Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9600914
    Abstract: An imaging system (10) generates a layered reconstructed radiograph (LRR) (66) of a subject. The system (10) takes as input a three-dimensional (3D) or higher dimensional data set (68) of the object, e.g. data produced by an image scanner (12). At least one processor (32) is programmed to define a set of two-dimensional (2D) projection images and associated view windows (60, 62, 64) corresponding to a set of voxel value (tissue) types with corresponding voxel value specification (50); determine the contribution of each processed voxel along each of a plurality of rays (72) through the 3D data set (68) to one of the predetermined voxel value (tissue) types in accordance with each voxel value with respect to the voxel value selection specification (50); and concurrently generate a 2D projection image corresponding to each of the voxel value specifications and related image view windows (60, 62, 64) based on the processed voxel values satisfying the corresponding voxel value specification (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Sean Frigo
  • Patent number: 9600915
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for cross-platform data visualizations using common descriptions. Embodiments of the invention provide mechanisms for simplifying software development and enhanced code reliability. A user interface, along with interactive and dynamic characteristics, can be described (programmatically and/or declaratively) independently of any specific device platform. User interface qualities can be described using a generic scene graph structure with attached behaviors. The generic scene graph can then be used to drive the user interface on any number of different computing platforms using platform specific (e.g., rendering, gesture recognition, etc.) sub-systems. Platform specific sub-systems can vary based on technologies that are used by the platform specific sub-systems. For example, rendering sub-systems can vary based on the technology used to render graphical data, such as, for example, Open GL, XAML, Direct X, Quartz, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Fabian O. Winternitz, Aditya Unnithan, David Paul Hill, Jeffrey A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9600916
    Abstract: The image processing apparatus includes a candidate image acquisition unit acquiring candidate images for use in creating a composite image, a processed image determination unit determining about whether candidate images are unprocessed original images or processed images, an image count determination unit determining about whether or not the number of original images included in the candidate images is equal to or greater than a threshold value set in advance based on the determination result by the processed image determination unit, and a use image determination unit which determines when the number of original images is equal to or greater than the threshold value, only the original images are used in creating the composite image and determines when the number of original images is less than the threshold value, the original images and the processed images are used in creating the composite image or stops the creation of the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Saito, Daisuke Yamada
  • Patent number: 9600917
    Abstract: An image processing device may judge whether to execute a first type of enlarging process or a second type of enlarging process based on M lines of letter strings in an original image, in a case of judging to execute the first type of enlarging process, generate a first type of processed image data indicating a first type of processed image by executing the first type of enlarging process, and in a case of judging to execute the second type of enlarging process, generate a second type of processed image data indicating a second type of processed image by executing the second type of enlarging process. A layout of the plurality of letters in the second type of processed image is different from a layout of the plurality of letters in the first type of processed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Hasegawa, Masaki Kondo, Ryohei Ozawa, Yoshiyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9600918
    Abstract: A method includes displaying a background image on a display screen. The method further includes receiving, from an input device, a signal indicative of a free hand line being drawn over the background image. The signal includes coordinates of points of the free hand line with respect to the display screen. The free hand line is independent of content represented in the background image. The method further includes storing the signal in a storage device. The method further includes generating a smooth stiff line based on the stored signal. The method further includes displaying the smooth stiff line over the background image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Rafael Wiemker, Tobias Klinder, Daniel Bystrov, Torbjorn Vik
  • Patent number: 9600919
    Abstract: Aspects of the present innovations relate to systems and/or methods involving multimedia modules, objects or animations. According to an illustrative implementation, one method may include accepting at least one input keyword relating to a subject for the animation and performing processing associated with templates. Further, templates may generates different types of output, and each template may include components for display time, screen location, and animation parameters. Other aspects of the innovations may involve providing search results, retrieving data from a plurality of web sites or data collections, assembling information into multimedia modules or animations, and/or providing module or animation for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Doug Imbruce, Owen Bossola, Louis Monier, Rasmus Knutsson, Christian Le Cocq
  • Patent number: 9600920
    Abstract: A method for creating an animation message includes generating input information containing information regarding input time and input coordinates according to input order of drawing information input through a touch screen; dividing an image containing the drawing information and background information into a plurality of blocks; creating an animation message by mapping the input information to the plurality of blocks so that the drawing information can be sequentially reproduced according to the input order; allocating a parity bit per pre-set block range of the animation message in order to detect an error occurring in the animation message; and transmitting the created animation message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Hyuk Lee, Mu-Sik Kwon, Sang-Wook Oh, Do-Hyeon Kim, Hee-Bum Ahn, Seong-Taek Hwang
  • Patent number: 9600921
    Abstract: There are provided an interactive design system and method for character crafting. An example system includes a memory storing a machine software application and a processor configured to execute the machine software application to receive a plurality of components for a character, the plurality of components including at least a first component and a second component, receive a movement for the character, the movement including a first pose for the character and a second pose for the character, calculate a linkage for the first component and the second component based on the movement, and generate an updated character by connecting the second component to the first component using the linkage. The linkage may include at least one of a connector, a trimmer, and a propagation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Thomaszewski, Vittorio Megaro, Markus Gross, Stelian Coros
  • Patent number: 9600922
    Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an extracting unit extracts mutually the same region of interest from each of a plurality of pieces of three-dimensional image data corresponding to mutually-different time phases. Further, a position determining unit determines, on the basis of feature points included in the pieces of three-dimensional image data, a position used for superimposing together the regions of interest extracted by the extracting unit from the pieces of three-dimensional image data, in substantially the same position of a subject. After that, a display controlling unit changes a display format of each of the regions of interest extracted by the extracting unit from the pieces of three-dimensional image data so as to be mutually different and causes a superimposed image to be displayed by superimposing the regions of interest together in the position determined by the position determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Tsukagoshi, Takashi Tsutsumi, Yasuko Fujisawa, Manabu Teshigawara, Akira Adachi
  • Patent number: 9600923
    Abstract: Various implementations provide a resolution-specific attribute for a resolution-invariant region. Several implementations provide an SCM-based disparity value for scale-invariant cells. Particular implementations provide a signal or structure that includes such an attribute. Yet further implementations access such an attribute, and process the attribute. One particular implementation accesses an attribute for a region of a picture. The region is coextensive with a first integer number of pixels in a particular resolution, and with a second integer number of pixels in a second resolution. The attribute is specific to the region and to a combination resolution determined as a combination of the particular resolution and the second resolution. The attribute is converted to provide an attribute specific to the particular resolution. The converted attribute is associated with the first integer number of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: William Gibbens Redmann
  • Patent number: 9600924
    Abstract: A method and calculation unit are disclosed for reconstructing an image from measured projection data. In an embodiment, the method includes reconstructing an initial image from the projection data via back-projection; dividing the initial image into contiguous blocks of voxels; defining groups of voxels, wherein each group is defined by selecting one voxel from each block, each voxel having the same position relative to the other voxels within its block; updating the voxel values for all voxels within one group by minimizing a function consisting of a weighted sum of a first term representing the geometry of the data acquisition process, and a second regularization term; and repeating the updating of the voxel values for all voxels within one group until all groups have been updated at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
    Inventors: Frédéric Noo, Katharina Schmitt, Harald Schöndube
  • Patent number: 9600925
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) console receives slow calibration data from an imaging device and fast calibration data from an inertial measurement unit on a VR headset including a front and a rear rigid body. The slow calibration data includes an image where only the locators on the rear rigid body are visible. An observed position is determined from the slow calibration data and a predicted position is determined from the fast calibration data. If a difference between the observed position and the predicted position is greater than a threshold value, the predicted position is adjusted by a temporary offset until the difference is less than the threshold value. The temporary offset is removed by re-calibrating the rear rigid body to the front rigid body once locators on both the front and rear rigid body are visible in an image in the slow calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Dov Katz, Jonathan Shine, Robin Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 9600926
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for decoupling visibility bins and render tile dimensions for tiled rendering. In one embodiment of the invention, a single visibility pass over the scene objects is performed and all the visibility bins are generated in parallel. This allows for high performance when the number of render tiles exceeds the number of visibility bins. The regions upon which visibility testing/recording is done is decoupled from the render tile regions in one embodiment of the invention. This allows a given visibility bin to map to multiple render tiles, thus allowing a fixed number of visibility bins to support any number of render tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Peter L. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9600927
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the shape of an object based on shadows cast by the object are described. An example method may include receiving a plurality of images of an object casting a shadow. Each image may include a shadow cast by the object as the object is illuminated by a light source that moves over a plurality of positions. The method may further include determining, by a computing device, respectively for each image of the plurality of images a two-dimensional (2D) silhouette of the object and a respective position of the light source relative to the object. According to the method, a three-dimensional (3D) object data model of the object may be generated by the computing device based on the 2D silhouette of the object and the respective position of the light source relative to the object for each image of the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Thor Lewis, Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9600928
    Abstract: A method and device for automatically identifying a point of interest (e.g., the deepest or highest point) on the surface of an anomaly on a viewed object using a video inspection device is disclosed. The video inspection device obtains and displays an image of the surface of the viewed object. A reference surface is determined along with a region of interest that includes a plurality of points on the surface of the anomaly. The video inspection device determines a depth or height for each of the plurality of points on the surface of the anomaly in the region of interest. The point on the surface of the anomaly (e.g., having the greatest depth or height) is identified as the point of interest. A profile of the object surface at the point of interest is then determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Clark Alexander Bendall, Melissa Rose Stancato, Michael Melvin Ball
  • Patent number: 9600929
    Abstract: System, computer-readable medium and method are provided for differencing (diffing) first and second sets of 3D voxel data to identify differences that may exist between the two sets. The system includes a 64-bit processor, a memory, and a display. The memory is loaded with the two sets of 3D voxel data arranged in a 64-tree data structure, wherein an occupied or empty state of each voxel is indicated by 1 bit. The processor executes a 3D voxel diffing algorithm including steps of: (i) aligning the first and second sets of 3D voxel data; (ii) making a one-to-one comparison between each voxel in the first set and a corresponding voxel in the second set to create a diff model that records differences found between the first and second sets; and (iii) displaying the content of the diff model on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NGRAIN (Canada) Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Young, Andrew Woo, Meru Brunn
  • Patent number: 9600930
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for optimizing display of information such as map data on a mobile device. Certain embodiments may include receiving, at a mobile device, a first and second set of placement data associated with a first and second object. The mobile device may then determine overlap between a representation of the first object and the second object in a rendering of an image comprising the representation of the first object and the second object, using a set of viewing parameters, the first set of placement data and the second set of placement data. The set of viewing parameters may be adjusted to reduce overlap between the representation of the first object and the second object in the rendering of the image. In additional embodiments, 3D enhancements to two-dimensional map objects may be added to enhance the presentation of the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jiajian Chen, Saumitra Mohan Das, Hui Chao
  • Patent number: 9600931
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a control unit that controls generation of image information of three-dimensional space based on position information indicating a position of a terminal device and orientation information indicating an orientation of the terminal device, and an obtaining unit that obtains a request for a change related to the generation of the image information. The control unit controls the generation in a manner that first image information of the three-dimensional space corresponding to the position and the orientation is generated, and when obtaining the request, the control unit controls the generation in a manner that second image information of the three-dimensional space corresponding to the position, the orientation, and the change is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Tange, Toshihiko Kawai, Atsushi Kuribayashi, Megumi Kikiuchi, Shigefumi Tamura
  • Patent number: 9600932
    Abstract: An exemplary method for navigating among photos includes determining, using one or more computing devices, visual characteristics of a person depicted in a first image associated with a first location. These visual characteristics of the person are detected in a second image associated with a second location. Using the one or more computing devices, a series of intermediate images are identified based on the first location and the second location. Each intermediate image is associated with a location. The series of intermediate images and the second image are provided. Images of an intermediate destination from the series of intermediate images are selected based on a density of images at the intermediate destination. A 3D reconstruction of the intermediate destination is then generated based on the selected images. Thereafter, a visual presentation of images traversing through the 3D reconstruction of the intermediate destination to the second image is prepared for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Maxwell Seitz
  • Patent number: 9600933
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, apparatuses and methods to provide image data, augmented with related data, to be displayed on a mobile computing device. Embodiments of the invention display a live view augmented with information identifying an object amongst other objects. Embodiments of the invention may utilize other related data, such as 3D point cloud data, image data and location data related to the object, to obtain a specific location of an object within the live view. Embodiments of the invention may further display a live view with augmented data three-dimensionally consistent with the position and orientation of the image sensor of the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Wu, Gabriel Takacs, Maha El Choubassi, Igor V. Kozintsev
  • Patent number: 9600934
    Abstract: A server to perform a selected therapy on a user. The server may include a processor which may obtain activity information (AI) including information related to one or more of augmented-reality (AR) activity information, AR anatomical feature information, and range-of-motion (ROM) information; obtain user information including information related to one or more of the anatomy and physiology of the user; determine expected range-of-motion (EROM) information in accordance with the AI and the user information; track selected body parts (SBPs) of the user corresponding with the AR anatomical feature information; and/or render one or more augmented-reality limbs (ARLs) in relation with one or more corresponding SBPs of the user on a display of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ORANGE
    Inventors: Adam Odessky, Rashid Clark
  • Patent number: 9600935
    Abstract: Methods of interacting with a mixed reality are presented. A mobile device captures an image of a real-world object where the image has content information that can be used to control a mixed reality object through an offered command set. The mixed reality object can be real, virtual, or a mixture of both real and virtual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nant Holdings IP, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald H. Cohen
  • Patent number: 9600936
    Abstract: A method of mixing or compositing in real-time, computer generated 3D objects and a video feed from a film camera in which the body of the film camera can be moved in 3D and sensors in or attached to the camera provide real-time positioning data defining the 3D position and 3D orientation of the camera, or enabling the 3D position to be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NCAM TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Samuel Boivin, Brice Michoud
  • Patent number: 9600937
    Abstract: A method of providing an image to be displayed includes providing captured scene data representing one or more images of a real scene and providing illumination data representing real illumination impinging on the real scene, providing a virtual reality image of a theoretical object by modeling said theoretical object using said illumination data to define illumination impinging on the theoretical object, and providing a combined image including elements of the real scene based on said captured scene data and including said virtual reality image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Worldscape, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Rogina
  • Patent number: 9600938
    Abstract: Systems and methods directed to augmented reality environments on mobile devices having a single camera are disclosed. The single camera of the mobile device captures the images of one or more markers, and based on the relative size of the markers, determines the position of the camera and the absolute distance relative to the markers. The mobile device establishes a zero parallax plane set at the bottom of the 3D virtual object superimposed on the physical marker. Reduced alignment errors occur between the lower end of the virtual object and the real-world markers, and the virtual object appears to be standing on the real-world object. As a result, the augmented reality stereo experience for the user is more comfortable as the display is matched between virtual objects and the real objects to make the overall scene more realistic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: EON REALITY, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Kjallstrom, Simon Kim Ivarsson
  • Patent number: 9600939
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for augmenting visual information to simulate an appearance of an object and/or a person at an adjustable position and angle. The visual information may be captured by an image sensor. The object and/or the person may have been captured at multiple angles. A user may select at which particular position and angle the appearance will be superimposed and/or otherwise combined with the visual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Augmently, LLC
    Inventors: Sagi Kormandel, Kelly Chu
  • Patent number: 9600940
    Abstract: Method and systems for processing at least one three-dimensional (3D) graphic object include: identifying a change of 3D graphic objects, creating a message, assigning a unique identifier; and forwarding the message and the unique identifier to a scene engine. The change is made by an authoring tool. The message is embedded with change information corresponding to the change. The scene engine functions can be performed by the same or a different computing device as the computing device performing the authoring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kalloc Studios Asia Limited
    Inventor: Kin Kwok Yu
  • Patent number: 9600941
    Abstract: An image, which can be analyzed by a computer and shows at least one face of an item, is generated for an item that is to be transported at a predefined time. By automatic analysis of the image, the arrangement determines, for at least one of a plurality of predetermined optically detectable features, the value of the feature for the image of the item. The identification feature value vector generated is automatically compared with stored registration feature value vectors. A record for a particular item contains six registration feature value vectors and each of the six registration feature value vectors specifies a value for each predefined optically detectable feature for each one of six faces of the item. When the identification feature value vector matches a stored registration feature value vector with sufficient accuracy, a message is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Gisbert Berger, Thomas Breuer, Bernd Hartmann, Andreas Marschner, Thomas Schoellhorn, Michael Zettler
  • Patent number: 9600942
    Abstract: A method and system for notifying an alarm state of a vehicle include displaying an alarm corresponding to an alarm state of an alarm state occurring in a vehicle, and determining whether a driver recognizes the displayed alarm. The alarm is displayed in a different manner based on a recognition frequency and duration of time the driver recognized the alarm when it is determined that the driver recognizes the displayed alarm. An alarm sound is output for a period of time when it is determined that the driver does not recognize the displayed alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yu Kyoung Sung
  • Patent number: 9600943
    Abstract: A method comprising receiving map data that is associated with a location of an autonomous vehicle, determining an operational state of the autonomous vehicle, determining that the map data and the operational state satisfy a local assistance request criteria, and causing rendering of a local assistance request based, at least in part, on the determination that the map data and the operational state satisfy the local assistance request criteria is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Leon Oliver Stenneth
  • Patent number: 9600944
    Abstract: An aerodynamic audit system is provided for performing an audit process of an aircraft using a computing device via a network. An inspection module inspects at least a portion of the aircraft for locating and measuring any aerodynamic defects present by generating an inspection list having a predetermined inspection path. A display device displays the inspection path and accepts a measurement of any located aerodynamic defect. A fuel penalty estimation module calculates an estimated fuel penalty of the aerodynamic defect based on the measurement of the corresponding aerodynamic defect. A defect correction analysis module analyzes the aerodynamic defect based on a cost and benefit assessment. A findings collection module generates an audit report based on the inspection and analysis of the aerodynamic defect. A database stores data associated with the aerodynamic defect and the corresponding fuel penalty based on the cost and benefit assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Airbus SAS, Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Dominique Garel, Jean-Max Huet, Tim Chant, Simon Weselby, Anne-Lise Ricard
  • Patent number: 9600945
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for remote monitoring of a premises, comprising the steps of operatively coupling a geographically remote client to a security system server which is capable of authenticating a user of the remote client, operatively coupling the remote client to a security gateway which is capable of managing the monitoring of the premises, activating a signal at the premises for notifying an occupant at the premises that remote monitoring is occurring, and transferring information between the security gateway and the remote client. The transfer of information between the security gateway and the remote client is controlled by the user of the remote client. The security gateway may be operably coupled to at least one camera at the premises and to at least one audio station at the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Surendra N. Naidoo, William P. Glasgow, Gregory E. Feldkamp
  • Patent number: 9600946
    Abstract: When attending an event at a venue, the attendee typically presents ticket information that is scanned by a venue scanner. The process associated with scanning can be dispensed with, which can improve attendee experiences, reduce costs associated with managing a venue, as well as other advantages. For example, instead of scanning a ticket at a point of ingress to the venue, a device of the user can self-scan the ticket, and then present indicia that indicates this process has occurred. The indicia can be presented to a guest services representative, who can verify that a valid ticket was redeemed by merely observing the indicia and without scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FLASH SEATS LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Gerace, Michael Rojas, Matthew Servant
  • Patent number: 9600947
    Abstract: A lock system including a first device which has at least two states and is embodied as a control device, and an associated second device which is embodied in the manner of an electronic key, an ID signal generator, a chip card or the like. The two devices have transmitters and/or receivers for, in particular, electromagnetic signals. In particular, at least one of the signals transmitted between the second device and the first device is an encoded operating signal for authenticating the second device, with the result that after positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal in the case of an authorized second device it is possible to bring about a change in the state of the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Obergfell
  • Patent number: 9600948
    Abstract: A keyless entry apparatus includes: a vehicle-side device provided in a vehicle, the device including a vehicle-side transmitter that transmits a request signal and a vehicle-side receiver that receives an answer signal; and a mobile device including a mobile device receiver that receives the request signal and a mobile device transmitter that transmits the answer signal in accordance with the request signal. The vehicle-side device includes at least one modulator that modulates the request signal, the mobile device includes at least one demodulator that demodulates the request signal in accordance with the corresponding at least one modulator, and the request signal includes a signal modulated by the at least one modulator. Switching between modulation methods for the request signal is performed at at least one timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9600949
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, and devices for wireless key management for authentication. One method includes receiving a lock identifier from a locking device; determining that the lock identifier is associated with a user profile, wherein a user profile is authenticated and encrypted by a server using a lock key that is stored by the server and the locking device, and wherein the user profile comprises a user key; transmitting the user profile; decrypting the user profile using the lock key; transmitting a security code; generating an encrypted command comprising the security code and encrypted using the user key; transmitting the command; validating the command. Validating the command can include decrypting using the user key; determining whether the security code is valid; and authenticating using the user key; and initiating, in response to validating, an action of the locking device as specified by the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Conrad, Yi Zhang, Nemanja Stefanovic
  • Patent number: 9600950
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a vehicle communication module in the vehicle, a remote start system in the vehicle, and a vehicle processor. The vehicle processor is configured to determine if the vehicle is in a garage, and further configured to receive an indication of a remote start request from the remote start system, receive a garage door status from a garage door opener using the vehicle communication module, and determine, based on the received garage door status, if a garage door is closed. In response to determining that the garage door is closed, the vehicle systems transmits a remote command to the garage door opener formatted to cause the garage door opener to open the garage door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard J. Chutorash, James E. Trainor, Jeffrey Golden, Steven L. Geerlings
  • Patent number: 9600951
    Abstract: A security element for marking, authenticating or identifying objects or living beings, such as people, animals or plants is provided that includes one or more layers of materials that are arranged next to or on top of each other or that overlap, which have security markings. At least one layer of the security element has, at least regionally, a crackle pattern in form of tears or cracks, nicks, wear areas or shrinkages and possible impurities, which can be scanned and detected together or separately as security features. A method for producing such a security element and to a use thereof for authenticating a person or an object, or for authorizing, triggering, continuing, carrying out and ending an action is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Friedrich Kisters
  • Patent number: 9600952
    Abstract: A method for checking a value document of a specified value-document type has a window which has a foil region. The measurement values for an ultrasound transmission of the value document are established in a spatially resolved manner, and it is checked while employing the measurement values whether for a specified number of locations in a specified checking region the ultrasound transmission according to a specified criterion is greater than a specified minimum ultrasound transmission that is characteristic of a specified portion, lying outside the checking region, of at least one value document of the specified value-document type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Jan Domke, Ingo Scholz
  • Patent number: 9600953
    Abstract: An authentication apparatus operative to determine the authenticity of an item comprising a film substrate responsive to detection that a portion of said item located in a measuring region of said apparatus has a predetermined birefringence characteristic, said apparatus comprising: an item detection arrangement operative to determine if at least a portion of an item is located in a measuring region of said authentication apparatus; and an optically-based birefringence measuring apparatus, wherein said authentication apparatus is operative to compare a measured birefringence characteristic with a predetermined birefringence characteristic and to produce an authenticity signal indicative of authenticity or otherwise of said item based upon said comparison, said apparatus further comprising a control means operative to control output of said authenticity signal from said apparatus responsive to determination, by said item detection arrangement, of presence or otherwise of said at least a portion of said item in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: INNOVIA FILMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Stewart
  • Patent number: 9600954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing data during an Application Selection process from a processing device to an interface device, wherein it comprises a step of modifying dynamically at least a part of said data from transaction to transaction, said at least part of data being a dynamic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GEMALTO SA
    Inventor: Shaun Iversen
  • Patent number: 9600955
    Abstract: A controller of a gaming machine executes a normal round of a game to spin reels of a first display, and triggers a chance round of the game when a result of the normal round satisfies a predetermined condition. The controller displays a wheel and a plurality of touch areas on a second display, and the wheel includes a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas corresponding to a number of free rounds. When any one of the touch areas is touched and slid by a player, the controller spinning the wheel in a direction corresponding to the slid touch area, and randomly determines a number of free rounds. The controller stops the wheel at a position of an area that corresponds to the determined number of free rounds among the plurality of areas, and provides free rounds having the determined number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenta Kitamura, Masumi Fujisawa, Tatsuya Teranishi, Takeshi Kada, Kazuo Okada
  • Patent number: 9600956
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Aaron T. Jones, Nicole M. Beaulieu, Lance R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9600957
    Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Jonathan Quitt, Warner Cockerille, Christopher D. Carlisle, Andrew Kertesz, Suzanne O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 9600958
    Abstract: Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome. Different sets of modifiers may be accessed randomly or under different conditions and events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Keith Lange, Alexander Villagran
  • Patent number: 9600959
    Abstract: In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CFPH, LLP
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Kevin Burman, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Antonio Papageorgiou, Joseph M. Asher
  • Patent number: 9600960
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Sudoku style hybrid game on a mobile device are disclosed. Sudoku style hybrid games can include a themed entertainment game in which a player places symbols into a Sudoku puzzle and events within the entertainment portion of the Sudoku style entertainment game can trigger wagers in a real world game of chance. The outcome of the wagers can result in payouts of real world credit and can also affect gameplay within the Sudoku style entertainment game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Caitlyn Ross, Scott Shimmin
  • Patent number: 9600961
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a system that rewards identified players with certain benefits that can be used within a base game of a gaming device. Benefits may have a redemption period that differs from the accumulation period, and may have expiration periods. Benefits may expire at different rates. Some of the benefits directly affect the paytable of the base machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9600962
    Abstract: A dual mode progressive bingo video gaming system that allows the switching between Class II and Class III gaming rules on a play by play basis and encourages play on the system by enhancing the player's experience with a bingo-based progressive jackpot integrated into games on the gaming system or that can be added as a separate plug-in module to virtually any base game regardless of classification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: MPBINGO, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Weingardt
  • Patent number: 9600963
    Abstract: A gaming machine, system, and method for conducting a wagering game utilizing artificially intelligent players. A game is initiated by accepting a wager from a bettor at a gaming machine, displaying a plurality of artificially intelligent player profiles as potential players of a game at the gaming machine, and designating a matchup of at least two of the players for playing the game at the gaming machine. The bettor designates a selected player from the at least two players playing the game. The game is presented at the gaming machine. The RNG is utilized just for randomizing game pieces for playing the game. The artificially intelligent players determine the game play decisions. The game outcome between the artificially intelligent players is determined and wagers are paid out or collected according to the game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jimmie Ray Kilby