Simulated Projector With Diverse Interactive Target Patents (Class 463/5)
  • Patent number: 11625311
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for determining attention based on user interactions. While content is being presented by a client device, an attention determination system causes presentation of a prompt object on a display of the client device. The prompt object starts from an entry point and traverses a path across the display. While the prompt object is traversing the path across the display, the attention determination system detects a user input at a point on the display that is within a threshold distance of a current position of the prompt object along the path. The attention determination system determines an attention level of a user of the client device based on the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Beseeq
    Inventor: Mark K. Hammitt
  • Patent number: 11123647
    Abstract: An entertainment system includes multiple figurines configured for wireless communication, and a control device having a hardware processor, a system memory storing a control application, and a transceiver. The hardware processor executes the control application to detect each of the figurines via the transceiver and to identify a predetermined entertainment for performance by two or more of the figurines. The hardware processor further executes the control application to transmit control signals to the two or more figurines via the transceiver, wherein a first control signal instructs a first of the two or more figurines to perform a first portion of the predetermined entertainment, and a second control signal instructs a second of the two or more figurines to perform a second portion of the predetermined entertainment. The two or more of the figurines are configured to perform the predetermined entertainment according to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Janice Rosenthal, Nathan Nocon, Stephen A. Thornton, Michael P. Goslin, Timothy Panec
  • Patent number: 11071906
    Abstract: A swipe input mechanism for a computer-implemented game presented on a touchscreen allows for user-selection of different menu options by swipe gestures in different directions via a swipe menu dedicated to receiving such swipe input. In a third person shooter game or a first-person shooter game user-selection of different character abilities are enabled via the swipe menu. The swipe menu is a floating user interface element that auto-adjusts its on-screen position to register with the position of user touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hemby, Kevin Michael Adsett, Jameson Francis Thatcher
  • Patent number: 11013984
    Abstract: Based on first data transmitted from a game controller, a game apparatus executes game processing for catching a predetermined game character and transmits, to the game controller, second data corresponding to the game character as a target to be caught. Based on the transmitted second data, the game controller outputs a sound corresponding to the caught game character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., THE POKÉMON COMPANY
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Maruyama, Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Hiroki Soji, Kohei Odanaka, Masaya Takei, Tsunekazu Ishihara, Satoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10751624
    Abstract: A user device provides a computer implemented game with different levels. The device has a user interface. A player selects a level via the user interface. When a level is selected, the associated game board in displayed. Information about the difficulty of at least one of the levels is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Albert Fernandez, Marc Pestka
  • Patent number: 10507378
    Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Boda Borg Corp.
    Inventor: David L. Spigner
  • Patent number: 10398957
    Abstract: Pitching simulator systems and methods are provided that are used to predict real-life outcomes for a real-life pitch. Predicted real-lift outcomes can be outcomes such as a hit (e.g., groundout, double, home run, etc.), strikeout, etc., and can be made in real-time. More specifically, the systems and methods can identify pitch metrics corresponding to the real-life pitch, cross-reference data in the form of system performance metrics that can related to data about batters, fielders, and/or an environment, and then calculate a virtual pitched ball outcome based on a combination of the pitch metrics and the system performance metrics. Computer programs capable of being used in such systems and methods, as well as other systems and methods, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: InMotion Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Yury Altshuler, Michael Anthony Donfrancesco, Thomas George Stepsis
  • Patent number: 10347149
    Abstract: A slingshot simulator includes a housing, a trigger mechanism and an elastic band. A window is defined on the housing, a switch is arranged at one side of the window, and a connector electrically connected to the switch is disposed in the housing. The trigger mechanism is arranged on a side outer surface of the housing and at one side of the window corresponding to the switch. The trigger mechanism is able to move relative to the switch to alter an electrical status of the switch. The elastic band is connected to the trigger mechanism and able to actuate the trigger mechanism to move relative to the switch. The electrical status of the switch is altered while a user pulls the elastic band to simulate a bow-shooting operation, and a corresponding signal is delivered via the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Dah-Cheng Weng, Cheng Tao Wu, Pei-Fang Ke, An Kiang
  • Patent number: 10286303
    Abstract: A game system including a display device used by being mounted on the head of a player and a controller, comprising: a first direction specifier that specifies direction and/or position of the display device; a second direction specifier that specifies direction of the controller; a displayer that displays on the display device, a state of a virtual space where a game is in progress, according to the direction and/or the position specified by the first direction specifier and a plurality of first options; a first selector that selects at least one first option from the plurality of first options, according to a relative relationship between the direction of the display device and the direction of the controller; and a game progressor that causes the game to progress according to the selected first option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD., GREE, INC.
    Inventors: Naoya Kashima, Yoshihisa Akashi, Natsuko Kushida, Robin Boucher
  • Patent number: 10188954
    Abstract: An arcade game includes a beverage receptacle to hold a beverage container in an upright orientation and a beverage sensor to distinguish one or more beverage states and to communicate the distinguished one or more beverage states to the arcade game as gameplay activation inputs to the arcade game. The arcade game can also include features to proof the game against spillage of beverages onto and into the game cabinet, including gutters and a reservoir housing antimicrobial sponges. The system can compile usage data and deliver it to a business proprietor to provide customer consumption information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Glitchbit LLC
    Inventor: Adam Wray
  • Patent number: 10021297
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal which includes a camera and a touch screen and can output an image captured by the camera on the touch screen, and a control method of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a camera, a sensor, a memory, a touch screen and a controller configured to cause the touch screen to display a first image received via the camera, cause the memory to temporarily store the first image displayed on the touch screen, generate a second image comprising a conflation of at least part of the first image and a plurality of consecutive images sequentially received via the camera in response to sensing by the sensor of first movement of the mobile terminal about a subject included in the first image, and cause the memory to store the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yunmi Kwon, Kiseon Lee
  • Patent number: 9186585
    Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Chapman Weston
  • Patent number: 9165419
    Abstract: A slot machine method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a bonus round for a slot machine game that allows players to use manual dexterity in order to earn prizes in a bonus round. Moving elements can be selected (e.g., shot, touched, etc.) and if successfully selected, the player can earn a bonus award. Bonus awards can accumulate until the bonus round is over. The bonus round can end when either a predefined time is over or the player selects a termination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Etasse Limited
    Inventor: Jorge Heymann
  • Patent number: 9114318
    Abstract: An input of an aiming point coordinate indicating a position of an aiming point is accepted from an input device, and it is determined whether or not the aiming point overlaps with an object based on the aiming point coordinate. When it is determined that the aiming point overlaps with the object, a target time for which the object overlapped by the aiming point becomes a target of shooting is set such that the target time is correlated with the object. Further, a shooting operation is accepted, and when the shooting operation is accepted within the target time after the target time is set for the object, shooting at the object for which the target time has been set is performed irrespective of the position of the aiming point, and the target time is reset for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Ikematsu, Makoto Miyanaga
  • Patent number: 9084933
    Abstract: Method for physiologically modulating videogames and simulations includes utilizing input from a motion-sensing video game system and input from a physiological signal acquisition device. The inputs from the physiological signal sensors are utilized to change the response of a user's avatar to inputs from the motion-sensing sensors. The motion-sensing system comprises a 3D sensor system having full-body 3D motion capture of a user's body. This arrangement encourages health-enhancing physiological self-regulation skills or therapeutic amplification of healthful physiological characteristics. The system provides increased motivation for users to utilize biofeedback as may be desired for treatment of various conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronatics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Alan T. Pope, Chad L. Stephens, Christopher A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9011223
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for conducting a combat simulation game in which each player is outfitted with equipment enabling data concerning the game play ability of the player to be transmitted to a local server for use in computing a player performance data for individual players in comparison with all other players having data stored within the system. The equipment transmits various data to the server which is utilized by the server to update the player performance data in a real-time manner that can be accessed and viewed by other players from remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Jensen
  • Patent number: 9004997
    Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for dynamically locking a camera-linked reticle onto a target vehicle are presented. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may provide a user interface that includes a controlled vehicle and a target vehicle. Subsequently, the computing device may receive user input moving a camera-linked reticle within a predetermined distance of the target vehicle. In response to receiving the user input moving the camera-linked reticle within the predetermined distance of the target vehicle, the computing device may lock the camera-linked reticle onto the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the camera-linked reticle may include a reticle portion of the user interface that is configured to indicate an aim of at least one gun associated with the controlled vehicle, and may be further configured to maintain a substantially constant directional relationship with a viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wargaming.net LLP
    Inventors: Alexey Prosin, Stepan Drozd
  • Patent number: 8974309
    Abstract: Multiple object information, in which first kind of object information indicating information on a first kind of object is associated with second kind of object information indicating information on a second kind of object, is stored in a multiple object information memory. The second kind of object is an object protected against a damage by means of the first kind of object. Multiple objects constructed by the first and second kinds of objects are displayed on a game screen on the basis of the multiple object information stored in the multiple object information memory. A damage cause indicating a cause of the damage that the displayed multiple objects receives is specified. At least the damage, which the second kind of object receives, is specified on the basis of the specified damage cause and a state of the first kind of object in the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Jim Deal, Yosuke Shiokawa
  • Publication number: 20150031422
    Abstract: A game weapon device has a body, a motion sensor in the body for sensing motion of the body, an emitter in the body for, in response to the motion sensor sensing a swing motion of the body, emitting radiation representing firing of the game weapon device, and a detector for detecting radiation emitted by another game weapon device, representing a hit. An electronic operating circuit in the body controls the game weapon device, and includes a hit register for registering a hit each time the detector detects radiation from another game weapon device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Terry Shiu-Hang Yuen
  • Publication number: 20150024815
    Abstract: A hit recognition electronic target shooting system and a recognition method thereof are revealed. The system includes an electronic target and at least two practice guns. The electronic target is activated and at least two users hold the practice guns and pull triggers to shoot the electronic target simultaneously. After detecting a light beam from the light beam source of the practice gun that hit the electronic target first, a light sensor delays for a period of time to receive light signal. Simultaneously a sensing signal is transmitted to a control unit. Thus the control unit recognizes the practice gun that hit the electronic target first. Thereby many users respectively hold a practice gun to shoot the same electronic target simultaneously and which practice gun first hits the electronic target can be recognized. A better shooting practice, training competition or entertainment is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: ACMOS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HSIN-CHIN CHEN, YEN-TSEN OU, HSIN-HSING WU
  • Publication number: 20150011280
    Abstract: In a light-based gaming environment includes plural players each with a respective light-emitting device configured to directionally emit a respective light-based signal that distinguishes each player from at least one other player, a player action controlled light-based gaming system includes a display device configured to visually display information; a memory having stored therein first and second video instances; a controller that selectively causes the display device to display the first and second video instances; and a plurality of light-based receivers located within the gaming environment. When the display device statically displays the first video instance in locational relationship to a first light-based receiver, if the first light-based receiver receives a light-based signal, the controller selectively causes the display device to display the second video instance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: LATHAN DWAYNE GAREISS
  • Patent number: 8888594
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU controls a moving object within a virtual space on the basis of acceleration data and angular velocity data which are transmitted from a controller. For example, before the angular velocity data is above a predetermined magnitude, a position and an orientation of the moving object is controlled on the basis of the angular velocity data. When the angular velocity data is above the predetermined magnitude, an initial velocity of the moving object is decided on the basis of the acceleration data, and a moving direction (orientation) of the moving object is decided on the basis of the angular velocity data. Thereafter, the moving object moves within the virtual space according to a general physical behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hiratake, Takayuki Shimamura, Yoshikazu Yamashita, Masahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8890774
    Abstract: A heads-up display associated with a user manipulated object in a gaming environment, particularly a racing game. According to one aspect the heads-up display may reduce the distance a user's eye travels between a focal area and the heads-up display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Uphill, Christopher Francis, Dominic Jackson, James Whittamore, Ashleigh J. Pook
  • Patent number: 8827804
    Abstract: A system for targeting and attack of one or more enemies in a game environment is provided. A player may designate an enemy or enemies on a display screen as a target and subsequently initiate an attack of the targeted enemy or enemies. The display allows for flexibility in choosing which enemies to attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Woodard, Dylan Jobe
  • Patent number: 8823641
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) imaging system configured to display an autostereoscopic image of a scene toward a viewing area, and detect gestures occurring in the viewing area. The system includes an imaging device configured to project a plurality of projected images in distinct directions, and each projected image is characterized as a distinct perspective view of the scene. The imaging device is also configured to detect a plurality of received images for the purpose of detecting gestures. The system also includes a holographic diffuser, and a mirror arrangement configured to reflect the plurality of projected images from the imaging device toward the holographic diffuser to display an autostereoscopic image of the scene in the holographic diffuser, and reflect a plurality of perspective images from the viewing area toward the imaging device such that each received image corresponds to a distinct perspective view of the viewing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Daniel Leong Woon Loong, Yew Kwang Low, Kok Wee Yeo
  • Patent number: 8784170
    Abstract: A game program according to an embodiment enhances playability of a game wherein user objects strike target objects. The game program includes: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection; a ball selection module for receiving selection of ball objects; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating owned point information; an injection module for injecting ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers; an appearance module for causing a level-up item to appear when a predetermined appearance condition is satisfied; a game progress module for providing the user with a score when the ball object strikes the scoring target object, and providing the user with the level-up item when the ball object strikes the level-up item; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Murakami, Yasuhito Baba
  • Publication number: 20140200060
    Abstract: An interaction display system applied in a mobile device is provided. The system has a camera unit configured to capture images of a scene; a motion detection unit configured to detect motions of the mobile device during capturing the images; and a processing unit coupled to the camera unit and the motion detection unit, configured to estimate a geometry of the scene according to the captured images and the detected motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Ling WU, Yu-Pao TSAI, Yu-Lin CHANG
  • Patent number: 8777708
    Abstract: Targeting control may be facilitated in a simulated environment. In an example embodiment, a method includes acts of monitoring, generating, moving, and firing. A button input and a directional input are monitored. If a press and hold of the button input is detected, a fine aiming mode is generated. If movement of the directional input is detected during the fine aiming mode, a location of a target indicator is moved responsive to the detected movement. When a release of the button input is detected, a ranged weapon is fired based on the location of the target indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Adam J. Langridge
  • Publication number: 20140194171
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Binh T. Nguyen, Scott A. Caputo, Ernie M. Lafky
  • Patent number: 8769600
    Abstract: An exemplary system stores data representative of a plurality of media content items related to a plurality of sporting events and data representative of information about a plurality of players involved in the plurality of sporting events, the information including an indication of one or more players of interest to a user that are included in the plurality of players, identifies a portion of a media content item as associated with an event related to one of the sporting events, determines an identity of a player involved in the event, generates metadata representative of the identity of the player involved in the event, determines, based on the metadata, that the player involved in the event is included in the one or more players of interest, and generates and sends a highlight message including the identified portion of the media content item to a user device associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Donald H. Relyea, Brian F. Roberts, Heath Stallings
  • Patent number: 8747198
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for competitive simulations and, more particularly, to systems and/or methods in which users build stock portfolios that compete against each other, with the performance of each user's stock portfolio being based on one or more stock market related metrics (e.g., price per share, market capitalization, volume of trade, etc.). A user's portfolio may be formed and/or reformed so as to comply with certain predefined criteria (e.g., company traded on a particular exchange, company belonging to a particular market sector, etc.). The performance of each team/portfolio may be depicted using sports-related imagery (e.g., as teams on a football field, a basketball court, around a baseball diamond, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Augustus C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8708800
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicley, Binh T. Nguyen, Scott A. Caputo, Ernie M. Lafky
  • Patent number: 8678930
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for managing a fantasy league are disclosed to incorporate one or more reality factors, equity lines, luxury tax, and/or revenue sharing policies into administration of the fantasy league. A reality factor may influence real life scenarios between at least one of a real player, a real team, and/or a real league, for example. Accordingly, the reality factor may be applied to at least one of a corresponding fantasy player, fantasy team, and/or fantasy league to create a fantasy rule configured to enable a fantasy environment (e.g., the fantasy player, fantasy team, fantasy league, and/or relationships thereof) to more closely emulate the real player, real team, real league, and/or corresponding relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Front Office Media LLC
    Inventors: Paul Gabrail, Andrew Strigle, Benjamin Murphy
  • Patent number: 8651964
    Abstract: A video control system has an accelerometer sensor connected to a microcontroller for imparting motion and orientation information to the microcontroller. An encoder/transmitter is connected to the microcontroller and converts a plurality of parallel signals from the microcontroller into a serial data stream which is wirelessly transmitted to a receiver/decoder which converts the serial data back to the original parallel signals. The receiver/decoder is connected to a keyboard encoder that is connected to the keyboard port of personal computer. The accelerometer sensor, microcontroller and encoder transmitter are adapted to be worn on a video player's person. The system allows for a realistic experience in a video environment in which movement of the video player is replicated and appreciated on a video screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Todd A. Brick
  • Patent number: 8615471
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to toys and games that are enhanced with encoded information. One claim recites a method of playing a computerized game including: receiving image or video representing a physical object, the physical object comprising information steganographically encoded therein, the information is carried by the physical object through alterations to data representing at least some features carried by the physical object; utilizing a multi-purpose processor configured to: analyze received image or video to decode information steganographically encoded therein; interrogate a database or storage location with at least some of the information to obtain at least one game attribute associated with information; and modify the at least one game attribute to reflect activity during play of the computerized game. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Brett T Hannigan, Ravi K Sharma, Tony F Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8605133
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a panoramic, interactive, seamless, intuitive, high-resolution and yet extensive simulation tool capable of simulating dynamic events that alter the panoramic view in response to the user's actions or inaction. The dynamic panorama simulation can generate and display novel scenes that are not limited to static “canned” content that has been previously photographed, rendered, recorded, captured or filmed thus providing great flexibility, contextual authenticity and liveliness and, in some instances, unanticipated and surprising but accurate developments in the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Samsun Lampotang, David Erik Lizdas, John Joseph Tumino, Nikolaus Gravenstein
  • Publication number: 20130310123
    Abstract: In a method for determining a shot position of a light gun on a display screen, a current image is captured by an image capturing device of the light gun. The method detects a screen area in the current image, calculates coordinates of an aimed point of the light gun on the display screen when the screen area has been detected, and transmits the coordinates of the aimed point of the light gun to a host computer so that a shot result of the light gun is displayed on the display screen by the host computer according to the coordinates of the aimed point of the light gun on the display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO
  • Publication number: 20130303247
    Abstract: An interaction display system applied in a mobile device is provided. The system has a first camera, facing a first side of the mobile device configured to capture first images of a user; a second camera, facing a second side opposite to the first side of the mobile device, configured to capture second images of a scene; and a processing unit coupled to the first camera and the second camera directly, configured to perform interactions between the user and the scene utilizing the first images and the second images simultaneously captured by the first camera and the second camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Chi-Ling WU, Yu-Pao TSAI, Yu-Lin CHANG
  • Patent number: 8574050
    Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity. The electronic game apparatus may include a base unit with a game processor adapted to receive a plurality of input signals including an actuator signal and a plurality of directional signals. The game processor may be adapted to determine the game activity based upon the input signals and to transmit output signals representative of the game activity to a monitor device. The apparatus may also include a handle element extending transversely from the base unit in a substantially fixed position relative to the base unit, and may include an actuator that is configured to be manipulated in order to transmit the actuator signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a direction element, which may be movable in two dimensions relative to the base unit and adapted to transmit the directional signals, extending transversely from the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Osnato, Nicholas Howard, Gary Collins
  • Patent number: 8556718
    Abstract: In a game where a character is moved at a high speed to a goal along a path that is set in a virtual three-dimensional space, an operation mistake is better prevented in a movement operation of the character. A plurality of paths where the character moves are set in parallel in the virtual three-dimensional space. Game control means includes path information storing means for storing a coordinate position and a directional vector that are given to each point of a sequence of points arranged in each of the paths. Additionally, the position coordinate of the character moving in one of the paths is calculated based on the information stored in the path information storing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8556694
    Abstract: A terminal apparatus is connected to a server apparatus via a network. Active character information capable of specifying an active character is transmitted to the server apparatus. A movement instruction used to move the active character in a virtual space is inputted. Movement information is transmitted to the server apparatus in accordance with the movement instruction. Visible range information capable of specifying all of the player characters each existing in a visible range is received. A display device displays the visible range in which all of the player characters specified by the visible range information are arranged so that the player character that one player of the terminal apparatus causes to participate in the network game can be distinguished from other player character that another player causes to participate in the network game and so that the player can distinguish the active character from non-active characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventor: Noriaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8550890
    Abstract: A system that includes a processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit or receive a selection to fill a coach position on a fantasy team, wherein the selection comprises a selection of a coach of a sports team, a member of the sports team, or a unit of the sports team to fill the coach position on the fantasy team, and determine a coach's score based on at least one on-field or off-field action or statistic of the sports team, the member of the sports team, or the unit of the sports team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Isaac S. Daniel, Chuck Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8529355
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU controls a moving object within a virtual space on the basis of acceleration data and angular velocity data which are transmitted from a controller. For example, before the angular velocity data is above a predetermined magnitude, a position and an orientation of the moving object is controlled on the basis of the angular velocity data. When the angular velocity data is above the predetermined magnitude, an initial velocity of the moving object is decided on the basis of the acceleration data, and a moving direction (orientation) of the moving object is decided on the basis of the angular velocity data. Thereafter, the moving object moves within the virtual space according to a general physical behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Hiratake, Takayuki Shimamura, Yoshikazu Yamashita, Masahiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8522300
    Abstract: A media database stores a number of media content items associated with a real-life field of competitive activity. A user database stores information about a plurality of entities involved in the real-life field of competitive activity, including indications of a number of the plurality of entities that are entities of interest. An event database stores event information identifying an event related to the real-life field of competitive activity, identifying at least one portion of one of said number of media content items as associated with the event, and identifying at least one of the plurality of entities associated with the event. A manager communicatively coupled to the media database, user database and event database, determines whether the event has occurred based on the event information, determines whether the event is associated with any of the number of entities of interest, and generates a highlight message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Don Relyea, Brian Roberts, Heath Stallings
  • Publication number: 20130196726
    Abstract: Described are casino games that incorporate a player's physical dexterity into gameplay, thus adding a physical skill component to a game, beyond any mental skill components the underlying games already posses. Similarly to the manner in which a player's knowledge of a game's rules and strategies allows the player to increase their chance of winning traditional casino games, the dexterity, or skill based games allow the player to increase their chance of winning by performing game-oriented physical tasks. Examples of games with this feature are a poker game where a player shoots a game gun at a display device to add cards to their hand in hopes of forming a winning hand, and a three dimensional mahjong game where a player rotates a tile structure to find and removing matching tiles in order to increase their score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130172059
    Abstract: The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: IGT
  • Publication number: 20130165194
    Abstract: A display control unit of a game device causes a display unit to display a virtual space image showing how a virtual space is viewed from a virtual viewpoint, and causes the display unit to display a first sighting image indicating a sighting of a first ejector and a second sighting image indicating a sighting of a second ejector on the virtual space image in a superimposed manner. A sighting control unit controls a display position of the first sighting image and a display position of the second sighting image so that an overlapping region of part of the first sighting image and part of the second sighting image includes a center point of the virtual space image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8465368
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to sports and event betting, and more specifically to the use of the Internet in land-based casino sports and event betting. A bettor signs onto an Internet website to find what bets are being accepted and the bettor then places and registers a bet. The player then goes and places pays for the bet at a land-based casino prior to the start of the event. Further, follow-up rounds of making a wager may then be performed over a network such as, for example, the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Bijan Sabet, Paul LaRocca, Steven N. Kane
  • Publication number: 20130130760
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for conducting a combat simulation game in which each player is outfitted with equipment enabling data concerning the game play ability of the player to be transmitted to a local server for use in computing a player performance data for individual players in comparison with all other players having data stored within the system. The equipment transmits various data to the server which is utilized by the server to update the player performance data in a real-time manner that can be accessed and viewed by other players from remote locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Rick Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130109451
    Abstract: The disclosed game system is provided with a large monitor (4), two gun-shaped controllers (5), and a small monitor (7) provided on each controller (5). Said game system: creates a virtual three-dimensional game space (GW) for playing a game; generates two-dimensional images related to a prescribed extent of a part of the virtual three-dimensional space (GW) in accordance with prescribed conditions; outputs said two-dimensional images to the large monitor (4); generates other two-dimensional images related to a fixed extent of a part of the virtual three-dimensional game space (GW) in accordance with the directions that the muzzles (5j) of the gun-shaped controllers (5) are pointing, said directions not depending on the prescribed conditions used in the determination of the extent outputted to the large monitor (4); and outputs said other two-dimensional images to the small monitors (7) on the controllers (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Takashi Hamano, Nobuhiro Onodera