Patents by Inventor Mark Shuster

Mark Shuster 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).

  • AVATAR EYE CONTROL IN A MULTI-USER ANIMATION ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20130176306
    Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Avatar eye control in a multi-user animation environment
    Patent number: 8390630
    Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • MULTI-INSTANCE, MULTI-USER VIRTUAL REALITY SPACES
    Publication number: 20130021338
    Abstract: A mufti-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • AVATAR EYE CONTROL IN A MULTI-USER ANIMATION ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20120327085
    Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Method and apparatus for content filtering
    Patent number: 8290948
    Abstract: A method for filtering content makes use of local filtering agents for end users, and a portal to a network of human reviewing resources. Local filtering agents request content classification for unclassified content. The portal routes requests from local agents to available human reviewing resources. A content classification is provided by the reviewing resources, and may be saved in association with a content identifier for future use. The method permits human review of content within a short period after review is requested. In an embodiment of the invention, a centrally-located switch is provided for controlling filtering levels at one or more user terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hoshiko, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Shuster, Brian Mark Shuster
  • Multi-instance, multi-user animation platforms
    Patent number: 8276071
    Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Avatar eye control in a multi-user animation environment
    Patent number: 8259117
    Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Multi-user animation coupled to bulletin board
    Patent number: 8253735
    Abstract: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bourgham Investments L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • ADAPTABLE GENERATION OF VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT FRAMES
    Publication number: 20120188233
    Abstract: A virtual environment in generated in a server where at least one object representative of an entity interacts with other objects or attributes of the environment. A desired frame rate for rendering the virtual environment is identified, and compared to a maximum achievable frame rate at a client device. If the maximum achievable frame rate is slower than the desired frame rate, the number of objects displayed within the virtual environment is modified, in accordance with one or more rule sets, until the maximum achievable frame rate is at or near the desired frame rate. In addition, a server may provide and synchronize output for clients participating in the virtual environment using different target frame rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Aaron Burch, Gary S. Shuster
  • Expandable connection
    Patent number: 8205680
    Abstract: An expandable tubular liner includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanical coupling for coupling the first and second tubes, and an insert coupled to the mechanical coupling. The insert is capable of forming a metallurgical bond with at least one of the tubes when energy is injected into the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Robert Donald Mack, Lev Ring, Alan Duell, Andrei Filippov, Richard Carl Haut, Mark Shuster
  • Radial expansion system
    Patent number: 8196652
    Abstract: A radial expansion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Mark Shuster, Malcolm Gray, Grigoriy Grinberg, Scott Costa, Russell Wasson
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AUDIO ADVERTISEMENTS IN A COMPUTER NETWORK
    Publication number: 20120116889
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing audio advertisements in a computer network enables Web sites to deliver audio advertisements that cannot be bypassed by a visitor. More particularly, an advertising or sponsoring Web site receives a request from at least one user for delivery of a user-selected Web page associated with the Web site. The Web site selects at least one audio advertisement from a plurality of audio advertisements for delivery to the user in conjunction with the user-selected Web page. The Web site then delivers the audio advertisement to the user via the network in a format that precludes the user from controlling the manner of playback of the audio advertisement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: HOSHIKO LLC
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Steven Christopher Bugg
  • TIME-DEPENDENT CLIENT INACTIVITY INDICIA IN A MULTI-USER ANIMATION ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20120105457
    Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • Method and apparatus for providing audio advertisements in a computer network
    Patent number: 8117068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing audio advertisements in a computer network enables Web sites to deliver audio advertisements that cannot be bypassed by a visitor. More particularly, an advertising or sponsoring Web site receives a request from at least one user for delivery of a user-selected Web page associated with the Web site. The Web site selects at least one audio advertisement from a plurality of audio advertisements for delivery to the user in conjunction with the user-selected Web page. The Web site then delivers the audio advertisement to the user via the network in a format that precludes the user from controlling the manner of playback of the audio advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hoshiko LLC
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Steven Christopher Bugg
  • MULTI-USER ANIMATION COUPLED TO BULLETIN BOARD
    Publication number: 20110316852
    Abstract: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING DOMAIN NAME SERVICE
    Publication number: 20110313876
    Abstract: A method for conducting Internet domain name service to users connected to the Internet comprises an automated procedure for transferring Internet domain name service from a domain name owner to a domain name manager. This method further comprises Internet sub-domain name services to prospective buyers based on domain names transferred to the domain name manager. Messages requesting domain name service, including requests from domain name owners to sub-license their particular domain name to prospective sub-domain name buyers and from prospective sub-domain name buyers to license available sub-domain names, are received and responded to by an automated domain name management system. This automated domain name management system further comprises an interactive website which includes a database, search engine, and Web server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: HOSHIKO LLC
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • CREATION AND USE OF VIRTUAL PLACES
    Publication number: 20110301760
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system facilitate efficient creation of virtual places and provide tools for using the virtual places. The virtual places include a virtual real estate listing, newsworthy place and a virtual box seat. Tools are provided including an automatic declutter tool and a staging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Shuster, Brian Mark Shuster
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING OWNERSHIP OF VIRTUAL PROPERTY
    Publication number: 20110276477
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing ownership of virtual property accessible to users is provided by a computer-implemented system connected to a network. This method and apparatus further comprises maintaining an inventory of virtual properties, managing ownership of virtual properties, and allowing use of virtual properties by corresponding property owners within corresponding network spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: HOSHIKO LLC
    Inventor: Brian Mark Shuster
  • GAMING METHOD
    Publication number: 20110269519
    Abstract: A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amount or betting odds, some combinations of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hoshiko, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Shuster, Brian Mark Shuster
  • GAMING INCORPORATING SOCIAL GROUP FEATURES
    Publication number: 20110269532
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus, method and system enables communication between members of a social group using machines belonging to the system. Members of a social group are thereby enable to share benefits from members' participation or winnings, by altering operation of gaming machines in use by member of the social group. A license to a progressively increasing portion of an audio-video work may be awarded in response to continuing game play by one or more members of the social group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Stephen Shuster, Brain Mark Shuster