Patents by Inventor Samuel Hoffman
Samuel Hoffman 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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Patent number: 11483154Abstract: A method for blockchain certification of artificial intelligence factsheets that includes receiving by a computing device, an artificial intelligence model. The computing device generates an artificial intelligence factsheet based upon logic of the artificial intelligence model. The computing device generates a blockchain link for a blockchain. The blockchain link certifies the artificial intelligence factsheet. The computing device transmits the blockchain link certifying the artificial intelligence factsheet to other computing devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kalapriya Kannan, Pranay Kumar Lohia, Samuel Hoffman, Kush Raj Varshney, Sameep Mehta
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Publication number: 20210258160Abstract: A method for blockchain certification of artificial intelligence factsheets that includes receiving by a computing device, an artificial intelligence model. The computing device generates an artificial intelligence factsheet based upon logic of the artificial intelligence model. The computing device generates a blockchain link for a blockchain. The blockchain link certifies the artificial intelligence factsheet. The computing device transmits the blockchain link certifying the artificial intelligence factsheet to other computing devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Kalapriya Kannan, Pranay Kumar Lohia, Samuel Hoffman, Kush Raj Varshney, Sameep Mehta
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Patent number: 9238174Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for providing virtual goods and/or on-line services based on a user's virtual location while surfing the web. According to certain aspects, the invention allows interactive objects, virtual goods and on-line services to be automatically provided to users when they visit predetermined partner sites or perform some predetermined on-line activity. According to other aspects, the invention automatically provides parallel destinations for predetermined partner sites that only users of the system can visit, and where such users can receive virtual goods and on-line services, among other content.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Lavamind LLCInventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 9240014Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and rewarding users within a rules-based virtual world system in accordance with personalized/customized/user-generated content and/or virtual spaces. According to some aspects, the invention allows users to customize virtual content and activities in a manner that drives traffic to their own virtual spaces or those of other users or partners within the system. According to other aspects, the invention provides mechanisms to reward users whose customized content and activities drive a certain level of traffic to partner sites and/or their own virtual spaces. According to further aspects, the invention enables users to promote their customized virtual spaces and/or customized content and activities outside their own circle of friends, and to users of the system as a whole.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Lavamind LLCInventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 9137273Abstract: A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: LAVAMIND LLCInventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 9028324Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system and method for promoting on-line activities on desired sites via a virtual entertainment system that provides games, interactions or activities that take place either partially or fully on the partner's website or within the virtual space associated with the partner's website. According to one aspect, the invention drives on-line traffic to partner sites using Virtual Collectibles and other prizes rewarded for participation in Internet-based games. The games are designed to promote users to visit and/or perform other activities on the partner sites, and can include giveaways, special offers, treasure hunts, combo puzzles, among many other types of games. According to other aspects, the games can be played by users in the course of, or with very little effort in addition to casually surfing the web.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Lavamind LLCInventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8788961Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and facilitating interactions between users in virtual worlds. According to some aspects, the invention provides a way of allowing a user to easily identify other users that the user may want to connect with for any purpose. According to other aspects, the invention allows users to specify items, interests, friends, demographics and/or preferences, and the system automatically identifies other users who meet those criteria. The system can further provide mechanisms to alert and/or introduce users who share similar interests, demographics and/or meet other matching criteria, and allow them to interact with each other. According to still further aspects, the invention can automatically determine criteria for motivating and/or facilitating interactions between users.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Hyperlayers, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8739037Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a computer system and method for promoting virtual world and specific on-line activities through rules, awards and other incentives. According to some aspects, the present invention maintains rules-based virtual world(s) and activities, wherein the rules are designed to allow users to achieve a certain status, skill and/or reputation level, and to reward them accordingly. Rewards can include access to certain virtual activities (e.g. interactive objects, games, etc.) and/or virtual spaces, possession of certain Virtual Collectibles, and other enhancements to their on-line experience. Rules and criteria can specify that such rewards are provided to users based on their skill level in virtual games hosted by system, the number and type of Virtual Collectibles they have already acquired, the reputation they have gained as traders or chatters within the virtual world(s), etc.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Hyperlayers, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Publication number: 20130246929Abstract: A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: HYPERLAYERS, INC.Inventors: Steven Samuel HOFFMAN, Naomi KOKUBO
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Patent number: 8490007Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and facilitating interactions between users in virtual worlds. According to some aspects, the invention provides a way of allowing a user to easily identify other users that the user may want to connect with for any purpose. According to other aspects, the invention allows users to specify items, interests, friends, demographics and/or preferences, and the system automatically identifies other users who meet those criteria. The system can further provide mechanisms to alert and/or introduce users who share similar interests, demographics and/or meet other matching criteria, and allow them to interact with each other. According to still further aspects, the invention can automatically determine criteria for motivating and/or facilitating interactions between users.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Hyperlayers, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8443039Abstract: A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Hyperlayers, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Publication number: 20120238358Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for providing virtual goods and/or on-line services based on a user's virtual location while surfing the web. According to certain aspects, the invention allows interactive objects, virtual goods and on-line services to be automatically provided to users when they visit predetermined partner sites or perform some predetermined on-line activity. According to other aspects, the invention automatically provides parallel destinations for predetermined partner sites that only users of the system can visit, and where such users can receive virtual goods and on-line services, among other content.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: ROCKETON, INC.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8239487Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a computer system and method for promoting on-line activities on desired sites via a virtual entertainment system that provides games, interactions or activities that take place either partially or fully on the partner's website or within the virtual space associated with the partner's website. According to one aspect, the invention drives on-line traffic to partner sites using Virtual Collectibles and other prizes rewarded for participation in Internet-based games. The games are designed to promote users to visit and/or perform other activities on the partner sites, and can include give-aways, special offers, treasure hunts, combo puzzles, among many other types of games. According to other aspects, the games can be played by users in the course of or with very little effort in addition to casually surfing the web.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Rocketon, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8190733Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for providing virtual goods and/or on-line services based on a user's virtual location while surfing the web. According to certain aspects, the invention allows interactive objects, virtual goods and on-line services to be automatically provided to users when they visit predetermined partner sites or perform some predetermined on-line activity. According to other aspects, the invention automatically provides parallel destinations for predetermined partner sites that only users of the system can visit, and where such users can receive virtual goods and on-line services, among other content.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Rocketon, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Publication number: 20120131086Abstract: A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo
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Patent number: 8108459Abstract: A Virtual Collectible Distribution Network generates and distributes Virtual Collectible objects, each potentially possessing unique properties, over a computer network such as the Internet, to a group of users. The Distribution Network utilizes a client-server system. The client software can be standalone or embedded in another application, such as a web browser or game. In one scenario, the client software observes certain behaviors of the user, and communicates such behavior to the server, which process is transparent to the user. The server, based on the communications from the client, predefined algorithm, and other factors, may decide to award the user with a Virtual Collectible. In another scenario, the user may interact with other users on the Distribution Network by communicating and trading the Virtual Collectibles with one another, as well as participating in single-player or multiplayer online games that utilizes Virtual Collectibles.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Rocketon, Inc.Inventors: Steven Samuel Hoffman, Naomi Kokubo