Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9721389
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a first perspective of a three-dimensional marker may be detected, where the three-dimensional marker has a shape that presents a different appearance from every angle. A first three-dimensional virtual overlay corresponding to the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker may be identified or generated. The first three-dimensional virtual overlay corresponding to the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker may be projected or displayed such that the first three-dimensional virtual overlay substantially covers the first perspective of the three-dimensional marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Lars Erik Holmquist
  • Patent number: 9721391
    Abstract: A method of displaying augmented reality content on a physical surface is disclosed. A surface complexity measure is determined for the physical surface from a captured image of the physical surface. A content complexity measure is determined for the augmented reality content to be applied to the physical surface. The content complexity measure represents an amount of fine detail in the augmented reality content. The method determines if the amount of fine detail in the augmented reality content is to be modified, based on a function of the surface complexity measure and said content complexity measure. A display attribute of the augmented reality content is adjusted to modify the fine detail in the augmented reality content. The modified augmented reality content is displayed on the physical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David Robert James Monaghan, Belinda Margaret Yee, Oscar Alejandro De Lellis
  • Patent number: 9721392
    Abstract: There is provided a server including a reception unit configured to receive, from a client terminal, position information indicating a position of the client terminal, and direction information indicating a direction in which the client terminal is directed, and a search unit configured to search for image data provided with position information indicating an opposite position across a target object present in the direction indicated by the direction information with respect to the position of the client terminal based on the position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Yoichiro Sako, Mitsuru Takehara
  • Patent number: 9721393
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a process for the delivery of virtual reality content that enables a more immersive experience to the user by implementing resolution-defined projections. The resolution-defined projections are two-dimensional and virtual reality content agnostic. According to some aspects, the projections can be used to generate virtual reality content images and video that can be encoded and/or compressed for processing and transmission with lower or without increasing bandwidth requirements, and to be perceived of a higher resolution. Additional aspects include, the adaptive focus via the resolution-defined projections using the user's viewing direction, optimization data from a feedback loop and/or crowdsourcing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Immersive Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Dunn, Taher Baderkhan, Vincent Machacek, Husam Aldalaq, Juan Ferreira, Daniel Morton, Moshe Ben-Zacharia
  • Patent number: 9721394
    Abstract: The AUGMENTED REALITY VIRTUAL CONTENT PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“ARV”) provides a photo driven ad-platform that transforms digital media placements into immersive and immediately shareable brand-consumer engagements via GPS-linked virtual photo components instantiated on a user mobile device. Within embodiments, users may create and share photographs augmented with brands or other images and accompanying messages on various social networks using their Smartphones or tablets to earn rewards. In one implementation, merchants and/or advertisers may populate the mobile augmented reality space as fans and consumers may share their photos on social networks and spread the word virally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Snaps Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivian Rosenthal, Steven Austin Bone, Dmitry Rakovitsky
  • Patent number: 9721395
    Abstract: Methods for generating and displaying images associated with one or more virtual objects within an augmented reality environment at a frame rate that is greater than a rendering frame rate are described. The rendering frame rate may correspond with the minimum time to render images associated with a pose of a head-mounted display device (HMD). In some embodiments, the HMD may determine a predicted pose associated with a future position and orientation of the HMD, generate a pre-rendered image based on the predicted pose, determine an updated pose associated with the HMD subsequent to generating the pre-rendered image, generate an updated image based on the updated pose and the pre-rendered image, and display the updated image on the HMD. The updated image may be generated via a homographic transformation and/or a pixel offset adjustment of the pre-rendered image by circuitry within the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Calvin Chan, Jeffrey Neil Margolis, Andrew Pearson, Martin Shetter, Ashraf Ayman Michail, Barry Corlett
  • Patent number: 9721396
    Abstract: Action of a head around which an HMD main body is worn is related to manipulation of an object in an immersive three-dimensional virtual space. Information on a sight in a virtual space may be determined based on information on head inclination sensed with an inclination sensor; an image of the sight in the virtual space may be generated based on the sight information in order to display the sight image in the head mounted display; an object placed on a reference sight line in the virtual space may be identified, the reference sight line being determined in correspondence with a predetermined position in the sight image; and an object the identified object may be manipulated in response to the identification of the object in accordance with action of inclining in a predetermined direction the head around which the head mounted display is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: COLOPL, Inc.
    Inventor: Naruatsu Baba
  • Patent number: 9721397
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product enables automatic toll booth interaction with self-driving vehicles (SDVs). An SDV interrogation transceiver at a toll booth interrogates a driving mode module on an SDV. The SDV is capable of being operated in autonomous mode by an on-board SDV control processor. The driving mode module selectively controls the SDV to be operated in the autonomous mode or in manual mode, in which a human driver of the SDV manually operates the SDV. The SDV interrogation transceiver receives a driving mode descriptor of the SDV, which identifies whether the SDV currently is operating in the autonomous mode or in the manual mode while traveling on a toll road. An adjusted toll charge for the SDV to travel on the toll road is then transmitted based on the driving mode descriptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski, Ashish Kundu, Peter K. Malkin, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9721398
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include a processor configured to buffer records of vehicle information created at a scheduled acquisition rate, and to buffer event files of vehicle information created upon the occurrence of predetermined triggering events. The processor may be further configured to cause the buffered records to be wirelessly transmitted on a last-in first-out basis if a signal strength in a vicinity of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined threshold, and to cause the buffered files to be wirelessly transmitted if the signal strength is greater than a second predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel William Forthoffer, Medville Jay Throop, Brian David Tillman
  • Patent number: 9721399
    Abstract: A vehicle diagnosing apparatus, a vehicle diagnosing system, and a diagnosing method enable the determination of completion of a repair or part replacement on a vehicle while adapting to changes in environment and overcoming temporal or spatial restrictions. The vehicle diagnosing apparatus reads diagnostic information from an on-board diagnosing unit on the vehicle that detects an abnormality in an on-board device. A result of a maintenance work performed on the on-board device is finalized by a maintenance result finalizing unit. A determination unit determines the appropriateness of the finalized maintenance work result with reference to determination information stored in a database that is continuously updated. The result of the determination is indicated by a notifying unit. Analogy is used to obtain the diagnostic information when the on-board device requires a long time or a certain condition to provide accurate diagnostic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyasu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9721400
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting motor vehicle damage is described which includes a sensor to detect damage to a motor vehicle component from a plurality of motor vehicle components. A network interface is provided to transmit an indication of the detected damage, the indication including an identifier associated with the damaged motor vehicle component. Also provided is a data store to store the indication of the detected damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Charles L. Oakes, III, Rickey D. Burks, Michael P. Bueche, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9721401
    Abstract: A rail vehicle consist may include a master unit and at least one trailing unit coupled to the master unit. The master unit may include a first processor in communication with a second processor of the at least one trailing unit. A power source may be disposed on the at least one trailing unit and may include a sensor associated with the second processor. A display may be disposed on the master unit and may be associated with the first processor to display characteristics monitored by the sensor wherein the display presents a message image, a warning image, and an isolate image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Arthur Raeder, Dennis Melas, Daniel E. Bechtlofft, Wayne Allen Rudolph, Mark Alan Fanara, Andrew Joseph Shakal
  • Patent number: 9721402
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for performing physical access control using various types of encoding technologies by removably incorporating modular encoder subassemblies. An access control apparatus includes access control electronics and at least one docking bay or slot for removably housing at least one modular encoder unit. The encoder unit can be removably house in the docking bay or slot of the access control apparatus and be removably linked, communicatively and/or physically, to the access control electronics when housed in the access control apparatus, and can interface with and write or read information to or from a credential. When removably housed in the docking bay or slot, the encoder unit can receive identity data from the access control electronics and bind the identity data to the credential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION, ONITY, INC.
    Inventors: Levent Gosterisli, Craig Bonnett, Alberto Vecchiotti, Dennis Bailey
  • Patent number: 9721403
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for a door in a motor vehicle, comprising an electronic unit that includes at least one first and a second sensor. Each sensor has its own monitoring zone on the motor vehicle door. The safety system further comprises a lock which is arranged on the motor vehicle door and can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position, as well as a user-held identifier which can be brought into data communication with a transceiver unit in the motor vehicle for authentication purposes. The electronic unit is designed in such a way as to be able to generate a trigger signal by having the user execute at least one defined movement pattern within the monitoring zones, thus allowing the position of the lock to be switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Müller
  • Patent number: 9721404
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for a security system of a vehicle (1), in particular for a keyless activation of a locking mechanism of the vehicle (1), having a communication device (20) for communication with a mobile identification transmitter (100) by means of a radio signal (F) with a radio frequency (F.1), wherein an inductive charging process (L) can be carried out in the region of the vehicle (1) with a charging frequency (L.1), in particular for electrically charging an energy storage device. According to the invention the radio frequency (F.1) differs from the charging frequency (L.1) such that an interference in the communication with the mobile identification transmitter (100) can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Müller
  • Patent number: 9721405
    Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and a computer system for displaying and erasing an ID badge image on an ID badge. An entry terminal device of a target area receives from an ID badge a transmission of an ID number and confirms the ID numbers. In response to determining that the ID number is confirmed, the entry terminal device obtains an ID badge image for the ID number. The entry terminal device transmits the ID badge image to the ID badge, wherein the ID badge image is displayed on the ID badge when the ID badge is carried into the target area. An exit terminal device of the target area transmits an instruction of erasing a display of the ID badge image on the ID badge, wherein the ID badge image is erased from the ID badge when the ID badge is carried out of the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Shinto
  • Patent number: 9721406
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for door unlocking using a payment account. The system receives registration of a user at a business entity, such as a hotel and receives identification of a payment account associated with the user. Then the system establishes a policy such that the payment account is used as a key to unlock a door at the business entity, such as a hotel room. The system receives data associated with the payment account by receiving a card swipe at the hotel room door using a card associated with the payment account or via a wireless communication at the door. The door is unlocked based on validation of the data provided at the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas M. Isaacson
  • Patent number: 9721407
    Abstract: A method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment (PPE) and actions of individuals includes the following steps. An article of PPE configured with a smart tag is provided to an individual prior to performance of a task. After the individual performs the task, the article of PPE is processed. Information is retrieved from the smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE. After the performance of the task, the individual's data is read and the individual enters into a designated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Luca D. Farioli Brioschi, Luis V. Ramirez Chaidez, Lawrence J. Ptasienski, Mark T. Anderson, Michael E. Hamerly
  • Patent number: 9721408
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle opening/closing member that operates the opening/closing member provided in the vehicle in response to a physical expression of a user, having a user authentication unit that authenticates a user whose physical expression is to be detected, a physical expression detecting unit that detects the physical expression of the user, an operation determining unit that determines an operating state of at least one of the user authentication unit and the physical expression detecting unit, and a notification unit that sends notification that, in accordance with a determination result of the operating state determined by the operation determining unit, the user has been authenticated, the detection of the physical expression has been completed, or the detection of the physical expression has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Obata, Ryuichi Yoshida, Masanari Ueda
  • Patent number: 9721409
    Abstract: A wearable device may include a sensor system capable of obtaining physiological from a user's body. Some wearable devices may include a substance delivery system. A sensor system of a wearable device may include at least one “bio-assurance sensor” capable of obtaining biometric data that may be used to identify a user. For example, the bio-assurance sensor may be used to ensure that the wearable device is not removed from the user's body and/or placed on or in another user's body. In some examples, the wearable device may be used with a second device, such as a smart phone, that includes at least one “authentication sensor,” such as a fingerprint sensor, that also may be used to identify a user. However, in some implementations the wearable device may include at least one authentication sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Muhammed Ibrahim Sezan, John Keith Schneider, Kenneth Kaskoun, Eugene Dantsker
  • Patent number: 9721410
    Abstract: An authentication system includes a plurality of authentication apparatuses, each of which includes first biological information of a same set of users; a crosschecking unit for crosschecking input biological information with a part of the first biological information; a transmitter for assigning second biological information included in the first biological information other than the part of the first biological information to the other authentication apparatuses without assigning same information in the second biological information to other authentication apparatuses, and to request the other authentication apparatuses to crosscheck the input biological information with the assigned second biological information; and a receiver for receiving, from the one or more other authentication apparatuses, one or more results of crosschecking the input biological information with the assigned second biological information by the one or more other authentication apparatuses in response to the requesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kimikazu Ito
  • Patent number: 9721411
    Abstract: An interaction spot is provided that may detect the presence of an electronic device such as a smartphone. A user may make a physical motion with the smartphone proximal to the interaction spot such as moving it upward. The interaction spot may communicate with a second device such as a light or a household appliance. A setting of the second device may be adjusted based on the motion of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Jose Kauffmann, Boris Smus
  • Patent number: 9721412
    Abstract: Lock arrangement including a counterpart of the lock and a lock with a lock case. The lock case, which can be installed in a door, includes a locking latch and a latch mechanism, which includes an electrical device for opening and/or closing the locking latch. The counterpart of the lock can be installed in the frame of the door. A device for wirelessly sending electrical power to the lock case and/or into connection with the lock case is arranged in the counterpart of the lock; a mechanism is arranged in connection with the lock case for wirelessly receiving electrical power from the device for sending electrical power that is arranged in connection with the counterpart of the lock. Electrical power is arranged to be transmitted from the device for sending electrical power to the mechanism for receiving electrical power, when the lock case and the counterpart of the lock are at a certain distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLOCK OY
    Inventors: Hannu Kankkunen, Timo Toivonen
  • Patent number: 9721413
    Abstract: A wireless access control system may include a remote access device and a lock assembly. The lock assembly may include a lock, a door position sensor, interior and exterior directional antennas, wireless communications circuitry, a touch sensor, and a lock controller. The lock controller may unlock the lock based upon the touch sensor, determine when the door is closed after being opened based upon the door position sensor, and determine whether the remote access device is in an interior or exterior based upon the directional antennas. The lock controller may also lock the lock when the door is closed and when the remote device is in the interior. The controller may operate in an automatic calibration mode to generate adjusted interior and exterior received signal values and, based upon the adjusted received signal values, enable and disable unlocking when the remote access device is in the exterior and interior, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: UNIKEY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Philip C. Dumas, William Holderness, Justin Handville
  • Patent number: 9721414
    Abstract: A document acceptor for authenticating and storing documents includes a document validator, a document cassette and a displacement actuator. The document validator is for authenticating received documents. The document cassette is for storing the documents received by the document validator. The displacement actuator is adapted to change a position of the document cassette from a first position to a second position to mate the document cassette with the document validator. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Crane Payment Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Francois Ledoux, David Adam Blasko, Donald Lee Seagle
  • Patent number: 9721415
    Abstract: A magnetic currency verification head may include a magnetoresistive sensor chip, and a magnetic bias unit disposed on the side of the magnetoresistive sensor chip away from the detection surface of the magnetic currency verification head, and separated from the magnetoresistive sensor chip; the magnetoresistive sensor chip comprises a gradiometric bridge circuit that includes magnetic sensor elements; the sensitive direction of the magnetic sensor elements is parallel to the detection surface of the magnetic currency verification head; and the magnetic bias unit has a recessed magnetic structure configured such that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic bias unit only has a small magnetic field component in the direction parallel to the detection surface, thereby enabling the magnetic sensor elements to operate in their linear range. As a result, the magnetic currency verification head has high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mingfeng Liu, Jianming Bai, Min Zhu
  • Patent number: 9721416
    Abstract: The present invention provides an authentication apparatus operative to determine the authenticity of a polymer film, comprising an optically-based birefringence measuring arrangement operative to measure a first effect influenced by a birefringence characteristic of said film from a first angle comprising a non-normal angle to a plane of said film, and at least one of: a second angle; and a third angle; and wherein said apparatus is operative to: compare a value, or range of values, representative of said first effect as measured from said first angle with a value, or range of values representative of a specified first effect corresponding to a predetermined birefringence characteristic of an authentic polymer film for said first angle; compare a value, or range of values, representative of said first effect as measured from said at least one of said second and third angles with a value, or range of values representative of a specified first effect corresponding to a predetermined birefringence characteristi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: INNOVIA FILMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Laird Stewart
  • Patent number: 9721417
    Abstract: A paper sheet insertion apparatus (for example, depositing and dispensing unit 20) includes: an imaging unit (for example, camera 60) configured to take an image of a side edge portion, on a placement member 23a side, of paper sheets placed in a placement unit 22, or a side edge portion, on a side opposite to the placement member 23a side, of the paper sheets placed in the placement unit 22, to obtain image data; and a control unit (for example, depositing and dispensing unit control unit 72) configured to determine, based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit, whether or not a plurality of the paper sheets placed in the placement unit are bundled by a bundling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GLORY LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Akagi, Hisashi Ishitobi, Yuki Maeda, Kenichiro Akita, Saori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9721418
    Abstract: A vending machine, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage holding containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products such as medicaments. A control system is operable to select a specific unlabeled container from among the other containers in storage, and to move the selected unlabeled container to a labeling module where a label is applied after the position of the label and/or the selected unlabeled container are/is adjusted so as to result in the label being applied at a desired position and angular orientation with respect to the selected unlabeled container. The control system is further operable to move the labeled container to a delivery zone accessible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MEDAVAIL, INC.
    Inventors: Wes van Ooyen, Derek Bessette, Duane Lindner
  • Patent number: 9721419
    Abstract: A vending machine that dispense feminine hygiene products. Specifically, this invention is a coin-operated vending machine that dispenses sanitary napkins and tampons. This invention allows a user to purchase a feminine hygiene product by placing a coin or multiple coins in a slot within the vending machine and pressing a product release button. The product is then dispensed to the consumer. The apparatus also provides a mechanism for retrieving a coin in the event that the vending machine is out of a specific feminine hygiene. Further, in the free condition, this product dispenser has a time delay to prevent users from rapidly removing all of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Tranzonic Companies
    Inventors: Fred I. Morad, William P. Camp, Jr., Arnold G. Benecke, Robert A. Acosta
  • Patent number: 9721420
    Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a multi-layer touch screen display using a multiple Display Manager system is disclosed. First and second display managers are configured to receive game content video signals from a gaming controller and secondary video signals from a secondary video source. The first display manager is in communication with a front layer of the touch screen display and the second display manager is in communication with a back layer of the touch screen display. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency. A touch router device interprets touches at a touch screen shared display to transform coordinates to enable interpretation of the player's touch inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolland Nicholas Steil, Vijay Krishna Kompella, Bryan M. Kelly, Stephen Patton, Kiran Brahmandam, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Jeffrey Lee Allen
  • Patent number: 9721421
    Abstract: A table system assists in determining wagering events. The system has a gaming surface; at least one player position on the gaming surface; and at least one area is designated at the at least one player position for placement of wagers in the form of chips. A scale is positioned beneath the at least one area configured to provide electrical signals indicating weight placed in the at least one designated area. A processor is configured to receive the electrical signals and execute code to identify numbers of chips placed in the at least one designated area. The processor is further configured to provide signals indicating the identified number of chips to a display on the gaming table surface at the player position. The display is configured to provide a visual indication of at least the number of chips or the value of chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Mladen Blazevic
  • Patent number: 9721422
    Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, a prize is awarded. A plurality of sub-games constitute the game displayed on the display. As an initial display, fewer than a full set of images of each of the sub-games are displayed to show a partial outcome of the game, the fewer than the full set of images being representative of a determination of an expected value for each of the sub-games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Mitchell, William George Cormack, Chi We Chim
  • Patent number: 9721423
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement event-based gaming operations. Here, a gaming device includes a game event list that has game outcomes associated with each entry in the game event list. The game event list is generated before game play on the gaming device by selecting general game outcome types or specific game outcomes for each of the entries in the game event list. During game play, a game counter is incremented to a next entry in the game event list and an associated game outcome is displayed on the gaming device during the gaming event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9721424
    Abstract: An interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive controller constructed to communicate application telemetry associated with an interactive application provided by the interactive controller. The system also includes a wager controller constructed to communicate a wager result associated with a received wager request. The system also includes the application controller operatively connected to the interactive controller and the wager controller, and constructed to: receive application telemetry; upon receiving application telemetry, determine whether to trigger a supplementary mode; when triggering the supplementary mode is determined, communicate a notification to provide a supplementary mode session. The interactive controller is further constructed to: provide the supplementary mode session upon receiving the supplementary mode notification; communicate results of the supplementary mode session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Eric Meyerhofer, Caitlyn Ross
  • Patent number: 9721425
    Abstract: A lottery data transfer method for processing lottery ticket data piggybacks on a merchant's existing debit or credit card interchange system. A BIN is assigned to lottery tickets that is unique in the merchant's credit or debit card interchange, the BIN associated with a lottery data blob also provided on the lottery ticket. The lottery BIN and data blob are into the merchant's existing credit or debit card activation barcode protocol to initiate transfer of the lottery data to a central lottery site via the interchange. At a processor within the interchange, the unique lottery BIN is flagged to initiate special routing to and further processing of the lottery data blob at the lottery central site, wherein the lottery data blob is processed outside of the interchange's debit or credit card data transfer and processing procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Earl Irwin, Jr., Edward J. Stanek, William J. Huntley
  • Patent number: 9721426
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating a wagering game title for presentation on a display device of a gaming machine, and receiving, from the gaming machine, player input indicating autoplay settings selected by a player for the wagering game title. The operations can also include initiating an autoplay mode for the wagering game title in response to receiving an autoplay trigger from the gaming machine, managing the autoplay mode for the player according to the autoplay setting selected by the player, and generating results for each wagering game of the wagering game title played during the autoplay mode. The operations can further include monitoring game events associated with the wagering games played during the autoplay mode to determine when to stop the autoplay mode, and stopping the autoplay mode for the player based on the autoplay settings selected by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Brian J. Barclay, Andrew C. Guinn, Richard B. Robbins, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9721427
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing access to first interactive content or second interactive content by a user of a portable computing device based upon a determined location of the portable computing device. The system includes a host server, a content server storing data representing the first interactive content and the second interactive content, and a communication network in communication with the host server and the content server. One or more WiFi communication beacons are in communication with the host server through the communication network. The communication network is configured to establish communication with the portable computing device. The host server is configured to determine a location of the portable computing device from the communication of the portable computing device with the communication network using a combination of WiFi signals and Bluetooth signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Hilbert, Joseph Randolph Hedrick, Nicole Marie Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 9721428
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to enabling a user to access a game hosted on a game platform without registering a platform account. In implementations, a game provider may set a game trigger based on an instance of a game. In response to a determination that the game trigger is met, instructions effectuating presentation of a platform registration request to a user may be transmitted to a platform provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ziqiang Xu
  • Patent number: 9721429
    Abstract: A promotional game is conducted over participants' cell phones. During a play period, a participant advances on a virtual game board using cell phone commands. During the player period drawing entries are generated proportional to play on electronic gaming devices, play of the promotional game, or retail purchases. Some players receive a multiplier for their drawing entries to enhance chances of winning the promotional game. In one embodiment, the multiplier is removed for a player after a cutoff threshold for prizes awarded to that player is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Patent Investment & Licensing Company
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9721430
    Abstract: Systems and methods for poker gameplay funding are disclosed through the crediting gaming accounts and the debiting of a stored value account. The stored value account can be linked to a stored value payment vehicle issued to a player. Funds held by the stored value account can be used for tournament poker play and cash game buy-in in virtual poker rooms and brick-and-mortar poker rooms. At the conclusion of gameplay, the gaming account can be debited and the stored value account credit to reflect poker winnings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Sightline Interactive LLC
    Inventors: Kirk E. Sanford, Thomas M. Sears, Omer Sattar
  • Patent number: 9721431
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to implementing a system to encourage cross platform operation in an online game. The online game may provide the ability to provide incentives for participating in cross platform game play. The system may monitor the player's performance on a particular console and provide incentives to accomplish tasks through game play on a different platform than the player is currently operating to play the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Harrington, Kent Wakeford
  • Patent number: 9721432
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for implementing a dice game having a re-roll feature on a gaming device. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to roll multiple virtual dice on a game display and determine if the result of the dice roll satisfies a predefined criterion. When the result of the initial dice roll satisfies the predefined criterion, one or more of the multiple virtual dice is re-rolled. The gaming device then evaluates a game result after the re-roll, where the combination of the displayed faces from any initially rolled dice that were not re-rolled and the displayed faces from the re-rolled dice are used in the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Bradley Berman
  • Patent number: 9721433
    Abstract: A method of generating a lottery ticket comprises the steps of: providing a succession of selection stages; providing for each stage two or more selection options; said selection options comprising a selection area which in response to a lottery player's interaction reveals either a winning or a losing indicator; wherein for each stage at least one of the selection options is a winning selection and at least one of the options is a losing selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Vivaro Ltd.
    Inventors: Vigen Badalyan, Vahe Badalyan
  • Patent number: 9721434
    Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: James Coleman, M. Ali Saffari, Mark Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9721435
    Abstract: A gaming terminal is utilized for playing a wagering game. The gaming terminal includes a wager-input device and a display for displaying the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input received via the wager-input device. The plurality of outcomes include at least one outcome that awards standard credits and bonus tokens. A credit output device outputs a value of the standard credits and the bonus tokens in response to achieving the at least one outcome. The bonus tokens are exchangeable for a special event on a second gaming terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip B. Gelber, Thomas M. Kopera, Michael W. Mastropietro, Richard T. Schwartz, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 9721436
    Abstract: When a normal game is executed and a benefit awarded as a result of the game is the right to execute a free game, video reel groups of types A to E are randomly associated with first to fifth video reels 3a to 3e, respectively, a player selects one of the first to fifth video reels 3a to 3e, the type of the video reel group associated with the selected video reel is set as a video reel 3 used in the free game, and the free game is executed by using the selected video reel 3. After the free game is executed 6 times, whether to award the right to execute the free game again is randomly determined, and the right to execute the free game 6 times is awarded if it is determined that the right to execute the free game is awarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Takehisa Itagaki, Masahiro Yoshida, Yukihiro Kawakami, Hiromoto Yamauchi, Hiroshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9721437
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus has both a base wagering game apparatus with a processor, symbol display component and player input controls, and a secondary game element visible from the base wagering game. The secondary game element has a see-through container that is liquid proof, a fluid source and a pump to move fluid into and out of the see-through container. Winning outcomes in the base wagering game cause the pump in the secondary game element to change a visible volume of liquid within the container so that a changed level of liquid within the container can be seen. When a predetermined level of liquid is attained within the container, a bonus payment or bonus game is initiated as a resolution of wagers placed through the player input controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: INTERBLOCK D.D.
    Inventor: Joze Pececnik
  • Patent number: 9721438
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a display, a memory, and a processor. The display includes a display area having display positions. The memory stores symbols and normal win line definitions for use in a base game, and stores win line elements for use in a feature game. The processor is coupled to the memory and is configured to (a) randomly select a set of symbols for display at the display positions, (b) award a base game payout when the set of symbols satisfies at least one normal win line definition, (c) randomly select a set of win line elements for display at the display positions, (d) define a special win line including contiguous win line elements of the set of win line elements, and (e) award a feature game payout when the set of symbols satisfies the special win line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael A. Shai-Hee
  • Patent number: 9721439
    Abstract: There is provided a transaction terminal device including: a housing; a frame panel that is attached to the housing; a plurality of electrodes that is provided on a board disposed within the housing; a switch member that is inserted into a penetrating hole formed in the housing, and includes a conductor which electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and an elastic deformer which maintains an electrically connected state in which the conductor is in contact with the electrodes by urging force due to elastic deformation in a state in which the frame panel is attached to the housing; and a tamper detector that detects tampering through the releasing of the electrically connected state of the plurality of electrodes due to the detachment of the frame panel from the housing. A waterproof portion that prevents water from infiltrating into the penetrating hole is provided at the switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Tanaka