Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9600964
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a symbol display device, a top box, and a controller. The symbol display device is capable of variably displaying and then rearranging a plurality of symbols. The top box is disposed at an upper part of the symbol display device and has an illumination target disposed on a front face and a plurality of visual recognition targets disposed therein. The controller is programmed to: variably display and then rearrange symbols on the symbol display device to thereby execute a normal game; execute an animation character acquisition game for acquiring a specific animation character from among a plurality of animation characters in accordance with specific symbols being rearranged in the normal game; and move at least one visual recognition target from among the plurality of visual recognition targets, based on a result of the animation character acquisition game. This configuration enables a player to be given notice in a mode of moving a visual recognition target in the top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jun Hirato, Takeshi Iso, Megumi Shimohata, Kou Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9600965
    Abstract: A modified gaming machine includes a plurality of gaming machine peripheral devices for use in implementing one or more games to a player, and a master gaming controller configured to implement primary gaming machine functionality, including generating and transmitting information to the plurality of gaming machine peripherals. The modified gaming machine further comprises a secondary controller interposed between one or more of the plurality of gaming machine peripheral devices and the master gaming controller, whereby the secondary controller may forward information generated by the master gaming controller to the gaming machine peripheral devices and transmit secondary information to the peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Sam Johnson, Chad Ryan, Bradley G. Ward
  • Patent number: 9600966
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for associating a player identifier with a stored value account. The stored value account can holds funds that are accessible through the player's use of a stored value payment vehicle. Information associated with transactions using the stored value payment vehicle can be used for player relationship purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sightline Interactive LLC
    Inventors: Kirk E. Sanford, Thomas M. Sears, Omer Sattar
  • Patent number: 9600967
    Abstract: A slot machine issues a percentage of one or more progressive awards based upon any wager level (“Percentage Progressive”). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Percentage Progressive concept operates as follows: The game displays the total progressive award amount; The player sets the wager; The game displays a Percentage Progressive value based upon the wager level; The player presses the spin button; The reels to spin and stop; The player collects credits for any winning combinations appearing on the reels, including pay table and progressive awards. In the event of a progressive award, the player receives the Percentage Progressive value*total progressive award amount. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, allows players to participate in progressive awards at any wager level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer, Howard M. Marks
  • Patent number: 9600968
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Yuliya Hungate, Christina Evans, James A. Vasquez, Tonja M. Ferry, Erick T. Ching
  • Patent number: 9600969
    Abstract: In a method of wagering, one or more primary bettors place wagers having an applicable base take-out or rake rate, and thus yielding a base payout for winning wagers. One or more secondary bettors may place wagers having an applicable modified take-out or rake rate (preferably lower than the base take-out or rake rate), thus yielding a higher payout for winning wagers than the base payout. The wagering may occur relative to card games such as poker, or other types of games or events, including sports betting. Bets may be placed with a host, such as a casino or track, or an off-track entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Louis J. Tavano
  • Patent number: 9600970
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game including game symbols arranged into an array of predetermined game positions. An electronic game controller designates at least one of the predetermined game positions as a special game position in the array such that a special symbol appearing in the special game position in a play of the game causes the electronic game controller to award a game enhancing element to the player. The special game position is visually indicated on the array to the player during the play by a graphical element associated with the special game position. A gaming method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ainsworth Game Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jason Meyer
  • Patent number: 9600971
    Abstract: A wagering apparatus enables play of that game on an underlying electronic gaming apparatus. The apparatus includes: a) a first player position and input controls at the first player position; b) the processor is in communication with the first player input controls; c) a first player seat at each first player position; d) a second player input control associated with the player seat more distal from the gaming apparatus than the first player seat; e) the second player input control in communication with the processor and having second player input controls that enable wagering on any wagering game on the gaming apparatus; and f) the processor configured to accept wagers from both the first player input controls and the second player input controls and to resolve wagers from the first player input controls and the second player input controls based upon game outcomes on the gaming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: INTERBLOCK D.D.
    Inventor: Joze Pececnik
  • Patent number: 9600972
    Abstract: A first game system includes plural terminal devices at which a game can be played by a player; and a game server configured to communicate with the terminal devices. The first game server stores game data corresponding to the game in a database, and updates game data stored in the database in accordance with the progress of a game that is played at one of the terminal devices, followed by again updating the game data in accordance with the progress of the game that is played at another of the terminal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyohiko Yamane, Ryu Nagashima, Toshio Yoshioka, Masayuki Saruta, Teruhiko Kimura, Saori Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 9600973
    Abstract: A method is provided for playing a keno game that allows for selection of proxy spots in addition to standard spots. A keno board is displayed showing a set of available numbers. A set of numbers is selected. The set of selected numbers is a sub-set of available numbers, and the selected set comprising a first sub-set of numbers and a second sub-set of numbers. For each number in the first sub-set of numbers, a number from the second sub-set of numbers is selected to link to the number in the first sub-set of numbers. A set of drawn numbers from the set of available numbers is selected. Hits are determined by comparing the first sub-set of numbers and the second sub-set of numbers and the drawn numbers. Payout is calculated based on the determined hits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Toby F. Naylor, Jerry L. Byrd
  • Patent number: 9600974
    Abstract: Methods of administering games of roulette may involve accepting a wager may from a player. A multiplier may be randomly selected from a group of fixed multipliers for a payout on the wager. A number and associated color may be randomly generated from within a range of numbers and associated colors. The wager may be resolved by determining whether the randomly generated number is identical to a randomly generated number from an immediately preceding round. A payout may be paid to the player when the randomly generated number is identical to the randomly generated number from the immediately preceding round, an amount of the payout being equal to an amount of the wager multiplied by the randomly selected multiplier. The amount of the wager may be collected for the house when the randomly generated number is different from the randomly generated number from the immediately preceding round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Masao Yee, Roger M. Snow, John Hemberger, Zbigniew Czyzewski, Elliot Frome
  • Patent number: 9600975
    Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for providing a keno game during which matches from a previous keno game are carried over to the keno game are described herein. A keno board is displayed having a set of available numbers and a first set of one or more matches identified between player selected numbers and drawn numbers from a previous keno game. A first set of drawn numbers from the set of available numbers is selected. The number of the first set of drawn numbers is modified by number of matches in the first set of matches. The payout to the player is calculated based on the first set of matches and a second set of matches between the first set of drawn numbers and the player selected numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bradford D. Brown, Benjamin R. Holsclaw, Thomas J. Humphrey, David R. Lark, Ronald P. Papson
  • Patent number: 9600976
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein concern mobile gaming environments. Portable electronic devices can be supported by the mobile gaming environments. The locations of the portable electronic device can influence how the portable electronic devices operate or what services or features are available to the portable electronic device or their users. According to one embodiment, a mobile gaming system can concern gaming/betting opportunities that can be secured using a portable electronic device even when an individual is located in a location where betting or games of chance are not permitted. According to another embodiment, a mobile gaming system can concern an application program operating on a portable electronic device that supports multiple modes of operation depending upon whether the portable electronic device is in a location where betting or games of chance are permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nguyen Gaming LLC
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 9600977
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a card game is provided. Players are provided an option to enter one or more tournaments (for real monies or play monies). In an embodiment, a tournament lasts for a predetermined number of hands for a predetermined duration. As an example, a tournament duration may be defined by the number of players who bust out or complete a requisite number of hands by a predetermined date and time, or is defined by a specified number of players who bust out or complete the requisite number of hands. A tournament payout pool is determined based on the number of players who busted out or played in the tournament for a predetermined number of hands and duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Jack Ten Suited
    Inventor: Robert Burnside
  • Patent number: 9600978
    Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are direct to a game that includes a combination of an entertainment game and a gambling game. This game combination provides an entertainment game that retains the playability and fun of a skill game or other non-traditional gambling game while allowing for wagers to still be placed and awards won. In some embodiments, the wager-based gambling game is tied directly into the entertainment game, which provides additional entertainment and excitement. Other embodiments separate some of the aspects of the gambling game from the entertainment game to retain the feel of well known gaming devices while still providing an entertainment game to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9600979
    Abstract: A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Daniel P. Louie, Jeremie D. Moll, Jeffry L. Nauman, Jamie W. Vann
  • Patent number: 9600980
    Abstract: An electronic gaming machine comprises a display for displaying game symbols for playing a first game of chance, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of the game symbols on the display. In response to a trigger event in the first game, a second game of chance is displayed, where the appearance of one or more special symbols causes the award of one or more tokens associated with one or more token values. At the end of the second game, an accumulated token value is determined and if it is equal to a predetermined number, a plurality of third games of chance is displayed and is selectable by the player. The third games displayed depend on the accumulated token value. A gaming method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ainsworth Game Technology Limited
    Inventors: Peter Scott Clarebrough, Sujay Prabhu
  • Patent number: 9600981
    Abstract: A user terminal for performing a cash withdrawal transaction comprises a reader for reading a user device, a processing resource configured to obtain from the user device account data representative of an account associated with the user device, and to receive a user request for a cash withdrawal in respect of the account, and an output device configured to issue, in response to the user request for a cash withdrawal, a token that is exchangeable for cash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KORALA ASSOCIATES LIMITED
    Inventor: Aravinda Korala
  • Patent number: 9600982
    Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modeled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Brian T. MacIntosh
  • Patent number: 9600983
    Abstract: In a visual light communication (VLC) or other light based positioning system, a mobile device can detect modulated light emitted by one or more localized artificial lighting devices to obtain an identification (ID) label or code of each lighting device, e.g. that is visible in an image captured by the mobile device camera. The mobile device uses the detected ID code for a lookup in a self-stored or remotely stored table that associates light-source-location information with ID codes, to obtain an estimate of mobile device position. To mitigate against hacking by a third party detecting the ID codes and observing locations to compile its own lookup table, the disclosed examples dynamically alter the assignments of particular ID codes to the lighting devices, while minimizing potential disruption of position determination service for mobile devices due to the changes to ID code assignments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lydecker, Konstantin Klitenik, Daniel Ryan, Emanuel Paul Malandrakis, Mitri J. Abou-Rizk
  • Patent number: 9600984
    Abstract: A method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for generating a vibration from an adjective space are provided. The method includes providing an at least one-dimensional adjective space, inputting data to the at least one-dimensional adjective space based on a user input, and generating a vibration element vibration based on the data input to the at least one-dimensional adjective space. The device includes a control unit configured to provide an at least one-dimensional adjective space; and a user input unit configured to receive data input to the at least one-dimensional adjective space, wherein the control unit is further configured to generate a vibration element based on the data input to the at least one-dimensional adjective space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Postech Academy-Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Eun-hwa Lee, Seung-moon Choi, Jae-bong Lee, Yong-jae Yoo, Jeong-seok Lee, Dae-kwang Jung, Yu-dong Bae
  • Patent number: 9600985
    Abstract: Aspects include a system for providing feedback to a user with a wearable device. The system including a wearable device and a feedback mechanism disposed within the wearable device. The feedback mechanism configured to vibrate the wearable device. A memory is provided having computer readable instructions. One or more processors are provided for executing the computer readable instructions, the one or more processors being coupled to communicate with the feedback mechanism. The computer readable instructions include defining at least one prompt point that is associated with a first time parameter. The instructions further include determining when the current time is equal to the first time parameter. The instructions provide for actuating the feedback mechanism in response to the current time being equal to the first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eli M. Dow, Thomas D. Fitzsimmons, Tynan J. Garrett, Emily M. Metruck
  • Patent number: 9600986
    Abstract: A signalling system comprises a first data signal source (10, 14), a first data signal receiver (12, 16) and a cable 18 comprising two or more wire pairs ({1,2}, {3,6}, {4,5}, {7,8}) coupling the first data signal source to the first data signal receiver. A portion of each wire pair is wound around a magnetic core (28). A further winding (30) is wound around the core (28). A further signal source (24) is coupled to the further winding (30) and a further receiver (36, 26) is coupled to the wires to receive the further signal. The windings around the core apply the further signal to the wire pairs as a common-mode signal. This allows the further signal to be transmitted to the further receiver without affecting the signal transmitted between the source (10, 14) and the receiver (12, 16) and with only minor modification of the cable (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CAMBIUM NETWORKS LIMITED
    Inventor: Alexander Kidger
  • Patent number: 9600987
    Abstract: An automated self-monitored alarm verification solution including at least a premises portion, a server portion, and an end user device portion. Alarm verification includes capturing by an image capture device at least one image in response to a detection event, and transmitting a first data signal including the image to a local signal processing device. The signal processing device transmits a second signal including at least a portion of the image to a remote hosted server according to at least a first set of predetermined parameters. After receiving the second signal, the server transmits a third signal including at least a portion of the image from the hosted server to a user device. Using the user device, a user views the image and indicates a validity status of the alarm based at least in part on the content of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CheckVideo LLC
    Inventor: Randall R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9600988
    Abstract: An image processing device includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: obtain image data regarding an image captured by an image capture device that moves along with a moving body and of which image capture direction is a certain traveling direction of the moving body, and detect a feature caused by a reflection from features based on information regarding positions of the features in the image data at a time when the moving body has moved in a direction different from the image capture direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Kato, Osafumi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9600989
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a multi-sensing hazard detector for detecting potential dangers may include a back plate and a front casing that is coupled with the back plate to define a housing. A circuit board and a plurality of components may be positioned within the housing. The circuit board may be communicatively coupled with the components. The components may include, among other components, an alarm device, an occupancy sensor, and a smoke chamber. The alarm device may be activatable upon the detection of a potential hazard to warn an occupant of a potential danger, the occupancy sensor may be configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects external to the hazard detector, and the smoke chamber may be configured to detect the presence of smoke to cause a triggering of the alarm device. The housing may comprise a volume of less than 1024 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Shigefumi Honjo, John Benjamin Filson, Eric B. Daniels, Fred Bould, Adam Mittleman, Andrew Goldenson
  • Patent number: 9600990
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring data associated with a plurality of physiological characteristics of a patient, comprising: the methods include generating a set of super-alarm patterns associated with the plurality of physiological conditions, wherein the super-alarm patterns comprising data relating to a combination of at least two individual raw alarms from independent physiological data streams that co-occur within a temporal window, and triggering an alarm if a combination of the input physiological data matches at least a portion of a generated super-alarm pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Xiao Hu, Neil A. Martin
  • Patent number: 9600991
    Abstract: A method for measuring a physiological parameter is disclosed. The method includes providing an electronic device having a radio reader transmitting and receiving a radio signal; providing a physiological parameter measurement device configured with an energy storage module, a transmission module and a strip port for receiving a strip; energy storage in the physiological parameter measurement device in response to a radio energy storage signal transmitted from the electronic device until it reaches a sufficient energy status; and applying a sensing voltage to the strip via the strip port, receiving a sensing signal from the strip, and converting the sensing signal into a physiological parameter measurement signal by the physiological parameter measurement device under the sufficient energy status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: BIONIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chieh-Hsing Chen, Mao-Yi Chen, Ting-Yu Liu, Chih-Lung Yeh
  • Patent number: 9600992
    Abstract: A system for making sure that two wireless devices (a perimeter-anchoring device and a constrained device) are not separated too far apart by having a dynamic perimeter that follows the perimeter-anchoring device as it moves. In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of the perimeter is controlled by machine logic based rules, based at least in part, upon a set of environmental factor(s). Some possible environmental factors include: line of sight, pollution, noise level, presence of stranger(s), streets, traffic, body(ies) of water, contamination, allergen, or blocking obstruction(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jhansi R. Kolla, Paul J. O'Donnell, Michael S. Thomason
  • Patent number: 9600993
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automatically detecting a behavior of a monitored individual, for example, that the individual has fallen. In certain embodiments, a system is presented that includes one energy sensor (e.g., a camera of a mobile electronic device) configured to capture reflected energy (e.g., light) within a field-of view; an optional lens to modify the distance or angular range of the field-of-view; and an optional image obfuscator to blur or distort the images received by the energy sensor, thereby preserving privacy. Techniques are described for determining spatial measurements and body measurements from the images and using these measurements to identify a behavior of the monitored individual, for example, a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ATLAS5D, INC.
    Inventor: Zebadiah M. Kimmel
  • Patent number: 9600994
    Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosed implementations, a device includes one or more motion sensors for sensing motion of the device and providing activity data indicative of the sensed motion. The device also includes one or more processors for monitoring the activity data, and receiving or generating annotation data for annotating the activity data with one or more markers or indicators to define one or more characteristics of an activity session. The device also includes one or more feedback devices for providing feedback, a notice, or an indication to a user based on the monitoring. The device further includes a portable housing that encloses at least portions of the motion sensors, the processors and the feedback devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: James Park, Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, Eric Nathan Friedman, Christine Boomer Brumback
  • Patent number: 9600995
    Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to a wearable electronic device providing injury response. A wearable electronic device may include an injury detection unit that includes one or more sensors, and a central computing unit to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors to detect one or more injuries or potential injuries based at least in part on the received sensor data. The wearable electronic device further includes an injury response unit to provide a response to the one or more injuries or potential injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tamara Gaidar, Glen J. Anderson, Yoav Talgam, Stephen Brown, Ido Lapidot, Oded Agam
  • Patent number: 9600996
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing audible, visual, and tactile alerts detectable by first responders in a geographic region impacted by a mass casualty event, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. In certain aspects, an electronic device of an individual trapped within a damaged structure may establish wireless communications with a mobile cellular site and may receive a request to generate an alert audible to first responders. In response to the request, the electronic device may identify first device settings corresponding to the audible alert, and generate the audible alert in accordance with the obtained first device settings. In certain aspects, the audible alert may enable first responders to identify locations of victims trapped within structures damaged by the mass casualty event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventor: Michael Edward Boyd
  • Patent number: 9600997
    Abstract: A flood warning system and method are described. The system obtains localized flood depth information and, based upon alert parameter information provided by registered users, creates personalized flood alerts for the registered users. The method uses ultrasound derived localized flood depth information and alert parameter information provided by registered users to provide personalized flood alerts to the registered users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Faried Abrahams, Amol Ashok Dhondse, Kerrie Holley, Anand Pikle, Gandhi Sivakumar
  • Patent number: 9600998
    Abstract: According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of cutting power from a source when sensing gas may be provided. The method of cutting a power from a source when sensing gas may include obtaining a gas sensing apparatus, which may a housing, at least one power relay rigidly connected to the inside of the housing, at least one sensor connected to the power relay, at least one alarm connected to the at least one sensor, at least one port power wire outlet connected to the power relay, at least one power socket connected to the power relay, a power transformer connected to the power relay, and a power inlet connected to the power transformer, connecting the gas sensing apparatus to a power supply, connecting an electrical device to the gas sensing apparatus, sensing gas by the sensor, creating a voltage that stops power flow to the at least one outlet, and applying a voltage to the at least one port power wire outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Joel Lee Mumey
  • Patent number: 9600999
    Abstract: A system includes one or more retro-reflective markers positioned within a ride system and a tracking system that may detect the one or more retro-reflective markers to track a position of a rider. The tracking system includes an emitter that may emit light toward the one or more retro-reflective markers, a detector that may detect reflected light from the one or more retro-reflective markers, and a controller that may determine the position of the rider relative to the one or more retro-reflective markers based on detection of the reflected light and that may provide an indication of the position of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Paula Stenzler
  • Patent number: 9601000
    Abstract: A technique provides alert prioritization. The technique involves selecting attributes to use as alert scoring factors. The technique further involves updating, for an incoming alert having particular attribute values for the selected attributes, count data to represent encounter of the incoming alert from perspectives of the selected attributes. The technique further involves generating an overall significance score for the incoming alert based on the updated count data. The overall significance score is a measure of alert significance relative to other alerts. Scored alerts then can be sorted so that investigators focus on the alerts with the highest significance scores. Such a technique is well suited for adaptive authentication (AA) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems among other alert-based systems such as churn analysis systems, malfunction detection systems, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Eyal Gruss, Alex Vaystikh, Eyal Kolman, Alon Kaufman, Yael Villa, Ereli Eran
  • Patent number: 9601001
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Jeffrey Lee
  • Patent number: 9601002
    Abstract: A regional security system includes a control panel that can receive one or more delay parameters associated with a type of sensor or detector or a portion of a region being monitored. The delay parameters can be stored in a programmable storage unit. When an alarm indicator has been received from one of the sensors or detectors, an alarm indicating message and an associated programmed and pre-stored delay can be forwarded to a central station. If the system is disarmed before the delay interval has terminated, then a cancel message can be sent to the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William R. Blum, Raymond J. Jordan, Catherine C. Sottile-Ramos
  • Patent number: 9601003
    Abstract: A system for detecting sensor failure and/or operating with a failed sensor in an electrical machine includes an electrical machine, three or more sensors configured to connect to the electrical machine, and a sensor module operatively connected to each sensor to receive sensor signals from the sensors. The sensor module includes a failure detection module operatively connected to each sensor and configured to determine if each sensor is a failed sensor or a functioning sensor. The sensor module also includes a virtual sensor module operatively connected to the failure detection module and configured to output simulated sensor signals for the failed sensor, wherein the sensor module is configured to output the sensor signals for each functioning sensor. The system includes a control module operatively connected to the sensor module and the electrical machine to receive sensor signals and simulated sensor signals to control operation of the electrical machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Wichowski, Patrick J. Sears, Kevin G. Hawes
  • Patent number: 9601004
    Abstract: A method and system for estimating energy consumption of a utility population includes organizing the utility population comprising energy consumers into a plurality of groups. Next, a distribution of energy consumption against the plurality of groups may be calculated. Subsequently, statistically representative groups based on the energy distribution and the plurality of groups may be determined. Data is then collected from the statistically representative groups at predefined intervals from a communications network. Energy consumption of the utility population may then be estimated based on the data collected from the statistically representative groups. The communications network comprises an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: COMVERGE, INC.
    Inventors: Wendell Miyaji, John Rossi
  • Patent number: 9601005
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote monitoring terminal device 200 including: connection terminals (T, . . . ); a data abridging control section for computing minimum, maximum, and average values of data collected over a period from a startup to a latest data acquisition, and an occurrence count and durations of a predetermined event, all on the basis of data on an operation state acquired via connection terminals (T, . . . ) and stored in a data storage section; and a communications section, wherein the data abridging control section transmits the minimum, maximum, and average values and the occurrence count and durations of the predetermined event, all stored in the data storage section, to a remote monitoring device via the communications section in response to a manual turn-off of a startup switch SW of a mobile work vehicle or vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junya Kusuno, Manabu Satake, Keisuke Uezumiya, Hirofumi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9601006
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for synchronizing a state change at a universal remote control. An embodiment operates by sending a state change of the universal remote control to a remote-controlled device. The universal remote control then receives a confirmation message from the remote-controlled device. The universal remote control then updates a state configuration for the remote-controlled device in the universal remote control based on the sent state change. Because the universal remote control exchanges state change information with the remote-controlled device, the universal remote control does not become out of synchronization with the remote-controlled device which minimizes synchronization time and reduces user experience frustration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventor: Don P. Evans
  • Patent number: 9601007
    Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus includes: a self-propelled platform having a recessed chamber located in the bottom side, a control unit mounted in the self-propelled platform for controlling the moving path of the self-propelled platform in a predominantly grid-pattern that causes the self-propelled platform to mainly move in predominantly straight lines, a battery, one or multiple germicidal ultraviolet lights exhibiting an elongated shape and mounted in the self-propelled platform within the recessed chamber in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the germicidal ultraviolet lights is kept in parallel to the linear moving direction of the self-propelled platform, and obstacle sensors. The self-propelled apparatus utilizes a wireless module for wireless communication with an external smart device that has built therein an application software for controlling and displaying the operating status of the self-propelled apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: FLOORBOTICS INC., METAPO INC.
    Inventor: Guy Thomas Duncan Ashworth
  • Patent number: 9601008
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 9601009
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for providing congestion information for a road segment presently experiencing traffic congestion and/or likely to experience traffic congestion in the future are provided. In some embodiments, traffic models are configured to determine road segments where traffic congestion is likely to occur, to determine a cause of traffic congestion, and/or to determine the effect of such traffic congestion (e.g., the duration of such traffic congestion, the expected time delays due to such traffic congestion, etc.). Congestion information indicative of the cause of congestion and/or the effect(s) of such traffic congestion, for example, may be provided to a user to explain to the user why the congestion is occurring, to describe one or more road segments to avoid, and/or to explain why a particular route was selected as a preferred route to a destination, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: INRIX INC.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Scofield
  • Patent number: 9601010
    Abstract: An assessment device (1) includes: a request acquirer (11) that accepts an evaluation target from a user terminal (7); a model acquirer (13) and a data acquirer (14) that select a main model for evaluating the evaluation target accepted by the request acquirer (11) from a plurality of models and select supplemental data to be supplemented for using the main model (data to be input into the main model, a sub-model, or data to be input into the sub-model) when the data to be input into the main model is insufficient; an executor (15) that evaluates the evaluation target based on the main model and supplemental data selected by the model acquirer (13) and the data acquirer (14); and a transmitter (16) that provides a result of the evaluation by the executor (15) to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Satoko Itaya, Peter Davis, Naoki Yoshinaga, Rie Tanaka, Taku Konishi, Shinichi Doi
  • Patent number: 9601011
    Abstract: A system for logging and reporting on slow drivers in a fast lane is disclosed. The system includes a set of proximity sensors on a first vehicle, for detecting a passage of another vehicle on a right side of the first vehicle, a processor on the first vehicle, for logging a number of times that another vehicle passed the first vehicle, a transmitter on the first vehicle, for transmitting said number of times to a vehicle that is detected as passing the first vehicle on a right side of the first vehicle, a set of proximity sensors on a second vehicle, a receiver on the second vehicle, a processor on the second vehicle, for storing said number of times received via said at least one receiver, and a transmitter on the second vehicle, for transmitting said number of times to a third party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Bertram V Burke, Michaela C. Burke
  • Patent number: 9601012
    Abstract: A remote operated safety attendant having a substantially pyramidic housing made of high impact material such as manufactured dense fiber. A two sided sign is mounted to a shaft positioned within the housing and connected to a drive motor and a remote signal receiver. A remote signal sender is used to send signals to the receiver to selectively actuate the drive mechanism which rotates to alternately display the opposed sides of the sign. The device meets requisite traffic safety requirements and allows an operator to remotely control the device to remain out of the pathway of vehicles that they are controlling through the signaling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 9601013
    Abstract: A distributed traffic signal control method is provided for a directed network comprising a plurality of junctions, each junction having a plurality of links connected thereto, the links comprising one or more upstream links and one or more downstream links, the method comprising: activating one of a plurality of phases of the junction for a predetermined time period which maximizes the directed network throughput based on current differential traffic backlogs between said one or more upstream links and said one or more downstream links, each phase providing a unique combination of traffic signals at the junction for guiding traffic from the upstream link(s) to the downstream link(s). There is also provided a corresponding traffic signal controller, a traffic control system comprising the traffic signal controller, and a computer readable medium having stored therein computer executable codes for instructing a computer processor to execute the distributed traffic signal control method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Tichakorn Wongpiromsarn, Emilio Frazzoli, Danwei Wang, Tawit Uthaicharoenpong, Yu Wang