Patents Examined by Wei Lee
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Patent number: 11049365Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining rewards due to a player playing a regulated gaming machine may comprise providing a game comprising a plurality of in-game assets, each of which being configured to give rise to a wagering opportunity when interacted with by the player, the game being further configured to have an overall minimum and an overall maximum return to player (RTP). Upon receiving player interactions, determining whether the received interaction resulted in a successful interaction or an unsuccessful interaction and generating a wagering event when the received player interaction resulted in a successful interaction. The game may be configured such that successful interactions with the in-game assets cause the game to have a return to player closer to the overall maximum RTP and such that unsuccessful interactions with the in-game assets cause the game to a have a return to player closer to the overall minimum RTP.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: SYNERGY BLUE LLCInventor: Michael Oberberger
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Patent number: 11043063Abstract: A gaming machine having a display and a user interface. At least one symbol is spun up on each of a plurality of spinning reels and displayed on the display to form outcomes. If a particular outcome occurs, the gaming machine awards an award. Each reel has an associated set of symbols. The display also displays a plurality of game options, each game option designating a respective number of free games that are each associated with a designated multiplier. A game controller (a) receives an input choosing one of the options; and (b) sequentially plays each of the number of free games according to the chosen game option. If an award is payable as a result of playing the number of free games, that award is modified by the designated multiplier associated with the respective number of free games for the chosen game option.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Inventors: Robert Honeycutt, Ryan Paul Hawkins, Yanis Tsombanidis
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Patent number: 11027204Abstract: A game system and method that uses an instrument as an input encourages a user to play along with the game's soundtrack on an instrument (e.g. guitar, bass, etc.). The game cues the player to play notes and/or chords on the instrument at an appropriate time and then data is collected from the instrument via a connection between the instrument and the apparatus running the game. The game then scores the user based on note/chord and timing information it receives.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Ubisoft EntertainmentInventors: Paul Cross, Nicholas Bonardi, Naomi Higo
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Patent number: 11007428Abstract: A video game apparatus for generating a captured image of a virtual camera set in a virtual space includes a virtual camera setting section configured to set an imaging direction of the virtual camera, a captured image generation section configured to change a transmittance of a transmittance variable object within the virtual space based on an imaging direction of the virtual camera, and generate a captured image of the virtual camera, and a display panel configured to display the captured image generated by the captured image generation section.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Ken Watanabe, Shunichi Shirai
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Patent number: 10909798Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and a memory structure for transferring a monetary value from a first gaming station to a second gaming station by use of biometric data are disclosed. Each station includes a biometric sensor that provides biometric data that is used in the transfer of the payout.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Inventor: Stanley P. Dabrowski
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Patent number: 10569133Abstract: A measurement system includes a first measurement unit configured to measure floor reaction forces of golfer's left and right legs, a second measurement unit that is attached to the upper body of a golfer and configured to measure an angular velocity of the golfer, and a processing unit. The processing unit calculates, based on measurement results of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, a first energy which is a kinetic energy of the golfer during a swing.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomotaka Ishihara
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Patent number: 10561935Abstract: A thumbstick for a user input device comprises a tiltable post operable to output a control signal based on its position, with the post comprising external threads and a post anchor feature. An adjustable tensioning mechanism is configured to modify a tilt tension of the post. A cap comprises a cylindrical stem that defines a cavity. A base is moveable with the post and comprises a first cylindrical portion extending into the cavity, and a second cylindrical portion comprising internal threads and a base anchor feature. The internal threads mate with the external threads of the post to fasten the post to the base, and the base anchor feature abuts the post anchor feature to prevent displacement of the base toward the proximal end of the post.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Dustin John Tiffany, Benjamin Michael Finney, Aaron Schmitz
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Patent number: 10559159Abstract: An electronic gaming machine for providing a game to a player includes a camera configured to generate camera data. The electronic gaming machine further includes a display configured to provide auto stereoscopic 3D viewing of at least a portion of the game and a processor coupled with the display and the camera. The processor is configured to: determine a location of the player relative to the electronic gaming machine from camera data; adjust the display based on the determined location of the player to provide auto stereoscopic three dimensional viewing by the player; responsive to movement of the player indicated by the camera data, update the display to account for a change in location of the player; and determine that the movement of the player corresponds to a predetermined gesture and, in response, update a game state of the game based on the predetermined gesture.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULCInventor: Peter John Post
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Patent number: 10549177Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises: a top surface and a bottom surface of the device. A single card receiving area is provided for receiving an initial set of playing cards. A randomizing system for randomizing an order of the initial set of playing cards is provided. A card collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards one at a time into the card collection area, the collection surface receiving cards so that all cards are received below the top surface of the device is also provided. An image capture device reads rank and suit of each card before each card is received on the card collection surface. An elevator raises the card collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated at least to the top surface of the device. A processor controls operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Troy D. Nelson, Attila Grauzer
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Patent number: 10549165Abstract: A ball including a core, at least one layer of yarn surrounding the core, a cover assembly comprising panels joined by stitching and surrounding the at least one layer of yarn, a sensor to sense motion of the ball, a data output device carried by the ball and in communication with the sensor, and a light emitter coupled to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Inventor: Robert T. Thurman
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Patent number: 10553077Abstract: A method for managing horseracing bets. The method includes receiving one or more bets. Each bet comprises a selection of five horse races selected from a plurality of horse races scheduled to be run at a track in a day, a selection of a respective horse for each of the five horse races selected and a bet amount. The method also includes combining each bet amount to form a betting pool and determining an amount of a total payout for the day based at least in part on the betting pool.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: CANTOR INDEX LLCInventor: Kenneth L. Miller
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Patent number: 10546460Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system is configured to detect the presence of portable electronic devices and determine their locations in a casino environment and determine whether to initiate an attract feature. Based on the determined location of the portable electronic device, nearby gaming devices, such as electronic gaming machines can be selected for use in generating an attract feature for a patron. The generated attract feature can include outputting content to one or more EGMs and/or a patron's portable electronic device. The gaming devices selected for use in an attract feature and/or the content associated with the attract feature can be affected by patron specified preferences. In one embodiment, the patron specified preferences can be entered and stored using an application executed on their portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: IGTInventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 10540852Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a gaming tournament having a variable average expected point payout. Generally, during the gaming tournament, the gaming system enables each tournament player to play a tournament game at an EGM. The gaming system accumulates one or more tournament points for the tournament player when a play of the tournament game results in a winning outcome. At various points during the tournament, the gaming system increases or decreases an average expected point payout of the tournament game to change the tournament players' gaming experience.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: IGTInventors: David R. Lark, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Bradford Brown, Ronald P. Papson, Robert W. Ruymann
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Patent number: 10537782Abstract: The method makes it possible to perform the measurement of at least one crossing time of a moving object on a line of passage via a personalized transponder placed on the object. The method includes the steps of: generating a low frequency electromagnetic field signal, activating the transponder module on reception of the modulated synchronization command in the electromagnetic field signal, measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic field signal without modulation captured by the activated transponder module at regular time intervals, transmitting directly in a measurement signal via the transponder module each intensity measurement or a packet of intensity measurements to the decoder unit for determination of a crossing time of the line of passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Swiss Timing LtdInventors: Andre Zanetta, Gael Coron, Reto Galli
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Patent number: 10532272Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises: a top surface and a bottom surface of the device. A single card receiving area is provided for receiving an initial set of playing cards. A randomizing system for randomizing an order of the initial set of playing cards is provided. A card collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards one at a time into the card collection area, the collection surface receiving cards so that all cards are received below the top surface of the device is also provided. An image capture device reads rank and suit of each card before each card is received on the card collection surface. An elevator raises the card collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated at least to the top surface of the device. A processor controls operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper, Troy D. Nelson, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson, Attila Grauzer
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Patent number: 10535227Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing players of an online game the option of performing one or more activities external to the online game instead of spend virtual currency to accomplish a specific action in the game. This option is presented through an interface that creates and displays separate “offer walls” for separation actions in the game. The activities may thematically correspond to the type of action the player wants to perform.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.Inventors: Inyang Akpan, Bryan Tsao, Albert Wei, John Kim, David McNeill, Kevin Chanthasiriphan
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Patent number: 10536753Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to collect one or more user-generated remarks from each of a plurality of computing devices where the one or more user-generated remarks are temporally associated with media content in the form of a gaming session presented at the plurality of computing devices and present the one or more user-generated remarks as an overlay combined with the gaming session as a presentation to at least a set among the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Linda Ann Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert King
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Patent number: 10529175Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a Player surpasses predetermined game play parameters on a game of an EGM, a bonus game or related game material may be “unlocked” and offered to the Player for download onto the Player's Portable Electronic Device (PED). Upon installation, the game or content may be viewed or played on their PED at a later time and at their leisure.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: IGTInventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 10518180Abstract: Techniques are disclosed which provide an approach for selecting group-based digital content using a market system. An application receives a bid that indicates a selection for a user-configurable feature of a shared online activity and specifies an amount of currency that a corresponding participant is bidding for the selection. The application identifies a selection of the user-configurable feature having a highest total bid and initiates the shared online activity configured according to the user-configurable feature having the highest total bid.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Millegan, Lily Xudan Liu, Alif Salim Khalfan
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Patent number: 10522000Abstract: A system enables group play for table games of craps and/or roulette comprising. The gaming table surface enables play of craps or roulette. A processor receives event outcomes from outcomes on the gaming table surface from game play. Multiple player input terminals are distributed around the gaming table surface in an arc including of more than 200 degrees. The multiple player input terminals are in two-way communication with the processor. An elevated display system is supported above and around the gaming table surface. The elevated display system shows a dynamic rendition of craps or roulette game play including at least a display of event outcomes from play of craps or roulette on which the wagers are resolved by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Interblock d.d.Inventor: Joze Pececnik