherein the client application is further configured to defer one or more of said notifications of incoming communication events received during said viewing activity, determine a delineation in the viewing activity, and automatically o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rovi Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David Dinka, Gisela Gier
  • Patent number: 10445972
    Abstract: A game machine featuring a play field, a light source and a transmissive electronic display covering at least a portion of the play field. The play field having a top and bottom and a translucent back panel having first and second sides. The back panel being located between the play field and the light source. The play field located between the back panel and the electronic display. The light source illuminating the electronic display through the back panel to present images over the play field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TEAM PLAY, INC.
    Inventors: Ed Pellegrini, Kenneth J. Fedesna, Frank Pellegrini, Brian Smolik, Joe Cicak, Bobby Llereza
  • Patent number: 10438445
    Abstract: A system to manage prize accumulation and distribution includes an interface to receive publication data from a publishing user. The publication data is to be published by the computer system. The interface further receives a prize contribution value, at the computer system and from the publishing user, in exchange for the presentation of an opportunity to win a cumulative prize. The opportunity to win the cumulative prize is to be presented by the computer system in conjunction with the publication of the publication data. A publication module is to electronically publish the publication data on behalf of the publishing user, and is to electronically present the opportunity to win the cumulative prize in conjunction with the publication of the publication data. A prize processing module is to calculate a value of the cumulative prize, based on a cumulative contribution of prize contribution values received from a plurality of publishing users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Monahan
  • Patent number: 10431041
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a multi-line spinning reel game includes a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. In the game at least one random event, in particular a spin of the reels, is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The player is constrained to wager a single amount on each play of the game and may not vary the amount. This single wager amount provides eligibility to play all available lines of the game and eligibility to bonus features. No choice of other wagering options is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Scott C. Olive
  • Patent number: 10417875
    Abstract: A gaming machine having an electronic display which displays a plurality of empty drinking cups. A game controller causes the display of a ball and its movement toward and into one of the empty cups. A game play mechanism allows the player to direct the movement of the ball. If the player is successful in movement of a ball into a cup, the cup and the ball is then removed from the display. During play of the game, an amount of sobriety is determined in accord with the number of cups removed by the player. In accordance with the amount of sobriety determined, the cups are displayed in wobbling movement in order to give amusement to the game as well as difficulty in the play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: T. Grant Bolling, Jr., Kurt Larsen, C'era Oliveira, Joseph Masinter
  • Patent number: 10410476
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses, and methods for involve or otherwise facilitate a multiple symbol replacement process. Accordingly, a gaming device includes a display having a first game grid and a second game grid, and can be configured to replace at least two symbols in the second game grid, with each of the replaced symbols being in separate game reels that form columns in the second grid, when a predetermined symbol appears in the first game grid as part of a determined game outcome. Alternatively, the gaming device may be configured to replace symbols in the second game grid when a predetermined symbol appears in the first game grid, and replace symbols in the first game grid when a predetermined symbol appears in the second game grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Bradley Berman
  • Patent number: 10398995
    Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., Peter H. Greene, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10388105
    Abstract: Social media activities associated with an on-line social media system are linked to casino game activities and casino gaming machines. A player of a casino gaming machine may access a social media website via the casino gaming machine, such as to play a social media game at the casino gaming machine. A player may also access the social media system from a presentation computing device and, via that system, link to a casino gaming machine to play one or more casino wagering games. Social media currency and casino monetary credits may be exchanged or converted and other aspects of casino game play and social media activities may be integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Tipping Point Group, LLC
    Inventor: Sam Johnson
  • Patent number: 10354483
    Abstract: Servers and method for use in creating a random reward are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving a request for a random reward from an organizer, establishing a random reward in response to the request, transmitting a credential associated with the random reward to a player, and crediting gaming activity associated with the credential to the random reward. Access to the random reward is limited to players presenting the credential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher John Thacker, Daniel William Milligan, Stephen Wade Brooks
  • Patent number: 10350486
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention embody motion detection via a camera for mobile platform video gaming and exercise, in either integrated or separately attachable components. The system includes an oral care device. The oral care device, such as a toothbrush, includes one or more targets. Each target designates a specific area of the toothbrush, such as back side, a front side, a brush head or a brush end. A target can be a color or a tag, and can be removably coupled or integrally formed with the toothbrush. The system also includes an application configured to detect the targets, to determine that a property of any of the targets has changed. Based on at least the determination, the application is configured to monitor progress of brushing and to control an element in the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: David G. Capper, Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 10343057
    Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game including a turn-based battle against an enemy character by displaying a player character on a display screen of a display device includes a profile information storage section for storing summon admissibility information in which a battle command used in the turn-based battle is associated with other player character that carries out an action corresponding to the battle command; receives the summon admissibility information from other video game processing apparatus in which the other player character is used as a main character; receives a summoning request indicating a usage request of the summon admissibility information in the turn-based battle; determines summon admissibility information to be used in a case where the summoning request is received; and summons the other player character indicated by the determined summon admissibility information to be caused to carry out the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Tomoya Asano, Masashi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10335675
    Abstract: An example game controller includes L and R buttons provided in both left and right end portions on an upper surface of a housing and ZL and ZR buttons provided to sides of the L and R buttons closer to a back surface of the game controller. The ZL/ZR button includes a protruding portion protruding in the direction of the back surface of the game controller and the direction of a side surface of the game controller. This makes it possible to increase the area of an upper surface of a key top of the ZL/ZR button and improve the operability of the ZL/ZR button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumiyoshi Suetake, Hitoshi Tsuchiya, Takanori Okamura
  • Patent number: 10333442
    Abstract: In a motor control device, a communication interface receives a control command defining a target rotation amount and a target rotation speed of a motor. A sensor interface receives a detection signal from a rotation angle sensor outputting a detection signal in every rotation of the motor at a predetermined angle. A controller decides a set value of a rotation speed of the motor. A drive signal generator generates and outputs a drive signal for rotating the motor. The controller calculates a difference between the target rotation amount and a total rotation amount of the motor from start of execution of the control command, based on the number of received detection signals, and determines whether an abnormality occurs in operation of the motor based on an update frequency of a minimum value of the difference or a non-update period when the minimum value of the difference is not updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ibuki, Akihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 10332339
    Abstract: A gaming system provides a center control unit and a plurality of gaming stations. The center control unit is provides a main game to a plurality of players. The center control unit is configured to randomly establish an outcome of the main game from a plurality of potential outcomes. The gaming stations accept a wager on the main game from respective players, receives the outcome of the main game and pays an award to one of the players as a function of the outcome of the main game. The center control unit randomly establishes one of the players as eligible for a bonus game, selects one of the potential outcomes of the main game as a bonus game eligible outcome, and if the bonus game eligible outcome is the outcome of the main game, provides a bonus game to the bonus game eligible player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mukasa Shigehito, Osaki Yukihiro, Ueki Kyohei, Tada Ikki, Tezuka Yoshiaki, Mizoguchi Masao, Mizoguchi Toshiyuki
  • Patent number: 10325451
    Abstract: A method and system for a card-based game with simulates a traditional keno game through the use of a specially designed deck of playing cards. The system includes a computer, a scanner, a specialty card shoe, and the specially designed deck of cards. The method includes first shuffling the deck of cards by the specialty card shoe. Next, a card is drawn from the deck of cards and scanned, thus extracting a unique number that is associated with a spot on a traditional Keno card. The unique number is then associated and indicated to a spot on a simulated Keno card by the computer. This process is repeated for twenty iteration to compile winning numbers. The winning numbers are then compared against guessed spots associated with a user account to identify a set of matching spots. A primary payout transaction is managed based on the set of matching spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Kard Keno, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Armstrong