Patents by Inventor Joseph O. Garlington
Joseph O. Garlington 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).
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Patent number: 10067557Abstract: Embodiments provide a system that includes a first interactive device and control logic configured to perform an operation. The operation includes receiving historical data describing historical interactions between a user and one or more interactive devices. Additionally, the operation includes configuring the first interactive device with one or more interactive events. Each interactive event includes a respective (i) stimulus event and (ii) an action to perform responsive to an occurrence of the stimulus event, and at least one of the one or more interactive events is based on the received historical data. Responsive to detecting an occurrence of a first one of the one or more stimulus events, the operation includes causing the first interactive device to perform the corresponding action. The operation also includes updating the first interactive device with a second one or more interactive events.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Schlumberger, Joseph O. Garlington, Theodore Wei-Yun Leung
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Patent number: 9555337Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for tracking physical play objects by virtual or non-player characters in an electronic game environment. More specifically, techniques are disclosed for enabling a game system to track a physical toy object, using tracking information to update the game state, and transmitting updated game state to the toy object and update the toy state. Additionally, a player is able to control the physical toy object, and use the physical toy object to play a game. The game system may track a remote-controlled toy, a handheld toy, or the player himself or herself. The virtual feedback to changes in the physical environment results in a more immersive game experience for the player.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph O. Garlington, Eric Haseltine
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Publication number: 20150268717Abstract: Embodiments provide a system that includes a first interactive device and control logic configured to perform an operation. The operation includes receiving historical data describing historical interactions between a user and one or more interactive devices. Additionally, the operation includes configuring the first interactive device with one or more interactive events. Each interactive event includes a respective (i) stimulus event and (ii) an action to perform responsive to an occurrence of the stimulus event, and at least one of the one or more interactive events is based on the received historical data. Responsive to detecting an occurrence of a first one of the one or more stimulus events, the operation includes causing the first interactive device to perform the corresponding action. The operation also includes updating the first interactive device with a second one or more interactive events.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Gabriel Schlumberger, Joseph O. Garlington, Theodore Wei-Yun Leung
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Publication number: 20150080121Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for tracking physical play objects by virtual or non-player characters in an electronic game environment. More specifically, techniques are disclosed for enabling a game system to track a physical toy object, using tracking information to update the game state, and transmitting updated game state to the toy object and update the toy state. Additionally, a player is able to control the physical toy object, and use the physical toy object to play a game. The game system may track a remote-controlled toy, a handheld toy, or the player himself or herself. The virtual feedback to changes in the physical environment results in a more immersive game experience for the player.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph O. GARLINGTON, Eric HASELTINE
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Patent number: 8226479Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be adapted for use with a plurality of user interface devices having haptic feedback interface mechanisms. A group controller may be adapted to determine a group decision input based, at least in part, on sensed outputs the user interface devices. At least a portion of the group decision input may be used to provide haptic feedback to a user via the user interface device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Susan M. Bryan, Joseph O. Garlington, Raul Fernandez
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Publication number: 20110010618Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be adapted for use with a plurality of user interface devices having haptic feedback interface mechanisms. A group controller may be adapted to determine a group decision input based, at least in part, on sensed outputs the user interface devices. At least a portion of the group decision input may be used to provide haptic feedback to a user via the user interface device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Susan M. Bryan, Joseph O. Garlington, Raul Fernandez
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Patent number: 6309306Abstract: An entertainment attraction (100) comprises remote-controlled, telepresence vehicles (204) and an environment (200) for the vehicles to traverse. The environment includes a plurality of reconfigurable portions (206). A vehicle includes an identification device (208) for providing an identifier and a camera (210) for imaging its field of view. A driver console (102) corresponding to a vehicle includes a monitor (212) for displaying the imaged field of view of the camera and a control device (214) for providing a driver-initiated control signal. A control system (218) includes detectors (220) dispersed about the environment. A detector is configured to receive the identifier or to sense the vehicle or both. The control system composes the interactions among the vehicles, the driver console, and the reconfigurable portions according to the received identifier, the sensing of the vehicle, or the driver-initiated control signal or some combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Bradley K. Geagley, Joseph O. Garlington, John T. Hagen-Brenner, Gary J. Nadler, William G. Redmann
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Patent number: 6007338Abstract: A realistic roller coaster simulator is disclosed having one or more passenger seats equipped with a safety harness and mounted for 360 degree rotational movement along at least two axes for simulating the motion of a roller coaster. A controller is provided for controlling and coordinating the motion of the simulator with a simulation controller which generates to the passenger synchronized audio and visual effects which would be experienced by a passenger on a roller coaster of a predetermined design. Linked to the simulator is a design station where a passenger can design his or her own roller coaster. Upon entering the simulator station, the passenger's design can be accessed from memory and selected for simulation on the simulator vehicle. Upon initiation of the simulation, the passenger can experience in real time the visual, motive, audible and other effects (such as wind, heat, cold, water, etc.) of the simulated roller coaster ride which the passenger has designed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. DiNunzio, Thomas K. Morris, Steven A. Elliott, Joseph O. Garlington, Raul S. Fernandez, Susan M. Bryan, Kevin R. Rice, William G. Redmann, Kenneth D. Salter
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Patent number: 5556340Abstract: An amusement ride attraction, with a rotating tube and an image is disclosed that is, relatively inexpensive and compact. The viewer stands inside the rotating tube, and the forces applied to the viewer are in automatic synchronization with the projected image. This creates an illusion that the person is moving in a moving vehicle, thereby resulting in a feeling of motion and a simulated experience of participating in the activity. The cylinder is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in synchronization with movements of the projected image showing a "rider's eye" view from a moving motorcycle, airplane, car, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: The Walt Disney CompanyInventors: William R. Bohn, Shelly Short, Joseph O. Garlington
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Patent number: 5409226Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for producing position signals in response to induced pivoting motion of the apparatus by an user. The signals generated by the control device can be used to operate computer systems, entertainment systems, and automated processes. A circular contact disk is coupled to a suspension block that includes a universal joint allowing the contact disk to pivot in 360.degree.. The suspension block comprises a pneumatic spring for providing continuous suspension of the contact disk in response to motion of the contact disk. The suspension block further comprises dampers for providing continuous damping in response to motion of the contact disk. Also, the suspension block comprises stop cylinders for stabilizing the contact disk in a reference state. Transducers coupled to the contact disk generate position signals in response to motion of the contact disk. A chassis is coupled to the suspension block, thereby supporting the input mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: The Walt Disney CompanyInventors: Mark S. Mesko, Charles E. Schrader, Joseph O. Garlington