Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9626824
    Abstract: Methods an apparatus are described for verifying a game of chance is displayed correctly on a remote client. The verification may include storing game history information associated with a game of chance presented at a remote client. The server can provide a game outcome associated with the game of chance, and the game outcome can be presented visually on the remote client. A sample game outcome can be generated on a remote client and a user may be asked one or more questions about the sample game outcome to verify that the sample game outcome is correctly displayed on the remote client. In addition, the remote client can then generate a hash of the 1 game outcome and send the hash to the server. The server can store the client-generated hash and game history. If a dispute arises, this client-generated hash can be compared to a server-generated hash. A comparison of these hashes can be used to verify that the correct outcome was displayed on the remote client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Brosnan, Jamal Benbrahim, Steven G. LeMay
  • Patent number: 9626825
    Abstract: A game machine has an operation lever device disposed on a front side of the game machine, having a lever having a grip section that is configured to be held by a game player and that rotates bi-directionally with respect to a shaft, a light guide plate disposed on the grip section of the lever in a viewable manner, a light source section that supplies light into the light guide plate. The grip section is formed into a long shape. The light guide plate has a viewable surface provided with a light emission pattern for forming an image by emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9626826
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system to acquire and display casino data on a portable electronic device may include a portable electronic device having a processor operative with a real-time location based data application to transmit the location of the portable electronic device and acquire, prioritize, store and display real-time casino data. The real-time casino data may be periodically updated based on the location of the portable electronic device and visually presented to a user on a display of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Nguyen Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Binh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9626827
    Abstract: A system for an electronic gambling device output has been developed. The system includes, a first computing device with slot machine game logic circuitry that generates an output signal that is content tested and approved by a gaming regulatory authority for output by the slot machine. It also includes a second computing device that is external to the slot machine. This device controls the tested output content and output content that has not been tested by the gaming regulatory authority. The untested output content replaces or supplements the tested output content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Aim Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Okuniewicz
  • Patent number: 9626828
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multiplayer card game with multiple fold options and interrelated bonuses. In one embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to input either a first fold input or a second different fold input should the player desire to fold the player's hand during a play of the card game. If the gaming system receives the first fold input from the player, the gaming system: (a) folds the player's hand, (b) automatically removes the player from the virtual table, and (c) automatically assigns the player to a second different virtual table for at least one subsequent play of the card game. If, on the other hand, the gaming system receives the second fold input from the player, the gaming system folds the player's hand and does not remove the player from the virtual table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Andreas C. Montano
  • Patent number: 9626829
    Abstract: The current invention discloses devices and methods that may be used for detection and verification of interactions, such as collisions, between objects in application programs, such as online games. After receiving interaction information from a first terminal, a server may send the interaction information to another terminal for verification based on the first terminal's credit rating. When the credit rating is high, the server may broadcast the interaction information before the verification process, which may be conducted randomly. On the other hand, when the credit rating is low, the server may wait for the verification results from the other terminal and only broadcast the interaction information when the information is confirmed. Such an approach optimizes the interaction verification process, reduces security risk, and saves computing resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Bo Xie
  • Patent number: 9626830
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus in which a player plays one of a plurality of networked gaming devices. Game awards below a predefined level are tracked and stored on the network. If the game awards are less than a predefined criterion, a pay command is sent over the network to the player's gaming device, which may be used for a free game. Implementation in a single gaming device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9626831
    Abstract: A system for providing an award to a player is described herein. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller coupled to each of the gaming devices. Each gaming device is configured to receive a wager from a player and responsively display a game. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a wager being received by at least one of the gaming devices, determine a range of award numbers as a function of at least one previous wager, randomly select an award number from the range of award numbers, and responsively provide an award to the player being associated with the at least one gaming device as a function of the randomly selected award number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Suda, Arthur Lee
  • Patent number: 9626832
    Abstract: A method of implementing a player tracking system in a gaming network includes receiving a virtual player tracking card identifier and a virtual player tracking card password, authenticating the identifier and the password; receiving a virtual player tracking card PIN, identifying a gaming machine that transmitted the virtual player tracking card PIN, and crediting an account associated with the virtual player tracking card PIN based on game play on the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Miles M. Patceg, Reuven Somberg
  • Patent number: 9626833
    Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Mohammed A. Saffari, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9626834
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has won. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMANT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9626835
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secondary contest involving a plurality of players playing a primary award wagering game. The players enter wagers in the primary game, and the results from the primary wagering game determine the outcome of a secondary pari-mutuel contest in which players compete against each other. The results from the primary wagering game resolve the secondary contest where the highest ranking results will win the wagers placed in the secondary contest on a tiered basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEWAAL IP LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Jacobus deWaal
  • Patent number: 9626836
    Abstract: Systems for enhanced head-to-head hybrid gaming are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Caitlyn Ross
  • Patent number: 9626837
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In certain embodiments, the existing lottery infrastructure is used in conjunction with electronic remote game play. A player receives a ticket identification number (TIN), optionally via lottery game play, and then plays an electronic game based upon the TIN. The remote system contains information associated with the TIN, for example, identification of which game will be played, and in a predetermined context, whether the player is to win or lose, and if they win, the form of the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MILESTONE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Randall M. Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 9626838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lottery system for redirecting an online lottery client to impede crashing owing to increased traffic during a lottery jackpot. The system includes node servers including a first node server and a second node server. A broker server indicates to the first node server that the second node server is allocated to the client so that the first node server can redirect the client to the second node server to distribute traffic among node servers and impede crashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TMS Global Services Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mike Veverka, Andrew Whatson, Xavier Bergade
  • Patent number: 9626839
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing an additional award opportunity when a designated quantity of displayed symbols is associated with a displayed background. For a play of a game, the gaming system displays one of a plurality of different backgrounds and a plurality of a plurality of different symbols on, over, or otherwise in addition to the displayed background. The gaming system determines and provides any awards associated with the displayed symbols. If a designated quantity of at least one of the displayed symbols is associated with the displayed background, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Travis J. Calvert
  • Patent number: 9626840
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The electronic gaming device may include a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include one or more smart wild feature structures. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may move a first smart wild to a first replacement location based on the first replacement location having a top award amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn Williamson, Steven W. Davis
  • Patent number: 9626841
    Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
  • Patent number: 9626842
    Abstract: The accessorized doorbell device has a device control in wireless communication with an actuator, such as a doorbell. Chosen music and other informational playback upon an actuator's enablement plays from a plethora of music and other choices stored within and available to the device. A plurality of wireless playback units is provided such that chosen playback is selectively heard throughout or in an isolated area in an abode. A plurality of control buttons, a monitor, and a speaker provide discriminating input from the device control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Guy Navon
  • Patent number: 9626843
    Abstract: A system for playback of messages. Context appropriate messages for an environment may be played back. Messages may be user behavior interactive and subject to user behavior initiated message playback conditions. User generated environment events may be automatically analyzed and user behavior interactive messages may be automatically coordinated. An automated themed message playback apparatus may have a self-contained housing within which a stored themed message, an in situ user generated environment event sensor, and an automated themed message playback device are housed. User generated environment events may be automatically sensed in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Martigold Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: George Martin, Yale E. Goldman
  • Patent number: 9626844
    Abstract: A service indicator lighting system which minimizes the active lighting sources for designation of a failed or otherwise identified component is provided. The system includes an array of service indicators arranged in a grid of columns and rows. The system further includes a single light source provided at each row and each column of the grid of columns and rows. The light source for each column illuminates light of a first color and the light source in each row illuminates light of a second color different than the first color. The system further includes a plurality of light pipes intersecting at each service indicator of the array of service indicators such that light illuminated from a single light source in each row and each column is combined together at a respective intersection forming a third color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Kelaher, Justin S. Thaler
  • Patent number: 9626845
    Abstract: A hearing device may provide hearing-to-touch sensory substitution as a therapeutic approach to deafness. Through use of signal processing on received signals, the hearing device may provide better accuracy with the hearing-to-touch sensory substitution by extending beyond the simple filtering of an incoming audio stream as found in previous tactile hearing aids. The signal processing may include low bitrate audio compression algorithms, such as linear predictive coding, mathematical transforms, such as Fourier transforms, and/or wavelet algorithms. The processed signals may activate tactile interface devices that provide touch sensation to a user. For example, the tactile interface devices may be vibrating devices attached to a vest, which is worn by the user. The vest may also provide other types of information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: David M. Eagleman, Scott Novich
  • Patent number: 9626846
    Abstract: An evacuation slide comprises a sliding face having a top end portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to an exit of a region to be evacuated, and a bottom end portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to an escape route leading away from the region to be evacuated and being arranged at a lower height than the region to be evacuated. A light signal generating device is adapted to irradiate at least one light beam onto the escape route which extends further in a direction parallel to a center line of the escape route than in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the escape route so as to indicate a predefined evacuation direction along the escape route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann, Fred Raszpir, Gary Leegate, Anja Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 9626847
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise a system disposed within a structure comprising a network of individually addressed devices, wherein each device comprises a microcontroller electrically connected to a communication module, an output module, and/or a sensor module. The sensor module may produce data of an environmental condition and may transmit a signal to the microcontroller based on the data. The microcontroller may receive and processes the signal from the sensor module to identify a detected event and selectively activates at least one of the output module and the sensor module based on the detected event. The selectively activated output module and sensor module may located within the same device as the microcontroller and/or any number of devices in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Exposure Illumination Architects, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Spiro
  • Patent number: 9626848
    Abstract: There is described a security device for insertion into a container product for protection of the container product. The security device comprises a body portion moveable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration; and a locking mechanism operable to lock the body portion in the expanded configuration and operable to unlock the body portion from the expanded configuration; wherein, when the body portion is locked in the expanded configuration, the body portion has a length that cannot be reduced below a predefined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GCS (GB) Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy Davies
  • Patent number: 9626849
    Abstract: A process reduces false positive security alerts. The process is performed at a computing device having one or more processors, and memory storing one or more programs configured for execution by the one or more processors. The process computes a depth map for a scene monitored by a video camera using a plurality of IR images captured by the video camera and uses the depth map to identify a first region within the scene having historically above average false positive detected motion events. In some instances, the first region is a ceiling, a window, or a television. The process monitors a video stream provided by the video camera to identify motion events, excluding the first region, and generates a motion alert when there is detected motion in the scene outside of the first region and the detected motion satisfies threshold criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, Dongeek Shin, George Alban Heitz, III, Srivatsan Varadharajan
  • Patent number: 9626850
    Abstract: A method for security and/or automation systems, comprising determining a presence of a first occupant in a first room at a predefined location, the first room communicatively coupled to a first electronic device capable of receiving input; receiving a request for communication with the first occupant by a remote computer system; sending a response to the request for communication with the first occupant; and establishing a communications link between the first electronic device and the remote computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Eyring, Jeremy B. Warren, James E. Nye
  • Patent number: 9626851
    Abstract: A tracking device for an object comprising a body having at least one engagement member adapted to engage with the object, and a tracking arrangement chamber for housing a tracking arrangement arranged to track the object engaged with the body, wherein the tracking arrangement includes an antenna disposed adjacent to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Hong Kong R&D Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Jing Tian Xi, Terry Tao Ye
  • Patent number: 9626852
    Abstract: A microwave motion sensor has a circuit assembly for intrusion detection in a predetermined space. The microwave motion sensor comprising a control unit, a microwave sensing unit and a microwave confining unit. The microwave sensing unit, for transmitting and receiving a microwave signal, is separated in structure but electrically coupled to the control unit. The microwave confining unit, for managing a detection zone of the microwave signal, has an accommodating space formed inside the microwave confining unit, and the microwave sensing unit being disposed inside the accommodating space. Wherein the circuit assembly is divided into the control unit and the microwave sensing unit, the scope of the detection zone of the microwave signal varies based on the shape of the microwave confining unit and the shape of the microwave confining unit varies based on the predetermined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 9626853
    Abstract: Technology for a thermal switch is described. The thermal switch can include a first conducting layer. The thermal switch can include a second conducting layer. The thermal switch can include a material layer in between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. The material layer can be a conductor when above a defined temperature and a dielectric when below the defined temperature. The thermal switch can be operable to close an electrical circuit when the material layer is a conductor and open the electrical circuit when the material layer is the dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Adam C. Wood
  • Patent number: 9626854
    Abstract: A lifeguard alarm system for swimmers, capable of detecting whether a swimmer is moving forward or drowning. The system includes a detecting device, an accelerometer disposed on the detecting device and a computing unit; the accelerometer configured to output respective acceleration values along X, Y, and Z axes of the detecting device and of gravity, the computing unit configured to calculate a sum of squares of the X, Y and Z acceleration values of the accelerometer as a first value and square of an acceleration of gravity as a second value and to compare the first value with the second value. A relationship between the first value and the second value can be used to control the warming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Bing-Syun Yang
  • Patent number: 9626855
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present inventions are related to monitoring physical location of a monitored target, but not limited to, use of beacon location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BI Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald A. Melton
  • Patent number: 9626856
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for detecting presence using a presence sensor network. In some embodiments, a computer executing a presence service generates a user interface for display at a user device. The user interface can include a control that, when selected, generates room data defining a monitored location. The computer can obtain sensor identifier data that identifies a presence sensor located at the monitored location and a location of the presence sensor at the monitored location. The computer can provide the user interface to the user device to obtain the room data and obtain the room data. The computer also can store the room data and the sensor identifier data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Donnie Henderson, Alicia Abella, Gerald Michael Karam
  • Patent number: 9626857
    Abstract: A system for transmitting baggage items in vehicles, having a first communication module for communicating with a communication terminal that requests authorization data via a network, an identification routine that identifies a supplier, a second communication module for communication to a control device of an access system for a vehicle, a second identification routine for identification of the system by the access system, a third communication module for receiving request information (AA) from the driver, and an updating routine for updating authorization data of the system. A baggage detection unit detects baggage items loaded into the vehicle. Data regarding the baggage items is transmitted to a logistics service provider and after executing the updating routine transmits information on the baggage items to the vehicle access system. The control device of the access system generates a message regarding the transmission of baggage items via a bus system in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Joris Fokkelman
  • Patent number: 9626858
    Abstract: A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David Sloo, Nick Webb, Yoky Matsuoka, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers
  • Patent number: 9626859
    Abstract: Electronic locking devices, systems, and methods may require the utilization of an electronic key generated by an electronic key generation device. The electronic key may be generated using a data payload received from server and/or an administrative device. The administrative device is enabled to remotely manage the locking device and locking system via, for example, a software application running on the administrative device and/or a website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DIGILOCK ASIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Gabriel Bestard Ribas, Steven Thomas Bakondi, Lloyd Seliber
  • Patent number: 9626860
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that, in some aspects, provide for receiving input from sensors placed in a user's mouth. The methods and systems may include a plurality of sensors in communication with a controller. Each sensor may be affixed to one of a plurality of teeth. The controller may generate an action signal when a sensor signal exceeds a sensor signal threshold value. Aspects of the disclosure also provide for methods that may include detecting a sensor signal exceeding a sensor signal threshold value, generating an action signal, and transmitting the action signal, the action signal comprising information identifying the sensor associated with the detected sensor signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Andy Martushev, Mehul Patel, Jonathan Alan Leech, Edward David Monnerat
  • Patent number: 9626861
    Abstract: A wireless device 101 is a wireless device having identification information, and includes: an operation unit 11; a power generating unit 12 that generates electric power by operation on the operation unit 11; a signal generating unit 13 that operates by using the electric power generated by the power generating unit 12 and is capable of outputting a signal of a kind corresponding to the content of each operation on the operation unit 11; a storage unit 15 that operates by using the electric power generated by the power generating unit 12 and nonvolatilely stores the content of an output signal of the signal generating unit 13, the identification information, and reference information; and a transmission control unit 14 that compares the content of the output signal with the reference information when the operation on the operation unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition, the content of the output signal and the reference information being stored in the storage unit 15, and transits to a transmission perm
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Sei Teki, Mitsuru Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 9626862
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a sensor network comprising a plurality of nodes and at least one resource, where a resource can be a sensing device (e.g., a camera or microphone) or other peripheral devices (e.g., a storage or recording system). In at least one embodiment of the present invention, at least one node in a network determines at least one resource available to it and the type of the resource or its capabilities. Based on the type or capabilities of the resource, the node associates with one or more logical node names and acquires instructions for performing at least one function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsiang-Tsung Kung, Dario Vlah
  • Patent number: 9626863
    Abstract: An intermediate device is operated to play back an acoustic configuration file for an end-user device. The acoustic configuration file can embed configuration parameters that are detectable by the end-user device. In particular, the end-user device can use the configuration parameters in conjunction with performing select operations, such as operations to configure the end-user device for communication with the network service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: RAKUTEN KOBO INC., RAKUTEN INC.
    Inventors: James Wu, Yasuyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9626864
    Abstract: A remote control device communicates remote control discovery information to a receiver. The remote control device is used to control a particular electronic consumer device. The remote control discovery information may, for example, include: a codeset identifier that identifies a codeset stored in the remote control device, device information, diagnostic information, and/or marketing information. The device information may include a device description, and/or device characteristics information that correspond to the electronic consumer device. In one example, the receiver is a set-top box that is connected to a central database through a network. The remote control discovery information may be used to identify the remote control device and the corresponding electronic consumer device. In addition, the remote control discovery information may also be used for diagnostic and marketing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dan N. McKay, Raymond O. Chock
  • Patent number: 9626865
    Abstract: An image recognition section detects a first traffic regulation sign from a picked-up image of an area in front of a vehicle. An acquisition section uses a position of the vehicle to acquire a road link, including a second traffic regulation sign at the position of the vehicle, from a storage section. When no current first traffic regulation sign is detected on a current road link after turning-right or turning-left of the vehicle, a determination section determines a current final traffic regulation sign on the current road link, which is to be notified to a vehicle occupant, by use of a degree of adequacy of cooperation between previous first and second traffic regulation signs detected and acquired on a previous road link before the turning-right or turning-left of the vehicle, but also previous and current factors acquired on the previous and current road links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yokochi, Hirotaka Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 9626866
    Abstract: Traffic sign warnings are provided to a driver by optically scanning an area in front of the moving vehicle to obtain an image of said area in front of the moving vehicle. Road signs are recognized and their importance categorized. A driver's eyes are continuously scanned to determine whether the driver's eyes' ever focus on, or are directed to a detected and recognized road sign. Multiple different visual and/or audible warnings or alarms are generated based on the nature of a road sign, its proximity to the moving vehicle, and the driver's determined awareness of the road sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheldon G Waite
  • Patent number: 9626867
    Abstract: A system and method for suppressing collision warning in a host vehicle is provided. The system receives position data from a remote vehicle. The host vehicle suppresses a collision warning when a detected stationary object is in a safe-zone based on the remote vehicle position data, thereby preventing false collision warnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Patent number: 9626868
    Abstract: An object detection device can acquire information of an object in the vicinity of a host-vehicle for appropriate traveling assistance. An object detection device 1 includes a vehicle state detection section 2, an environmental situation acquisition section 3, a road information acquisition section 4, a detection control section 6, and a detection section 7. A host-vehicle state prediction section 61 acquires a target state of a host-vehicle 81. The detection section 7 detects an object. A parameter setting section 63 switches the detection characteristic of the object in the detection section 7 in accordance with the target state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Harada, Katsuhiro Sakai, Toshiki Kindo
  • Patent number: 9626869
    Abstract: Provided is a drive assisting apparatus which assists follow-up travelling to a forward vehicle including an inter-vehicle information acquisition unit 10 that acquires a distance between a host vehicle and a forward vehicle, a deceleration unit 12 that performs a deceleration control based on the inter-vehicle distance, and a steering information acquisition unit 14 that detects steering by a driver, and the deceleration unit 12 stops the deceleration control, when the steering is detected. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately understand the will of a driver and perform a deceleration control based on the will of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuma Ariga, Hitoshi Yuasa
  • Patent number: 9626870
    Abstract: A method for communicating based on an ad hoc-type motor vehicle communication system, in which transportation users communicate with one another and/or transportation users and the transportation infrastructure communicate, includes determining the valid directions of travel independently based on messages transmitted by transportation users and determining travel in the wrong direction based on these messages. Corresponding further messages may be transmitted in response to the hazardous situation. A transportation infrastructure device and to a transportation user device may implement the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Füreder, Fritz Kasslatter
  • Patent number: 9626871
    Abstract: A leading vehicle group 1 transmits divided data 71 and 72 obtained by dividing vehicle information 7. Data transfer vehicle groups 2 and 3 transfer the divided data 71 and 72 to a data composite vehicle group 4 and to following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The data composite vehicle group 4 transfers composite data 73 obtained by XORing the divided data 71 and 72 to the following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The following vehicle group 5 XORs the divided data 71 received from the data transfer vehicle group 2 with the composite data 73 received from the data composite vehicle group 4 to restore the unreceived divided data 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Tosa, Yuji Hamada, Shinji Akatsu
  • Patent number: 9626872
    Abstract: An avionics system comprising a human machine interface configured to display a user interface and a control device is provided. The control device coupled to the human machine interface, wherein the control device is configured to send and receive controller/pilot data link communications (CPDLC) messages and adjust the user interface based on a first CPDLC version of an established first CPDLC session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Judd, Michael J. Kayser, Thomas F. McGuffin, Reetu Gupta
  • Patent number: 9626873
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program for providing, on a human-machine interface, data relating to an aspect of the operation of an aircraft and grouped into one and the same area of the interface, the method comprising the following steps. A step of detecting a request to display an aspect of the operation of the aircraft. The method also includes a step of computing a flight situation and generating a consolidated aeroplane situation. A step of associating the elementary data linked to the consolidated aeroplane situation to extract therefrom updated situational data. The method then includes a step of grouping the updated situational data into a plurality of sub-sets to allow display of the data in the display area. Finally the method includes a step of displaying, in the display area, the sub-sets of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Patrick Mazoyer, Antoine Lacombe, Franåois Coulmeau