Hand Manipulated (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Panel, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/37)
  • Patent number: 11430309
    Abstract: A detachable for a computer game controller or a mobile device includes LEDs, speakers, haptic actuators, an accessory port, and other features. When attached to the phone or controller, the device can enhance the experience by adding extra sound, light, and haptics, or it can replace the game's sound with lights or haptics, replace game visuals with sounds, and replace game haptics by lights. When detached, the device can be handed to a second person to enhance the spectating experience by additional visuals, haptics and sounds and for using light or sound to indicate what actions the player is taking (to help learn the game) and allow play-along through an accessory port that supports controls. Light, sound or haptics can be used to indicate what actions the player is taking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Osman, Brielle Powell, Rizwana Rahman
  • Patent number: 11422625
    Abstract: A proxy controller suit for enabling an operator to control an actual or virtual proxy in an actual or virtual remote space includes a central tracking unit that is configured to provide the position of the operator in a tracked space. The proxy controller suit includes a first motion sensor attached to a first location on a first appendage of the operator at a known first distance from the central tracking unit, wherein the movement of the first motion sensor is determined with reference to the first motion sensor. The proxy controller suit also includes a second motion sensor attached to a second location on the first appendage of the operator at a known distance from the first motion sensor, wherein the movement of the second motion sensor is determined as a function of the measurements made by the first motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Human Mode, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Xavier Kerber, Jonathan Gilmore
  • Patent number: 11400368
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a virtual object. The method includes: identifying screen areas corresponding to a left virtual sub-interface and a right virtual sub-interface in a virtual interface on a screen of the terminal device; detecting a gesture operation performed in the screen area corresponding to the left virtual sub-interface and detecting a gesture operation performed in the screen area corresponding to the right virtual sub-interface; and controlling a virtual object in the virtual interface to perform an action when a gesture operation is detected in the screen area corresponding to the left virtual sub-interface and the screen area corresponding to the right virtual sub-interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jing Liu, Li Li, Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 11389721
    Abstract: A game controller for a mobile device, the game controller having a first handle, a bridge, a first spring mechanism, and a first latch mechanism. The first handle is configured to contact and support a mobile device and includes a user-accessible, first hardware interface on a main body portion of the first handle. The bridge is in sliding engagement with the first handle. The bridge and the first handle are configured for the main body portion of the first handle to translate in a retraction direction toward a midline of the bridge and into a retracted configuration and also to translate in an extension direction away from the midline of the bridge into an extended configuration. The first spring mechanism is configured to bias the first handle toward the retracted configuration. The first latch mechanism is configured to temporarily lock the bridge in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: BACKBONE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Maneet Singh Khaira, Atsushi Shirata, Francois Pierre René Dransart, Gregory Robert Cerny, Wei-Jun Wang, Jon Lake
  • Patent number: 11383165
    Abstract: An in-game display control method and apparatus, a storage medium, a processor, and a terminal are provided. The method includes: a first touch area and a second touch area are configured on a graphical user interface; in response to a first touch operation acting on the first touch area, a movement of a first virtual character in a game scene is controlled according to the first touch operation; a scene display area in the game scene is updated according to a position of the first virtual character in the game scene; and in response to a preset skill release operation acting on the second touch area, the scene display area in the game scene is updated at least according to a skill release direction corresponding to the preset skill release operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NETEASE (HANGZHOU) NETWORK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Shao, Zheng Jin
  • Patent number: 11378377
    Abstract: An example of a controller calculates the orientation of the controller based on an output from an inertial sensor, and when a value representing the calculated orientation satisfies a first condition, compresses data in a mode 2, and when the first condition is not satisfied, but a second condition is satisfied, compresses the data in a mode 1, and when the second condition is not satisfied, compresses the data in a mode 0. Then, the controller transmits the compressed data to another apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Janos Boudet, François-Xavier Pasquier, Gilles Pouliquen, Toshiki Oizumi, Shinji Takenaka
  • Patent number: 11379054
    Abstract: A virtual reality system is described herein. The virtual reality system includes a cane controller and a computing system. The cane controller comprises a rod, a sensor, and a brake mechanism, wherein the sensor is configured to generate a signal that is indicative of position, direction of movement, and velocity of the rod, and wherein the brake mechanism is configured to apply a force to the rod. The computing system receives the signal, computes a position, direction of movement, and velocity of a virtual rod in a virtual space, and outputs a control signal to the brake mechanism based upon such computation. The brake mechanism applies the force to the rod in a direction and with a magnitude indicated in the control signal, thereby preventing the user from causing the virtual rod to penetrate a virtual barrier in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Cutrell, Christian Holz, Hrvoje Benko, Michael J. Sinclair, Meredith June Morris, Yuhang Zhao, Cynthia Lynn Bennett
  • Patent number: 11338196
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game control technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: NEOWIZ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jung Hyun Wang
  • Patent number: 11338197
    Abstract: A portable information handling system interacts with a game controller through either a direct connection at a wired interface at the sides of opposing controller housings and the information handling system housing or through a bridge having a bridge housing that directly couples to the controller housing as a bridge to the information handling system, such as with a wireless interface. Embedded code executing on a controller processor in the controller housing supports a controller state machine that interacts directly with the information handling system or with a bridge state machine executing as embedded code on a bridge processor. Updates to the embedded code may be communicated both to and from the controller through the information handling system or the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Pelissier, Yagiz C. Yildiz, Kevin M. Turchin, Huan Hsun Cheng, Chia Han Li
  • Patent number: 11331572
    Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays an interaction region that includes one or more interaction objects. While displaying the interaction region, the device displays an effect selection panel that includes effect selection affordances that correspond to different predefined effects. In response to detecting a consecutive sequence of one or more inputs, the device selects a first effect selection affordance in accordance with a first contact, displays a first visual indication that indicates selection of the first effect selection affordance and identifies at least one interaction object as being linked to the first effect selection affordance; and applies the first effect to the identified interaction object in accordance with a termination of the first contact on the touch-sensitive surface while the first effect selection affordance remains selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Min Zhou
  • Patent number: 11331570
    Abstract: An example of an operation device includes an inertial sensor and a vibrator, transmits inertia data based on an output of the inertial sensor to an information processing apparatus, and vibrates the vibrator based on a vibration control signal received from the information processing apparatus. One or more processors of the information processing apparatus execute game processing, and in a predetermined situation in the game processing, cause the vibration control signal for vibrating the vibrator to be output from the information processing apparatus. The one or more processors, based on the inertia data from the operation device, determine whether or not the operation device is moving, and at least under the condition that it is determined that the operation device is not moving, limit the vibration so that the vibrator of the operation device is not vibrated or the vibration is weakened in the predetermined situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Suzuki, Misaki Hiraga
  • Patent number: 11331567
    Abstract: A game controller integrates a trigger at a side of a planar controller housing, the trigger rotating within the plane of the controller housing about an axle disposed perpendicular to the plane. The trigger rotationally couples to the axle at a trigger bracket that fixedly coupled to a frame. A guide integrated in the frame engages a member extending from the trigger to manage trigger motion. A cover couples to the frame and separate from the trigger to enhance housing robustness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Torres, Andrew P. Tosh, Enoch Chen, Yongook Guack, Chia Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 11325026
    Abstract: A portable micro controller for interacting with video games executed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer is disclosed. The portable micro controller includes a plurality of interface elements common to video game controllers. The interface elements are ergonomically located on multiple surfaces of a controller housing. The controller housing further includes a retractable support arm for securing a video game device to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Dun Dun Mao
  • Patent number: 11323555
    Abstract: A composite button is configured to be inserted into a button hole of a protective case for contacting a trigger button of an electronic device. The protective case includes a casing peripheral wall having an inner peripheral surface. The composite button includes a soft material layer having a contact surface suitable for contacting the trigger button, and a soft material connecting surface opposite to said contact surface. A hard material layer is connected to said soft material connecting surface. At least one of the soft and hard material layers has a peripheral flange suitable for abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the casing peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Evolutive Labs Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 11318003
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method including deriving a health profile of a user from a sample taken from the user and displaying a representation of the health profile on a display, wherein the representation of the health profile includes a list of undesirable oral health characteristics that are detectable from the sample. The representation of the health profile may also include a list of desirable oral health characteristics that are detectable from the sample. Furthermore, a user may select one of the undesirable health characteristics, and in response an indication of historical values associated within he selected one of the undesirable health characteristics may be displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth Kelly Gittins, Harsh Mahendra Trivedi, John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez, Sharon Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11308769
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine, a system, and a method provide a wagering game to a player. Four community cards are dealt to a community area of a table. The player enters a wager associated with an expected characteristic of a fifth community card to be dealt during the game. The fifth community card is dealt and a determination is made whether the player wins the wager based on the actual characteristic of the fifth community card matching the expected characteristic associated with the player's wager. An award to be received by the player is determined based on the player winning the wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Flip-It The Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Tamra A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11298609
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for controlling a virtual object movement performed by an electronic apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium provided in embodiments of the present disclosure. After detecting that a touch operation on a virtual joystick region meets a specific condition, a target function button is displayed; and in a case that a touch operation on the target function button is detected, the virtual object is controlled to move automatically. In this way, coherent operations are performed on the same region in the same operating manner, so that the virtual object is enabled to move automatically, thereby improving convenience and flexibility of user operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Han Wang
  • Patent number: 11302121
    Abstract: The described methods and systems decrease instances of distracted driving, encourage more frequent use of vehicle tracking services, and generally improve the risk profile of a driver and vehicle. These benefits are achieved by way of a vehicle computer system that incentivizes users to place mobile devices in a do-not-disturb (DND) mode and to activate vehicle tracking services. The vehicle computer system encourages these behaviors by enabling content delivery for devices within the vehicle based on the status of the mobile device(s) and the status of the vehicle tracking service(s). Specifically, the content delivery may comprise data for providing a gamified user interface within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: BLUEOWL, LLC
    Inventor: Joel Peterson
  • Patent number: 11285389
    Abstract: Even when a movement command input is not performed from a player, a player character is moved in a predetermined direction in a virtual game space, and a game screen including the player character is scrolled so as to follow movement of the player character. In response to determination being made that a touch operation is detected in a state in which the positional relationship between a predetermined object and the player character satisfies a predetermined condition, the movement direction of the player character is temporarily changed to a direction containing a direction component opposite to the predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka, Masanobu Sato
  • Patent number: 11279044
    Abstract: A robot instructing apparatus includes a teaching pendant having a display and an inclination device. The inclination device outputs an inclination of the teaching pendant based on the inclination of the teaching pendant about at least one horizontal axis. The robot instructing apparatus also includes at least one processor that generates movement instructions to change a posture of the robot based on the inclination of the teaching pendant output by the inclination device during a teaching operation in which the movement instructions are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: YASKAWA AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chetan Kapoor, Changbeom Park
  • Patent number: 11266919
    Abstract: Locomotion-based motion sickness has long been a complaint amongst virtual reality gamers and drone pilots. Traditional head-mounted display experiences require a handheld controller (e.g. thumb stick, touchpad, gamepad, keyboard, etc.) for locomotion. Teleportation compromises immersive presence and smooth navigation leads to sensory imbalances that can cause dizziness and nausea (even when using room-scale sensor systems). Designers have therefore had to choose between comfort and immersion. The invention is a hands-free, body-based navigation technology that puts the participant's body in direct control of movement through virtual space. Participants lean forward to advance in space; lean back to reverse; tip left or right to strafe/sidestep; and rotate to look around. In some embodiments, the more a participant leans, the faster they go.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: MONKEYMEDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Justin Gould Bear, Rachel M. Strickland, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 11266904
    Abstract: At least one memory device of a game system stores a plurality of instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: set, on a touch panel, a reception area for receiving a direction designation operation; move, in accordance with a movement of a touch position on the touch panel, an operation position in a direction corresponding to a moving direction of the touch position by a distance longer than a moving distance of the touch position; acquire a designated direction based on a direction from a reference position corresponding to the reception area to the operation position; and execute game processing based on the designated direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nakamura, Yugo Kishino, Yuji Fujishiro, Kenta Ogawa, Hideki Yanagihara, Kei Masuda, Junichi Taya, Hideto Nishiyama, Taku Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 11260293
    Abstract: An example of an apparatus includes a ring-shaped portion, a detector and a main portion. At least a part of the ring-shaped portion is elastically deformable. The detector detects deformation of the ring-shaped portion. The main portion is secured to the ring-shaped portion. The main portion includes an attachment portion, a terminal and a transmitter. A game controller can be attached to the attachment portion. The terminal is for electrical connection with the game controller. The transmitter transmits data regarding a detection result of the detector to the game controller through the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Tamura, Yoshiyasu Ogasawara, Tomofumi Ikeda, Yuko Zenri
  • Patent number: 11253780
    Abstract: Provided are a program, a control method, and an information processing apparatus which may provide an improved user interface on which a user may easily and efficiently execute various processes on a game content. The information processing apparatus may be caused to execute a game content specifying step of specifying a selected game content on the basis of first input operation data from an operation unit, a step of retrieving information from a storage unit, a step of specifying a direction from a start point to an end point of a second input operation on the basis of second input operation data from an operation unit, and an execution step of executing one process associated with the direction from the start point to the end point of the second input operation in the information from the storage unit on the selected game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Junko Yamanokuchi, Masato Nozaki
  • Patent number: 11256416
    Abstract: A button device and a manipulation structure thereof are provided. The manipulation structure includes a plurality of brackets and a plurality of transparent keys respectively fixed to the brackets. Each bracket has an elastic segment, a fixing segment, and a placing segment, the latter two of which are connected to two opposite ends of the elastic segment. Each transparent key includes a press portion and an abutting portion. The press portion is fixed to the fixing segment of the corresponding bracket, and has a touch surface arranged away from the corresponding bracket. The abutting portion extends from the press portion along a displacement direction away from the touch surface, and a width of the abutting portion is less than that of the press portion. The touch surface of each of the transparent keys can be moved along the displacement direction to deform the corresponding bracket by being pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: QUIXANT PLC
    Inventor: Chih-Chi Hung
  • Patent number: 11256341
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include tracking (1) a position of a primary real-world object within a real-world environment via a primary tracking method, and (2) a position of a secondary real-world object within the real-world environment via a secondary tracking method. The method may further include presenting (1) a primary virtual object at a position within an artificial environment corresponding to the tracked position of the primary real-world object, and (2) a secondary virtual object at a position within the artificial environment corresponding to the tracked position of the secondary real-world object. The method may further include (1) detecting an interaction of the primary real-world object with the secondary real-world object, and (2) transitioning to tracking the position of the primary real-world object via the secondary tracking method. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenrick Cheng-Kuo Kin, Maxime Ouellet
  • Patent number: 11253238
    Abstract: A detector system for a medical motor system includes a multi-channel redundantly-configured detection device, which is accommodated in a hand-held control device that is adapted to control the medical motor system and which is positioned to detect the actuation of an actuation device of the hand-held control device. The multi-channel redundantly-configured detection device allows the plausibility of its output signals to be checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kahler, Roland-Alois Högerle, Martin Machill
  • Patent number: 11232678
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing gaming awards in gaming activities. At least one payout modifier is awarded, and its use is deferred. During the deferment period, the payout modifier is allowed to increase to create an increased payout modifier. An end of the deferral period is randomly determined, and the increased payout modifier is awarded for use in the gaming activity. Embodiments further provide the player an option to keep the originally awarded payout modifier, or to surrender it to allow it to be deferred with potential growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Bradley Berman, Jacob Lamb
  • Patent number: 11224810
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a distance information display method in a virtual scene and a terminal. The method includes: obtaining location information of a target location point in the virtual scene; obtaining distance information according to the location information of the target location point; and displaying the distance information corresponding to an indication icon of the target location point in a scene picture of the virtual scene. According to the foregoing solution, in a virtual scene, for a target location point at which an indication icon exists in a scene picture of the virtual scene, the terminal may display information about a distance between a current controlled object and the target location point corresponding to the indication icon in the scene picture of the virtual scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 11219830
    Abstract: A non-limiting example game system comprises a processor incorporated in a main body apparatus, and the processor causes a player character to dig the ground based on an operation input of a player, thereby to form a hole. Water is placed in the hole, whereby a water place is formed. A shape of the water place is changed by expanding the hole, and when the water place has a long shape, the water is controlled so as to flow. When the water place is not a long shape, the water does not flow. That is, a river or a pond is formed in a game field based on an operation input of the player. When causing a player character to perform fishing based on an operation input of the player, different processing is executed between the river and the pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kotaro Hiromatsu, Yoshihiko Ito, Koji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11202967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toy for outputting a sound source, comprising: a sound source output unit; a sensor unit for measuring position and motion information of the toy; a communication unit for transmitting, to an electronic device, the position and motion information measured by the sensor unit and receiving, from the electronic device, a sound source and a control command; and a control unit for controlling the sound source output unit to adjust and reproduce the received sound source according to the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Jun Taek Kang
  • Patent number: 11185764
    Abstract: A method for controlling a game character, used for controlling the game character by using a virtual control component, comprising the following steps: (S1) in response to a sliding operation of a player started from an initial position of the skill button, locking the virtual joystick in a game for disabling control of the skill release direction of the game character; (S2) monitoring a track of the sliding operation of the player, obtaining a current position P2 of a touch point of the sliding operation, and calculating a vector a; and (S3) in response to release of the sliding operation of the player, or in response to meet the condition of |a|>L, generating a first operating instruction for controlling the game character; and unlocking the virtual joystick. The method for controlling a game character may effectively reduce a misoperation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: NetEase (Hangzhou) Network Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan Li, Fei Xie, Zhangpeng Tang, Bin Li
  • Patent number: 11185777
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a distance information display method in a virtual scene and a terminal. The method includes: obtaining location information of a target location point in the virtual scene; obtaining distance information according to the location information of the target location point; and displaying the distance information corresponding to an indication icon of the target location point in a scene picture of the virtual scene. According to the foregoing solution, in a virtual scene, for a target location point at which an indication icon exists in a scene picture of the virtual scene, the terminal may display information about a distance between a current controlled object and the target location point corresponding to the indication icon in the scene picture of the virtual scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 11189059
    Abstract: A head-mounted device can be operated with another device and/or object for which information is gathered to facilitate visual display of a representation thereof. An object can be provided with indicators that allow a head-mounted device to determine both an identity and a characteristic (e.g., position, orientation, distance, etc.) of the object. Additionally or alternatively, the head-mounted device can determine both an identity and a characteristic (e.g., position, orientation, distance, etc.) of an electronic device attached to an object for producing a virtual representation of the object. Additionally or alternatively, the head-mounted device can receive data from an electronic device attached to an object for producing a virtual representation of the object. The virtual representation of the object can resemble the physical object, even where the object itself is not independently analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: David A. Schmuck, Marinus Meursing, Brian S. Lau, Jeremy C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 11154770
    Abstract: Input data containing at least strain data corresponding to deformation of an input apparatus or motion data corresponding to a motion or orientation of the input apparatus, is obtained from the input apparatus. Based on the motion data, a first object is caused to move in a virtual space or an orientation of the first object in the virtual space is changed. Based on the strain data, the first object is caused to perform a predetermined action in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Nintento Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kitahara, Shota Shimada, Atsushi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11154772
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a grip attachment that changes the shape of a handheld controller, allowing individual users to comfortably hold the controller while they interact with the controlled system. For example, some embodiments include a video game controller grip attachment having features that conform to fit securely with the video game controller, allow the user to hold the video game controller, and/or enable a user to grip a handheld controller in different configurations. In other embodiments, the grip for interfacing with one hand (e.g., the right hand) may be different than the grip for interfacing with the other hand (e.g., the left hand). In some embodiments, the grip has a palm swell element including a controller interface surface configured to at least partially accommodate a back surface of a handheld controller, and/or an outer surface extending an overall depth of the palm area of the handheld controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: The Bearded Bear, LLC
    Inventor: Joel M. Crain
  • Patent number: 11148044
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an input device for an intelligent terminal, wherein the input device is in communication connection with the intelligent terminal and transmits a received input operation to the intelligent terminal, the input operation is displayed on a screen of the intelligent terminal, and the input device includes at least one operating portion; one end of the input device is recessed inwardly to form a recess, and the recess accommodates a top portion or a bottom portion of the intelligent terminal; when the input device is connected with the intelligent terminal, the top portion or the bottom portion of the intelligent terminal is inserted into the recess, the operating portion and the screen of the intelligent terminal are arranged on a same side, and a display interface of the screen of the intelligent terminal is exposed in a projection range of the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SHANGHAI ZHONGLIAN TECHNOLOGIES LTD., CO
    Inventors: Haitao Duan, Zhicheng Ding, Peng Li
  • Patent number: 11141649
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to methods, products and systems for streamlining the process of playing bingo. This patent is directed to a computer application whereby a computing device such as a mobile phone captures one or more likenesses of a bingo card(s) using the camera function of the device. Optical character or image recognition software and algorithms interpret and store the card(s) and corresponding characters. When characters are called for matching with the bingo cards in play, the called character is entered into the computing device. The application compares the called character to those captured by the computing device to identify instances of matches on each card in play until a winning card is identified and the player is alerted of the win, or until the game is over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventors: Walter Brian Mansell, Daniel Scott Dryden
  • Patent number: 11137098
    Abstract: A hydration system including a fluid reservoir, a fluid path in communication with the reservoir, and a magnetic quick connect interposed in the fluid path is disclosed. A fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed that includes a magnetic quick connect interposed in a fluid delivery path of the delivery system. The magnetic quick connect can also be used in a wide variety of fluid delivery systems. A kit for forming a fluid delivery system for a hydration system is also disclosed, as are various components of a hydration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: RAINMAKER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eduard Albert Jaeger, Robert Gregory Stahl, Jacob Timm Bowles
  • Patent number: 11137861
    Abstract: An electronic device such as a speaker device may have a curved housing characterized by a vertical longitudinal axis. A layer of fabric may cover the curved housing. A touch sensor may be used to detect touch input on the layer of fabric. The touch sensor may include capacitive touch sensor electrodes including drive lines and sense lines. In some arrangements, the touch sensor is formed from conductive strands in the layer of fabric. In other arrangements, the touch sensor is formed from conductive traces on a substrate. The substrate may be formed from portions of the curved housing or may be formed from a layer that is separate from the housing. Light-emitting components and/or fabric with different visual characteristics may be used to mark where the touch-sensitive regions of the fabric are located. The touch-sensitive regions may be shaped as media control symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengyu Li, Elvis M. Kibiti, Ming Gao, Qiliang Xu, Chen Zhang
  • Patent number: 11130021
    Abstract: A trampoline as a controller or an input device for playing games, including a frame having a flexible mat divided into input zones and one or more neutral zones, a sensor arrangement to detect activity on the flexible mat, a controller configured to determine the bounce location and bounce zone of the activity and provide this information to a feedback generator for playing games on the trampoline, such that a user uses the trampoline to play games by jumping on the input and neutral zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TGOMA NZ LIMITED
    Inventors: Edward Noel Dalley, John Robert Howe
  • Patent number: 11103774
    Abstract: Buttons on the add-on may be mapped to controller buttons using customized button mapping pre-sets. A button mapping may indicate that a selected preset is to be hidden during a switching operation Upon receiving a switching operation input, the selected pre-set is skipped during the switching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Black, Thomas Bruckbock, Jason Campbell
  • Patent number: 11103796
    Abstract: Modular security bracket methods and apparatus for use with video game controllers and other relatively small and light electronic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the modular security bracket apparatus comprises two security brackets that are designed and shaped to fit snugly around the video game controller or other electronic device during assembly. Each embodiment of the modular security bracket apparatus is specifically designed and shaped to accommodate a video game controller or other electronic device for which it is made to secure. In some embodiments, a tethered security cable is fitted within the modular security bracket apparatus during assembly thereof. In some embodiments, the security cable is tethered to a fixed surface, such as a security wall, floor, or relatively immovable furniture or appliance, thereby preventing the video game controller, electronic device, and the modular security bracket apparatus itself from theft or loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Colin David McDonell
  • Patent number: 11100790
    Abstract: A projected target location of a handheld object is determined based on applying translation factors, scaling factors, and offsets to a location of a reference element of the handheld object detected by a camera on a two-dimensional plane. The translation factors are determined based on a difference between a calibration location on the plane and an initial location of the reference element corresponding to the calibration location, and serve to shift the location of the reference element to generate the projected target location. The scaling factors are determined based on an estimated length of a user's arm holding the handheld object, and serve to scale the location of the reference element to generate the projected target location. The offsets are determined based on polynomial equations, and serve to extend the distance between the projected target location and the calibration location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Lin, Michael Beavers, Stephen Burkett, Joshua David Danzig, Kyle P. Hanley, Humberto Kam, Anthony Melo
  • Patent number: 11090558
    Abstract: A gaming controller includes a main body and a support device. The support device includes a base member, a bracket assembly and a positioning member. The bracket assembly is installed on the base member and includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame and the second frame are movable relative to the base member. The first frame includes plural positioning holes. The positioning member is installed on the base member and arranged between the positioning member and the second frame. The positioning member includes a positioning unit. While an operation state of the support device is switched from a storage state to a first usage state, the first frame is moved away from the base member. When a front end of the first frame is moved to a first location, the positioning unit is embedded in a first positioning hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Zi-Hao Liao
  • Patent number: 11079894
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to device configuration user interfaces. A first electronic device is in a paired relationship with a second electronic device remote from the first electronic device. The first electronic device detects a first user input that sets the first electronic device to operate in a first configuration associated with a plurality of operational parameters. The first electronic device may display a user interface including an option to set a configuration of the plurality of operational parameters on the second electronic device to the first configuration of the first electronic device. The first electronic device may further detect a second user input. In response to detecting the second user input, the first electronic device may further send data that includes instructions to cause the second electronic device to be set to the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 11071911
    Abstract: An example of an information processing apparatus repeatedly acquires input positions detected by a pointing device, each position corresponding to a position on a display screen. The information processing apparatus executes a predetermined first process on an object in a virtual game space, at least on a condition that an input position detected when an input to the pointing device is started is within a predetermined area. The information processing apparatus sets a reference position, based on an input position regarding an input to the pointing device. The information processing apparatus executes a movement process for causing the object to move, based on the reference position and on the input position of the input which is continuously performed from start of the input to the pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Yabuki, Takeshi Miyamoto, Shigeto Murata, Shinya Nakano
  • Patent number: 11052307
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for controlling the movement of a virtual object performed by an electronic device. A first button is displayed at a first position of a screen. A second button is displayed at a second position of the screen when a first touch operation is detected. When a second touch operation on the second button is detected, a virtual object is controlled to move automatically, and the two buttons are highlighted. The automatic movement of the virtual object and the linkage between the two buttons are implemented through simple operations, thereby improving the convenience and flexibility of operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhaoxing Guo, Zhitang Lu, Xuyang Guo
  • Patent number: 11049675
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller, that includes a finger-pressable (“tactile”) switch. The switch is adjustable to change the amount of force used to actuate the switch. In an example implementation, a tactile switch comprises a housing, a button interposer, a dome switch, and an adjustment mechanism. A user or other entity may press the button interposer. The dome switch is contained in the housing, and is actuated by the button interposer being pressed. The adjustment mechanism is contained at least partially in the housing, and is configured to enable an amount of force used to press the button interposer to actuate the dome switch to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Schmitz
  • Patent number: 11045723
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a gaming controller for a mobile device includes a first hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's left thumb and/or fingers to generate a left controller input; and a second hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's right thumb and/or fingers to generate a right controller input. The first hardware gaming controller is mechanically securable to a side portion of a housing, and the second hardware gaming controller is mechanically securable to an opposing side portion of the housing. One of the first hardware gaming controller and the second hardware gaming controller is a primary game controller configured to combine the left controller input and the right controller input into a single controller input representation for providing to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Kah Yong Lee, Chee Oei Chan, Ann Tiong Ong, Yifeng Chen, Stuart Wells