Patents by Inventor Michael J. Engle

Michael J. Engle 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).

  • Patent number: 11562626
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20210304567
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 10937277
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20200005601
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 10445984
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 9965922
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for setting an initial value to the jackpot of a first player. The jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet by the first player in the computer game. Additionally, the jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet made by friends of the first player in the computer game. The friends of the first player have a social connection with the first player, and the jackpot of the first player is independent from bets in the computer game of players that are not friends of the first player. The method further includes an operation for resetting the jackpot of the first player to the initial value when the first player or when any friend of the first player wins the jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Frederic Constable, Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Michael J. Engle, Cor Robert Despota, James Chia-Ming Liu, Michael Anthony Fox
  • Publication number: 20170206744
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 9659458
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20170061738
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for setting an initial value to the jackpot of a first player. The jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet by the first player in the computer game. Additionally, the jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet made by friends of the first player in the computer game. The friends of the first player have a social connection with the first player, and the jackpot of the first player is independent from bets in the computer game of players that are not friends of the first player. The method further includes an operation for resetting the jackpot of the first player to the initial value when the first player or when any friend of the first player wins the jackpot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Frederic Constable, Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Michael J. Engle, Cor Robert Despota, James Chia-Ming Liu, Michael Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 9495835
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for setting an initial value to the jackpot of a first player. The jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet by the first player in the computer game. Additionally, the jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet made by friends of the first player in the computer game. The friends of the first player have a social connection with the first player, and the jackpot of the first player is independent from bets in the computer game of players that are not friends of the first player. The method further includes an operation for resetting the jackpot of the first player to the initial value when the first player or when any friend of the first player wins the jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Frederic Constable, Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Michael J. Engle, Cor Robert Despota, James Chia-Ming Liu, Michael Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 9221244
    Abstract: A release agent applicator displaying decreased and consistent surface resistivity, and a method of making same. The release agent applicator includes an foam delivery surface having an ionic layer such that the surface resistivity of the delivery surface is reduced, thereby decreasing the chances of static charge accumulation on the roller that may interfere with high quality printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gordon, Gregory J. Lapinski, Gregory Hjelmeland, Michael P. O'Dierno, Edward F. Burress, Devin R. Bailly, Michael J. Engle, Steven B. Gazeley, Brian G. Russell, David J. Houston
  • Publication number: 20140274409
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Publication number: 20140184711
    Abstract: A release agent applicator displaying decreased and consistent surface resistivity, and a method of making same. The release agent applicator includes an foam delivery surface having an ionic layer such that the surface resistivity of the delivery surface is reduced, thereby decreasing the chances of static charge accumulation on the roller that may interfere with high quality printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gordon, Gregory J. Lapinski, Gregory Hjelmeland, Michael P. O'Dierno, Edward F. Burress, Devin R. Bailly, Michael J. Engle, Steven B. Gazeley, Brian G. Russell, David J. Houston
  • Publication number: 20140106858
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for detecting that a player playing in a first game also has played a second game, where the first game is different from the second game. Further, the method includes another operation for determining an asset for the second game that may be awarded for a required amount of progress made by the player in the first game. The player is notified in the first game that the player is eligible to obtain the asset while playing the first game. The asset is awarded to the player for use in the second game when the required amount of progress is made in the first game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Frederic Constable, Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Michael J. Engle, Cor Robert Despota, James Chia-Ming Liu, Michael Anthony Fox
  • Patent number: 8679590
    Abstract: A release agent applicator displaying decreased and consistent surface resistivity, and a method of making same. The release agent applicator includes an foam delivery surface having an ionic layer such that the surface resistivity of the delivery surface is reduced, thereby decreasing the chances of static charge accumulation on the roller that may interfere with high quality printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Cameron Gordon, Gregory J. Lapinski, Greg Hjelmeland, Michael P. O'Dierno, Edward F. Burress, Devin R. Bailly, Michael J. Engle, Steven B. Gazeley, Brian G. Russell, David J. Houston
  • Publication number: 20130324233
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for setting an initial value to the jackpot of a first player. The jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet by the first player in the computer game. Additionally, the jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet made by friends of the first player in the computer game. The friends of the first player have a social connection with the first player, and the jackpot of the first player is independent from bets in the computer game of players that are not friends of the first player. The method further includes an operation for resetting the jackpot of the first player to the initial value when the first player or when any friend of the first player wins the jackpot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Frederic Constable, Jon-Paul Emile Dumont, Michael J. Engle, Cor Robert Despota, James Chia-Ming Liu, Michael Anthony Fox
  • Publication number: 20130186329
    Abstract: A release agent applicator displaying decreased and consistent surface resistivity, and a method of making same. The release agent applicator includes an foam delivery surface having an ionic layer such that the surface resistivity of the delivery surface is reduced, thereby decreasing the chances of static charge accumulation on the roller that may interfere with high quality printing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Gordon, Gregory J. Lapinski, Greg Hjelmeland, Michael P. O'Dierno, Edward F. Burress, Devin R. Bailly, Michael J. Engle, Steven B. Gazeley, Brian G. Russell, David J. Houston