Patents by Inventor Mark A Aubin

Mark A Aubin 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: 20210379484
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 11167205
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 10646783
    Abstract: Systems and methods for linking real world activity, such as real world commercial activity or real world data collection activity, with a location-based parallel reality game are provided. In particular, a game server hosting a parallel reality game can modify, update, or add to game data stored in a game database associated with the parallel reality game to include certain game features in the parallel reality game linked with real world activity in the real world. The game features can be linked with activities in the real world such that player actions associated with the game features in the virtual world can lead to or encourage activity in the real world, such as commercial activity and/or data collection activity in the real world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Hibbert, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, Leor Stern, Mark A. Aubin, James Dinkelacker, William J. Kilday, Yennie Solheim, Keith P. Golden, Charles Spirakis
  • Publication number: 20200054939
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 10486059
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 10300395
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering communication within a location-based game are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of filtering communication for a location-based game is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a computing device, communication data for a plurality of players associated with the location based-game. The method further includes filtering the communication data for each player based on one or more signals associated with the respective player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kornmann, Mark A. Aubin, Alejandro Nijamkin
  • Patent number: 10130888
    Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying and/or modifying game data for a location-based game, such as a parallel reality game, are provided. Game data for the location-based game can be verified and/or modified by establishing one or more mini-games to be played within the location-based game. Players can be encouraged to play the mini-game by providing a reward, such as a virtual reward that can be used in the location-based game or by providing another suitable reward. Mini-game data received from a plurality of players of the mini-game can be aggregated and used to update game data for the location-based game. In this manner, game elements, game objectives, and/or game play for all players in the location-based game (even players that do not play in the mini-game) can be adjusted based on the aggregated responses to the mini-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kornmann, Charles Spirakis, Chris Hibbert, Mark A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 9782668
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 9669293
    Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying and/or modifying game data for a location-based game, such as a parallel reality game, are provided. Game data for the location-based game can be verified and/or modified by establishing one or more mini-games to be played within the location-based game. Players can be encouraged to play the mini-game by providing a reward, such as a virtual reward that can be used in the location-based game or by providing another suitable reward. Mini-game data received from a plurality of players of the mini-game can be aggregated and used to update game data for the location-based game. In this manner, game elements, game objectives, and/or game play for all players in the location-based game (even players that do not play in the mini-game) can be adjusted based on the aggregated responses to the mini-game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kornmann, Charles Spirakis, Chris Hibbert, Mark A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 9669296
    Abstract: Systems and methods for linking real world activity, such as real world commercial activity or real world data collection activity, with a location-based parallel reality game are provided. In particular, a game server hosting a parallel reality game can modify, update, or add to game data stored in a game database associated with the parallel reality game to include certain game features in the parallel reality game linked with real world activity in the real world. The game features can be linked with activities in the real world such that player actions associated with the game features in the virtual world can lead to or encourage activity in the real world, such as commercial activity and/or data collection activity in the real world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Hibbert, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, Lior Stern, Mark A. Aubin, James Dinkelacker, William J. Kilday, Yennie Solheim, Keith P. Golden, Charles Spirakis
  • Patent number: 9539498
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for mapping real world actions to a virtual world associated with a parallel reality game are provided. The virtual world has experiences that relate to real world actions. The method includes accessing a data source associated with one or more real world actions; and modifying game data associated with the parallel reality game to generate experiences in the virtual world based at least in part on the data associated with the one or more real world actions. Generating experiences in the virtual world based on data associated with real world actions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Hanke, Mark A. Aubin, James Dinkelacker, Phillip Craig Keslin, Charles Spirakis
  • Patent number: 9226106
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering communication within a location-based game are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of filtering communication for a location-based game is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a computing device, communication data for a plurality of players associated with the location based-game. The method further includes filtering the communication data for each player based on one or more signals associated with the respective player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kornmann, Mark A. Aubin, Alejandro Nijamkin
  • Patent number: 9069985
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Chikai J. Ohazama, Philip C. Keslin, Mark A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 8968099
    Abstract: Systems and methods of transporting virtual objects through a virtual world associated with a parallel reality game are provided. The virtual world has a geography that parallels at least a portion of the geography of the real world. A method includes accessing at least one data source storing or providing data associated with the location of a real world carrier. The method further includes modifying game data associated with the parallel reality to transport at least one virtual object through the virtual world, such that the position of the virtual object in the virtual world is based, at least in part, on the data associated with the location of the real world carrier. Other implementations are directed to systems, apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable media, devices, and user interfaces for transporting virtual objects in a location-based parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Hanke, Mark A. Aubin, David Kornmann, Marius Milner, Keith P. Golden, Lior Stern
  • Patent number: 8745080
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Chikai J. Ohazama, Phillip C. Keslin, Mark A. Aubin
  • Publication number: 20140033329
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Chikai J. Ohazama, Philip C. Keslin, Mark A. Aubin
  • Publication number: 20110093803
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: C/O GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Chikai J. Ohazama, Phillip C. Keslin, Mark A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 7818325
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Chikai J. Ohazama, Phillip C. Keslin, Mark A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 7225207
    Abstract: A flat file data organization technique is used for storing and retrieving geospatially organized data. The invention reduces transfer time by transferring a few large files in lieu of a large number of small files. It also moves the process of locating a given data file away from the file system to a proprietary code base. Additionally, the invention simplifies database management by having quadtree packets generated on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Chikai J Ohazama, Phillip C Keslin, Mark A Aubin