Patents by Inventor William L. LAYNE
William L. LAYNE 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: 9881462Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a plurality of seeds for a multiplayer tournament of an electronic game are disclosed. The system includes a server including a seed generator module, a seed sorter module, and a seed selection module. The seed generator module randomly generates the plurality of seeds. Each of the plurality of corresponds to a unique shuffle of cards of a game of the multiplayer tournament. The seed sorter module rates each of the plurality of seeds, and then sorts the plurality of rated seeds in accordance with one or more business goals. A seed selection module is configured to receive a player identifier and a tournament play count associated with a first player of the multiplayer tournament. The seed selection module is further configured to identify a rated seed for the first player in accordance with the player identifier and the tournament play count.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLCInventors: Brennan McTernan, William L. Layne, Greg Nyce, Malcolm J. Harwood, Samir Tamri
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Publication number: 20170076552Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a plurality of seeds for a multiplayer tournament of an electronic game are disclosed. The system includes a server including a seed generator module, a seed sorter module, and a seed selection module. The seed generator module randomly generates the plurality of seeds. Each of the plurality of corresponds to a unique shuffle of cards of a game of the multiplayer tournament. The seed sorter module rates each of the plurality of seeds, and then sorts the plurality of rated seeds in accordance with one or more business goals. A seed selection module is configured to receive a player identifier and a tournament play count associated with a first player of the multiplayer tournament. The seed selection module is further configured to identify a rated seed for the first player in accordance with the player identifier and the tournament play count.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Brennan MCTERNAN, William L. Layne, IV, Greg NYCE, Malcolm J. HARWOOD, Samir TAMRI
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Publication number: 20160279510Abstract: A system and associated methods are provided for displaying aspects of one or more multiplayer games on one or more mobile devices. Players may interact with the games via mobile devices. The system may select views of games so that gameplay is only feasible for individuals physically located at the venue with a particular display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Augustus John RUSSO, William L. LAYNE
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Patent number: 9390578Abstract: An amusement device includes a display screen having a touchscreen. The touchscreen is configured to receive a plurality of touch inputs simultaneously. A memory stores a plurality of electronic games for selection and play. A controller is configured to generally simultaneously execute a first game and a second game from the plurality of electronic games. The first game is configured to display at least one first image on a first portion of the display screen, and the second game is configured to display at least one second image on a second portion of the display screen. The first and second games are simultaneously playable in an interactive manner, such that an action undertaken in playing of the first game modifies the second game.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: AMI Entertainment Network, LLCInventors: William L. Layne, IV, Colin Higbie
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Publication number: 20140280727Abstract: A venue-specific entertainment system is described. A communications controller is configured to communicate with electronic devices deployed at a venue, including at least two different types of electronic devices. The electronic devices are configured to communicate with one another by transmitting messages through the communications controller. The communications controller detects events based upon information from the electronic devices and transmits messages to other electronic devices to modify their output based upon the detected events.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AMI Entertainment Network, LLCInventors: Ronald RICHARDS, Michael G. MAAS, Stephen JAREMA, III, Augustus John RUSSO, William L. LAYNE, IV, Robert Michael MARTIN, Brennan MC TERNAN, Jeffrey J. KALIS
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Publication number: 20140265130Abstract: A gaming system for playing a game. The gaming system includes a relatively large, flat touch surface configured to accept projectiles. The relatively large flat surface is configured to act as a screen. A projection system is configured for projecting an image onto the surface and a detection system is configured to detect an impact on the surface. The detection system is positioned at a periphery of the surface. Projectiles are configured for directing toward and onto the surface. A currency acceptor is mounted proximate the surface. A controller is configured to control the projection system to display at least one of user interfaces, game play, attract mode and video onto the touch surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: MEGATOUCH, LLCInventors: William L. LAYNE, IV, Brennan MCTERNAN, Robert Michael MARTIN
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Publication number: 20140278625Abstract: A system for configuring a venue environment based on venue-specific observations is described. A controller receives inputs associated with one or more patrons of the venue. The inputs are analyzed to determine one or more environmental preferences associated with the patrons. At least one environment modification is identified based on the one or more environmental preferences. The venue environment is modified based on the identified modifications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLCInventors: Michael G. MAAS, Ronald RICHARDS, Stephen JAREMA, III, Jeffrey J. KALIS, William L. LAYNE, IV, Robert Michael MARTIN, Brennan MC TERNAN, Augustus John RUSSO
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Publication number: 20140265132Abstract: An electronic gaming system for playing a game by a player includes an electronic dart board, a playfield on the electronic dart board, a screen associated with the electronic dart board and a controller. The playfield includes a bonus target, a first target, a second target and a third target. The bonus target is smaller than the first target, the second target, and the third target and is positioned between the first target, the second target and the third target. The screen is configured to display a representation of the playfield to alert the player of the status of the game. The controller is in communication with the playfield to send a signal to the playfield regarding the size and location of the first target, the second target and the third target. The controller is also in communicating with the screen regarding the status of the game.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Megatouch, LLCInventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Publication number: 20140187326Abstract: An amusement device system that permits selection of game board size for an amusement game includes a touchscreen display having a display width, a controller in communication with the touchscreen display and a memory in communication with the controller. The memory stores a plurality of games and a screen size graphical user interface having a first screen size option and a second screen size option. The controller is configured to send a signal to the touchscreen display to present the screen size graphical user interface during start-up of the amusement game.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: MEGATOUCH, LLCInventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Publication number: 20140187312Abstract: A method for directing game play of a game having a game start and a game end on an amusement device. The amusement device includes a controller, a memory, a display and an input device. The method includes directing the amusement device to display the game to a user on the display; receiving, from the input device and at the controller, a signal to quit the game prior to the game end; sending a signal from the controller to the display to present a restart graphical user interface; and receiving, from the input device and at the controller, a signal to restart the game and immediately configuring the amusement device to the game start through the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Megatouch, LLCInventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Patent number: 8696468Abstract: A method of tracking electronic game score information for a plurality of players participating in an amusement system is disclosed. The amusement system includes at least one amusement device communicating with a central server over a network. The amusement device has a display, a memory storing a plurality of electronic games and a controller. The central server maintains a plurality of player accounts corresponding to the plurality of players. Each of the player accounts includes best score information for at least one of the plurality of electronic games played by the respective player on the amusement device. The central server receives score update information associated with the player accounts from the amusement device and updates the player accounts with the received score update information.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: AMI Entertainment Network, LLCInventor: William L. Layne, IV
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Publication number: 20140038724Abstract: A method of operating a tournament in an amusement device network is described. A tournament is initiated with a plurality of electronic games playable by tournament participants using amusement devices participating in the tournament. Score information is received from amusement devices in the amusement device network. The score information is associated with tournament participants playing any of the plurality of electronic games. The received score information is normalized across the plurality of electronic games. A normalized tournament score is determined for each of the tournament participants and output to the amusement device network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Megatouch, LLCInventors: William L. LAYNE, IV, Timothy Jason KOTZEN, Vipul Harshard PATEL
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Publication number: 20130288801Abstract: In a method of operating an on-demand multiplayer game system, a controller advertises availability of one or more on-demand multiplayer games to a plurality of individuals at a first venue. The controller receives a request from a first individual at the first venue to initiate a multiplayer game and outputs a notification of the initiation of the multiplayer game to one or more display units at the first venue. One or more additional individuals are allowed to join the multiplayer game. The multiplayer game is initiated with the first individual and the one or more additional individuals who joined the multiplayer game as participants.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: William L. LAYNE, IV, Augustus John RUSSO
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Publication number: 20130035168Abstract: A method of assigning configuration settings to one ore more amusement devices is described. Each of the amusement devices has a display, a memory and a controller. The method includes establishing, at a central server, an operator account for an amusement device operator, the operator account associated with one or more amusement devices; receiving, by the central server, definitions of one or more settings groups for the operator account; receiving, by the central server, assignments of the amusement devices to the settings groups; and transmitting over a network, to each of the assigned amusement devices, the configuration settings for the settings group to which the respective amusement device has been assigned.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: AMI Entertainment Network, Inc.Inventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Publication number: 20130035155Abstract: An amusement device includes a touchscreen display and an input component that receives value in order to establish one or more playable credits. The one or more credits are used to permit play of at least one of a plurality of electronic games. A controller is configured to (i) select and play the at least one of the plurality of electronic games, (ii) access a first player account having a balance of virtual currency associated therewith, the virtual currency being different than the one or more playable credits and usable with two or more of the plurality of electronic games, and (iii) debit the first player account by a first amount of virtual currency in exchange for use by a first player of a first feature during play of the at least one electronic game.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.Inventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Publication number: 20130035161Abstract: A method of tracking electronic game score information for a plurality of players participating in an amusement system is disclosed. The amusement system includes at least one amusement device communicating with a central server over a network. The amusement device has a display, a memory storing a plurality of electronic games and a controller. The central server maintains a plurality of player accounts corresponding to the plurality of players. Each of the player accounts includes best score information for at least one of the plurality of electronic games played by the respective player on the amusement device. The central server receives score update information associated with the player accounts from the amusement device and updates the player accounts with the received score update information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.Inventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Publication number: 20130023338Abstract: A method of assigning electronic games to pricing tiers in an amusement device includes the steps of receiving a first pricing definition and a second pricing definition. The first pricing definition includes a first pricing tier and a first cost value specifying a first minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a first electronic game and the second pricing definition includes a second pricing tier and a second cost value specifying a second minimum quantity of playable credits required for accessing a third electronic game. The method also includes receiving a first assignment of the first electronic game and a second electronic game to the first pricing tier and receiving a second assignment of the third electronic game to the second pricing tier. The first cost value is reassigned to a reassigned first cost value. The reassigned first cost value the second cost value or a third cost value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.Inventor: William L. LAYNE, IV
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Patent number: 8353758Abstract: An amusement device has a display, an audio output, and an input component. The display includes a touchscreen. The input component receives at least one of currency, coins, and credit cards/debit cards. The amusement device also includes a common controller. The common controller is configured to select and play at least one electronic game and to select and retrieve for playing a music data set from a plurality of music data sets. The electronic game and the music data set may optionally be played simultaneously. In certain embodiments, a reward based on one of either the electronic game or selection of the music data set is applied to the respective other of the electronic game and the selection of the music data. In further embodiments, a content of the electronic game is based on the music data set.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: AMI Entertainment Network, Inc.Inventors: James R. Stelzer, Colin Higbie, Nathan Weyer, William L. Layne, IV
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Publication number: 20120302346Abstract: A method of selecting a device profile for provisioning an amusement device, wherein the amusement device has a touchscreen, a memory and a controller. The method includes the steps of establishing a connection between the amusement device and a remote server over a network, transmitting a list of amusement device profiles from the remote server to the amusement device, displaying the list of amusement device profiles on the touchscreen, receiving a selection from the touchscreen of one of the device profiles in the list of device profiles displayed on the touchscreen and transmitting the selected device profile to the amusement device. The device profiles in the list of amusement device profiles are selected from a plurality of available amusement device profiles based on information associated with the amusement device. The selected device profile is used to provision the amusement device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.Inventors: William L. LAYNE, IV, Brennan MCTERNAN
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Publication number: 20120276851Abstract: A system for automatically identifying and associating with an amusement device using a mobile device is provided. The system includes an amusement device connected to a network, a mobile device having a controller, and an application program stored within the mobile device. The amusement device has a display screen, a memory and a controller. The application program is configured to (i) automatically detect when the mobile device is within a predetermined geographic range of the amusement device, (ii) automatically issue an alert on the mobile device of the detected amusement device, and (iii) prompt the controller of the mobile device to automatically associate the mobile device with the detected amusement device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, INC.Inventors: William L. LAYNE, IV, Ronald RICHARDS