Patents Issued in December 20, 2016
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Patent number: 9524575Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can capture media content including an original set of frames. A plurality of subsets of frames can be identified, based on a subset selection input, out of the original set of frames. An orientation-based image stabilization process can be applied to each subset in the plurality of subsets of frames to produce a plurality of stabilized subsets of frames. Multiple frames within each stabilized subset in the plurality of stabilized subsets of frames can be combined to produce a plurality of combined frames. Each stabilized subset of frames can be utilized to produce a respective combined frame in the plurality of combined frames. A time-lapse media content item can be provided based on the plurality of combined frames.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Alexandre Karpenko, Thomas Dimson
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Patent number: 9524576Abstract: A photograph display apparatus and associated method of display that includes a substrate having a mounting surface and a rib structure mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate. The rib structure is constructed and arranged to form a series of juxtaposition ribs formed in a parallel array including successive rib peaks. A composite photograph that includes alternating photograph segments of respective first and second photograph is formed in a folded array that includes fold lines that correspond to a demarcation line between respective photograph segments. The folded composite photograph is constructed and arranged for mating support to the rib structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Accutech Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Richard Madigan
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Patent number: 9524577Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the layout of the images, as well as the rendering parameters and styles can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with images displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: PME IP PTY LTDInventors: Malte Westerhoff, Detlev Stalling
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Patent number: 9524578Abstract: A projection system includes a projection apparatus that projects, onto an object, pattern light indicating pattern images obtained by conversion of projection coordinates defined in a projection coordinate system to codes, an imaging apparatus that captures images created on the object by projecting the pattern light onto the object and that generates first captured images, and an image correction apparatus that generates, based on the first captured images, first coordinate conversion information which associates the projection coordinates with imaging pixel coordinates defined in an imaging coordinate system of the imaging apparatus and that corrects a projection image, which is prepared in advance, by using the first coordinate conversion information.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventors: Ryuji Fuchikami, Masahiro Ohashi
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Patent number: 9524579Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate orientation of a plane with respect to a three-dimensional representation. A device is presented utilizing at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, or combination thereof, enabling determination of a current position and/or orientation of the device. Outputs from the accelerometer, gyroscope, etc., are captured and orientation of a plane displayed with regard to the three-dimensional representation is accordingly adjusted to correspond with the position of the device. Imaging information relating to the three-dimensional representation and the plane can be captured facilitating analysis of the respective slice of the three-dimensional representation associated with the plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Inventor: Roger Lin
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Patent number: 9524580Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) console receives slow calibration data from an imaging device and fast calibration data from an inertial measurement unit on a virtual reality headset. Using a model of the VR headset, the VR console identifies model locators corresponding to locators on the VR headset and generates estimated positions for locators included in slow calibration data. The VR console adjusts calibration parameters so a relative distance between estimated positions of the locators and positions of their corresponding model locators is less than a threshold value. From the estimated positions, the VR console generates calibrated positions of a reference point on the VR headset associated with images from the slow calibration data. The VR console determines predicted positions of the reference point from the calibrated positions and adjusts calibration parameters so intermediate estimated positions of the reference point are within a threshold distance of the predicted positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Oculus VR, LLCInventors: Dov Katz, Maksym Katsev, Neil Konzen, Steve LaValle, Michael Antonov
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Patent number: 9524581Abstract: In some embodiments, a synthetic (virtual) orthopedic treatment device (e.g. a virtual external fixator representing a physical fixator attachable to a patient's anatomic structure) is displayed concurrently in two views (e.g. anterior-posterior and lateral) along corresponding digital medical images (e.g. X-rays), and rotation/translation user input received along one of the images is used to concurrently control both displays of the orthopedic treatment device to reflect the rotation/translation user input.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Stryker European Holdings I, LLCInventor: Andrew Haskell
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Patent number: 9524582Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a 3D personalized mesh of a person from a depth camera image for medical imaging scan planning is disclosed. A depth camera image of a subject is converted to a 3D point cloud. A plurality of anatomical landmarks are detected in the 3D point cloud. A 3D avatar mesh is initialized by aligning a template mesh to the 3D point cloud based on the detected anatomical landmarks. A personalized 3D avatar mesh of the subject is generated by optimizing the 3D avatar mesh using a trained parametric deformable model (PDM). The optimization is subject to constraints that take into account clothing worn by the subject and the presence of a table on which the subject in lying.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Kai Ma, Terrence Chen, Vivek Kumar Singh, Yao-jen Chang, Michael Wels, Grzegorz Soza
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Patent number: 9524583Abstract: It is provided a computer-implemented method for simulating the machining of a workpiece with a cutting tool having a cutting part and a non-cutting part. The method comprises providing a modeled volume representing the workpiece and a trajectory of the cutting tool; determining a colliding sweep of the cutting tool, wherein the colliding sweep represents the volume swept by the non-cutting front of the cutting tool when the cutting tool follows the trajectory; testing a collision with the workpiece according to the determining step. Such a method improves the simulation of the machining of a workpiece with a cutting tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Dassault SystemesInventors: Nicolas Montana, Marc Monteil, Romain Nosenzo, Andre Lieutier
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Patent number: 9524584Abstract: A user with a cell phone interacts, in a personalized session, with an electronic sign system. In some embodiments, the user's location relative to the sign is discerned from camera imagery—either imagery captured by the cell phone (i.e., of the sign), or captured by the sign system (i.e., of the user). Demographic information about the user can be estimated from imagery captured acquired by the sign system, or can be accessed from stored profile data associated with the user. The sign system can transmit payoffs (e.g., digital coupons or other response data) to viewers—customized per user demographics. In some arrangements, the payoff data is represented by digital watermark data encoded in the signage content. The encoding can take into account the user's location relative to the sign—allowing geometrical targeting of different payoffs to differently-located viewers. Other embodiments allow a user to engage an electronic sign system for interactive game play, using the cell phone as a controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventor: Tony F. Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9524585Abstract: Embodiments related to efficiently constructing an augmented reality environment with global illumination effects are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of displaying an augmented reality image via a display device. The method includes receiving image data, the image data capturing an image of a local environment of the display device, and identifying a physical feature of the local environment via the image data. The method further includes constructing an augmented reality image of a virtual structure for display over the physical feature in spatial registration with the physical feature from a viewpoint of a user, the augmented reality image comprising a plurality of modular virtual structure segments arranged in adjacent locations to form the virtual structure feature, each modular virtual structure segment comprising a pre-computed global illumination effect, and outputting the augmented reality image to the display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Jonathan Steed, Aaron Krauss, Mike Scavezze, Wei Zhang, Arthur Tomlin, Tony Ambrus, Brian Mount, Stephen Latta, Ryan Hastings
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Patent number: 9524587Abstract: Technologies for adapting content to augmented reality virtual objects include a content consumption device to render selected content and a mobile computing device to render a virtual object within the physical environment of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device may transfer the virtual object to the content consumption device. The content consumption device may adapt the content based on the transferred virtual object, and render the adapted content. The adapted content may be selected from a number of pre-defined scenes, or may be generated to include the virtual object. The adapted content may include other characters or objects that react to the transferred virtual object. The virtual object may be transferred back to the mobile computing device with updated attributes. The content may be streamed from a content source over a network. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Glen J. Anderson
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Patent number: 9524588Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, systems, and computer readable storage media for facilitating enhanced visual communication between remote participants. In a particular embodiment, a method provides, during a conference session, receiving first video captured of a first participant remote to a physical meeting location. The method further provides determining a first position for the first participant in the physical meeting location and determining a view of an Augmented Reality (AR) head mounted display worn by a second participant at the physical meeting location. From the first video, the method provides generating AR video that makes the first participant appear to the second participant at the first position when viewed through the AR head mounted display. The method also includes transferring the AR video to the AR head mounted display for presentation to the second participant.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Avaya Inc.Inventors: Tamar Barzuza, Yair Wiener, Ori Modai, Azaria Cohen
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Patent number: 9524589Abstract: A system and method an interactive textile article including a textile material having a design object that includes one or more design object identifiers. The design object is associated with an augmented reality software program configured to include content related the design object. A processor configured to execute the augmented reality program so as to compile a design object depiction based the design object identifiers contained in the design object. The processor executes a first augmented content level of a plurality of augmented content levels so as to display 1) the design object depiction, 2) augmentation elements that are related to the design object, and 3) an input element configured to control the design object depiction and the augmentation elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Welspun India LimitedInventor: Dipali Goenka
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Patent number: 9524590Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for, in a computing system, modeling a subsurface structure at a time period when the structure was originally formed. A memory may store a first model having a plurality of non-planar horizons representing a current state of the subsurface structure. A processor may compute a vector field based on the non-planar geometry of the horizons of the first model. The vector field may be a non-uniform vector field (e.g., the axe and/or co-axe vector field) or a uniform vector field (e.g., a global axis). Using the vector field, the processor may transform geographic coordinates of the first model to paleo-geographic coordinates of a second model representing a predicted state of the subsurface structure at a time period when the subsurface structure was originally formed, where the non-planar horizons in the first model are transformed to planar horizons in the second model. A display may display the first model.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignees: PARADIGM SCIENCES LTD., Jean-Laurent MALLETInventor: Jean-Laurent Mallet
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Patent number: 9524591Abstract: The system is intended to block the tool operation for an operator holding a badge the authorized working time of which is over. The system comprises: the operator badge, comprising a storage memory for the working time carried out by the operator and a communication unit; the tool, comprising an accelerometric sensor and a housing for control and vibratory traceability comprising a communication module, arranged to exchange data with the operator badge and means for blocking the tool operation. For the vibratory charge traceability of the tool, in the tool, the accelerations experienced by the tool while operating and its corresponding working times, forming traceability data, are measured; the traceability data in the tool are saved; the traceability data are transmitted to an operator personal badge.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SOCIETE DE PROSPECTION ET D'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPITInventor: Jean-Pierre Coste
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Patent number: 9524592Abstract: Embodiments of techniques or systems for customization of, diagnostic assistance, and driving analytics related to snapshot data of a vehicle are provided herein. For example, a snapshot can be taken. The snapshot can be based on a snapshot package customized according to symptoms experienced by a driver of a vehicle, and analyzed individually or in conjunction with other snapshots to determine a trend. Additionally, the snapshot can be based on a configuration of a vehicle. In this scenario, the snapshot and the configuration of the vehicle can be used to provide an enhanced troubleshooting guide by removing non-suspect areas from consideration, thereby mitigating troubleshooting time. The snapshot can be setup to record parameters related to wear and tear on components of the vehicle. Suggestions can be made to a driver of the vehicle to reduce or mitigate actions that negatively impact wear and tear.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tim R. Jones, Rich Shannon
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Patent number: 9524593Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting telematics data from a vehicle. The systems include a smartphone holder that provides a communications link between a smartphone and a vehicle computer, through the smartphone dataport and the vehicle onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The smartphone holder is configured to keep the smartphone in a stable, known position and orientation with respect to the vehicle, such that data from an accelerometer in the smartphone can be calibrated. The smartphone accelerometer data and telematics data from vehicle telematics sensors is then transmitted via the smartphone or stored locally.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Andrew J. Amigo, Rohit S. Bodas
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Patent number: 9524594Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an access door of a secured area, a lock that controls access into the secured area through the door, a controller coupled to the lock, and a portable wireless device proximate the door, wherein the portable wireless device wirelessly retrieves an identifier from the door and wirelessly transfers the identifier of the door and a personal identifier of a person carrying the portable wireless device to the controller, and wherein the controller compares the received personal identifier with a list of identifiers of persons authorized to enter the secured area, determines that the received personal identifier matches an identifier of the list of identifiers, and activates the lock, thereby allowing physical entry by the person into the secured area.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Li Ouyang, Sheng Yi, Chen Chen
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Patent number: 9524595Abstract: A system and method for identity verification in a detention environment and for tracking information between individuals in a detention environment with individuals who are not in the detention environment across disparate functional systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Intelmate LLCInventors: Richard Torgersrud, Kevin O'Neil, Christopher Ditto, Grant Gongaware, Kevin E. Krauss, Erik Petersen
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Patent number: 9524596Abstract: There is provided a keyless entry control system for a plurality of outboard motors attached to a body of a ship. A plurality of engine control modules are provided in the plurality of outboard motors. A detector is connected to all of the plurality of engine control modules. In response to a detection result of the detector, use permission authentication on the plurality of engine control modules is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiya Kataoka
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Patent number: 9524597Abstract: A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: AutoConnect Holdings LLCInventor: Christopher P. Ricci
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Patent number: 9524598Abstract: A security entrance and exit control system includes a pair of protective walls and a ceiling for forming an aisle, an entrance door and an exit door, a plurality of entrance cameras, an entrance display, an entrance speaker, an infrared sensor, an aisle light, an aisle speaker, an aisle camera, and a control computer which compares an image of the face photographed by the entrance cameras with an image of a list provided in real time from a DB server.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Inventor: Jae-Sung Jang
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Patent number: 9524599Abstract: A vehicle key system includes a transmitting device issuing optical signals and a receiving device. The transmitting device includes a light source module. An optical signal with predetermined Identification (ID) information is generated by the light source module and the optical signal is converted into an electrical signal. A signal receiving module of the receiving device verifies the electrical signal and controls a vehicle to unlock. An electronic energy is converted into an electromagnetic signal and the electromagnetic signal is broadcast. A wireless charging receiver of the transmitting device receives the electromagnetic signal and generates the electronic energy. The present disclosure also provides a method for using the vehicle key system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shiang-Hua Lin, Kuang-Yao Liao, Ping-Mao Lee, Wen-Shian Tsai, Fang-Yu Jhao
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Patent number: 9524600Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic luggage locking device and airline baggage handling method mainly characterized by ease-of-use, enhanced security and efficiency by utilizing proximity access-gaining and authentication technologies, a plurality of sensors, embedded electronic storage and retrieval of luggage information. The luggage locking device is incorporated with an electronic communication system enables interactions with other sensor modules within the luggage, external smart devices and airline transport systems to form an unitary baggage handling system. The baggage handling system contents a method using application software and capable of indicating and communicating the said luggage information and locational identification within an airline transport systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: DIGIPAS USA, LLCInventors: Ming Hua Yong, Koh Wai Kin, Kuu Bi Yong, Jim Li Hui Hong
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Patent number: 9524601Abstract: A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless communications device and a lock assembly. The lock assembly may include a lock switchable between locked and unlocked positions, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry coupled to the interior and exterior directional antennas, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access wireless device is in an interior or an exterior area based upon directional antennas. The lock controller may also switch the lock to the locked position when the door is closed and when the remote access wireless device is in the interior area, and not switch the lock to the locked position when the door is open.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: UNIKEY TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventor: Philip C. Dumas
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Patent number: 9524602Abstract: A transmission arrangement for a radio station of an access system may include a printed circuit board with an upper main surface and a first metallization plane in which conducting paths are formed. A drive circuit for supplying a frequency signal and an antenna structure are also provided. The antenna structure includes a coupling device, a conductor structure and a continuous, electrically conductive path having first and second ends opposite each other. The coupling device is configured to couple a frequency signal supplied by the drive circuit into the conductor structure. The first and/or second ends form end(s) of the conductor structure. The printed circuit board is retained at a distance from the first and/or second end by a gas or an electrically non-conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Martin Weinberger
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Patent number: 9524603Abstract: An apparatus for conveying money items, which is configured to singulate money items during conveyance, sense characteristics of money items during conveyance and eject money items from a conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Crane Payment Solutions LimitedInventors: Robert Blythin, Kevin Mulvey
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Patent number: 9524604Abstract: A hand towel dispenser capable of data capture and transmission. The hand towel dispenser includes a reel shell for holding a hand towel roll that includes fresh dispenser material, a rotatably held reel that takes up used dispenser material, a measuring apparatus for capturing measured values that represent the quantity of used dispenser material, and a radio module that is connected to the measuring apparatus to receive the measured values captured by the measuring apparatus. The radio module is designed to transmit radio signals, each of which contains at least one measured value. The measuring apparatus includes at least one first sensor for capturing the quantity of used dispenser material. And, the sensor is connected to the radio module.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: CWS-Boco Supply AGInventor: Markus Erb
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Patent number: 9524605Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula that defines instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and add colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) to a receptacle on the scale, in accordance with the instructions, using current product packaging, such that specialized packaging requirements are not required.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SURETINT TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Mark Baran, Michael Wright, Joe Rygiel, Danny S. Creed
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Patent number: 9524606Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for providing casino game signage for a casino game which incorporates display information that is dynamically interchangeable between game specific and game non-specific information responsive to automatic detection of game play status at the game table. At least one electronic display is provided at respective casino game tables, and selected display information is wirelessly transmitted, and/or manually delivered, thereto. The display information which is displayed is dynamically selected based upon a sensor automatically detecting the status of play of the game, being game specific during play and selectively game specific and game non-specific during game play inactivity.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Visualimits, LLCInventors: Perry Brian Stasi, Ryan Patrick McClellan
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Patent number: 9524607Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to rearrange the symbols on the reels to represent winning payline patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.Inventor: Alejandro Carranza
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Patent number: 9524608Abstract: A game machine uses a lottery region having cell columns and symbol columns for providing a game opportunity, causes a special symbol column to appear in it, determines by lottery symbols of the special symbol column, causes the special symbol column containing the symbols obtained by a lottery result to appear and moves and stops the special symbol column so that the symbols of the special symbol column are arranged on the cells to be changed, and determines whether the symbols arranged in a cell group of a determination target form a prize winning pattern based on the symbols arranged by the special symbol column. Further, the game machine moves the special symbol column along each cell so that at least a direction crossing a movement direction of each symbol column is included as a movement direction of the special symbol column.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.Inventor: Daisuke Nakamura
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Patent number: 9524609Abstract: A gaming system which facilitates the two-way communication between mobile devices, such as mobile phones, and different gaming system components to enhance a player's gaming experience.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Michael Shorrock, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Mark C. Nicely
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Patent number: 9524610Abstract: A wagering game in a gaming machine includes symbols that are associated with multiple payoff levels. The symbols may have their payoff levels incremented and decremented based on certain predefined criteria. The criteria may be based on a winning outcome, random selection, the position of the symbols, the configuration of the symbols, and the like. As some symbols have their payoff levels incremented, other symbols have their payoff levels decremented. Each symbol may be graphically rendered in a manner to distinctively indicate the particular payoff level currently assigned to that symbol. In this way, the wagering game maintains a dynamic mix of symbols having different payoff levels and graphical renderings.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventor: Dion K. Aoki
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Patent number: 9524611Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more selectable objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.Inventors: Christopher James Weitzen, Eric Michael Lothspeich, Enock Etienne, Steven W. Davis, Dmitry M. Gerenrot
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Patent number: 9524612Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming systems that allow customers to wager, or “trade-in” an object of value or winning situation for a chance to win an even more valuable award. The chance for valuable award may be a bonus game or chance to win a bonus game. Bonus awards are “funded” by the savings achieved from the players trading in their wins in the base game, which would otherwise be paid. Players who do not trade-in see no changes from the base game paytable, while those players who participate in the trade-in bonus have a different gaming experience.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANYInventor: John F. Acres
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Patent number: 9524613Abstract: A bonus and/or promotion system, such as for a casino or other retail location, includes one or more sensors for detecting the presence of one or more persons at a location and a bonus or promotion generator configured to generate and output bonuses or promotions based upon detected levels of persons in an area. The bonus or promotion generator may provide an output to existing audio and/or visual display devices of the location for announcing bonuses or promotions.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Certus TechnologiesInventor: Rick Rowe
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Patent number: 9524614Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method for permanently increasing the average expected payback percentage of a game for a player. The gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with one or more designated point thresholds, each of which is associated with a quantity of points. The gaming system maintains a point balance for the player for the game. Upon an occurrence of a point accumulation event, the gaming system adds a quantity of points to the player's point balance for the game. When the player's point balance for the game reaches one of the designated point thresholds, the gaming system permanently modifies a feature of the game and/or adds a new feature to the game. In various embodiments, the modification to the feature and/or the new feature permanently increases the average expected payback percentage for the game for that player.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Mark C. Nicely
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Patent number: 9524615Abstract: A gaming system and method which displays a plurality of symbol displays having symbol sets distributed about circumferential paths thereof. The gaming system enables the player to select one or more directions of spin or circumferential paths for the symbol displays, and then spins the symbol displays in the selected direction(s) or along the selected circumferential paths. After the gaming system stops the spinning, each symbol display displays at least one randomly generated symbol of the symbol set extending along the circumferential path of that symbol display which corresponds to the direction of spin of that symbol display. The gaming system evaluates the displayed symbols for any winning combinations. The gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the displayed winning combinations.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Jib I. Daeges, Bryan D. Wolf, Dorothy Cheung
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Patent number: 9524616Abstract: A gaming system having a plurality of game devices, a game controller, a shared experience controller and a method for operation thereof is disclosed. Each game device allows a player to make a wager on a game and awards the respective player an award as a function as a result of a winning condition for the game played by the respective player. The game controller is coupled to the game devices for playing the game, randomly establishing the actual outcome of the game, and determining if any of the players have a winning condition. The shared experience controller is coupled to the game devices for recognizing a bonus condition for one of the players, responsively providing a choice of items to one or more other players, and providing a bonus award to the one player and/or any of the other players in response to selection of on of the items.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Alan Roireau
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Patent number: 9524617Abstract: A gaming system and method which forms, tracks and maintains one or more groups or teams. The gaming system and method also maintains at least one team progressive award. At any designated point in time, each group or team includes one or more players, wherein as a player plays one or more games at one or more gaming devices, the player accumulates or builds up equity in their current team or group. Upon a determination to provide a team progressive award to a player of a designated team, each eligible player actively associated with the designated team (i.e., each player actively belonging to the team) is provided a portion of the team progressive award. Each player's provided portion of the team progressive award is based on that player's relative accumulated equity in the designated team compared to each other eligible player's accumulated equity in the designated team.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. De Waal
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Patent number: 9524618Abstract: A card reading device includes a card shoe part in which cards are housed, a card reading part that reads information on the cards drawn out, a control part that determines the outcome of a game based on the read information on the cards, and display parts that display the determined outcome of the game. In a tabletop game system, the information on the cards read by the card reading part and information on the game outcome determined by the control part are transmitted from the card reading device to a main computer apparatus via wireless communication. The card reading device includes a battery that supplies electric power to the control part, the display parts and a wireless output part. The card reading device, as such, is capable of facilitating moving the card reading device in a participatory tabletop game.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
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Patent number: 9524619Abstract: Systems and methods enable one or more players to play a wagering game. A game system includes a game server configured to connect to at least one gaming device over a network. The game server includes a processor configured to provide at least one wagering game to a player using the gaming device. Each wagering game is played by a plurality of players at a virtual table who are dealt a plurality of cards to form a hand, and the hand satisfying a winning criterion is determined to be a winning hand. The game system also includes at least one non-relational database configured to be connected to the game server. The database is configured to store a state of the hands of each table as a plurality of document-oriented datasets.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Z4 POKER, LLCInventors: Eric D. Colvin, Paul Zain, Matthew Joseph Kaufman, Tobias Block
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Patent number: 9524620Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bryan D. Wolf, Theodore M. Gail, Tracy L. Powell, Ali M. Saffari
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Patent number: 9524621Abstract: A mobile terminal inputs a sound effect output from a communication device through a microphone in response to completion of access to an IC module, and determines whether a sound pattern of the input sound effect indicates a preset sound pattern. When it is determined that the sound pattern of the input sound effect indicates the preset sound pattern, the mobile terminal transmits specific information to a specific destination.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Rakuten, Inc.Inventors: Yutaka Jinno, Hideki Akashika
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Patent number: 9524622Abstract: Light-based systems for communicating information associated with service orders and/or the identification of personal objects are disclosed. A personal mobile electronic communication device is used in conjunction with a communication network and a lighting controller to communicate service orders by lighting with one or more individually controllable luminaries in a lighting network. A personal mobile electronic communication device is, alternatively or additionally, used in conjunction with a communication network, a memory, and a lighting controller controlling to indicate by lighting whether there is an association between the personal mobile electronic communication device and a personal item.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Damien Gerard Loveland, Lucas Leo Desiree Van Der Poel, Dragan Sekulovski, Arend Jan Wilhelmus Abraham Vermeulen
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Patent number: 9524623Abstract: A method is provided for indicating automatically identified flaws on or in a test specimen. A location of a defect on or in a test specimen identified by an inspection unit is subsequently indicated. A lighting unit, for example color LEDs, is used to generate an illuminated indicator marking the location of the defect on the surface or on at least one adjoining lateral edge of the test specimen. After the automatic identification of the flaw, it is checked on the basis of quantifiable properties of the defect whether the defect meets a predefinable quality criterion, and an illuminated indicator marking the location of the defect at or on the test specimen is generated only if the quality criterion is not met. The coloring of the marking illuminated indicator is predefined depending on quantifiable properties of the defect.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: VIPROTRON GMBHInventor: Kai Vogel
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Patent number: 9524624Abstract: A method of generating a haptic effect on a linear resonance actuator (“LRA”) having a resonant frequency includes receiving a haptic effect signal for the haptic effect, where the haptic effect comprises a desired frequency that is off-resonant from the LRA. The method further includes generating a first sine wave at the desired frequency and generating a second sine wave at or near the resonant frequency. The method further includes combining the first sine wave and the second sine wave to generate a drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Stephen D. Rank, Erin B. Ramsay, Henry Da Costa, Arnab Sen, Elena Renee Redelsheimer
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Patent number: 9524625Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing transmission and localized reception of audio, visual, and tactile signaling are taught for a myriad of useful purposes, including embodiments that permit differentiation between selected groups of intended recipients to permit simultaneous use of multiple instances of this technology in close proximity, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Inventors: Frederick G. Nesemeier, Gary F. Nesemeier, David C. Williams