Patents by Inventor Michael Waites
Michael Waites 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).
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Publication number: 20190314725Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
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Patent number: 10384132Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
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Publication number: 20190147473Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating revenue in an online game are presented. One method includes an operation for executing a first video game having a first currency enabling a user to achieve advancement in the first video game. The method also includes an operation for executing a second video game that is an autonomous game module within the first video game, the second video game enables the user to select one or more assets from the first video game for use in the second video game but limits the number of assets such that the one or more assets are insufficient to complete the second video game. The method further includes operations for detecting completion of the second video game and selecting one or more reward assets for use in the first video game and for transferring the one or more reward assets to the first video game for the user to use to achieve the advancement in the first video game.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Publication number: 20190038980Abstract: A method for performing a social project in a video game is provided. A session of the video game for a primary user is initiated, and a social project is initiated within the session of the video game. One or more secondary users are determined from a social graph of the primary user. A message requesting help to complete the social project is sent to the one or more secondary users, the message including a low-friction response mechanism. Upon activation of the low-friction response mechanism of the request, a response is received indicating an intent to help complete the social project from a responsive secondary user. Upon receiving the response, automated animation of an avatar of the responsive secondary user is triggered within the primary user's session of the video game so as to collaborate on the social project.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Saugier, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Patent number: 10181127Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating revenue in an online game are presented. One method includes an operation for creating, in the online game, a first virtual currency and a game score, where the amount of the first virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency. The first virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the online game. Further, a game module, that is an autonomous game within the online game, is started, and a second virtual currency and a module score are created in the game module. The amount of the second virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency, where the second virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the game module and cannot be traded for advancement in the online game outside of the game module. Advancement in the game module increases the module score and does not increase the game score.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Patent number: 10086292Abstract: A method for performing a social project in a video game is provided. A session of the video game for a primary user is initiated, and a social project is initiated within the session of the video game. One or more secondary users are determined from a social graph of the primary user. A message requesting help to complete the social project is sent to the one or more secondary users, the message including a low-friction response mechanism. Upon activation of the low-friction response mechanism of the request, a response is received indicating an intent to help complete the social project from a responsive secondary user. Upon receiving the response, automated retrieval and animation of an avatar of the responsive secondary user is triggered within the primary user's session of the video game so as to collaborate on the social project.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Patent number: 10090166Abstract: A method may include performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) etch of a fin assembly disposed on a substrate, the fin assembly comprising a plurality of fin structures coated with an oxide layer, wherein as a result of the CMP etch, a first portion of the oxide layer is removed, and the fin structures remain covered with oxide. The method may further include performing a selective area processing (SAP) etch using ions, wherein a second portion of the oxide layer is removed in a non-uniform manner, wherein after the SAP etch, the fin structures remain covered with oxide.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventors: Andrew Michael Waite, Morgan D. Evans, Johannes M. van Meer, Jae Young Lee
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Publication number: 20180197747Abstract: A method may include performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) etch of a fin assembly disposed on a substrate, the fin assembly comprising a plurality of fin structures coated with an oxide layer, wherein as a result of the CMP etch, a first portion of the oxide layer is removed, and the fin structures remain covered with oxide. The method may further include performing a selective area processing (SAP) etch using ions, wherein a second portion of the oxide layer is removed in a non-uniform manner, wherein after the SAP etch, the fin structures remain covered with oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2017Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Andrew Michael Waite, Morgan D. Evans, Johannes M. van Meer, Jae Young Lee
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Patent number: 9908112Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regenerating an ion exchange material loaded with chromate ions and nitrate ions in an ion exchange column, the method comprising subjecting the loaded ion exchange column to a regeneration sequence comprising the following steps: (i) passing a first salt solution through the column forming a first effluent solution; (ii) passing a second salt solution through the column to at least partially remove the chromate ions from the column forming a second effluent solution, wherein the second salt solution has a higher salt concentration than the first salt solution; (iii) passing a third salt solution through the column to at least partially remove nitrate ions from the column forming a third effluent solution, wherein the third salt solution has a salt concentration higher than the second salt solution.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: IONEX SG LIMITEDInventor: Michael Waite
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Publication number: 20180052148Abstract: A medical testing machine provides improved recall and display of the outcomes of tests performed by the machine. Test outcomes and other information are stored in mass storage directly accessible by the medical testing machine. In one aspect, outcomes of tests relating to a particular patient may be recalled. The system may be especially useful for tests that may be performed multiple times for a particular patient over a period of time, for example testing for HbA1c hemoglobin levels in diabetes patients. According to another aspect, the medical testing machine may store an accession number for each test outcome, and may enable a user to display as a group test outcomes having the same accession number. The system may store further information and associate it with particular test outcomes, for example calibration information. The system may also store a set of rules under which each test instance was run.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni
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Patent number: 9810703Abstract: An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni
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Patent number: 9804149Abstract: A medical testing machine provides improved recall and display of the outcomes of tests performed by the machine. Test outcomes and other information are stored in mass storage directly accessible by the medical testing machine. In one aspect, outcomes of tests relating to a particular patient may be recalled. The system may be especially useful for tests that may be performed multiple times for a particular patient over a period of time, for example testing for HbA1c hemoglobin levels in diabetes patients. According to another aspect, the medical testing machine may store an accession number for each test outcome, and may enable a user to display as a group test outcomes having the same accession number. The system may store further information and associate it with particular test outcomes, for example calibration information. The system may also store a set of rules under which each test instance was run.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni
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Publication number: 20170225990Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing chromate ions from an ion-exchange effluent, the method comprising: (i) providing an ion-exchange effluent comprising chromate ions obtained from the regeneration of an ion-exchange material, (ii) admixing the ion-exchange effluent with a source of alkali metal dithionite to form a first precipitate, and (iii) removing the first precipitateType: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventor: Michael Waite
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Patent number: 9656177Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for creating a crew to participate in a mission challenge in an online game includes identifying quests to complete the mission challenge. Each quest includes a plurality of tasks and each task includes a plurality of subtasks. A request feed is sent to members of a social graph of a user requesting the members to join the crew and to participate in completing the subtasks of the challenge. Skill set associated with each member of the social graph responding to the request feed is determined and matched with the skill set required for completing each subtask. A distinct subtask is delegated to each member based on the match. Each crew member's progression in completing the challenge is monitored and managed based on the progression made in the delegated subtask. Status of the challenge is updated and shared with the members of the crew.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Publication number: 20160067610Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
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Publication number: 20160067611Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Amy Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
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Patent number: 9272212Abstract: Software at a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game website receives a request for assistance with a game task from a first player of a MMO game. The software transmits the request to a second player of the MMO game who is associated with the first player through a relationship recognized by the MMO game. The software determines whether the second player responds to the request within a time period. The time period depends on one or more factors related to game mechanics and to user data for the first player. Then if the second player does not respond within the time period and the game task is a game task whose completion can be assigned without the assistance of another player, the software assigns completion of the game task to the first player and transmits an automated apparent response to the first player.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
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Publication number: 20160033541Abstract: An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni
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Publication number: 20150375222Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regenerating an ion exchange material loaded with chromate ions and nitrate ions in an ion exchange colunm, the method comprising subjecting the loaded ion exchange colunm to a regeneration sequence comprising the following steps: (i) passing a first salt solution through the colunm forming a first effluent solution; (ii) passing a second salt solution through the colunm to at least partially remove the chromate ions from the colunm forming a second effluent solution, wherein the, second salt solution has a higher salt concentration than the first salt solution; (iii) passing a third salt solution through the colunm to at least partially remove nitrate ions from the colunm forming a third effluent solution, wherein the third salt solution has a salt concentration higher than the second salt solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Ionex SG LimitedInventor: Michael WAITE
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Patent number: 9176154Abstract: An improved calibration process for a medical testing machine. The machine automatically recognizes that a package of calibration material has been inserted into it, and performs a calibration sequence to ascertain a calibration parameter to be used in performing future tests with the medical testing machine. The calibration package may include machine-readable indicators that the package is to be used for calibration, and of a calibration setpoint of a calibration material in the package. A calibration material may be stored in a lyophilized state in the package, and the medical testing machine may automatically reconstitute the lyophilized material.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni