Patents by Inventor Bryan Tsao

Bryan Tsao 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: 11944910
    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 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Publication number: 20230321551
    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: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 11697070
    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: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Publication number: 20220143515
    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: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 11241629
    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: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 11198070
    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: 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: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Publication number: 20200406151
    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: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 10828574
    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 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Publication number: 20200289945
    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: 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: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 10639555
    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 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS ARTS INC.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 10576374
    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: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Inyang Akpan, Bryan Tsao, Albert Wei, John Kim, David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Patent number: 10535227
    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: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Inyang Akpan, Bryan Tsao, Albert Wei, John Kim, David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • Publication number: 20190255447
    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 2, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Bryan Tsao, John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
  • 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
  • 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: 10115267
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating chance-based payment for items in a game. In implementations, the disclosure relates to such systems which can be used in the payment for items in an affiliation based game. A user may be part of an affiliation and wish to contribute to their affiliation and show their loyalty in a non-direct manner. The contribution may be achieved by the user entering into a chance-based selection process such as a draw, where the user selected in the draw is the person that pays for a group virtual item used in the game. The item used in the game may benefit all members of the affiliation, simultaneously or in alternating fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Yu, Bryan Tsao, John Kim, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Wynne Chyou
  • 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
  • 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: 10016682
    Abstract: A system and method for garrisoning virtual units in virtual structures such that the attributes of the virtual structure are modified to reflect the garrisoning of the virtual unit inside the virtual structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS ARTS INC.
    Inventors: David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Bryan Tsao, John Kim
  • Patent number: 9975045
    Abstract: A system and method for executing an instance of an online game to facilitate participation of the user in the online game. The system and method include executing actions in the instance of the online game that are delayed from reception of corresponding action requests by wait times associated with the actions. The system and method include effectuating presentation of speed-up quest offers to the user for wait times that are open. The system and method include detecting successful performance of speed-up quests by the user in the online game and implementing speed-ups associated with the speed-up quest offers on open wait times in the online game in response to successful performance of offered speed-up quests by the user in the online game. The system and method include in response to detection of successful performance of the first quest in the online game during the first open wait time implementing a first speed-up by reducing the first open wait time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Wynne Chyou, John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Chris Yu