Patents by Inventor Albert Wei

Albert Wei has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10286301
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating game action time requirement suspension in an online game are disclosed. Instances of time requirement suspension items may be offered for purchase in an online store associated with the online game. A given time requirement suspension item may be configured to reduce time requirements (e.g., wait-period) for game actions requested by a player during a corresponding time period subsequent to the activation of the instance of the requirement suspension item by the player. The player may activate a purchased instance of the requirement suspension item in the online game to reduce the time requirements for the game actions requested by the player during the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu
  • Patent number: 10279271
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 10258883
    Abstract: An online game is provided to users via client computing devices. Gameplay metrics are determined for users of the online game based on actions taken by the users in the online game. Secondary games are provided, where the potential awards provided by the secondary games are determined based on the gameplay metrics of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wei, Kevin Lee, Jay Jodway, David McNeill, Devin Nambiar
  • Publication number: 20190046885
    Abstract: Approaches for secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements are provided. Actions by user-controlled elements of a first user or other game-space elements in a primary game mode of a game space may be managed. A session request for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space may be received from the first user. A first session for the first user may be executed in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) impacts on the user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected in the primary game mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 10195530
    Abstract: A system and method for providing in-game advertising to assist in recruiting of affiliation members in an online game. The system and method include receiving affiliation advertising bids from affiliations for advertising opportunities. A bid indicating an aggregate amount of consideration is pledged by multiple users in an affiliation on behalf of the affiliation in a competitive auction with other affiliations for an advertising opportunity and determining winning affiliation advertising bids in competitive auctions for advertising opportunities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Wynne Chyou, John Kim, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, Chris Yu
  • Publication number: 20180256988
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Publication number: 20180207530
    Abstract: An online game is provided to users via client computing devices. Gameplay metrics are determined for users of the online game based on actions taken by the users in the online game. Secondary games are provided, where the potential awards provided by the secondary games are determined based on the gameplay metrics of the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Albert Wei, Kevin Lee, Jay Jodway, David McNeill, Devin Nambiar
  • Patent number: 10016688
    Abstract: Approaches for secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements are provided. Actions by user-controlled elements of a first user or other game-space elements in a primary game mode of a game space may be managed. A session request for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space may be received from the first user. A first session for the first user may be executed in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) impacts on the user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected in the primary game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9968855
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 9962605
    Abstract: An online game is provided to users via client computing devices. Gameplay metrics are determined for users of the online game based on actions taken by the users in the online game. Secondary games are provided, where the potential awards provided by the secondary games are determined based on the gameplay metrics of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wei, Kevin Lee, Jay Jodway, David McNeill, Devin Nambiar
  • Patent number: 9928688
    Abstract: A system and method for providing currency multiplier items to one or more users of an online game is described. A user of an online game may obtain a currency multiplier item by purchase, by award, responsive to one or more actions taken in the online game, and/or by other methods. Use of the currency multiplier item may enable the user to adjust the amount of virtual currency in the inventory in the user's user account, wherein the adjustment to the amount of currency is not provided to the first user prior to use of the currency multiplier item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9799163
    Abstract: A system and method for providing currency multiplier items to one or more users of an online game is described. A user of an online game may obtain a currency multiplier item by purchase, by award, responsive to one or more actions taken in the online game, and/or by other methods. Use of the currency multiplier item may enable the user to adjust the amount of virtual currency in the inventory in the user's user account, wherein the adjustment to the amount of currency is not provided to the first user prior to use of the currency multiplier item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9731201
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating chance-based in-game virtual item distribution in a video game. A mini-game interface presents a mini-game to a user that has committed to a battle. Prior to instigation of the battle the user participates in a chance-based mini-game that determines awards to be distributed to the user from a set of potential awards. Benefits associated with a determined award are applied to a game entity included in a battle which is to follow the mini-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wei, David McNeill, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 9669316
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 9662566
    Abstract: A system and method for providing in-game advertising to assist in recruiting of affiliation members in an online game. The system and method include receiving affiliation advertising bids from affiliations for advertising opportunities. A bid indicating an aggregate amount of consideration is pledged by multiple users in an affiliation on behalf of the affiliation in a competitive auction with other affiliations for an advertising opportunity and determining winning affiliation advertising bids in competitive auctions for advertising opportunities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wynne Chyou, John Kim, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, Chris Yu
  • Patent number: 9656159
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing players of an online game the option of performing one or more activities external to the online game instead of spend virtual currency to accomplish a specific action in the game. This option is presented through an interface that creates and displays separate “offer walls” for separation actions in the game. The activities may thematically correspond to the type of action the player wants to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Inyang Akpan, Bryan Tsao, Albert Wei, John Kim, David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 9649554
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating users to obtain location information in a virtual space is disclosed. Query items may be offered to sell to the users. Upon user activation of the query items, identification information identifying target entities may be obtained from the users. Based on such identification information, location information regarding virtual space locations controlled by or associated with the target entities may be provided to the users. The provided location information may include coordinate information reflecting virtual space coordinates of such locations. In some examples, the level of detail and/or accuracy of such location information provided to the users may be based on the activated query items being specific grades and/or based on levels of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Inyang Akpan, Bryan Tsao, Albert Wei, John Kim, David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 9610493
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating chance-based in-game virtual item distribution in a video game. A mini-game interface presents a mini-game to a user that has committed to a battle. Prior to instigation of the battle the user participates in a chance-based mini-game that determines awards to be distributed to the user from a set of potential awards. Benefits associated with a determined award are applied to a game entity included in a battle which is to follow the mini-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wei, David McNeill, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 9586133
    Abstract: Approaches for secondary-game-mode sessions based on primary-game-mode arrangements of user-controlled elements are provided. Actions by user-controlled elements of a first user or other game-space elements in a primary game mode of a game space may be managed. A session request for a session in a secondary game mode of the game space may be received from the first user. A first session for the first user may be executed in the secondary game mode such that: (i) the first session involves artificial-intelligence-controlled elements as opponents against the user-controlled elements; (ii) an arrangement of the user-controlled elements at a beginning of the first session is the same as an arrangement of the user-controlled elements in the primary game mode at a time of the session request; and (iii) impacts on the user-controlled elements during the first session in the secondary game mode are not reflected in the primary game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9539512
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating player interaction with sets of virtual tiles in a game space are disclosed. A set of virtual tiles may be provided for player interaction such that a player may be enabled to engage the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the individual tiles in the set of virtual tiles using a set of resources granted to the player. The player may be enabled to allocate a subset of the granted resources to engage a given tile in the set. An outcome of the engagement may be determined stochastically or quasi-stochastically. The player may be enabled to interact with the next tile in the set upon defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the previous tile. Upon the player defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the last tile in the set, a prize may be awarded to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: KABAM, INC.
    Inventors: John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Wynne Chyou