Patents by Inventor Brian Fargo

Brian Fargo 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).

  • Publication number: 20200360824
    Abstract: In a virtual environment such as an online game, a voice chat audio signal controls the volume of chat audio signals between users. The volume of chat audio signals between users can be controlled depending on one or more factors such as volume of the user's voices spoken into their audio input device and the relative positions of virtual objects controlled by the users. In one implementation, a voice chat audio signal from a first user to a second user is reduced in volume if a distance between the virtual objects of the first and second players exceeds a threshold distance and if the volume in audio input device of the first player is less than a threshold volume. A volume of a user's chat input can also control aspects of a virtual environment. The result a more realistic audible chat interaction among users controlling characters in a virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Patent number: 10737185
    Abstract: In a virtual environment such as an online game, a voice chat audio signal controls the volume of chat audio signals between users. The volume of chat audio signals between users can be controlled depending on one or more factors such as volume of the user's voices spoken into their audio input device and the relative positions of virtual objects controlled by the users. In one implementation, a voice chat audio signal from a first user to a second user is reduced in volume if a distance between the virtual objects of the first and second players exceeds a threshold distance and if the volume in audio input device of the first player is less than a threshold volume. A volume of a user's chat input can also control aspects of a virtual environment. The result a more realistic audible chat interaction among users controlling characters in a virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Publication number: 20190344185
    Abstract: In a virtual environment such as an online game, a voice chat audio signal controls the volume of chat audio signals between users. The volume of chat audio signals between users can be controlled depending on one or more factors such as volume of the user's voices spoken into their audio input device and the relative positions of virtual objects controlled by the users. In one implementation, a voice chat audio signal from a first user to a second user is reduced in volume if a distance between the virtual objects of the first and second players exceeds a threshold distance and if the volume in audio input device of the first player is less than a threshold volume. A volume of a user's chat input can also control aspects of a virtual environment. The result a more realistic audible chat interaction among users controlling characters in a virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: INXILE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Patent number: 8382581
    Abstract: A system and method for rewarding and providing real world rewards for online game participation is provided. The system allows a user to access an online website having a plurality of different games to play or other activities to participate in, whereby the online website is able to track and monitor online participation and award points that may be redeemed for physical prizes that may be sent to the individual participating in the online activity. Additionally, the system allows the user to accumulate a sufficient amount of points which may be redeemed for better prizes after prolonged play and utilization of the online activity. Moreover, the system may reward the individual for specific contributions or reward for superior activity or play within the participation activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: inXile Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Publication number: 20120015731
    Abstract: A system for collecting, analyzing, filtering, adapting, and reacting to voice information during game play is provided. The system utilizes voice recognition and alteration algorithms to voice characteristics and adapts game play to react to the specific voice criterion, including pitch, volume, articulation, background noise and the like. The system is capable of reacting to the voice criterion including altering game play based on the information it collects, filters and analyzes. The system further will analyze information from individual players and may adapt the game to respond to particular voice recognition of volume, pitch and the like to increase and enhance game interaction by the individual game player whereby the game may react to any of these voice criteria which may create a more realistic game environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: INXILE ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Fargo
  • Publication number: 20090156310
    Abstract: A system and method for rewarding and providing real world rewards for online game participation is provided. The system allows a user to access an online website having a plurality of different games to play or other activities to participate in, whereby the online website is able to track and monitor online participation and award points that may be redeemed for physical prizes that may be sent to the individual participating in the online activity. Additionally, the system allows the user to accumulate a sufficient amount of points which may be redeemed for better prizes after prolonged play and utilization of the online activity. Moreover, the system may reward the individual for specific contributions or reward for superior activity or play within the participation activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: inXile Entertainment
    Inventor: BRIAN FARGO