Patents Examined by Tramar Harper
  • Patent number: 10118098
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program product for causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game that proceeds in a three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged is provided. The functions include to: generate first output information on the basis of information obtained by the virtual camera; generate second output information regarding a selection object configured to be able to be selected and indicating a target object being a target of an action; generate arrangement information regarding arrangement of the selection object indicating a hidden object which is the target object existing within an angle of view of the virtual camera and not displayed on an output device; and output a game image containing the selection object to the output device on the basis of the first output information, the second output information, and the arrangement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kumagai, Takunori Arahari
  • Patent number: 10105600
    Abstract: The information processing device 3 is caused to function as an information acquisition processing part 17 that acquires positional information of the other player character 33 located on a game field at the time of death of the other player character 33, an object display processing part 19 that displays based on the positional information an object 31 at the position corresponding to the death position of the other player character 33 on a game field on which the player character 33 is located, and a character appearance processing part 25 that causes a specter character 35 to appear in association with the object 31, and the specter character 35 is an enemy character corresponding to the other dead player character 33 and an enemy character with which the player character 33 is able to battle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumihiko Yasuda
  • 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: 10099105
    Abstract: A device and method for regulating a pace of golf play. A golf course is divided into segments, with each segment assigned a time for completion by a user golfer group. Spaced apart signal lights are positioned on the golf course. Each golfer group is provided with a wireless positioning device. A computing device compares an elapsed time for completion of a number of segments with the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The computing device wirelessly actuates a visual signal to the golfer group by a signal light on the golf course when the elapsed time for completion of the number of segments by the user golfer group is greater than the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The device and method take into account impediments to pace of play that are outside of the golfer group's control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: William Kift Stephens, Timothy Michael Wood
  • 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: 10096211
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of reel positions to generate a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a display including a defined plurality of positions to present a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a processor programmed to generate a spin of the plurality of reels. The spin results in a play area including one or more symbols generated from each of the plurality of reels. The processor is also programmed to identify a first unfolding symbol in a first position on the play area, determine a second position on the play area adjacent to the first position, and display a second unfolding symbol in the second position on based at least in part on the determining, thereby unfolding the first unfolding symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: VIDEO GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lyndsay Nelson, Ryan Cuddy, Zachary Schmid
  • Patent number: 10089828
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method enabling a player to earn a play of a bonus game using one device and to redeem the earned play for an enhanced play of the bonus game on another device. Generally, various embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to earn one or more plays of a bonus game through game play on a first device, and to either: (a) redeem an earned play on the first device for a play of a first version of the bonus game, or (b) redeem an earned play on a second different device for a play of a second different version of the bonus game. The second version of the bonus game is enhanced in one or more manners as compared to the first version of the bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Cameron A. Filipour
  • 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: 10068424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reception device, which comprises an operation device which is used to perform a variety of operations, a camera device which is used to take dynamic images for the operation area of the operation device, and a control device determining whether there is an abnormal state in the operation area according to the dynamic images taken by the camera device, and if it is determined that there is an abnormal state, performing a control to cause the operation device to perform an operation corresponding to the abnormal state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: Junpei Sato, Yoshihiro Nagasaki, Satoshi Joko
  • 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: 10058719
    Abstract: An improved breaking device, which has a base, a breaking bolt, an elastic element and a conical head, wherein, the base connects to the body at one end, the conical head is linked with the base and the elastic element and breaking bolt are installed in the conical head. Therefore, the breaking device with the above-mentioned elements is used in combination with baton and breaker to smash windows, and yet, when the breaking device is not used for this purpose, the breaking bolt is hidden in the conical head to avoid scratching any persons or articles and ensure user safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL STAR CORP.
    Inventor: Tsai-Wang Lin
  • Patent number: 10037650
    Abstract: A gaming system comprising a first base game implementer for implementing a first base game. A selector selects a plurality of first symbols for the first base game. The first symbols are selected from a set of first game symbols for display in a plurality of first display positions. An outcome of the first base game is dependent on the selected first base game symbols. The system implements a second base game and selects a plurality of second symbols from a set of second game symbols for display in a plurality of second display positions. An outcome of the second base game is dependent on the selected second base game symbols. A trigger determiner determines whether a combination of displayed first game symbols and displayed second game symbols satisfies a trigger condition. A game event is implemented in response to the occurrence of a trigger condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Bradley Hendricks, Thomas Tuomey
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10026257
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine and method. An initial symbol array of a predetermined size is provided, and reels are used for selecting symbols for display onto the array. There is an active region and a non-active region of the array. At least one reel includes a vertical stack of at least two rows high. If the vertical stack lands in a position overlapping the active and non-active region, the array grows to encompass the vertical stack. The outcome is determined based on the array after it has grown. In addition, a second growing occurs randomly when the vertical stack lands within the active region or overlaps the active and non-active regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Ryan Paul Hawkins, Robert Honeycutt, Stephanie Johns
  • Patent number: 10016675
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for managing user behavior in online multiuser systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that provide user-based arbitration for online multiuser systems. In one embodiment, a multi-user online system enables a first user to report a second user's behavior while online. The system receives the report and merges the report with the second user's recorded interactions with the online system related to the report to create an arbitration file. The arbitration file is then made available to a third user to review the arbitration file and determine whether action is warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: RIOT GAMES, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Mescon, Christopher Burdick, Tom Cadwell
  • Patent number: 10010789
    Abstract: An example information processing system includes a computer device comprising a housing, a first display on the front surface of the housing, user controls, and processing circuitry configured to generate images; and a cradle configured for selective connection to the computer device and including an output for connection to a second display. The information processing system is operable in a portable mode in which the computer device is not connected to the cradle and the generated images are displayed on the first display and in a console mode in which the computer device is connected to the cradle and the generated images are output by the computer device to the cradle for display on a second display, but are not displayed on the first display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Yui Ehara, Munetaka Nishikawa, Kochi Kawai, Kenichi Mae
  • Patent number: 10010793
    Abstract: User interface approaches to providing help to players by playing back previously recorded inputs. Certain exemplary embodiments involve displaying, with the recorded playback, an input device icon to show where the inputs are occurring and/or where the inputs should occur if the player were to make them. Modifications are made to the previously recorded input to improve the user's ability to see what is happening, as well as making the playback seem more consistent, mechanical, and automatic. The help makes the computer application seem like the user interface is operating itself in a way that is easy to follow, rather than giving the impression that a previously recorded user input stream simply is being played back in accordance with the more organic and potentially idiosyncratic behaviors of the recorded person. The modifications may in certain exemplary embodiments include, for example, path smoothing/correction, automatic snapping, delay periods, speed normalization, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Johnson, Yukimi Shimura
  • Patent number: 9990802
    Abstract: A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Paulina Rodgers, Bayard S. Webb, Hans Elias, Zeke Brill
  • Patent number: 9990774
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing the sensory stimulus generated by a head mounted display (HMD). One method includes an operation for identifying the game state of a game being executed for display on a head mounted display (HMD). Further, the method includes an operation for determining the game intensity value for the game state based on user intensity ratings obtained from user play of the game. The user intensity ratings represent the level of sensory stimulus presented to users during the user play of the game via the HMDs of the respective users. Further, the method includes an operation for presenting the game intensity value to the HMD for rendering during execution of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaodong Mao