Patents Examined by Michael Grant
  • Patent number: 9256825
    Abstract: An emotion script generating method includes receiving a user's emotion data, and generating emotion script using the emotion data based on a predefined template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng Huang, Dong Huang, Yuan Jin, Fang Rui Shu, Kai Ye
  • Patent number: 9256999
    Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards by activating an award distributor having a plurality of award symbols and at least one selection group activator symbol. The gaming device provides the player with a plurality of activations where an award is associated with each award symbol indicated in each activation. When a selection group activator symbol is indicated, the gaming device displays at least one selection set having a plurality of selections associated with selection awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one selection and provides the associated selection award to the player. The number of available selections in the selection set decreases by one after the player picks a selection. If the selection group activator symbol is subsequently indicated, the player picks from the remaining available selections in the selection set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 9251462
    Abstract: An emotion script generating apparatus, comprising means to receive emotion data, in which the emotion data is obtained according to measurable physiological parameters reflective of a user's emotions; and means to generate emotion script using the emotion data based on a predefined template. An emotion script experiencing apparatus, comprising means to receive emotion script, wherein the emotion script is generated using emotion data and is based on a predefined template, the emotion data capable of being obtained according to measurable physiological parameters reflective of a user's emotions; and means to affect a user by using emotion data extracted from the emotion script, so as to cause the user to experience the emotion script.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng Huang, Dong Huang, Yuan Jin, Fang Rui Shu, Kai Ye
  • Patent number: 9220976
    Abstract: A processor repeatedly executes, at a predetermined cycle, obtaining image data by an inner camera and body recognition processing based on the obtained image data. The processor proceeds with a game based on a recognition result (user's image) obtained (updated) periodically. The processor captures image data at the timing of the recognition result (user's image) satisfying each of conditions 1, 2, . . . during the game proceeding. After the game is over, image data 1, 2, . . . captured during game play is displayed (replayed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Oku
  • Patent number: 9200870
    Abstract: One virtual environment hunting system includes a platform, a wall surrounding the platform, a projector system configured to apply images to the wall, and at least one processor. The wall is separated from the platform by a floor, defines an opening above the platform, and is configured such that all bullets fired to the wall from a shooter on the platform reflect into the floor. Programming causes the processor to: (a) actuate the projector system to apply images to the wall to represent an environment; (b) determine a trajectory of a fired bullet using data from at least one housing sensor and at least one shooter sensor; (c) determine how the trajectory of the fired bullets interacts with the represented environment; and (d) actuate the projector system to update the images applied to the wall to account for the trajectory of the fired bullets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Travis B. Theel
  • Patent number: 9171201
    Abstract: A personal computing device comprising: a processor, an onboard memory, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a display; a computer program to create an exercise analysis application comprising: a software module configured to receive data from the accelerometer and the gyroscope that are associated with the bodily motion of a user in three dimensions; a software module configured to place the device in a learning mode, the learning mode comprising recording the data of the user performing a defined exercise to generate a statistical model for the exercise; a software module configured to place the device in a normal mode, the normal mode comprising applying a probabilistic analysis to the bodily motion data to identify an exercise event, classify the exercise by comparison to a recorded model; and a software module configured to apply an analysis to the bodily motion data to score the user's exercise form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ATLAS WEARABLES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Lake, II, Michael Kasparian, Peter Li
  • Patent number: 9168456
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a casual wagering game including a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. Each path endpoint is associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level, and a terminator symbol. Each position, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or more path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints to win the path endpoint award(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Scott A. Caputo, Gregory F. Frank, Ernest M. Lafky
  • Patent number: 9165473
    Abstract: A system for interactive online instruction includes an instructional subscription website and video management system configured to process video recordings. The video recordings may include (i) student videos uploaded by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos. A method of interactive online instruction is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing prerecorded course materials on an instructional subscription website including video lessons accessible by subscribing students, and providing a video management system configured to process video recordings including (i) student videos submitted by a student and (ii) instructor videos providing feedback to said student videos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ArtistWorks, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Butler
  • Patent number: 9147307
    Abstract: A gaming system displays a plurality of bingo cards each containing at least one column, each column having at least one square. Each square includes a random number selected from a range associated with that column. The gaming system displays each bingo card and an initially-empty accumulation area. Balls are drawn from a pool of balls, each ball associated with a number. As the balls are drawn, any square on any of the bingo cards containing the number of the drawn ball is marked with a suitable indicator. A primary award is provided for combinations of marked squares on one or more of the bingo cards. The gaming system displays the balls in the accumulated area in the order in which they are drawn. The gaming system provides a secondary award for combinations of balls displayed in the accumulation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Adam M. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9142095
    Abstract: A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Gregory F. Frank, Christopher T. Brune, Ryan W. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 9142145
    Abstract: Simulation systems and methods may enable virtual imaging. A data processing unit may receive data from a calibration unit indicating a position and/or orientation of a position and orientation sensor relative to a physical model. The data processing unit may also receive data from the position and orientation sensor indicating a position and/or orientation of the physical model. The data processing unit may generate a virtual image using the data from the position and orientation sensor and the data from the calibration unit. The data processing unit may render the virtual image to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: VIRTAMED AG, EIDGENOSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZURICH
    Inventors: Stefan Tuchschmid, Daniel Bachofen, Matthias Harders, Jonas Spillman
  • Patent number: 9141513
    Abstract: The presently disclosed invention provides for the security of a computing device in the context of a test taking environment. By securing a computing device, an individual (or group of individuals) may more effectively proctor a large examination without worrying about a test taker illicitly accessing information on their computer or via a remote source of data. Securing a computing device includes locking out or preventing access to any application not deemed necessary or appropriate by the test administrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Kryterion, Inc.
    Inventors: David Foster, William Dormann, Laura Perryman, John Peeke-Vout
  • Patent number: 9064232
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing an electronic presentation to both in-class attendees and remotely located out-of-class attendees, in which video and audio associated with the presentation is provided to the remote attendees, and out-of-class programmable systems are programmed to execute an educational exercise associated with the presentation and be remotely operated by the remote attendees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Learning Tree International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kendall Laine, Dave O'Neal, Beth Haden, Magnus Nylund
  • Patent number: 9058751
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language phoneme practice systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language phoneme practice engine, wherein said engine comprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual representation and an auditory representation of each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and an auditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in each said word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: AGE OF LEARNING, INC.
    Inventors: Doug Dohring, David Hendry, Stephanie Yost, Jerry Chiawei Chen
  • Patent number: 9042808
    Abstract: Deficiencies in existing attempts at educational software solutions are addressed by providing systems, methods, and devices that both replicate and facilitate the necessary elements of successful classroom-based learning, while taking advantage of the platform-specific benefits of handheld computing devices. Various applications address the issue of the limited screen size of mobile devices by using the motion sensors of the devices both to move from one part of a program to another, thus eliminating the need for on-screen navigation buttons and allowing the entire screen to be used for content, and also to reinforce learning through the use of mnemonics. In these applications, the user rotates the device after completing each step, in sequence, of a process-based series of problem solving techniques. Group learning dynamics are also reproduced through a study group feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Edupath, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Weiler
  • Patent number: 9039511
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel J. DeWaal, Glen Keith Russell, Alexandria Estella Ponte Sutich, Anthony J. Baerlocher, David H. Muir
  • Patent number: 9033712
    Abstract: The invention relates to training and can be used for learning and/or developing movement skills, fixing dynamic stereotypes and for training movement coordination. The aim of the invention is to provide a trainee with on-line correcting tactile feedback during training and to improve techniques and rate of a movement by bringing it as close as possible to a reference movement. The inventive training method consists, when learning a movement, in digitizing said movement, in comparing it with the digitized pattern of a reference movement and, if the trainee deviates from the reference movement, in receiving by said trainee a tactile feedback (tactile action) for on-line correcting said movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Maxim Alexeevich Vasin
  • Patent number: 9028310
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating multiuser online games with game condition reminders. In particular implementations, a method includes accessing a game condition file from a memory wherein the game condition file includes one or more game condition identifiers corresponding to one or more game conditions for a user of a game, determining the value of the one or more game condition identifiers, presenting a reminder for the one or more game conditions based on the determined value for the one or more corresponding game condition identifiers, presenting a user response interface for receiving a user response related to whether the user has changed the one or more game conditions, and updating the one or more game condition identifiers in the game condition file based on the user's response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry Kelly Mooney, Erik Francis Vanbragt
  • Patent number: 9028256
    Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motor response in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display; (2) modulating the contrast of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene with the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) measuring a kinematic parameter of the tracked movement; (5) quantitatively refining the tracked movement; (6) determining the relationship between at least one of the scene and the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (7) adjusting the modulated contrast relative to the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cerebral Assessment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Joseph Duffy
  • Patent number: 9028257
    Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the saliency of the plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cerebral Assessment Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Joseph Duffy