Patents Examined by Jeffrey Wong
  • Patent number: 10307673
    Abstract: A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Yoichi Kuroda, Ryoko Kato
  • Patent number: 10258883
    Abstract: An online game is provided to users via client computing devices. Gameplay metrics are determined for users of the online game based on actions taken by the users in the online game. Secondary games are provided, where the potential awards provided by the secondary games are determined based on the gameplay metrics of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wei, Kevin Lee, Jay Jodway, David McNeill, Devin Nambiar
  • Patent number: 10249145
    Abstract: A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a keno game. The game system allows a player to place a wager, plays the electronic game, and establishes an outcome of the electronic game. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the game is simulated as a keno game. The outcome of the keno game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 10238947
    Abstract: A golf aid system for assisting a user with a golf shot on a golf course includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of the user on the golf course, a portable electronic device with a display screen, and a processor. The processor, which is operable to communicate with the user tracking system and the portable electronic device, is configured to determine one or more target locations on the golf course, with each of the target locations representing a recommended target for a respective one of the golf clubs. The processor directs the portable electronic device to display an indicator of the respective golf club proximate the corresponding target location via the display screen, such that the user perceives at least a portion of the indicator to be coincident with the corresponding one of the target locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Leech
  • Patent number: 10232252
    Abstract: A front end server receives a request to start executing a game on at least one game server, the at least one game server being capable of executing at least one game, having an upper limit set to a total of amounts of resources that can be secured in executing at least one game, and executing a game as an object of execution when an amount of resources associated with the game as the object of execution can be secured. A management server starts a new game server when an amount of resources associated with the game according to the execution start request exceeds an amount of remaining resources that can be secured in each game server already started or being started at a time of receiving the execution start request. The management server makes one of the game servers execute the game according to the execution start request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Kazushi Yoshida, Osamu Ota, Hisashi Tomita, Tatsuya Suzuki, Ryota Akao
  • Patent number: 10223859
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting initiation of a wagering game and determining, in response to the detecting the initiation of the wagering game, first content and second content to present for the wagering game. The operations can further include providing the first content for presentation on a display device, the first content being viewable through the gaming eyewear, and providing the second content for presentation as a virtual image via the gaming eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Massing, Damon E. Gura, Daniel P. Louie, Jesse M. Smith, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 10201749
    Abstract: A multi-user virtual reality universe (VRU) process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. A VRU host models movement of avatars in the VRU environment in response to client input, which each user providing input for control of a corresponding avatar. The modeled VRU data is provided by the host to client workstations for display of a simulated environment visible to all participants. The host maintains personalized data for selected modeled objects or areas that is personalized for specific users in response to client input. The host includes personalized data in modeling the VRU environment. The host may segregate VRU data provided to different clients participating in the same VRU environment according to limit personalized data to authorized users, while all users receive common data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Patent number: 10198893
    Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and live baccarat games are provided. One feature of the jackpot method involves the use of card combinations that may include, e.g., at least one zero-point card. Another feature of the jackpot method involves initial jackpot contribution from the banker who operates the baccarat game. It is also provided a software program or a set of software program for carrying out any or all the steps of the disclosed gaming method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 10187589
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing a scene with a virtual scenario. An image capturing unit is arranged to capture at least one image so as to cover the scene from a first viewpoint. An image representation generation unit is arranged to generate at least one image representation based on the captured image. A game engine unit is arranged to generate a virtual scenario. An image processing unit is arranged to adapt the at least one image representation based on the generated virtual scenario so as to provide a virtual video sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Måns Hagström, Ulf Erlandsson, Johan Borg, Folke Isaksson, Ingmar Andersson, Adam Tengblad
  • Patent number: 10163300
    Abstract: The gaming system that includes a first gaming machine operated by a first player at a first location and a second gaming machine operated by a second player at a second location. The second location is remote from the first. The first gaming machine is configured to present a game to the first player upon receipt of a wager from the first player. The second gaming machine is configured to present the game to the second player upon receipt of a wager from the second player. The gaming system further includes a processor programmed to receive a request to execute a game play event for the first player. In response to the request, the processor is configured to execute the game play event for the first player and the second player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 10130884
    Abstract: A network of slot machines which plays audio and/or other media assets in synchronicity, leading to a more consonant audiovisual atmosphere or more effective player attraction. Audio may be dynamically distributed among different gaming machines in the network. Audio playback may be synchronized between several machines, forming a collaborative harmony. Game events, such as reels stopping, may be synchronized with audio playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLC
    Inventors: Stacy A. Friedman, Jon H. Muskin
  • Patent number: 10124262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a random number generator for the provision of a random number and/or a random number combination and/or random number matrix. According to invention the random number generator comprises a monitor apparatus for monitoring at least one skill/skilled sport installation, on which a game of skill/skilled sport can be executed by at least one participant, which delivers at least one game outcome, wherein the monitoring apparatus comprises game outcome ascertainment means for the determination of the game outcome, and a determination apparatus for the determination of the winning number and/or winning number combination and/or winning number matrix from one or multiple determined game outcomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventors: Harald Kaiblinger, Florian Schrötter
  • Patent number: 10127767
    Abstract: A gaming machine has display means and a game control means. A game is played in which one or more random events are displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. On the occurrence of a predefined event, the player is offered a choice of two or more different prize sets, each containing a plurality of prize outcomes. The prize is drawn from the prize set or sets selected. The sets of prizes may be presented on segments of wheels that can spin before stopping randomly on a segment which defines the prize outcome. Alternatively the sets of prizes are presented on the faces of dice which are arranged to spin before stopping with the front face of the die defining the prize won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Edgar Pau, Colin Fong
  • Patent number: 10118094
    Abstract: Provided is a game machine which can actualize a play between games having different difficulty levels. The game machine is applied to a game system that progresses a game between game machines connected via a network. The game machine comprises an external storage that stores sequence data wherein each operation timing is written so as to differ from each other. And, the game machine: teaches each operation timing, based on sequence data that differs from sequence data used in another machine functioning as another terminal in the game system; obtains operation information for the other machine; and, based on it, determines whether or not prescribed reflection conditions have been fulfilled. Then, when the prescribed reflection conditions have been fulfilled based on its results, the game machine reflects the operation information for the other machine in a travel path for an object for teaching the operation timing for the game machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Nishimura, Masahiro Kiyomoto, Shota Katagiri, Takao Yamamoto, Mayumi Okuyama, Tatsuya Iyama
  • Patent number: 10108924
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to emulate a toy are disclosed. An example method includes identifying a toy to be emulated by a mobile communication device. A request to obtain toy-identifying data associated with the toy is transmitted to a remote storage. The toy-identifying data is received from the remote storage at the mobile communication device. The toy-identifying data is stored in a secure element of the mobile communication device. The toy-identifying data is transmitted, through a wireless radio of the mobile communication device, to a gaming console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventor: Ismaila Wane
  • Patent number: 10099115
    Abstract: Implementations of systems and methods according to present principles enhance and improve current methods of object creation. In such systems and methods, in addition to keeping track of a seller of an object (as seen, e.g., by an auction house notation), the identities and contributions are maintained of creators of component or subcomponent parts, or those who provided or crafted materials, either for a component or for the finished item, or those whose skills or talents contributed to the creation or obtaining of an item, component, subcomponent, or material, allowing subsequent benefits to such creators, including compensation or recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Butler, Rosie Rappaport, Darrin McPherson
  • Patent number: 10080969
    Abstract: A game system 100, which is an example of a matching system, includes a game server 500 and a plurality of game devices 300 that are connected to the game server 500 over a network. The game system 100 includes a related player presenting section 331 for presenting, to a participating player who is attempting to join a game and for whom matchmaking is to be performed in any of matching rooms that are matching ranges, a related player related to the participating player, a matching room identification section 54 for identifying a matching room that is associated with the related player presented by the related player presenting section 331, and a matching processor 55 for performing matchmaking in the matching room identified by the matching room identification section 54.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakata, Atsushi Asakura, Yusuke Shiraiwa, Takumi Masuda, Keigo Nakano, Kosuke Yabuki
  • Patent number: 10068420
    Abstract: A gaming system that includes a server and a first gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, wherein the first gaming machine includes an input device configured to receive game play events from a first player operating the first gaming machine. The gaming system further includes one or more additional gaming machines communicatively coupled to the server, wherein each of the one or more additional gaming machines is operated by a respective player. The gaming system also includes a processor programmed to provide a game of chance on the first gaming machine, determine that a triggering event as occurred, and based on the triggering event, enable one of the one or more players on one of the one or more additional gaming machines to execute a game play event for the first player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 10068418
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Mark B. Gagner, Richard T. Schwartz, Vladimir I. Arezina
  • Patent number: 10026266
    Abstract: Progressive jackpot contests are operated in conjunction with games in an online system. In a contest, players compete for a jackpot funded independently from an account separate from the account paying out player winnings. The jackpot grows based on players' winnings in the games. Players of games qualify to enter contests based on their winnings in the games relative to eligibility criteria, Players of games increase their chances of winning a contests' jackpot by playing and winning in the games. As a result, contests provide an incentive for players to play game, and provide players an opportunity to win additional rewards beyond their individual game play payouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Playtika Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Shahak