Patents Examined by Kang Hu
  • Patent number: 10207171
    Abstract: An integrated golf club comprising standard golf club shaft and an integrated electronics system golf club head apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces and golf club head face and golf ball impact forces and further processing those measurements and transmitting the measurement data wirelessly to a user interface device. The integrated electronics system golf club head comprises several optimized assemblies that support electronic measurement, processing and wireless communication functions that are integrated with a customized golf club head shell and club face to provide a golf club head with physical properties that are substantially similar to that of a regulation play golf club head of same type. The user interface device that receives wirelessly transmitted data further processes the data and provides the golfer with useful golf swing and impact metrics in multiple different user selectable formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GOLF IMPACT, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 10195527
    Abstract: The game system provides a game in which, by a player operating a touch panel when an object reaches a first determination line, the object can be hit back to a second determination line. The game machine includes a detection unit that detects tilting of the game machine. In a case that the detection unit detects tilting of the game machine when the player operates the touch panel, in a partial section of a moving path, the object moves at a moving speed that is set according to the tilting, and, in a remaining section, the object moves at a moving speed that is set so that the object moves from the first determination line to the second determination line in a setting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10181235
    Abstract: A typing-game machine has a storage unit for storing a set of a video data item and a song data item for each song, a music playing unit for playing a song based on a song data item, a first image display unit for sequentially displaying a character string which is a part of lyrics of the song being played, a second image display unit for displaying a video image based on a video data item associated with the song being played, and a database making unit. A course of a game is controlled based on whether a character string inputted by typings of keys agrees with the character string displayed or not. The database making unit makes a database with respect to each song about the number of times a video image associated with a song is displayed along with a play of the song.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Kogo
  • Patent number: 10181239
    Abstract: A method of operating a gaming machine having a game controller includes receiving, via an input device of the gaming machine, a request from a player to play a game, generating, via a game controller and based on the request to play the game, a symbol combination comprising one or more symbols, wherein the symbol combination is associated with a first payout amount, displaying the symbol combination to the player via a display device, receiving, via the input device, a request from the player to assign a wild symbol, generating the wild symbol based on the request from the player and displaying the wild symbol to the player via the display device, determining whether any of the one or more symbols in the symbol combination matches the wild symbol and providing an indication to the player of any matching symbols via the display device, calculating a second payout amount for the symbol combination based on the matching symbols, wherein the second payout amount is at least equal to the first payout amount, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Freddy J. Oropeza
  • Patent number: 10134221
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for providing casino game signage for a casino game which incorporates display information that is dynamically interchangeable between game specific and game non-specific information responsive to automatic detection of game play status at the game table. At least one electronic display is provided at respective casino game tables, and selected display information is wirelessly transmitted, and/or manually delivered, thereto. The display information which is displayed is dynamically selected based upon a sensor automatically detecting the status of play of the game, being game specific during play and selectively game specific and game non-specific during game play inactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: VISUALIMITS, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Stasi, Ryan McClellan
  • Patent number: 10085692
    Abstract: An exercise support device includes: a display section which has a display area where a first object as a virtual mobile object and a second object corresponding to a user are displayed; and a control section which controls display positions of the first object and the second object in the display area. The control section, while the user is moving from a first point to a second point, controls such that the display position of the first object is set to a position corresponding to a first movement distance based on a set target pace and an elapsed time after the user starts movement; and that the display position of the second object is set to a position corresponding to a second movement distance that the user moves from the first point in the elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuo Ura
  • Patent number: 10071313
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel game apparatus on which a plurality of characters are controlled in a virtual space. An example game apparatus 10 executing a game in which each of a plurality of players controls his/her plurality of characters in a virtual space includes a first input unit 11 and a second input unit 12 for receiving a command from a first player and a second player respectively, and an information processing unit 14 causing the characters controlled by the first player to act according to a first player's command and causing the characters controlled by the second player to act according to a second player's command, wherein the plurality of characters controlled by the first player are on an equality with each other and the plurality of characters controlled by the second player are on an equality with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenta Motokura, Katsuyasu Ando
  • Patent number: 10068433
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, and at least one processor. The gaming system further includes at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to display a wagering game having an array of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome, the array of symbols including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and, in response to the array of symbols including a special symbol, change the special symbol into a modified symbol, the modified symbol corresponding with a second symbol of the array of symbols to form a modified array, the second symbol being selected based on a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff L. Nauman
  • Patent number: 10055933
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for mounting an overhead display device to gaming machines. The system and apparatus featuring mounting elements securable to a display device at a selected distance and mounting hardpoints on one or a plurality of gaming machines. The hardpoints having a recess with a size and shape corresponding to that of the mounting elements. Wherein the display is securable to gaming machines in an overhead configuration when the mounting elements are secured to hardpoints and where the distance between the mounting elements corresponds to the distance between the hardpoints to which they are respectively secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schrementi, Matthew Randazzo
  • Patent number: 10049527
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a power source unit; a game control device; a reporting device; a first temperature sensor provided to the power source unit, which monitors whether the temperature of the power source unit is at or higher than a first threshold temperature; a second temperature sensor provided to the power source unit, which monitors whether the temperature of the power source unit is at or higher than a second threshold temperature higher than the first threshold temperature; and a power control device which performs an abnormal-situation process which causes the reporting device to inform the occurrence of an abnormal situation, when the temperature of the power source unit is at or higher than the first threshold temperature, and perform a power-supply stopping process which stops power supply to the devices, when the temperature of the power source unit is at or higher than the second threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kawashima, Yoshitomo Sasaki, Tatsuhiko Tanimura, Masumi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10043338
    Abstract: An operation unit has a touch panel that senses a press, a button plate disposed above the touch panel, and having a plurality of push buttons, each of which protrudes on a side opposite to a side where the touch panel is disposed, a light guide plate disposed between the touch panel and the button plate, and a light emission pattern disposed on a surface of the light guide plate that forms an image by emitted light. The button plate is provided along a surface of the touch panel and has a base section comprising apertures at respective positions where the plurality of push buttons are formed, top surface sections, each of which constitutes corresponding one of the plurality of push buttons and serving as an operation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Sumi
  • Patent number: 10032339
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that include an enhanced symbol upgrade feature. In an embodiment, if a triggering event occurs in association with the play of the game, such as a slot game, where the triggering event includes a first special symbol of the plurality of special symbols stopping on a payline at a first symbol position on a first reel of the first reel set, the first special symbol is superimposed at a symbol position on a second reel of the second reel set corresponding to the first symbol position on the first reel, and the second reel continues to rotate during the superimposition of the first special symbol thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dennis K. Mead, Ryan M. Griffin, Dylan B. Selegue
  • Patent number: 10024740
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker
  • Patent number: 10022617
    Abstract: A playing card shuffling device includes a visual display in information communication with the playing card shuffling device. At least one processor is programmed to provide displayable information to the visual display indicative of an amount of time remaining or time expired in a procedure performed by the playing card shuffling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Paul K. Scheper, Troy D. Nelson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Attila Grauzer
  • Patent number: 9978215
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to gaming devices and to techniques for operating such devices in connection with secondary gameplay features of computer-based games. The secondary gameplay may share gameplay features with primary gameplay. In some group-matching games, each game piece includes two characteristics that may affect a display of the game piece in a computer user interface. One characteristic may be used during primary gameplay and another may be used to track when a user has an opportunity for secondary gameplay. For example, a gameplay facility may determine whether the grid includes a set of game pieces having a first characteristic. If so, the gameplay facility may then evaluate each of the game pieces in the set and increment a score based on whether each game piece has a second characteristic. When the score meets or exceeds a threshold, the gameplay facility triggers secondary gameplay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: IGT UK INTERACTIVE LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin Frostick
  • Patent number: 9968839
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a club face with at least one impact sensor, where the sensor has a passive piezoelectric element that is integrated into the club face, the passive piezoelectric element being able to generate a signal when an impact force is applied to the club face. An energy storage assembly includes a battery, a capacitor, or both. An energy harvesting assembly includes a signal divider with at least one input and at least two outputs, the at least two outputs providing a known ratio of a given input signal, wherein the at least one input of the signal divider is electrically coupled to one or more of the piezoelectric elements and a first of the at least two signal divider outputs is electrically coupled to the energy storage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Golf Impact, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 9943755
    Abstract: A system recognizes human beings in their natural environment, without special sensing devices attached to the subjects, uniquely identifies them and tracks them in three dimensional space. The resulting representation is presented directly to applications as a multi-point skeletal model delivered in real-time. The device efficiently tracks humans and their natural movements by understanding the natural mechanics and capabilities of the human muscular-skeletal system. The device also uniquely recognizes individuals in order to allow multiple people to interact with the system via natural movements of their limbs and body as well as voice commands/responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: R. Stephen Polzin, Alex A. Kipman, Mark J. Finocchio, Ryan Michael Geiss, Kathryn Stone Perez, Kudo Tsunoda, Darren Alexander Bennett
  • Patent number: 9919215
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for sharing electronic media are disclosed herein. According to particular embodiments, the system enables a user to select media (e.g., an image, a video, a gif, etc.) and compose a phrase to be associated with the media. In some embodiments, the system creates a post from the media and the phrase and enables the user to transmit the post to one or more other users to play (e.g., guess the phrase).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BLUEBOARD MEDIA, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. DeCoufle
  • Patent number: 9916717
    Abstract: A virtual entertainment system supports holographic display for multiple players. The system has multiple viewing screens, each screen displaying thematic events. Multiple carriages have seating supporting multiple audience members. A track system supports and directs the multiple carriages through a sequence of the multiple viewing screens. A processor accesses memory of more than one theme and multiple holographic data content related to a single theme to each of the video display screens. A theme selecting input system provides a signal identifying a single theme for display to a single carriage as it moves along the track system. The processor identifies location of individual carriages with respect to individual viewing screens. The processor provides thematic content of the single identified theme to the at least two players in the individual respective ones of the multiple carriages. The theme may be gaming activity and include gaming input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Joze Pececnik
  • Patent number: 9873045
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises game state information, a first user device, a second user device, and a processing server. The first and second user devices may include a first and second user interface modules configured to receive first and second user selections, respectively, associated with gameplay of a multiplayer game. The processing server may include a communication module, a simulation module, and rendering module. The communication module may be configured to receive the first and second user selections. The simulation module may be configured to generate simulation results based on the game state information, game rules, and the first and second user selections. The rendering module may be configured to render a first video based on the simulation results and render a second video based on the simulation results, the first and second video to be displayed by the first and second user devices, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS, INC.
    Inventors: Roy Harvey, Neil Do