Patents Issued in April 13, 2017
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Publication number: 20170103566Abstract: A texture processing unit includes a controller configured to obtain a texture coordinate and spatial frequency information for each channel of a texture corresponding to the texture coordinate, and determine a filtering control signal for each channel of the texture based on the spatial frequency information for each channel, and a texture filter configured to perform filtering for each channel of the texture according to the filtering control signal for each corresponding channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seok KANG
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Publication number: 20170103567Abstract: Rendering systems that can use combinations of rasterization rendering processes and ray tracing rendering processes are disclosed. In some implementations, these systems perform a rasterization pass to identify visible surfaces of pixels in an image. Some implementations may begin shading processes for visible surfaces, before the geometry is entirely processed, in which rays are emitted. Rays can be culled at various points during processing, based on determining whether the surface from which the ray was emitted is still visible. Rendering systems may implement rendering effects as disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Luke T. Peterson
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Publication number: 20170103568Abstract: A system and method is provided for smoothing portions of a 3D model of an object based on the likelihood of a portion being an accurate representation of the surface of the object, and based on whether the surface of the object according to the model is relatively jagged or relatively smooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Scott Benjamin Satkin
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Publication number: 20170103569Abstract: A method for display of a region of interest of a 3D tooth surface forms a 3D surface model using a number of structured light images, then forms a global texture map for the 3D surface model according to a plurality of reflectance images of the teeth. The 2D image is generated and displayed using the 3D surface model. Pixels in mesh elements of the 2D index image have corresponding surface facets of the 3D surface model. The method describes Identifying and rendering the region of interest in response to viewer instructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Yingqian Wu, Yu Zhou, Menghui Guan, Qinran Chen
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Publication number: 20170103570Abstract: A method for 3D rendering, including receiving a group of 3D triangles defining a mesh of a surface, each 3D triangle in the group having 3D vertices with respective 3D coordinates, and transforming each 3D triangle into a 2D triangle having 2D vertices corresponding respectively to the 3D vertices, each 2D vertex having respective 2D pixel coordinates and a triplet of pixel attributes corresponding to the 3D coordinates of a corresponding 3D vertex. Each 2D triangle is passed to a graphics processor, which treats the triplet of pixel attributes of each 2D vertex as interpolatable values. The graphics processor computes respective triplets of interpolated pixel attributes for pixels within each 2D triangle by interpolation between the pixel attributes of the 2D vertices, and a 3D image of the surface is rendered by converting the interpolated pixel attributes computed by the graphics processor into voxel coordinates in the 3D image.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.Inventors: Lior Zar, Natan Sharon Katz, Benjamin Cohen
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Publication number: 20170103571Abstract: A vehicle state sensor data record associated with a current state of a vehicle is received. A predictive vehicle navigation data record based on map data is also received. The map data is associated with a current location of the vehicle. A first element of a virtual reality environment is adapted based on the received vehicle state sensor data record, and second element of the virtual reality environment is generated based on the received predictive vehicle navigation data record.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Jerome Beaurepaire
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Publication number: 20170103572Abstract: A head mounted device suitable for guiding an exhibition is disclosed. The head mounted device includes an image capturing unit, a process module and an information interface. The process module includes a recognition unit, a computing unit and a control unit. The image capturing unit captures an input image in invisible spectrum. The recognition unit recognizes an invisible code from the input image. The computing unit calculates a relative distance and a relative angle between the head mounted device and an exhibition object. By comparing the relative distance with a threshold distance, the control unit determines whether to trigger the information interface and present an exhibit-object introduction based on relative distance and relative angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Ching-Wen LIN, Wei-Yuan LIN
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Publication number: 20170103573Abstract: Friction joints for use with head mounted displays are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a head mounted display includes a front display module and a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes first and second connectors coupling the strap assembly to the front display module. The connectors allow the strap assembly to be moved toward and away from the front display module. The connectors are coupled to the front display module with first and second friction joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Jared I. DRINKWATER, Robin Michael Miller, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Boyd Drew Allin
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Publication number: 20170103574Abstract: A system and method of operating an audio visual system generating an immersive virtual experience may detect when a user approaches a physical boundary of a real world space, and may generate an alert indicating the proximity of the physical boundary. Activity in and interaction with the immersive virtual experience may be temporarily paused as the user completes a physical re-orientation in the real world space in response to the alert. Upon detection of completion of the physical re-orientation in the real world space, activity in and interaction with the immersive virtual experience may resume at the point at which activity was temporarily paused. This may provide for relatively continuous movement in the immersive virtual experience within the boundaries of the real world space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Alexander James Faaborg, Chris McKenzie, Adam Glazier
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Publication number: 20170103575Abstract: An information processing device includes: circuitry configured to: obtain a captured image including position identification information identifying a position at which a virtual abject representing a target to be placed is to be displayed; generate a composite image in which the virtual object is combined at a position on the captured image, the position identified by the position identification information; receive an operation causing the virtual object included in the composite image, to operate; and control display depicting operation of the virtual object based on display setting information including specification information defining specifications of the target to be placed, in response to the operation receiving unit receiving the operation causing the virtual object to operate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Daisuke YAMAMOTO
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Publication number: 20170103576Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) output device or virtual reality (VR) output device is worn by a user, and includes one or more sensors positioned to detect actions performed by a user of the immersive output device. A processor provides a data signal configured for the AR or VR output device, causing the immersive output device to provide AR output or VR output via a stereographic display device. The data signal encodes audio-video data. The processor controls a pace of scripted events defined by a narrative in the one of the AR output or the VR output, based on output from the one or more sensors indicating actions performed by a user of the AR or VR output device. The audio-video data may be packaged in a non-transitory computer-readable medium with additional content that is coordinated with the defined narrative and is configured for providing an alternative output, such as 2D video output or the stereoscopic 3D output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Christopher DeFaria, Piotr Mintus, Gary Lake-Schaal, Lewis Ostrover
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Publication number: 20170103577Abstract: A system and method for reducing the bandwidth requirements for virtual reality using selective optimization are provided. The system selectively optimizes pre-encoded Virtual Reality video based on viewport information received from the headset.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Anurag Mendhekar, Ravi Gauba, Subhrendu Sarkar, Santosh Shirahatti
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Publication number: 20170103578Abstract: An information processing system that acquires image data captured by an image capturing device; identifies a density of distribution of a plurality of feature points in the acquired image data; and controls a display to display guidance information based on the density of the distribution of the plurality of feature points.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: MASAKI FUKUCHI, KENICHIROU OOI, TATSUKI KASHITANI
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Publication number: 20170103579Abstract: A system and method an interactive textile article including a textile material having a design object that includes one or more design object identifiers. The design object is associated with an augmented reality software program configured to include content related the design object. A processor configured to execute the augmented reality program so as to compile a design object depiction based the design object identifiers contained in the design object. The processor executes a first augmented content level of a plurality of augmented content levels so as to display 1) the design object depiction, 2) augmentation elements that are related to the design object, and 3) an input element configured to control the design object depiction and the augmentation elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Dipali Goenka
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Publication number: 20170103580Abstract: A method of monitoring a loading status of a machine includes receiving signals indicative of a load carried by a dump body of the machine from a perception sensor and receiving point cloud, derived based on the signals received from the perception sensor, corresponding to a profile of the load from an image processing module. A three dimensional polygonal layout corresponding to the profile of the load is generated based on the signals received from the perception sensor and the point cloud. A fill model image is generated using the generated three dimensional polygonal layout, and the fill model image is further superimposed on a preset image of the dump body of the machine to generate a real time image of the machine. The method further includes monitoring the loading status of the machine based on the generated real time image of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Petrany, Douglas J. Husted, Raymond A. Wise
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Publication number: 20170103581Abstract: An imaging device of a device captures an image. The device identifies a first and second object in the image, determines physical properties of the first and second object, generates a model of a predicted interaction between the first and second object based on the physical properties of the first and second object, identifies an area in the image based on the model of the predicted interaction between the first and second object, and augments the image at the area in a display of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Brian Mullins, Matthew Kammerait, Christopher Broaddus
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Publication number: 20170103582Abstract: A system for automatically displaying virtual objects within a mixed reality environment is described. In some embodiments, a see-through head-mounted display device (HMD) identifies a real object (e.g., a person or book) within a field of view of the HMD, detects one or more interactions associated with real object, and automatically displays virtual objects associated with the real object if the one or more interactions involve touching or satisfy one or more social rules stored in a social rules database. The one or more social rules may be used to infer a particular social relationship by considering the distance to another person, the type of environment (e.g., at home or work), and particular physical interactions (e.g., handshakes or hugs). The virtual objects displayed on the HMD may depend on the particular social relationship inferred (e.g., a friend or acquaintance).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Novak, James Liu, Stephen Latta, Anton O.A. Andrews, Craig R. Maitlen, Sheridan Martin
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Publication number: 20170103583Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to operating a user interface on an augmented reality computing device comprising a display system. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes displaying a virtual object via the display system as free-floating, detecting a trigger to display the object as attached to a surface, and, in response to the trigger, displaying the virtual object as attached to the surface via the display system. The method may further include detecting a trigger to detach the virtual object from the surface and, in response to the trigger to detach the virtual object from the surface, detaching the virtual object from the surface and displaying the virtual object as free-floating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Adam G. Poulos, Evan Michael Keibler, Arthur Tomlin, Cameron Brown, Daniel McCulloch, Brian Mount, Dan Kroymann, Gregory Lowell Alt
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Publication number: 20170103584Abstract: A computer implemented method for visualization of a 3D model of an object, wherein the method includes: generating and displaying a first view of the 3D-model; receiving an user input, the user input are one or more interaction commands comprises interactions for customization of 3D model by at least one of adding, removing, replacing, scaling, or changing geometry, or combination thereof, of mechanical, electronic, digital, or pneumatic part/s of the 3D model by changing texture and/or graphics data of the part identifying one or more interaction commands; in response to the identified command/s, rendering of corresponding interaction to 3D model of object with or without sound output using texture data, computer graphics data and selectively using sound data of the 3D-model of object; and displaying the corresponding interaction to 3D-model.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Nitin VATS
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Publication number: 20170103585Abstract: A computer-implemented system for managing a plurality of vehicle parking spaces distributed over a plurality of physically separate parking locations. The system comprises a server including one or more databases tor storing information associated with a vehicle and the user of the vehicle. The server is configured to send the information to a first one or more hand-held devices communicatively linked to said server wherein the first one or more hand-held devices send the received information along with a request to retrieve the vehicle from a location, to a valet computer. The valet computer sends this information to the central server. The central server sends the request to retrieve the vehicle to a second one or more hand-held devices operated by a user instructing said user to retrieve said vehicle from the desired location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Tovia Hoffman
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Publication number: 20170103586Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to computerized method for detecting parking-related events from a mobile device. The latter comprising a pressure sensor and a peak detection module. The method comprises: monitoring pressure sensor data from the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor data representative of a pressure variation over a period of time; and comparing the monitored pressure sensor data with reference pressure data corresponding to pressure variations over time as occurring inside a vehicle when, on the one hand, opening a door and, on the other hand, closing a door of this vehicle, to detect a corresponding pressure variation in the monitored pressure sensor data, in order to determine whether a vehicle has parked or has started, wherein the steps of monitoring and comparing are performed by the peak detection module, in the vehicle. The present invention is further directed to related devices and computer program products.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: David HASENFRATZ, Moritz KOEHLER, Michel KINZER
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Publication number: 20170103587Abstract: A method for controlling data acquired from vehicles, wherein case data are anonymized and provides data reduction. Control exists between the units of each vehicle, between the vehicles and a backend of the system, between the units of the backend, and also between the units of the backend and at least one external service provider. The data are reduced by avoiding the transmission of redundant data or by avoiding unnecessary data acquisition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: André OBERSCHACHTSIEK, Florian PFLUG, Hendrik DECKE
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ACCURATELY DETERMINING REAL TIME PARAMETERS DESCRIBING VEHICLE MOTION BASED ON MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES
Publication number: 20170103588Abstract: A multi-modal meter of a vehicle obtains information from multiple sources to determine the most accurate values of motion parameters of the vehicle. The multi-modal meter obtains data describing motion of a vehicle from various sources including an on-board diagnostics (OBD) and global positioning system (GPS.) The dynamically evaluates the signal sources for their accuracy as the vehicle travels. The multi-modal meter selects different signal sources for different portions of a ride and uses the data from the selected signal sources to determine the most accurate motion parameters. The multi-modal meter use machine learning techniques to generate metadata used by an engine configured to determine the most accurate values of motion parameters of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Purshotam Rajani, Gaurav R. Nukala, Gokulnath Coimbatore Kannan, Blair R. Essy -
Publication number: 20170103589Abstract: A vehicle computing system includes a vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) and a vehicle processor coupled to the HMI and programmed to store trip information for multiple trips including consumed fuel cost for vehicle operation in response to a trip purpose input from the HMI. The trip purpose may be a business or personal purpose, for example. A fuel queuing model based on at least two fuel prices and corresponding fuel quantities may be used to determine the consumed fuel cost associated with fuel consumed from the vehicle fuel tank. Trip information, such as date, distance traveled, origin, destination, and consumed fuel cost may be output to a display, a wirelessly connected smartphone, and/or a remote server in response to a request from the HMI.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Omar MAKKE, Haysam M. KADRY
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Publication number: 20170103590Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Dominique GAREL, Jean-Max HUET, Tim CHANT, Simon WESELBY, Anne-Lise RICARD
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Publication number: 20170103591Abstract: Computer implemented methods may create unique hardware platforms suitable for providing and/or using testing protocols. A new protocol may be designed using a target protocol, such that the new protocol replicates one or more aspects of the target protocol. The new protocol may incorporate a certain diversity, which may make it more difficult for an entity being tested (e.g., a car, a truck, a person) to “cheat” the test (e.g., using knowledge of the target protocol). A new protocol may be calculated, validated, and provided “on demand.” A new protocol may be tailored to a particular set of test results (e.g., to highlight an apparent deviation between expected and actual results).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Charles E. Ramberg
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Publication number: 20170103592Abstract: An access component of a vehicle may be in communication with a plurality of wireless transceivers of the vehicle. The access component may detect a personal device approaching a vehicle door according to signal strength information received from the transceivers, grant access to the vehicle door responsive to receiving a first access code from the personal device, and expire the first access code and issue a second access code to the personal device responsive to the grant. Granting access to the vehicle may include automatically unlocking the vehicle door or automatically opening the vehicle door. The first access code may grant access to a subset of doors of the vehicle, and the second access code may grant access to the same subset of doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Stephen Ronald Tokish, James Stewart Rankin, II
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Publication number: 20170103593Abstract: Systems and methods of securing access control systems are provided. Some methods can include sensing an authorized access card, sensing a directional movement of the access card, determining whether the directional movement of the access card is consistent with authorized movement of the access card, and based on the determination, allowing or denying access to a secured area. In this manner, even if an access card is obtained by an unauthorized user, the unauthorized user will not be able to gain access to a secured region because he will not know the direction to move the access card when presenting the card to a reader.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Ying Huang, Li Ouyang, Zhaocheng Sheng
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Publication number: 20170103594Abstract: A smart key controller for controlling a vehicle through wireless communication with a smart key includes a control unit for including a timer and a memory, creating an operation time table regarding operation numbers by time zones based on the timer by checking an ignition signal, and storing the created operation time table in the memory, and a signal driver for generating a wireless signal for communication with the smart key according to an active signal generated by the control unit at a predetermined period in a time zone with high operation frequency by comparing operation numbers of respective time zones and a threshold operation number with reference to the operation time table, while the vehicle is parked.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Jin KIM, Chul Min KIM, Young Su KIM
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Publication number: 20170103595Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for securing merchandise. In one embodiment an apparatus for securing merchandise comprises a locking mechanism limiting access to one or more items, one or more optical sensors configured to detect a plurality of wavelengths and an intensity associated with each wavelength from at least one light beam emitted by an optical key, and a control device comprising a control circuit and a memory device. The control device being configured to store a lock code comprising a plurality of wavelength values and a plurality of intensity values each associated with a wavelength value on the memory device and determine whether to release the locking mechanism based on whether intensities of each of the plurality of wavelengths detected by the one or more optical sensors match the lock code.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Nicholaus A. Jones, Aaron J. Vasgaard, Jeffrey S. Cruz
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Publication number: 20170103596Abstract: A wireless access control system may include a remote access wireless device to be carried by a user, and a lock assembly to be mounted on a door and that may include a lock, inside and outside directional antennas, lock wireless communications circuitry coupled to the directional antennas, and a lock controller coupled to the lock and the lock wireless communications circuitry. The lock controller may be configured to operate in an automatic calibration mode to generate adjusted inside and outside received signal values based upon signals received respectively by the inside and outside directional antennas responsive to transmissions from the remote access wireless device. The lock controller may also be configured to enable lock unlocking when the adjusted received signal values indicate the remote access wireless device is outside, and disable lock unlocking when the adjusted received signal values indicate the remote access wireless device is inside.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: William Holderness, Justin Handville, Philip C. Dumas
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Publication number: 20170103597Abstract: An electronic wireless controller remote locking system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the wireless controller, or with a central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a wireless controller and lock installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that wireless controller and lock have been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the wireless controller and lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: SentriLock, LLCInventor: Scott R. Fisher
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Publication number: 20170103598Abstract: A multi-functional active container (e.g., luggage or suitcase) with a plurality of sensors and actuators is described. The container may include a body defining an enclosure and having at least one opening. The container may include a processor, a wireless receiver, and an electronically controllable lock. The processor can selectively lock or unlock the electronically controllable lock based on signals received via a wireless receiver (e.g., via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH connections). In some examples, a distance between the active container and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone) can be determined (e.g., based on relative GPS signals or connection strength) and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the electronically controllable lock can be activated to secure the container. Further, the container may include a rechargeable power source for powering external devices and an integrated weight sensor for detecting the weight of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Martin DIZ, Brian CHEN, Alejo VERLINI, Alejandro SARRA, Diego Martin SAEZ-GIL, Tomas Mario PIERUCCI
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Publication number: 20170103599Abstract: Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Mark Kenneth Siegesmund, Vivien Neil Delport
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Publication number: 20170103600Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a wearable haptic device including one or more input devices, one or more haptic output devices, one or more processors, and a communication device, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the one or more haptic output devices to output a haptic output, of a plurality of haptic outputs, responsive to an event in a game, of a plurality of possible game events, in accord with a mapping of haptic outputs to game events.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: James W. Vann
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Publication number: 20170103601Abstract: A graphics system for changing images on a gaming machine display, having a transition library of transition types, a graphics engine and a control means. The graphics engine applies a selected transition type from the transition library to at least one of at least two images for determining the way in which a substitution of one of the images by the other of the images occurs and initializes transition data for effecting an incremental substitution of the one image by the other image. The control means modifies the transition data such that, when the selected transition type is being effected, an incremental substitution of at least a part of the one image by the other image occurs serially until the one image has been substituted by the other image on the gaming machine display.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Drazen Lenger
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Publication number: 20170103602Abstract: A gaming system comprising a symbol selector arranged to select, in a first play round, at least one first symbol to form at least part of a first player hand comprised of a plurality of symbols and to select at least one second symbol to form at least part of a second player hand comprised of a plurality of symbols, and arranged to select, in each subsequent play round, at least one replacement symbol for modifying one of the first player hand or second player hand; and an outcome generator arranged to determine for each play round whether the game is completed or whether the game should proceed to a subsequent play round based on a ranking of one of the first player hand and the second player hand being higher than the other of the first player hand and the second player hand for at least two consecutive play rounds, the ranking of the first and second player hands being derived from the symbols of the hands.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Billy Ho Ching Tam
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Publication number: 20170103603Abstract: The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Benjamin C. Hoffman, Christmas C. Parker, Paulina Rodgers
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Publication number: 20170103604Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a set of randomly selected reels. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game associated with a plurality of adjacently arranged reels including a plurality of symbols. Each of a plurality of the reels is associated with one of a plurality of different features and an indicator representing that feature. The gaming system begins sequentially displaying the reels and any corresponding indicators. The gaming system selects a set of two or more of the reels and stops sequentially displaying the reels such that the selected reels are displayed. The gaming system generates and displays a plurality of the symbols on the selected reels, determines whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed, determines any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations, and displays any determined awards.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Leandro Basallo, Timothy L. Isaacson, Jon M. Leupp, Brian F. Saunders, Mark C. Nicely, Nguyen T. Louie
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Publication number: 20170103605Abstract: A server apparatus provides a game which accompanies a resource increasing or decreasing in a game space to a plurality of terminal apparatuses via a network. The server apparatus collects and accumulates the resources from the plurality of terminal apparatuses in the first mode and releases the accumulated resource in the second mode. The server apparatus selectively switches between the first mode and the second mode so as to distribute the resources upon reception of a request from a terminal apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: GREE, Inc.Inventor: Toshitaka INUKAI
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Publication number: 20170103606Abstract: An example system includes a game device including a game processing unit performing information processing concerning a game and a communication unit performing communication via a network, and a communication unit performing communication with the game device via the network. The game device includes a purchase request transmission unit transmitting a purchase request for the first item to be used in the game to the server by communication through the communication unit. The server includes a purchase request reception unit receiving the purchase request transmitted by the purchase request transmission unit, and a first item imparting unit imparting the first item in response to the purchase request received by the purchase request reception unit. An upper limit is set to the cumulative number of the purchased first items for the user who plays the game using the game device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicants: NINTENDO CO., LTD., AMBRELLA CO., LTD., THE POKÉMON COMPANYInventors: Kaori ANDO, Yuki OKADA, Norio MATSUMURA, Masayuki WADA
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Publication number: 20170103607Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are presented wherein games operated by users may be added, modified, and/or deleted in a manner that eliminates the need to substantially reconfigure all or mostly all of the related subsystems. In various embodiments, game containers, game container setups, and a game catalog server combine such that desired changes to game types are generated in bundles of game data setup packages and distributed for execution by respective game containers. The game data setup packages contain parameters that can be updated or modified via the game catalog server in order to effectuate desired game additions, modifications or deletions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Adam Hajduk
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Publication number: 20170103608Abstract: The invention addressing these and other drawbacks relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may provide a wager opportunity based on the occurrence of certain events with interactive media. Upon the occurrence of an event, for example, the user may be provided with an opportunity to place a wager.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Game Play Network, Inc. d/b/a OddzInventors: Russell M. FINE, Jamison SELBY
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Publication number: 20170103609Abstract: A gaming machine that provides a wagering game, including a user interface in communication with a game controller, through the operation of which a player selects one of a plurality of wager options that determine a number of symbols to be active and inactive in the wagering game. For at least one said wager option at least one, but not all of the plurality of symbols that define a possible said winning combination are rendered inactive for forming the winning combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Gregory Leigh Plowman
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Publication number: 20170103610Abstract: A gaming system for enabling enhancement of wagering outcomes includes: a) a gaming table having a game play surface; b) a processor; c) a player input control at a player hand position, the player input control in communication with the processor; and d) a random number generator in communication with the processor. The game play surface at the player hand position has lights that are at card-receiving positions at the player position, a power source in communication with the lights; the processor, in response to random selections of the card-receiving positions at the player position, configured to direct that a closed electrical connection occur between the power source and the lights at the player hand position. Lights may also be present at a dealer hand position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Mark A. Litman
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Publication number: 20170103611Abstract: A plurality of variable jackpot tickets having a predefined expected value and a plurality of predetermined non-jackpot winning tickets are provided in a deal of tickets preprinted with game content. A first random number generator using a first prize table selects physical locations in the deal of tickets for the plurality of predetermined non-jackpot winning tickets, and the plurality of variable jackpot tickets. A second random number generator using a second prize table different than the first prize table selects a jackpot prize for each of the plurality of variable jackpot tickets. Some of the jackpot prizes in the second prize table are less than the expected value. The difference between some of the jackpot prizes in the second prize table and the expected value are used to fund one or more jackpot prizes that are greater than the expected value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Kenneth E. IRWIN, Robert J. SIEMASKO, James E. BRESLO
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Publication number: 20170103612Abstract: A card-based metagame includes a first deck of cards used to play a game according to a set of rules. The card-based metagame also includes a second deck of cards used to change the play of the game. The first deck may be the standard playing card deck or the 52-card deck of French playing cards. The cards of the second deck may be different than the cards of the first deck. In some implementations, the first and/or second decks of cards are physical cards. In other implementations, the first and/or second decks of cards are digital representations of cards provided by a computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Alexandre Dreyfus
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Publication number: 20170103613Abstract: Techniques providing a mid-spin enhancement feature(s) in response to the presented subset of symbols. In one embodiment, a method involves spinning reels of a slot game, and achieving a minimum win combination criteria based on a result of a subset of the reels that have stopped spinning. The remaining reels continue to spin, and an enhanced feature is activated while the remaining reels continue to spin. The remaining reels stop spinning, and results are provided based on at least the result of the reels and the activated enhanced feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Bradley BERMAN, Chad SHAPIRO
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Publication number: 20170103614Abstract: A tournament played over a network consisting of rounds (hands) of a poker-like game based on the action in one or more live sporting events. The number of hands played, and the timing of those hands, are the same for every player in the tournament, and are independent of the number of players in the tournament. The number of players in the tournament can be arbitrarily large or small. The prize structure can also be independent of the number of players, and announced in advance. The tournament is preferably based on a collection of closely associated betting events, like the drives in a single football game; or a collection of closely associated sporting events. The poker-like games played in each round of the tournament utilize chips where the winners of the tournament are the players with the largest chip counts at the end of the tournament.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Burton SIMON
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Publication number: 20170103615Abstract: The disclosure discloses an improved online betting system platform for making in-play sports betting wages. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the platform is configured to identify a request by a player to join a tournament with a predefined entry fee and compete for rewards derived as a function of predefined entry fees by a wager pool of players betting on the same tournament. Once the request to join is acknowledged by the platform, the player is automatically added to the list alongside all the other wager pool of players registered for the tournament. Thereafter, the platform displays sporting event information including different bet types that can be waged on the basis of the predefined entry fee, and updates the sporting event information in real time in response to in-play activities associated with the live sporting event. The platform recognizes and records player bets up to the limit of the predefined entry fee and tracks winning and losing bets in real time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: THEODOROS THEODOSOPOULOS