Hand Manipulated (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse, Touch Panel, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/37)
  • Patent number: 10295127
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly having a housing containing a light assembly therein is disclosed. A control board is engaged with wide angle and spot LED's. Each wide angle LED is within a mixing chamber having a remote phosphor. The LED's are positioned outside the plane of the front cover such that a full peripheral emission of light is emitted from the luminaire, fully illuminating the user's surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: Pedro Jose Albaladejo Perez, Joaquin Vicente Bravo, Jorge Carlos Navarro Saldana
  • Patent number: 10279250
    Abstract: A game controller for controlling electronic games comprising: a controller chassis and an actuator system including: an actuator body; an actuator mechanism chassis; a detent chassis comprising at least one detent for arresting movement of the actuator body to create an end stop to limit the actuator movement; wherein the detent chassis is rotationally mounted within the actuator body such that the detent chassis can be rotated between at least a first position in which said at least one detent is in a stowed condition and at least a second position in which one of said at least one detent is in a deployed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Ironburg Inventions Ltd.
    Inventors: Simon Burgess, Duncan Ironmonger
  • Patent number: 10258876
    Abstract: In the present disclosure, a gaming controller for a mobile device is provided. The gaming controller can include a first hardware gaming controller including a first programmable controller and at least one input switch, the at least one input switch of the first hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's left thumb and/or fingers to generate a left controller input with the first programmable controller. The gaming controller can include a second hardware gaming controller including a second programmable controller and at least one input switch, the at least one input switch of the second hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's right thumb and/or fingers to generate a right controller input with the second programmable controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Stuart Wells, Anthony P. Casano, Jeffrey Kinsey
  • Patent number: 10238963
    Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a stem that defines a first cavity. A base is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a portion extending into the first cavity. The portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10232250
    Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing a game action sweep mechanic are presented. A virtual game environment that includes a first virtual object and a second virtual object may be generated for a user. User interactions involving a game pointer and a selection input are then monitored. In response to detecting the selection input being activated while the game pointer is located proximate to the first virtual object, a game action is then performed on the first virtual object. A game action sweep mode is then activated. While the game action sweep mode is active, the game action is then performed on the second virtual game object in response to detecting the game pointer is located proximate to the second virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Omi, Michael McCarthy, Travis Gorkin
  • Patent number: 10228849
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes at least one display, a memory configured to store an application and a database including information on a plurality of controllers, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to display a content including at least one object in relation to an execution of the application in a first area of the display, determine a controller corresponding to the application based on the database, and output the determined controller to a second area of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeong Kuk Keam, Dong Kyung Kim, Dong Ik Yang
  • Patent number: 10222794
    Abstract: A remote controller comprises a gripping member, a control stick arranged on the gripping member, and a retaining device installed on the gripping member. The retaining device comprises a support mechanism, a clamping mechanism rotatably installed on the support mechanism, and a communication mechanism rotatably connected to the clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping part and a second clamping part opposite to the first clamping part. The communication mechanism comprises a receiving member, a connecting shaft arranged on the receiving member and pivotably connecting the receiving member with the second clamping part, and an antenna arranged on the receiving member and configured to transfer data. The connecting shaft is configured to allow the receiving member to rotate relative to the second clamping part and to be received between the first clamping part and the second clamping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Deng, Yin Tang
  • Patent number: 10183217
    Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a handle extending in a longitudinal direction. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by a user's hand. A trigger protrudes from an outer surface of the handle and moves relative to the handle responsive to pressing of the trigger by a finger of the user's hand. The trigger includes a touch surface that comes into contact with the finger of the user's hand to detect sliding of the finger of the user's hand on the touch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yi-Yaun Chen, Glen Jason Tompkins, Bradley Morris Johnson
  • Patent number: 10155154
    Abstract: To derive three dimensional (3D) position and orientation of a 3-axis (or more) magnetometer/accelerometer device (such as may be implemented in VR or AR headset or computer game controller) without line of sight constraints, a spinning magnetic field is used to discriminate and remove the external (Earth's) magnetic field from the spinning magnetic field. This reduces the problem to finding the distance to the source of the magnetic field using a calibration table (or formula), finding two angles describing the deviation of the magnetic sensor from the axis of rotation of the spinning magnetic field and the phase around this axis, and from these values deriving the orientation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Sergey Bashkirov, Takeo Matsukawa, Jeffrey R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 10137365
    Abstract: A first control unit includes a first operation data generation section for generating first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first control unit body included in the first control unit. A second control unit includes a second operation data generation section for generating second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player or a motion of a second control unit body included in the second control unit. Further, one of the first control unit and the second control unit includes a transmission section for transmitting the first operation data and the second operation data to a computer at a predetermined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10137364
    Abstract: A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and a button-retention feature. The button-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected button accessory to the game controller through a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature and the selected button accessory. The selected button accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured button accessories removably affixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory is configured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessory to an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected button accessory is affixed to the game controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10092829
    Abstract: An example attachment is attachable to a game controller including a controller-side slide portion on which a controller-side operation button is provided. The attachment includes a strap and an attachment-side slide portion, the attachment-side slide portion having a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a predetermined slide direction. The attachment-side slide portion is provided on a first surface of the attachment, wherein the attachment-side slide portion is configured to slidably engage with the controller-side slide portion in the predetermined slide direction. The controller-side slide portion is insertable into the attachment-side slide portion from the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Ikuta, Hironori Furuike, Hitoshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10088872
    Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a mobile device screen utilize a screen protector overlying the display screen lens, wherein the screen protector includes a conductive region. The device face includes a plurality of conductors underlying the screen protector at the conductive region. The conductors are capacitively coupled in the presence of the screen protector, and are capacitively decoupled when the screen protector is removed. This allows the device to detect removal of the screen protector and to perform a responsive action such as alerting a device user that the screen protector is not installed, instructing the user to install a screen protector, storing an indication that the screen protector is not installed and transmitting an indication that the screen protector is not installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Daniel S Thorstenson, James S Bender, Dale Bengtson, Mark P Florczak
  • Patent number: 10086273
    Abstract: Implementations are provided that permit a seamless activation of a game or other application on a host device from a game controller. The game may be launched on the host device in response to an activation signal that is dispatched from the game controller. The game controller may generate the activation signal or it may send such a signal to the host device for processing. The game controller may detect that an action button has been pressed and generate the activation signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Jones, Jeffrey David Yaksick
  • Patent number: 10062247
    Abstract: At least a first vibration output apparatus and a second vibration output apparatus used while physically separated from the first vibration output apparatus are included. The first vibration output apparatus includes a first vibration unit. The second vibration output apparatus includes a second vibration unit. It is possible to output a first vibration signal and a second vibration signal for, by changing a ratio of intensities of vibrating the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit, causing a user to perceive a single vibration source between the first vibration output apparatus and the second vibration output apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Obana, Kochi Kawai, Junichiro Miyatake, Shoji Masubuchi, Takafumi Aoki, Kei Yamashita, Masahiko Inami, Kouta Minamizawa
  • Patent number: 10061458
    Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a handle extending in a longitudinal direction. The handle is shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by a user's hand. A ring is attached to an end of the handle and has an annular surface. The annular surface defines a plane that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. A capacitive touch pad is attached to the end of the handle and has a touch surface to receive haptic input from a finger of the user's hand. The capacitive touch pad generates sensor signals responsive to receiving the haptic input from the finger of the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Wesley Bristol, Yi-Yaun Chen, Glen Jason Tompkins
  • Patent number: 10022623
    Abstract: A hand operated game controller for controlling a game console. Multiple push buttons are arranged on the surface of the game controller. The push buttons are placed in an arrangement that approximately matches the natural position of the fingers of the user's hands. As the user presses the buttons, control signals are sent from the buttons to the game console via wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Dustin Huffer, Shawn Huffer
  • Patent number: 10025478
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a companion application that allows users to discover secondary content that supplements primary content that the user is enjoying and to run the secondary content within the application. Examples of primary content include, games, television shows, movies, and music. In one embodiment, a companion application runs on both the primary device, which is the device generating the primary content, and on the companion device. The companion application helps the user discover available secondary content. In addition to discovering secondary content that may be relevant to the user, the companion application includes an application-run environment in which secondary content applications may run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen Patricia Mulcahy, Shiraz Cupala, John Darren Elliott, Wyatt Douglas Jackson, Hansen Liou, Alain P. Maillot, Neil Warren Black, Joshua C. Zana
  • Patent number: 10025105
    Abstract: A display control apparatus includes: a head mounted display information acquisition block configured to acquire information indicative of a position of a head mounted display worn on a head of a user; an input apparatus information acquisition block configured to acquire information indicative of a position of an input apparatus for use by the user; an instruction input acquisition block configured to acquire information indicative of an instruction entered in the input apparatus; and an image generation block configured to generate an image to be displayed on the head mounted display on a basis of an instruction acquired by the instruction input acquisition block. The image generation block displays an image of the input apparatus at a position in the image determined on a basis of a relative position with the head mounted display of the input apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Doucet, Yutaka Yokokawa, Masafumi Noda, Takumi Yoshida, Keiichiro Ishihara, Gento Morita, Yuki Miyamae, Ngo Tuyen Thibaud, Kazutomo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9996253
    Abstract: A display area of a selection image becomes larger when two locations corresponding to the selection image on a touch panel are pressed simultaneously by hands of a player and a space between the hands is widened while the hands maintain a state of contact to the touch panel. This enables touch panel operability to be diversified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Kogo
  • Patent number: 9990045
    Abstract: A method for detecting a user's hand gestures with a handheld controller. The method includes monitoring a first sensor and a second sensor. Each sensor is capable of sensing the presence of the user's thumb. The method further includes sensing the presence of the thumb on the first sensor and then sensing when the thumb is no longer present on the first sensor. A time period is monitored beginning when the thumb is no longer present on the first sensor and ending when the presence of the thumb is sensed on one of the first sensor and the second sensor. Once the time period exceeds a threshold time value, a thumbs-up gesture is registered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventor: Clare Regimbal Long
  • Patent number: 9981181
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a display, a touch panel, and a controller. The display displays an image thereon. The touch panel is provided so as to cover a display screen of the display and outputs a position signal corresponding to a point touched by a player. The controller receives the position signal from the touch panel and changes the image in accordance with the number of position signals simultaneously received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Kogo
  • Patent number: 9962616
    Abstract: A computer game program implements a position information obtaining function of obtaining first position information indicating a first position in a game field and second position information indicating a second position in the game field, a position information updating function of respectively updating the first position information and the second position information to move the first position and the second position in response to an operation input by a player, a position identifying function of determining a third position on a first line in accordance with the second position, the first line being a fine that passes through the first position and a predetermined fixed position set in the game field, and a direction determining function of determining a direction in which a predetermined game effect is produced in the game field, in accordance with the first position, the second position, and the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruoyi Ye, Hiroki Kamobayashi
  • Patent number: 9959714
    Abstract: Systems and methods for minimal haptic implementation are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: an actuator; and a control-circuit in communication with the actuator, the control circuit configured to: receive a haptic signal including a first bit indicating a power state; and transmit a power signal based on the haptic signal, the power signal configured to cause the actuator to operate at an actuation state at a fixed power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Erin B. Ramsay, Henrique D. da Costa, Neil Olien, Robert A. Lacroix
  • Patent number: 9952679
    Abstract: To give various movement instructions by body gestures to an object in a virtual space, a method includes detecting movements of controllers held by both hands of a user. The method further includes determining a first movement instruction based on the movements of the controllers. The method further includes causing a first character gazed at by the user to perform a first movement and causing a second character not gazed at by the user to perform a second movement depending on the first movement instruction. With this, instructions are given to the characters in the virtual space by means of body gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: COLOPL, INC.
    Inventor: Ippei Kondo
  • Patent number: 9943757
    Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The tiltable post is operable to output a control signal based on a position of the tiltable post relative to a default position. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. An engagement body is located within the cavity and contacts an engagement surface of the adjustable tensioning mechanism. The engagement body includes a cam surface disposed around an axis of the tiltable post. An adjustment body within the cavity of the stem comprises a follower that contacts the cam surface. The follower is configured to traverse the cam surface when the cap is rotated to thereby translate the engagement body along the axis of the tiltable post and adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz, Benjamin Michael Finney
  • Patent number: 9946346
    Abstract: A notification control apparatus is provided with a moving image acquisition unit 41 that acquires a moving image, an identification unit 44 that identifies a frame according to forwarding operation, out of a plurality of frames constituting the moving image, a determination unit 46 that determines whether or not the identified frame is a predetermined frame, and a notification control unit 49 that notifies determination result by the determination unit 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kawamura, Kouichi Nakagome, Tomohiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 9931563
    Abstract: Digital gameboard systems and devices for providing games and interactive content to two or more co-located users are described, as well as methods of using the same. A gameboard device of the present disclosure comprises a housing with a screen extending across the top thereof, and a mobile computer positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the device's screen comprises a touchscreen technology. Additionally, at least a portion of the gameboard device is foldable about at least one axis. Methods of using the devices and systems hereof are also provided, an exemplary method including the steps of downloading content to the aforementioned device, receiving input from at least two co-located users via the screen of the digital gameboard device, and displaying output via the screen of the digital gameboard device to the two or more co-located users in connection with the gaming program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: BG Global LLC
    Inventor: Janet Schwind
  • Patent number: 9931567
    Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises an adjustable tensioning mechanism configured to modify a tilt tension of a tiltable post. The thumbstick comprises a cap with a cylindrical stem that defines a first cavity. Abase is moveable with the tiltable post and comprises a cylindrical portion extending into the first cavity. The cylindrical portion defines a second cavity and comprises a protuberance projecting into the second cavity. An adjustment body within the second cavity comprises a recessed slot and a contacting surface at a distal end. The slot is configured to engage the protuberance to adjust the tilt tension of the tiltable post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Tiffany, Aaron Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9931560
    Abstract: A method for analyzing punching activities of a boxer during a training session is implemented through a glove that is worn by the boxer. The glove includes a microprocessor, an inertial measurement unit, and other related electrical components so that the method of analyzing punching activities can be executed through a single punch analysis. The inertial measurement unit timestamps and collects raw orientation and spatial positioning data for the glove, and enables the microprocessor to execute the single punch analysis throughout the training session. The single punch analysis outputs and displays a forward glove speed, a forward glove force, a forward glove power, heart rate of the boxer, calories burned by the boxer, lag time between multiple punches, and total number of punches throughout the training session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: H. Carnell Caroll-James
  • Patent number: 9916815
    Abstract: An enhanced system and method presents a view of a virtual space on a display based on a position of the display in one or more degrees of freedom. For such a position of the display, a corresponding field of view in the virtual space may be determined. In some examples, as the display rotates about an axis that runs perpendicular to the display through a centroid of the display, the view of the virtual space may shift such that the field of view varies dynamically with the rotational position of the display and the objects in the field of view are maintained fixed in the virtual space. In some implementations, an object of the virtual space may be controlled by the position change of the display in the degrees of freedom such that the objects may be steered according to the display's position in the degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Durmek
  • Patent number: 9898091
    Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display (HMD), a forward-looking camera coupled to the HMD and a hand-held controller communicatively coupleable to the HMD. The hand-held controller includes a first user-input key, a grip, and an outward-facing surface coupled to the grip. The outward-facing surface includes a plurality of illumination sources which provide light that is detectable by the camera for sensing a position of the controller based on a user motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Wesley Bristol, Yi-yaun Chen, Jason Andrew Higgins, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati, Neil Warren Konzen, James S. Webb
  • Patent number: 9899057
    Abstract: A control method for synchronized video, a control system for synchronized video and an electronic apparatus thereof are provided. The control method for synchronized video includes the following steps. A video file corresponding to an operating instrument is obtained and displayed. Whether a control instruction corresponding to a current video frame of the displayed video file exists is determined. When the control instruction corresponding to the current video frame exists, the control instruction is obtained. Further, the control instruction is output to the operating instrument to control the operating instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Innomind Solution Company Limited
    Inventor: Ya-Ting Chan
  • Patent number: 9895607
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) for providing haptic feedback to a player is provided. The EGM includes a touchscreen having a touchscreen surface and an ultrasonic actuator coupled to the touchscreen surface to vibrate the touchscreen surface. The EGM also includes a processor coupled to the touchscreen and the ultrasonic actuator. The processor is configured to identify a location of a player feature on the touchscreen surface and control the ultrasonic actuator based on at least one of the identified location and a game state associated with the game to provide a friction feedback effect to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventor: David Froy
  • Patent number: 9891799
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for operating a computer game involving moving a plurality of objects. A game screen on which a plurality of objects are displayed may be displayed on a touchscreen. If a swipe operation is detected, a plurality of the objects may be moved. If a swipe operation is detected while a touch operation that specifies any of the plurality objects is also being detected, the plurality of objects excluding the object specified with the touch operation are collectively moved in a direction indicated by the swipe operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Nishida
  • Patent number: 9871184
    Abstract: A system for emitting an ultrasonic signal is provided. The system includes a first ultrasonic transducer and a second ultrasonic transducer. A plate of the first ultrasonic element faces a plate of the second ultrasonic element such that the plate of the first ultrasonic element is spaced apart from the plate of the second ultrasonic element by a gap. During operation of the first and second ultrasonic transducers, a uniform or omnidirectional ultrasonic signal may be emitted from the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Curtis Rider
  • Patent number: 9868055
    Abstract: A system and method for generating individual player bases in a virtual space using markup information are disclosed. Player base definitions specific individual players may be managed. The player base definitions may indicate boundaries of player bases in the virtual space, a base type for the player bases, and/or any other information related to the player bases. Player base markup information may be obtained for a given player base type. The obtained player base markup information may indicate, in a markup language format, building information regarding one or more default buildings within a player base having the given base type. Individual player bases may be generated in the virtual space base on the boundaries of the player bases as indicated in the player base definitions associated with the individual players and further based on the player base markup information for the base type of the player bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Rhinesmith, Christopher Vukicevich
  • Patent number: 9868063
    Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users via client computing devices. Device information related to a client computing platform used by a user to interact with the virtual space may be obtained. Customized in-game capabilities available for the user may be determined based on the device information, which may include a description of or otherwise identify the client computing platform. The device information may include or otherwise by used to obtain device capabilities such as hardware, software, network, and/or other specifications. Different users using different client computing platforms may be provided with different in-game capabilities such as user roles, content items, levels, and/or other content or actions available for the user in the virtual space based on the client computing platform used by the users to access the virtual space. The device information may be used to facilitate enhanced party formation between users of the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9858830
    Abstract: An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Gaijin Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Kirill Yudintsev, Alexander Polyakov
  • Patent number: 9842476
    Abstract: A system includes a processor, an audio display, and a haptic peripheral including a haptic output device. The audio display includes a speaker and a headphone connector. The haptic output device is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the haptic peripheral in response to the control signal from the processor. The processor is configured to vary the control signal for the haptic output device depending on an audio output accessory connectivity status of the audio display such that the haptic output device generates and applies a first haptic effect if the audio display is connected to an audio output accessory in order to output audio through the headphone connector and the haptic output device generates and applies a second haptic effect if the audio display is not connected to an audio output accessory in order to output audio through the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William Rihn, David Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 9808711
    Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from a computer accessory a control signal for controlling a software application, determining a result that would arise if the control signal is supplied to the software application, and generating an updated control signal to produce a desired result responsive to detecting that the result is undesirable. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: STEELSERIES APS
    Inventors: Kim Rom, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Francis Arnold Grever, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
  • Patent number: 9811176
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for remote-controlling a target apparatus using a mobile communication terminal. A communication link is established with the target apparatus having a display screen adapted to visualize an object. An amount of movement of the mobile communication terminal is detected. Motion information for moving the object is generated using the amount of movement of the mobile communication terminal. The motion information is transmitted to the target apparatus. The amount of movement is detected based on at least one of current position information, acceleration information, and angular velocity information of the mobile communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Hyeok Cha, Tae-Jeong Bae
  • Patent number: 9807444
    Abstract: A TV without a touch screen can nonetheless execute applications designed for mobile devices that assume a touch screen user interface (UI) by a “dumb” remote control with up/down, left/right, select buttons, or by a remote control with a touch pad, or by a remote control application running on a mobile device with a touch screen that communicates with the TV. In all three scenarios, the TV recognizes that it is running in a special remote control mode and with a corresponding remote control application running on the TV that is able to intercept key presses and finger swipes and translate them to touch screen commands that are input to a touch screen-enabled software application running on the TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Brant Candelore, Graham Clift
  • Patent number: 9802118
    Abstract: A game controller for use with handheld game devices, for example smartphones, includes a cradle for holding the smartphone. The cradle is pivotable between an open position, extending from a base of the game controller, and a closed position in which the cradle is about a bottom wall of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Hirshberg, Lee Guinchard, Duncan Miller, Tim Clark
  • Patent number: 9791941
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for user configurable pressure sensitive keys and techniques for controlling these keys for keyboards. User configuration information, including information for user configurable granularity scales for pressure levels, can be communicated from a host system to the keyboard and stored for later use by a keyboard controller to control the operation of the pressure sensitive keys. In this way, greater control of the pressure sensitive keys can be provided. This configurability is of particular use for applications such as where the keyboard is being used for gaming by a user running a gaming application on an information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products LP
    Inventors: Mark A. Casparian, Frank C. Azor
  • Patent number: 9770664
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to providing an online shooting game by a game server communicatively connected to a player terminal. The player terminal may display a virtual online shooting game environment based on information received from the game server. Providing an online shooting game may include: selecting a basic identification range within a virtual online shooting game environment displayed on the player terminal; detecting one or more enemy characters that are within the basic identification range; determining one of the detected one or more enemy characters as an automatic tracking object; and allowing an aiming point to automatically track movement of the automatic tracking object within the basic identification range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Jo, Ki Hoon Lee, Jung Ho Lee, Sae Rom Kim
  • Patent number: 9764227
    Abstract: An online gaming system for providing online game content to users based presentation control device. The system may comprise one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules including: a game module configured to execute an instance of an online game and to implement the instance of the online game to facilitate participation of users in the online game via presentation control devices; a user module configured to manage content sets corresponding to the individual users; a presentation control device module configured to manage game content sets corresponding to presentation control devices; a detection module configured to detect users physically present at the presentation control devices; and a content module configure to: determine appropriate content sets which are to be made available for participation by the users, and effectuate presentation of the game content to facilitate participation of the users in the determined appropriate game content sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Harrington, Kent Wakeford
  • Patent number: 9756414
    Abstract: A novel headphone system includes a first speaker assembly, a second speaker assembly, and an interactive visual display system. The interactive visual display system includes a display operative to output visual contents according to interaction with a user. In a more particular embodiment, the headphone system includes an external device interface that enables a user to interact with the contents displayed from the screen via an external device or via the Internet. In another embodiment, the interactive visual display system is removable from the rest of the headphone system and can optionally be installed in another compatible non-headphone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Pong, King Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 9754441
    Abstract: A game system includes a server coupled with a database and an operator computer. The operator computer receives input from an operator to associate, through the database, a prize identifier and a winning tap number for a prize. A plurality of player devices coupled with the server through a telecommunication network display player interfaces including the prize identifier, winning tap number, and a defined tapping area. Each player device, in response to a tap in the defined tapping area, communicates a tap signal to the server. The server generates an assigned tap number for each tap signal. In response to determining that an assigned tap number matches the winning tap number, the server sends a winning signal to the sending device. The game system provides an advertising platform through sponsored prizes and paid advertising viewed by players to enable players to continue tapping for sponsored prizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Parkside Games LLC
    Inventors: Derek Curtis, Tim Uzzanti, Grady Werner, Bryon Grosz
  • Patent number: 9715782
    Abstract: A method of presenting a game selection screen in a multi-game environment on a gaming machine is taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Atlas Gaming Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Zenja Solaja