Patents by Inventor Bryan N. Culbertson

Bryan N. Culbertson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Social rewards for online game playing
    Patent number: 8480495
    Abstract: Useful information is acquired from a community of individuals by way of a game that rewards participants with social information about other participants. Points can be awarded to participants simply for participation and/or as a function of game performance. Such points can subsequently be exchanged to reveal information about game partners or other community members. Among other things, such a reward system can motivate individuals to perform tasks that might not otherwise be compelling and/or enjoyable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Chickering, Christopher A. Meek, Bryan N. Culbertson
  • SOCIAL REWARDS FOR ONLINE GAME PLAYING
    Publication number: 20080153595
    Abstract: Useful information is acquired from a community of individuals by way of a game that rewards participants with social information about other participants. Points can be awarded to participants simply for participation and/or as a function of game performance. Such points can subsequently be exchanged to reveal information about game partners or other community members. Among other things, such a reward system can motivate individuals to perform tasks that might not otherwise be compelling and/or enjoyable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Chickering, Christopher A. Meek, Bryan N. Culbertson