Patents by Inventor Hiroki Munakata

Hiroki Munakata 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).

  • Publication number: 20120115607
    Abstract: A plurality of gaming terminals 10, a terminal image display panel 16 and an upper display 700 which display effect images in accordance with the gaming state of a game on the gaming terminals 10 and display at least one of the effect images in three dimensions, a terminal controller 630, which switches at least one of the effect images on the terminal image display panel 16 and the upper display 700 from two dimensional display to three dimensional display when the gaming state satisfies a predetermined condition, and a center controller 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: Aruze Gaming America, Inc., Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Hiroki Munakata
  • Publication number: 20120115612
    Abstract: A plurality of gaming terminals each having a terminal display on which a plurality of symbols are provided, a plurality of upper displays forming a single common effect display screen which is constituted by gaming terminal areas corresponding to the respective gaming terminals, and a center controller are provided. When the common game starts, the center controller displays a common game start effect image on a common effect display screen and transmits a common game start effect image display command to the gaming terminals so that the common game start effect image divided for respective gaming terminal areas is displayed on the terminal display of each of the gaming terminals corresponding to the gaming terminal areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: Aruze Gaming America, Inc., Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki MUNAKATA, Kenta SUGANO, Daisyun OKAMOTO, Masumi FUJISAWA, Takehisa ITAGAKI
  • Publication number: 20120115562
    Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention stores a bet area on which a bet is placed through a gaming terminal and a game value placed as the bet, determines a resulting symbol from a plurality of symbols, rotates the wheel based on an operation of the lever in one of the plurality of gaming terminals, whose lever has been activated, stops the rotation of the wheel so that the pointer points a symbol arrangement area with the resulting symbol, and awards a payout based on the resulting symbol and the odds set for the bet area in which the bet is placed through the gaming terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC., UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuhiro KIDO, Hiroki MUNAKATA
  • Publication number: 20110201407
    Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention has a memory for, after a predetermined number of cards have been extracted from among a plurality of cards, storing a plurality of predetermined values which serve as a condition for shuffling the plurality of cards. Then, a specific predetermined value is determined as a condition for shuffling a plurality of cards from among the plurality of predetermined values that are stored in the memory. In addition, a game is performed in such a manner that dealer cards and player cards which are used in a game are determined from among the plurality of cards and then the determined cards are compared with each other. Further, the number of cards that is used in the game is cumulatively counted and then the respective used cards are cumulatively stored as used cards in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Aruze Gaming America Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Kenichi Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20110098103
    Abstract: A function of a common game which is capable of achieving high entertainability is provided. In a case where the number of times of base game executed at any of a plurality of game terminals reaches a predetermined number of trigger games, a craps game is executed at a game terminal meeting a game running condition with a predetermined timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Shinji Ogino, Kazumasa Yoshizawa, Makoto Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20110065512
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a server, a gaming system, and a control method of the server capable of adding a new feature to a payout related to a jackpot to produce a new entertainment property. The present invention provides a server programmed to execute the processing of: storing a first resource data and a second resource data that is different from the first resource data; providing game media to the gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied, based on the first resource data, and reducing an amount of game media indicated by the first resource data; and providing game media to the gaming machine when the predetermined condition is satisfied after the amount of game media indicated by the first resource data has been reduced to the predetermined amount or less, based on the second resource data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki MUNAKATA, Shinji OGINO, Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA, Makoto MIYAWAKI
  • Publication number: 20110053677
    Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention collectively performs determination of a game result, sequentially in relation to a series of crap games until a game result other than a draw is to occur. Then, of game results of the series of crap games thus determined sequentially through collectively performed determination of game results, the gaming machine skips at least partially one or more game results each indicating a draw, and sequentially outputting remaining one or more game results to the slot machines 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAIMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki MUNAKATA, Makoto MIYAWAKI, Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA, Shinji OGINO
  • Publication number: 20110045887
    Abstract: A gaming machine for a betting card game including a main card game and an auxiliary card game and a method of controlling the same, including: by a controller, accepting a bet of a first wager for participation in the main card game; accepting a bet of a second wager as an option for participation in the auxiliary card game; determining an outcome of the main card game in accordance with a game rule for the main card game on a basis of at least two cards being displayed and disclosed for the main card game after termination of acceptance of a bet of the first wager; and determining an outcome of the auxiliary card game in accordance with a game rule for the auxiliary card game on a basis of first and second cards being displayed for the main card game after termination of acceptance of a bet of the second wager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroki MUNAKATA
  • Publication number: 20100304851
    Abstract: A gaming machine executing the processing of (A) accepting an input for placing a normal bet; (B) accepting an input for placing a side bet different from the normal bet, (C) starting a card game and displaying a player initial card on a display; (D) determining a result of a side game based on the player initial card, when a side bet has been placed; and (E) offering a first payout based on the result of the side game, advancing the card game to determine a result of the card game, and offering a second payout based on the result of the card game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yukinori Inamura, Kenta Kitamura, Hiroki Munakata
  • Publication number: 20100304816
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine executing the processing of (A) displaying on the display at least one playing card in a display mode that displays each playing card face down; and (B) changing the display mode of one of the at least one playing card displayed in the processing (A) to a display mode enabling a part of the front of the playing card to be viewable, upon contact on any position within an area of the touch panel corresponding to an area of the display where the one of the at least one playing card is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenta KITAMURA, Hiroki Munakata
  • Publication number: 20100304815
    Abstract: The gaming machine of the present invention provides a gaming machine that executes the processing of: determining, for each station, a normal game result based on a player card for the station; accepting via each input device an input for a side bet on a normal game in a station other than the station having this input device; determining, when a side bet is placed, a side game result according to the determined normal game result of the station as the side bet target; and offering a first payout based on the normal game result, and a second payout based on the side game result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroki MUNAKATA
  • Publication number: 20090280885
    Abstract: A gaming machine of the present invention executes a normal game by displaying to a display a player's card and a dealer's card, and displays as a side game a symbol display region in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a matrix; and the gaming machine provides a special payout, when symbols corresponding to the player's card and the dealer's card are arranged in a specific arrangement within the symbol display region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Aruze Corp.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Kido, Kenta Kitamura, Hiroki Munakata
  • Publication number: 20060186738
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus has a lead storage battery and an electric double-layer capacitor which are connected in parallel to each other, and a starter generator for being supplied with electric power discharged from the storage battery and the electric double-layer capacitor and for operating as an electric generator after an engine is started. Electric power generated by the starter generator is supplied to charge the storage battery and the electric double-layer capacitor. An IPU as a connection switching device is connected between the storage battery and the electric double-layer capacitor, and the starter generator. A line length between the electric double-layer capacitor and the starter generator is shorter than a line length between the lead storage battery and the starter generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Minoru Noguchi, Koji Tamenori, Takeshi Taguchi, Hiroki Munakata
  • Patent number: 5983874
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust system of the engine. An ECU estimates the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to each of the cylinders cylinder by cylinder in response to an output from the air-fuel ratio sensor, by using an observer for observing an internal operative state of the exhaust system, based on a model representative of the behavior of the exhaust system, and calculates cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel ratio control amounts corresponding respectively to the cylinders for carrying out feedback control of the air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to each of the cylinders such that the estimated air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to each of the cylinders is converged to a desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Kouichi Saiki, Hiroki Munakata
  • Patent number: 5911682
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion has a plurality of cylinders and an exhaust system. The air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases emitted from the cylinders is detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust system. The air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to each of the cylinders is estimated based on an output from the air-fuel ratio sensor by using an observer for observing an internal operative state of the exhaust system by means of a model representative of a behavior of the exhaust system. Feedback control of an amount of fuel to be supplied to the each of the cylinders is carried out in response to the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor by using a controller of a recurrence formula type, such that the air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the each of the cylinders is converged to a desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Hiroki Munakata
  • Patent number: 5878733
    Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion. An air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in the exhaust system detects an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases emitted from the engine. An amount of fuel to be supplied to the engine is controlled in response to the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor by using a controller of a recurrence formula type, such that an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine is converged to a desired air-fuel ratio, to thereby effect feedback control of the air-fuel ratio of the mixture. The desired air-fuel ratio is determined based on operating conditions of the engine. The desired air-fuel ratio is smoothed when the engine is in a predetermined operating condition. The feedback control of the air-fuel ratio is carried out by the use of the smoothed desired air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kato, Hiroki Munakata, Naoto Fujimura, Yuh Yoshii
  • Patent number: 5839415
    Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine installed on an automotive vehicle. The control system controls the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine to a value leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio immediately after the start of the engine. Operating conditions of the engine and/or operating conditions of the automotive vehicle is detected. Starting of the vehicle is predicted based on the detected operating conditions of the engine and/or the detected operating conditions of the automotive vehicle. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine is changed to a richer value than the leaner value when the starting of the vehicle is predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Koichi Fujimori, Yusuke Hasegawa, Hiroki Munakata, Shusuke Akazaki, Masuhiro Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 5797369
    Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine installed on an automotive vehicle. The control system controls the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine to a value leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio immediately after the start of the engine. Operating conditions of the engine and/or operating conditions of the automotive vehicle is detected. Starting of the vehicle is predicted based on the detected operating conditions of the engine and/or the detected operating conditions of the automotive vehicle. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine is changed to a richer value than the leaner value when the starting of the vehicle is predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Koichi Fujimori, Yusuke Hasegawa, Hiroki Munakata, Shusuke Akazaki, Masuhiro Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 5794604
    Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine installed on an automotive vehicle. The control system controls the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine to a value leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio immediately after the start of the engine. Operating conditions of the engine and/or operating conditions of the automotive vehicle is detected. Starting of the vehicle is predicted based on the detected operating conditions of the engine and/or the detected operating conditions of the automotive vehicle. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine is changed to a richer value than the leaner value when the starting of the vehicle is predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Koichi Fujimori, Yusuke Hasegawa, Hiroki Munakata, Shusuke Akazaki, Masuhiro Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 5727523
    Abstract: A suction air control apparatus of an internal combustion engine which is subjected to an after-start lean-burn control to be operated at a lean mixture ratio rather than a theoretical mixture ratio is provided. According to the apparatus, a smooth operation of the engine in a transitional state when the after-start lean-burn control is canceled is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Hiroki Munakata