Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Smith II

Daniel J. Smith II 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: 11972086
    Abstract: A system for automatically increasing a capacity of a virtual space in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operating on the processor for detecting an attempt by an avatar to enter a virtual space in a virtual world. The system may also include another module for determining if an allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. The allowable number of avatars may be determined by at least a capacity of a server that is hosting the virtual space. Another module may be provided for increasing a capacity of the virtual space when the allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. Increasing the capacity of the virtual space may include spawning a replicate new virtual space on a different server in response to the capacity of the server that is hosting the virtual space reaching the allowable number of avatars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Haggar, Brian R. Bokor, Daniel E. House, William B. Nicol, II, Andrew B. Smith, Luis J. Ostdiek
  • Patent number: 11297233
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh Vinubhai Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William Joseph Flynn, III, Andrei Victor Constantin Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 10701265
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. C. Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 10367999
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. C. Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 10110815
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. C. Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 10051181
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20180013956
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 9832380
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M Ruben, Daniel J Smith, II, Nilesh V Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J Flynn, Andrei V Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 9800784
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M Ruben, Daniel J Smith, II, Nilesh V Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J Flynn, Andrei V Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 9591218
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M Ruben, Daniel J Smith, II, Nilesh V Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J Flynn, Andrei V Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20170024068
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V.C. Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20160065851
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 9258480
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M Ruben, Daniel J Smith, II, Nilesh V Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J Flynn, Andrei V Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20150281577
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M Ruben, Daniel J Smith II, Nilesh V Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J Flynn, Andrei V Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20150281563
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith, II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. Gheorghe
  • Publication number: 20150281562
    Abstract: Techniques to selectively capture media using a single user interface element are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a touch controller, a visual media capture component, and a storage component. The touch controller may be operative to receive a haptic engagement signal. The visual media capture component may be operative to be configured in a capture mode based on whether a haptic disengagement signal is received by the touch controller before expiration of a first timer, the capture mode one of a photo capture mode or video capture mode, the first timer started in response to receiving the haptic engagement signal, the first timer configured to expire after a first preset duration. The storage component may be operative to store visual media captured by the visual media capture component in the configured capture mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Ruben, Daniel J. Smith II, Nilesh V. Patel, Mykyta Lutsenko, William J. Flynn, Andrei V. Gheorghe