Patents Examined by Lawrence Galka
  • Patent number: 9079101
    Abstract: If an area in which a character has been already placed by a player in another team is selected from the areas displayed in a game field display part on a top screen and a player point count corresponding to Oshikura at the bottom of as PP selection part is selected, a comparison is made between a player point count that was selected by a player at the placement of the currently placed character and a player point count that was selected by a player who will place a new character. Then, the character related to a player having more player points is determined as the character to be placed in the area. Accordingly, more competitive game elements are realized in a game that uses multiple areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: DENA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinnosuke Yukishita, Takahiro Yamaguchi, Hiroko Kusuhara
  • Patent number: 9079105
    Abstract: A method for managing a team in an online game includes, by a team management apparatus, configuring a team management screen, displaying the team management screen that contains information on at least one preset formation upon receiving a signal indicating that the user enters the team management screen from the user terminal, setting each information on the at least one formation upon receiving setting related to details of a selected one formation among the at least one formation from the user terminal, judging whether the number of currently set formations is less than a preset maximum number of formations upon receiving a formation addition request signal from the user terminal, and adding the formation if the number of currently set formations is less than the maximum number of formations, and setting a formation change shortcut key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Hun Kim, Sun Hwa Choi, Jae Hyun Choi, Jong Hee Han
  • Patent number: 9079097
    Abstract: A computer device has user interface configured to display user actuatable game elements and to detect user input when a user engages with a game element; and a processor configured to receive a detected user input and on detecting a match game condition to control the user interface to remove at least three game elements from the display and to provide on the user interface replacement user actuatable game elements, wherein the manner of providing each replacement game element has a graphical representation governed by a tile associated with each game element, wherein each tile has a selectable physics which controls at least one of (i) the direction in which it moves to replenish a vacancy left by the removed user game elements; and (ii) the speed at which it moves to replenish the vacancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Magnus Hansson, Niclas Alftberg, Tobias Nyblom, Rikard Jaksch
  • Patent number: 9072970
    Abstract: A system and method for valuating a player in a fantasy draft based on user-defined league rules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing a list of players, each player associated with a base value, receiving one or more user-defined rules for the draft, and determining adjusted values for each of the list of players based at least in part on base values of the players and the user-defined rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Nathaniel Sloan
  • Patent number: 9076292
    Abstract: In an approach, one or more player characters controllable by a first player account perform an action in an instance of a game world. In the event that the action meets one or more conditions for creating a nemesis, a computer system controlling the game instance selects a second player account to be invaded by a nemesis. When the second player account plays the game in the same or a different game instance, the computer system determines whether second one or more characters of the selected account meet one or more invasion conditions. If the invasion conditions are met, the computer system generates computer-controlled enemy NPCs for second one or more characters of the second player account to defeat. If the second account defeats the nemesis invasion, rewards are generated for the first and second player accounts. Otherwise, the computer system chooses a third player account for nemesis invasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Blizzard Enterainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Berger, Evan Greenstone
  • Patent number: 9069381
    Abstract: A computing system runs an application (e.g., video game) that interacts with one or more actively engaged users. One or more physical properties of a group are sensed. The group may include the one or more actively engaged users and/or one or more entities not actively engaged with the application. The computing system will determine that the group (or the one or more entities not actively engaged with the application) have performed a predetermined action. A runtime condition of the application is changed in response to determining that the group (or the one or more entities not actively engaged with the computer based application) have performed the predetermined action. Examples of changing a runtime condition include moving an object, changing a score or changing an environmental condition of a video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Geisner, Relja Markovic, Stephen G. Latta, Mark T. Mihelich, Christopher Willoughby, Jonathan T. Steed, Darren Bennett, Shawn C. Wright, Matt Coohill
  • Patent number: 9056250
    Abstract: A method of establishing a communication event between a first user and a second user of a communication system; wherein the first user operates a user terminal executing an electronic game application; the method comprising the steps of: storing contact information for at least the second user of the communication system; associating the contact information of the second contact with one or more game objects in the electronic game application; receiving an input signal from the first user to interact with a game object displayed during execution of the electronic game application; and responsive to receiving the signal to interact with the game object, establishing a communication event between the first user of the game application and the second user of the communication system using the contact information associated with the game object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Skype
    Inventors: Mark McLaughlin, Henrique Penha
  • Patent number: 9047741
    Abstract: A gaming machine for providing multiple games to a player with the same reel is described herein. The gaming machine displays a first game that includes a first portion of a reel in a first display area and concurrently displays a second game that includes a second portion of the reel being displayed in a second display area. The gaming machine randomly generates an outcome of the first game and spins and stops the at least one reel to display the first game outcome in the first display area and awards the player an award as a function of the first game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi Suda
  • Patent number: 9039524
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a lock-box device that requires a child or any other user to answer one or more educational questions correctly before being allowed access to one or more entertainment systems that require power such as a television, a computer, and a video game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Paul DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 9039534
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Robert C. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 9033810
    Abstract: Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and golf club shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.
    Inventor: Michael Bentley
  • Patent number: 9028337
    Abstract: Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and golf club shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bentley
  • Patent number: 9028344
    Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes providing, by a user device, a user interface configured to receive golf scoring data from a user, the user interface including a default score based on predetermined data related to past performance; receiving a first piece of golf scoring data from the user; determining, from the received first piece of golf scoring data, a second piece of golf scoring data; and storing the first piece of golf scoring data and the second piece of golf scoring data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: CHSZ, LLC
    Inventors: Josh Baker, Frank Craig Prichard
  • Patent number: 9011233
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more symbol positions which may provide additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Ryan
  • Patent number: 8992306
    Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed which provides variable payback or hold amounts for a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. The gaming system includes a central controller that changes at least one aspect of the game to provide a variable payback or hold for a gaming device in the gaming system. The gaming system includes a plurality of different paytables or award sequences each having a different average expected payback. The gaming system selects one of the paytables or award sequences for the game based on a player ranking assigned to each player. The player ranking is associated with a player tracking status obtained through a suitable player tracking system. The selection of one of the paytables or award sequences and its associated average expected payback is based on the player ranking (i.e., the player tracking status) of the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard J. Schneider, Daniel J. DeWaal, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Brad Robert Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8986118
    Abstract: An apparatus and method including a multi-touch interface for card gaming includes providing a multi-touch interface for displaying a card having a hidden value. The method includes detecting a touch on the interface. The touch has a curved pattern with multiple points of contact with the interface. The curved pattern is indicative of the lateral edge of a human hand in contact with the interface, oriented to hide the card from others. The method then detects movement of the multiple points of contact sweeping over a portion of the interface to reveal the value of the card to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventor: Alois Homer
  • Patent number: 8979665
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a body-worn sensor-based system for evaluating the biomechanics and the motor adaptation characteristics of postural control during a sport activity such as a golf swing. Various embodiments use sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to measure the three-dimensional motion of ankle and hip joints. In several embodiments, additional sensors attached to other body segments are used to improve the accuracy of the data or detect particular instants during the swing (e.g., top of back swing, instant of the maximum speed of arm, and instant of ball impact). In a golf embodiment, the system combines the measured data in conjunction with a biomechanical model of the human body to: (1) estimate the two-dimensional sway of the golfer's center of mass; (2) quantify and evaluate the golfer's balance via his/her postural compensatory strategy; and (3) provide visual feedback to the golfer for improving dynamic postural control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Bijan Najafi, James Stanley Wrobel, Ali-Reza Boloori
  • Patent number: 8979657
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G. Englman, Benjamin T. Gomez, James V. Palermo
  • Patent number: 8961287
    Abstract: A server device selects by lot one event from among a plurality of events including an encounter event with an enemy character present in a predetermined area in a network game, accepts from a user a command indicating action taken on the enemy character, when the encounter event is selected by lot, performs a process on the enemy character, based on the accepted command, and stores a status of the enemy character obtained after processed. In addition, the server device selects by lot an encounter event for re-encountering an enemy character encountered in past, with a predetermined probability, reads from a memory a status of the re-encountered enemy character obtained at a past encounter, and sets the status as an initial status of the re-encountered enemy character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Urushihara, Kazuhiro Yoshimi, Toshihiro Otani
  • Patent number: 8951107
    Abstract: A system and method for non-sequential automated fantasy drafting are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing a ranked list of players, each player associated with one or more characteristics from a predefined set of characteristics, defining one or more rules which specify the maximum number of active players having each of the characteristics and a maximum number of players having of each of the characteristics, storing a roster of previously selected players having the maximum number of active players for a particular characteristic and less than the maximum number of players for the particular characteristic, and automatically selecting, in an electronic device, based on the stored roster, a player for the roster from the ranked list of players satisfying the one or more rules such that a player is selected with a lower rank than a player with the particular characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Nathaniel Sloan