Patents Examined by Jason Yen
  • Patent number: 9841824
    Abstract: A combination computing device and input device. The computing device provides a plurality of sides. The input device providing a structural bridge, a pair of control modules, and a touch sensitive input module attached to the back side of the input device. The pair of control modules: confine the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides; adaptively and snugly accommodate the width of the computing device else a second computing device, the second computing device having a width greater than the width of the computing device; adaptively and snugly, accommodate the length of either the computing device, or the second computing device, the second computing device having a length greater than the length of the computing device; and a keyboard module integrated within at least one of the control modules, the keyboard module configured to provide full keyboard functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Townley, Kelly D. Gamble, Daniel P. Dooley
  • Patent number: 9839843
    Abstract: Techniques for coordination of content presentation operations are described herein. In some cases, a client may generate client metadata associated with client event data. The client metadata may include, for example, an indication of any one or more of a time, a frame, a location, an angle, a direction, a speed, a force, or other information associated with the client event data. Also, in some cases, the content provider may generate content provider metadata associated with image data. For example, the content provider metadata may indicate a location of a virtual camera associated with the respective image data and/or a location of one or more objects represented within the respective image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Russell Seghers, Semih Energin, Forrest Power Trepte, James Jefferson Gault, Quais Taraki, Robin Dale Reigstad, Jr., Noah Lake Callaway
  • Patent number: 9841786
    Abstract: A combination computing device and input device. The computing device provides a plurality of sides. The input device providing a structural bridge, a pair of control modules, a touch sensitive input module attached to the back side of the input device, and a transactional input device. The pair of control modules: confine the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides; adaptively and snugly accommodate the width of the computing device else a second computing device, the second computing device having a width greater than the width of the computing device; adaptively and snugly, accommodate the length of either the computing device, or the second computing device, the second computing device having a length greater than the length of the computing device. Transactional input device integrated within at least one of the of control modules, and configured to provide point of sale input functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Townley, Kelly D. Gamble, Daniel P. Dooley
  • Patent number: 9839842
    Abstract: A device directed to a combination computing and input device. The computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the computing device. The input device communicates with the computing device and provides a pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device. The input device further provides a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, a touch sensitive input module, and a transaction system configured for point of sale use. The structural bridge adaptively and snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. A first of the pair of control modules features a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge, which snugly accommodates the length of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Townley, Kelly D. Gamble, Daniel P. Dooley
  • Patent number: 9830040
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to electronic systems, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and various other disclosures for conducting a spy game on a social network, allowing each player the opportunity to portray themselves as a spy. The objectives of the game is for (i) each player to play anonymously as all players are at least initially tasked with determining the truth or falsity of any new message post on a social network site; (ii) to increase his/her spy status and earn rewards (e.g. points or virtual currency); (iii) accumulate virtual wealth; and (iv) ultimately gain control of different players within different geographic regions around the world, a feat that is accomplished through gaining influence with each message post authored and/or responded to. Higher ranking spies are generally seeking to dethrone their competitors (other higher ranking spies) and/or reduce their competitor's wealth and influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
  • Patent number: 9830771
    Abstract: A candle with an embedded item and methods for manufacturing same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a candle having an embedded item can include a prize and a redeemable code. The redeemable code can be associated with a value. The value can be used to select a prize based on the associated value. A method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium for revealing a value associated with the prize and redeemable code is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DIAMOND CANDLES, LLC
    Inventors: David Anthony Cayton, Brenda Lea Cayton, Justin Winter
  • Patent number: 9824526
    Abstract: A gaming system including a game which utilizes one or more designated symbols. In these embodiments, if at least one single individual designated symbol is generated and displayed at at least one single symbol display position, the gaming system modifies the single individual designated symbol into one or more individual designated symbols at the same single symbol display position. This modification of an individual designated symbol into a plurality of individual designated symbols is associated with one or more benefits, such as the availability of one or more awards not previously available prior to the modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William Keith Hughes, Kelsy J. Grace
  • Patent number: 9821222
    Abstract: Techniques for coordination of content presentation operations are described herein. In some cases, a client may generate client metadata associated with client event data. The client metadata may include, for example, an indication of any one or more of a time, a frame, a location, an angle, a direction, a speed, a force, or other information associated with the client event data. Also, in some cases, the content provider may generate content provider metadata associated with image data. For example, the content provider metadata may indicate a location of a virtual camera associated with the respective image data and/or a location of one or more objects represented within the respective image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Semih Energin, John Russell Seghers
  • Patent number: 9814982
    Abstract: To mitigate collisions in a physical space during gaming, a set of physical objects and a user situated in the 3D space are mapped to determine a spacing between an object in the set of physical objects and the user, where the user moves in the 3D space to cause a motion in a virtual environment of a game. A prediction is computed that the user will make a motion in the 3D space during the gaming. For the motion in the 3D space, a motion trajectory of the user is computed using a measurement parameter corresponding to the user stored in a user profile. A detection is made that the motion trajectory of the user violates a spacing threshold between the user and the object, and the user is alerted about a risk of collision between the user and the object in the 3D space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Prach Jerry Chuaypradit, Wendy Chong, Ronald C. Geiger, Jr., Janani Janakiraman, Joefon Jann, Jenny S. Li, Anuradha Rao, Tai-chi Su, Singpui Zee
  • Patent number: 9808713
    Abstract: A device directed to a combination computing and input device. The computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the computing device. The input device communicates with the computing device and provides a pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device. The input device further provides a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, and a touch sensitive input module. The structural bridge adaptively and snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. A first of the pair of control modules features a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge. The retention mechanism adaptively secures the structural bridge such that the pair of control modules snugly accommodate the length of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Fraser Townley, Kelly D. Gamble
  • Patent number: 9808692
    Abstract: A ball, and in particular a baseball or softball, including one or more sensors such as accelerometers and/or inertial measurement units, and systems and methods using the same to improve a pitcher's pitching performance are described herein. In some embodiments, the ball may include one or more inertial measurement units and/or accelerometers capable of monitoring motion of the ball while it is thrown. Various types of pitches may be selected, and in response to the inertial measurement unit(s) and/or accelerometer(s) detecting certain parameters corresponding to a selected pitch, one or more indicators may be caused to perform an action. For example, one or more illuminating elements located on the ball may turn a first color in response to detecting parameters corresponding to the selected pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kyle Greenwalt, Jeffrey Neal Frye, Richard Joseph Finn, Thomas Jay Nace, Aidan Conner Frye, Isaac Brady Frye
  • Patent number: 9811980
    Abstract: A blackjack game provides a side bet that the cards dealt to form the dealer's hand will match one of a predetermined set of winning poker hands. A blackjack hand is dealt to the player and a dealer, wherein each hand comprises a plurality of cards. The outcome of the blackjack hand is determined according to blackjack rules. The cards in the dealer's hand are then arranged to form a poker hand. Furthermore, the dealer's poker hand may be modified using cards selected from the player's hand into the dealer's hand to form the poker hand. Modification can be by substitution or addition of cards from the player's hand. The player wins the side bet if the dealer's poker hand matches one of a set of predetermined poker hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Charles Kowalchuk, Jonathan James Ozark, Nathan Ronald Armogan
  • Patent number: 9805545
    Abstract: A casino electronic gaming machine cabinet includes at least one display screen, multiple input controls, a dock configured to receive a player's mobile device, at least one communication interface capable of electronic communication with the player's mobile device via the dock while the mobile device executes wagering game software, and control circuitry to receive wagering game input commands entered by the player via the input controls of the casino electronic gaming machine cabinet, transmit, to the player's mobile device via the at least one communication interface while the player's mobile device is docked at the casino electronic gaming machine cabinet, control signals corresponding to the received wagering game input commands. The control signals provide control input to the wagering game software, receive from the player's docked mobile device, graphics output from the wagering game software providing visual components of the wagering game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventors: Stefan Keilwert, James William Morrow
  • Patent number: 9795880
    Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel Uris Bronstein Bendayan
  • Patent number: 9799161
    Abstract: A computer device and method for displaying a 3D avatar and causing the 3D avatar to move are provided. The computer device may be an electronic gaming machine, and comprises a camera which can be used to collect data on the movement of a player of an electronic game. The movements of the player may then be analyzed and used to generate avatar movement data for moving the 3D avatar. The 3D avatar may mimic the motions of the player, or may react to the player's motions in complimentary fashion. Additionally, the electronic gaming machine may be networked to other like electronic gaming machines, which may share avatar movement data amongst themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventor: David Froy
  • Patent number: 9795870
    Abstract: A Gaming Chip/Poker Chip Tray includes a laser-type distance measuring device that measures the quantity of gaming poker chips located in each tray. As the device reads the quantity of chips per tray, the information is relayed to a processor which can display the added quantity in real-time. A microprocessor can control the laser reading device, and display. The real-time quantity can be displayed visibly with a digital display device or through a wired or wireless CPU device located on or away from the table containing the Counting Device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Darrell Smith Ratliff
  • Patent number: 9789406
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that drives microtransactions in multiplayer video games. The system may include a microtransaction arrange matches to influence game-related purchases. For instance, the system may match a more expert/marquee player with a junior player to encourage the junior player to make game-related purchases of items possessed/used by the marquee player. A junior player may wish to emulate the marquee player by obtaining weapons or other items used by the marquee player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Marr, Keith S. Kaplan, Nathan T. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9786122
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a player's rate of play is provided. In an embodiment, a rate of play is defined that influences when a player is transferred to a new hand, such as upon folding or when play in a current hand is completed. Rate of play may be expressed, for example, as a percentage of hands to transfer upon which the player is to be moved upon folding. In another embodiment, a player may select, for example, a “Fold and Transfer” option or a “Fold and Observe” option, thereby allowing the player to better control the rate of play. In yet another embodiment, a player may designate a rate of play and be presented with a “Fold and Transfer” option and/or a “Fold and Observe” option, wherein the “Fold and Transfer” option and/or the “Fold and Observe” option may override the designated rate of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Jack Ten Suited
    Inventor: Robert Burnside
  • Patent number: 9782670
    Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for participating in interactive events includes a personal input executing an event application, a client device coupled to a display and executing a display application, and a server executing a server application. The display application receives a request from a player to participate in an event, receives the event from the server application, shows the event on the display, and determines an event start time corresponding to a time at which the start of the event is shown on the display. The event application receives sensor data from a sensor, compares the sensor data to reference data to generate a score, forms a plurality of packets containing the score, and transmits the packets. The server application transmits the event to the display application, receives the score from the event application, and transmits the score to the display application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ubisoft Entertainment
    Inventor: Björn Törnqvist
  • Patent number: 9782648
    Abstract: A computer implemented personified sporting apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled personification attributes of a sport, and can include: a sporting device, comprising a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; at least one personified feature, attribute, or movement; and at least one user interface coupled to sporting device, wherein said user interface comprises at least one of: a display device, at least one input device, at least one output device, a keyboard, or a touchscreen, and wherein said at least one sporting device is configured to at least one of: enable at least one user to interact with said at least one sporting device; receive a selection of at least one sporting routine; or receive instructions to control said at least one sporting device. The device can include a robot, display(s), and/or optional speech bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher DeCarlo