Patents by Inventor David Villa

David Villa 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: 11568221
    Abstract: A low-power, controllable, and reconfigurable method to control weights in model neurons in an Artificial Neural Network is disclosed. Memristors are utilized as adjustable synapses, where the memristor resistance reflects the synapse weight. The injection of extremely small electric currents (a few nanoamperes) in each cell forces the resistance to drop abruptly by several orders of magnitudes due to the formation of a conductive path between the two electrodes. These conductive paths dissolve as soon as the current injection stops, and the cells return to their initial state. A repeated injection of currents into the same cell results in an almost identical effect in resistance drop. Different, stable resistance values in each cell can be controllably achieved by injecting different current values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY, GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIRFORCE
    Inventors: Bertrand F Cambou, Donald A. Telesca, Jr., Brayden Cole David Villa
  • Publication number: 20190279078
    Abstract: An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is a computational model that is inspired by the way biological neural networks in the human brain process information. The basic computational element (model neuron) is often called a node or unit. It receives input from some other units and/or from external sources. Each input has an associated weight (w), which can be modified so as to model synaptic learning. The present invention disclosures a low-power, controllable, and reconfigurable method to control weights in models neurons. The injection of extremely small electric currents (a few nanoamperes) in each cell forces the resistance to drop abruptly by several orders of magnitudes due to the formation of a conductive path between the two electrodes. These conductive paths dissolve as soon as the current injection stops, and the cells return to their initial state. A repeated injection of currents into the same cell results in an almost identical effect in resistance drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Bertrand F. CAMBOU, Donald A. TELESCA, JR., Brayden Cole David Villa
  • Patent number: 9858763
    Abstract: A method of gaming includes conducting game rounds until an end condition is met, wherein each game round includes selecting symbols from a set of game symbols using a random number generator. The selected symbols are displayed on a display, and if they include one or more of a set of first symbols of the game symbols, a corresponding first symbol for each included first symbol is added to a first symbol display area. If the selected symbols include a second symbol, all occurrences of at least one first symbol are then removed from the first symbol area. The method also includes determining if a first end condition is met when the combined total of first symbols in the first symbol display area reaches a defined number, or if a second end condition is met when all occurrences of at least one first symbol are removed from the first symbol area results in no first symbols being in the first symbol area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Yonghong Chen, David Villa
  • Patent number: 9836912
    Abstract: A method of gaming comprising conducting a play of a game for a player, wherein the game comprises a plurality of different game portions and conducting the play of the game comprises conducting at least one of the game portions, determining independently of play of the game whether to trigger a community game, determining upon triggering of the community game, whether the player has an active eligibility in respect of a conducted game portion; and determining, upon the player having an active eligibility, an award to apply in respect of at least one winning outcome of the community game based on at least the identity of the game portion in relation to which the player has an active eligibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Natalie Bryant
  • Publication number: 20160267742
    Abstract: A method of gaming includes conducting game rounds until an end condition is met, wherein each game round includes selecting symbols from a set of game symbols using a random number generator. The selected symbols are displayed on a display, and if they include one or more of a set of first symbols of the game symbols, a corresponding first symbol for each included first symbol is added to a first symbol display area. If the selected symbols include a second symbol, all occurrences of at least one first symbol are then removed from the first symbol area. The method also includes determining if a first end condition is met when the combined total of first symbols in the first symbol display area reaches a defined number, or if a second end condition is met when all occurrences of at least one first symbol are removed from the first symbol area results in no first symbols being in the first symbol area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yonghong CHEN, David VILLA
  • Patent number: 8747215
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Patent number: 8721428
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display and a game controller that provides a wagering game in which a plurality of symbol display positions are provided on the display. When a player stakes a wager on the outcome of the wagering game the game controller selects symbols for display sequentially. The set of symbols is dynamic, wherein at least two symbols from the symbol set are changed between at least certain symbol selections depending on a characteristic of a symbol selected in a previous selection. The display positions may be arranged in rows and columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Colin Fong, Raymond Maras, David Villa
  • Patent number: 8662987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming that includes a wheel game. A base game, implemented as a reel game, is arranged to generate as one of its outcomes a feature game in the form of a wheel game. The wheel game has a plurality of outcome indicating parts for indicating outcomes of the wheel game. A plurality of outcomes of the wheel game each resulting in play of a different further feature game. This provides a further level of gaming, in order to maintain player interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa
  • Publication number: 20140038691
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Publication number: 20140031111
    Abstract: A method of gaming comprising conducting a play of a game for a player, wherein the game comprises a plurality of different game portions and conducting the play of the game comprises conducting at least one of the game portions, determining independently of play of the game whether to trigger a community game, determining upon triggering of the community game, whether the player has an active eligibility in respect of a conducted game portion; and determining, upon the player having an active eligibility, an award to apply in respect of at least one winning outcome of the community game based on at least the identity of the game portion in relation to which the player has an active eligibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Natalie Bryant
  • Patent number: 8506383
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130040726
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display and a game controller that provides a wagering game in which a plurality of symbol display positions are provided on the display. When a player stakes a wager on the outcome of the wagering game the game controller selects symbols for display sequentially. The set of symbols is dynamic, wherein at least two symbols from the symbol set are changed between at least certain symbol selections depending on a characteristic of a symbol selected in a previous selection. The display positions may be arranged in rows and columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Colin Fong, Raymond Maras, David Villa
  • Patent number: 8342939
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Publication number: 20120282994
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Publication number: 20120094735
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which mages of objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Patent number: 8113937
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which mages of objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Michael Stevens
  • Publication number: 20100255898
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Patent number: 7766742
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens
  • Publication number: 20090253479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming that includes a wheel game. A base game, implemented as a reel game, is arranged to generate as one of its outcomes a feature game in the form of a wheel game. The wheel game has a plurality of outcome indicating parts for indicating outcomes of the wheel game. A plurality of outcomes of the wheel game each resulting in play of a different further feature game. This provides a further level of gaming, in order to maintain player interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa
  • Publication number: 20090209311
    Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which mages of objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually fill a number of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas Luke Bennett, David Villa, Christopher Stevens