Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9799119
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to a method, apparatus, and system for detecting a specified image identifier. The method includes retrieving a target image to be detected from a predetermined area, binarizing the target image to be detected to obtain a target binary image to be detected, calibrating connected domains of the target binary image to be detected, successively retrieving image features of candidate connected domains, and comparing the image features corresponding to the candidate connected domains to image features of a standard specified identifier image, wherein the candidate connected domains are determined based at least in part on the calibration of the connected domains, and determining a candidate connected domain as the location of the specified identifier image based at least in part on the comparison of the image features corresponding to the candidate connected domains to image features of the standard specified identifier image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Gang Cheng, Rufeng Chu, Lun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9799120
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and segmentation method, a region in an MR image, acquired from a scan of a patient with an MR scanner of the apparatus, is provided to a computer for segmentation of the region from the overall image dataset. The segmentation takes place based on a classification of image elements of the image dataset, and the classification is iteratively re-trained in a weakly supervised learning algorithm based on examination-specific information provided to the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Fenchel, Yiqiang Zhan
  • Patent number: 9799121
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing input by a computing device are presented. One method includes operations for receiving images of a control device that includes an object section, and for determining a location of the control device utilizing image analysis for each captured image. Additionally, the movement of the control device is tracked based on the determined locations, where the tracking of the movement includes receiving inertial sensor information obtained by sensors in the control device, and determining an orientation of the control device based on the sensor information. Additionally, the method includes an operation for translating the movement and orientation of the control device into input for a game executing in the computing device, where the input is translated into a motion and orientation of an object in the game based on the movement of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Marks, Anton Mikhailov, Ennin Huang, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 9799122
    Abstract: A motion information acquiring apparatus includes: a lighting device that illuminates an object at the same time with first intensity-modulated light, second intensity-modulated light, and constant illumination light, wherein the first and second intensity-modulated light are intensity modulated with reference signals having substantially same wavelength but different phase; an image generator that generates first to third images corresponding to the first intensity-modulated light, the second intensity-modulated light, and the constant illumination light; and a motion information acquirer that acquires motion information in the images on the basis of the first to third images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9799123
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an information identification system, a method of identifying information, and a program for identifying information to efficiently identify information by considering information on an object existing in the imaged area when identifying information from an image. The information identification system 10 that identifies information on an object imaged in the image previously registers information on the object existing in a predetermined area, detects the location information of the image and identifies which area the location information belongs to, detects the feature amount of the object imaged in the image, and matches the identified area information and the detected feature amount to the database and identifies information on the object imaged in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: OPTIM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunji Sugaya
  • Patent number: 9799124
    Abstract: A method of determining a property of an image (176) captured by a camera (127). Vanishing points (320, 330, 340) are in the image (176). Each pixel of the image (176) is associated with one or more of the vanishing points (320, 330, 340) based on an orientation of the image gradient at the pixel. The image is partitioned into a set of regions associated with a pair of the determined vanishing points based on the vanishing point associations for pixels in the image (176). Boundaries of the regions are aligned with the associated vanishing points. For at least one of the plurality of regions, a confidence value is determined for the property of the image based on pixels in the region. The property of the image is determined for one or more pixels within the image (176) based on the confidence value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Geoffrey Richard Taylor, Fei Mai
  • Patent number: 9799125
    Abstract: A color control user interface can include a controller, a display area, and a three-dimensional shape generated by the controller and disposed in the display area. The three-dimensional shape can include a first axis that represents a first range of selections for a first color factor, a second axis that represents a second range of selections for a second color factor, and a third axis that represents a third range of selections for a third color factor. A control engine of the controller can be configured to receive user selections having a first selection of the first color factor, a second selection of the second color factor, and a third selection of the third color factor. The control engine can also be configured to compare the user selections to light source information stored in memory, and send commands via a transceiver to at least one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Scott David Wegner, Christopher L. Bohler
  • Patent number: 9799126
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a non-local means (NLM) filter is described. The pixel of the NLM-filtered image are weighted averages of pixels from a noisy image, where the weights are a measure of the similarity between patches of the noisy image. The similarity weights can be calculated using a Kullback-Leibler or a Euclidean distance measure. The similarity weights can be based on filtered patches of the noisy image. The similarity weights can be based on a similarity measure between patches of an anatomical image corresponding to the noisy image. The similarity weights can be calculated using a time series of noisy images to increase the statistical sample size of the patches. The similarity weights can be calculated using a weighted sum of channel similarity weights calculated between patches of noisy image that have been band-pass filtered. The NLM-filtered image can also be blended with a non-NLM-filtered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Wenyuan Qi, Xiaofeng Niu, Evren Asma, Wenli Wang, Ting Xia
  • Patent number: 9799127
    Abstract: A dynamically configured tree form and corresponding graphical elements graphically represent information contained in a live stream of event data. The tree form is positioned in virtual three dimensional space within a computer graphical user interface such that the root of the tree is in the center of the screen, originating at the farthest distance from the viewer along the z axis. The tree form is configured to guide movement of the three dimensional graphical elements which represent individual measurements of events during specific time periods. The outermost, or leaf, portions of the tree represent the present time. The root or base of the tree represents the maximum duration that is being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Deep Node, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Lindquist
  • Patent number: 9799128
    Abstract: Adding new nodes to a graph diagram. A set of one or more new nodes is identified from a graph to be added to an existing graph diagram. A set of one or more anchor candidate nodes are identified in the graph that are coupled to the nodes in the set of one or more new nodes. One of the nodes in the set of one or more anchor candidate nodes is selected as an anchor node. An automatic graph diagram layout of the anchor node and new nodes that are to be coupled to the anchor node is performed to create a disjoint graph diagram. A spatial offset from the anchor node to each of the new nodes coupled to the anchor node in the disjoint graph diagram is identified. Each of the new nodes is added to the existing graph diagram while maintaining the identified spatial offsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin David James Grealish, Frederick Edward Weber, III, Yin Kei
  • Patent number: 9799129
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electronic device includes a processor. The processor is configured to perform: formula input process of inputting a plurality of pieces of formula data in association with respective formula numbers through a user operation; a formula setting process of setting formula data in the pieces of formula data input by the formula input process as an output target by the user operation; cited formula extraction process of extracting another formula data in the pieces of formula data when the formula data set by the formula setting process cites a formula number of the another formula data; and a data output process of outputting the set formula data with the extracted another formula data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Miki Suzuki, Hiroaki Yoshizawa, Hiroshi Uejima, Manato Ono, Saburo Kamitani, Akiko Muraki
  • Patent number: 9799130
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a spatial feature descriptor representing a binary string of comparison results between specified pairings of N patches in a region of an image, N being an integer greater than one. The method further includes compressing the spatial feature descriptor by determining a minimum number of bits needed to represent N, and generating a sorted array representing a ranking of the N patches based on the binary string of comparison results. Each element of the sorted array is associated with a corresponding patch of the N patches and stores a value representing a ranking of the patch relative to the other N?1 patches and coded using the minimum number of bits needed to represent N. The sorted array may be further compressed using a progressive bit representation decimation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Pieter Kapsenberg
  • Patent number: 9799131
    Abstract: Systems and methods of rendering webpage interaction statistics data over graphical user interfaces is provided herein. A computing device can transmit a request for an interaction statistics identifying an information resource. The computing device can receive the interaction dataset for the identified information resource. The computing device can calculate a similarity measure among the client devices based on the interaction dataset using a clustering algorithm. The computing device can identify a subset of client devices based on the similarity measure. The computing device can calculate the interaction sequence metrics for the client devices for each selected content element. The computing device can select the content elements based on the calculated interaction sequence metrics. The computing device can generate a graph element including nodes representing each selected content element and paths representing the interaction sequence metrics. The computing device can display the graph element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Emre Demiralp, Tommaso Francesco Bersano-Begey
  • Patent number: 9799132
    Abstract: A driving support device outputs, to a display means (103), a superimposed image in which a pair of left and right planar predicted trajectory guide marks (405), (406) corresponding to steering of the vehicle are superimposed onto a captured vehicle-rearview image including the tow vehicle connector (402) and the towed-vehicle connector (404). An image superimposing unit (112) superimposes sides (405a), (406a) of the predicted trajectory guide marks (405), (406) that are on the vehicle-width-center side further towards the outer edge relative to the tow vehicle connector (402), and superimposes sides (405b), (406b) of the predicted trajectory guide marks (405), (406) that are on the outer-edge side in the vehicle-width direction as predicted trajectories of the side edges of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Okano, Yashio Kishi
  • Patent number: 9799133
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for non-facial animation in facial performance driven avatar system are generally described herein. A method for facial gesture driven body animation may include capturing a series of images of a face, and computing facial motion data for each of the images in the series of images. The method may include identifying an avatar body animation based on the facial motion data, and animating a body of an avatar using the avatar body animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Tong, Qiang Eric Li, Yangzhou Du, Wenlong Li, Johnny C. Yip
  • Patent number: 9799134
    Abstract: A method and system for high-performance real-time adjustment of colors and patterns on one or more pre-selected elements in a playing video, interactive 360° content, or other image, using graphics processing unit (“GPU”) shader code to process the asset per-pixel and blend in a target color or pattern based on prepared masks and special metadata lookup tables encoded visually in the video file. The method and system can generate asset-specific optimized GPU code that is generated from templates. Pixels are blended into the target asset using the source image for shadows and highlights, one or more masks, and various metadata lookup-tables, such as a texture lookup-table that allows for changing or adding patterns, z-depth to displace parts of the image, or normals to calculate light reflection and refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Haveman
  • Patent number: 9799135
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to cinematic volume renderings and volumetric Monte-Carlo path tracing. The present embodiments include systems and methods for integrating semantic information into cinematic volume renderings. Scan data of a volume is captured by a scanner and transmitted to a server or workstation for rendering. The scan data is received by a server or workstation. The server or workstation extracts semantic information and/or applies semantic processing to the scan data. A cinematic volume rendering is generated from the scan data and the extracted semantic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Klaus Engel, David Liu, Daphne Yu, Bernhard Geiger, Nathan Lay
  • Patent number: 9799136
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for rapid film pre-visualization are provided, including a motion capture component interfacing with wearable motion capture sensors; a virtual digital rendering component configured to receive the captured motion and re-create such motion in a three dimensional virtual space; a display component configured to display an output of the virtual digital rendering component; and a controller component, configured to interface with the virtual digital rendering component and allow a user to navigate within the three dimensional virtual space to control the visual aspects of one or more shots within the three dimensional virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: John M. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9799137
    Abstract: A graphics processing system performs hidden surface removal and texturing/shading on fragments of primitives. The system includes a primary depth buffer (PDB) for storing depth values of resolved fragments, and a secondary depth buffer (SDB) for storing depth values of unresolved fragments. Incoming fragments are depth tested against depth values from either the PDB or the SDB. When a fragment passes a depth test, its depth value is stored in the PDB if it is a resolved fragment (e.g. if it is opaque or translucent), and its depth value is stored in the SDB if it is an unresolved fragment (e.g. if it is a punch through fragment). This provides more opportunities for subsequent opaque objects to overwrite punch through fragments which passed a depth test, thereby reducing unnecessary processing and time which may be spent on fragments which ultimately will not contribute to the final rendered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies Limited
    Inventor: John Howson
  • Patent number: 9799138
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) lighting processing device and method that apply a partial 3D lighting effect to a two-dimensional (2D) image is provided. The 3D lighting processing device includes a first information providing unit that provides a first image including normal direction information for a shade effect and a second image including color information, a second information providing unit that provides a third image including lighting area information, and a shader unit that detects, from the first image, an area corresponding to the lighting area information of the third image as a lighting application area, and performs rendering by applying the detected lighting application area to a 2D Graphic User Interface (GUI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Joon-Yong Park, Jung-Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 9799139
    Abstract: Methods and devices for acquiring, and aligning, an image with a textured three-dimensional (3D) model are described. In one implementation, aligning can include rendering an image in the 3D model at an estimated pose and then aligning the acquired image with the rendered image. In another implementation, aligning can include projecting the acquired image onto the 3D model at an estimated pose and then aligning the projected acquired image with the textured 3D model. In still another embodiment, aligning can include projecting the acquired image onto the textured 3D model, rendering a first image in the original 3D model and a second image in the 3D model onto which the acquired image has been projected, and then aligning the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Maximilian Sievert, Viktor Kolbe
  • Patent number: 9799140
    Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional (3D) face model includes extracting feature points of a face from input images comprising a first face image and a second face image; deforming a generic 3D face model to a personalized 3D face model based on the feature points; projecting the personalized 3D face model to each of the first face image and the second face image; and refining the personalized 3D face model based on a difference in texture patterns between the first face image to which the personalized 3D face model is projected and the second face image to which the personalized 3D face model is projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youngkyoo Hwang, Jungbae Kim, Seon Min Rhee, Jaejoon Han
  • Patent number: 9799141
    Abstract: According to one of aspects, a display device includes: a display unit configured to stereoscopically display an aggregation configured from a plurality of regular hexahedrons arrayed along mutually perpendicular three directions, in a display space, by displaying images respectively corresponding to both eyes of a user by being worn; a detection unit configured to detect movement of a body in the display space; and a control unit configured to change positions of the regular hexahedrons of the aggregation according to a detection result of the detection unit. Each of six faces of the aggregation includes external faces of the regular hexahedrons as elements, and notations with which whether all of the elements on the same face of the aggregation belong to a same group is discriminative are provided to the respective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueno, Shigeki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 9799142
    Abstract: A system and method for spatial data collection are described. Sensor data related to a position and an orientation of a device are generated over time using sensors of the device. Augmented reality content is generated based on a physical object captured by the device. A path bundle data package identifying a user interaction of the device with the augmented reality content relative to the physical object is generated. The user interaction identifies a spatial path of an interaction with the augmented reality content. The path bundle data package is generated based on the sensor data using a data model comprising a data header and a data payload. The data header comprises a contextual header having data identifying the device and a user of the device. A path header includes data identifying the path of the interaction with the augmented reality content. A sensor header includes data identifying the sensors. The data payload comprises dynamically sized sampling data from the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DAQRI, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Mullins, Matthew Kammerait, Frank Chester Irving, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9799143
    Abstract: A system and method for spatial data visualization are described. An analytics computation of users' interactions with an augmented reality content is performed based on a physical object captured by a viewing device. The analytics computation comprises a computation of geometric paths of the users' interactions with the augmented reality content. A display of a visualization of the analytics computation is displayed based on the computation of the geometric paths of the users' interactions with the augmented reality content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DAQRI, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Mullins, Matthew Kammerait, Frank Chester Irving, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9799144
    Abstract: A head mounted display which allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image, includes an image display unit that enables the user to visually recognize the virtual image, a display processing unit that causes the image display unit to form the virtual image indicating a plurality of images used to operate the head mounted display and a background image, and a motion detection unit that detects a motion of the head of the user. The display processing unit changes the background image according to a motion of the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fusashi Kimura, Keiichi Okano
  • Patent number: 9799145
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to augmenting an appearance of a surface via a see-through display device. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, on a computing device comprising a see-through display device, a method of augmenting an appearance of a surface. The method includes acquiring, via an outward-facing image sensor, image data of a first scene viewable through the display. The method further includes recognizing a surface viewable through the display based on the image data and, in response to recognizing the surface, acquiring a representation of a second scene comprising one or more of a scene located physically behind the surface viewable through the display and a scene located behind a surface contextually related to the surface viewable through the display. The method further includes displaying the representation via the see-through display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Scavezze, Jason Scott, Jonathan Steed, Ian McIntyre, Aaron Krauss, Daniel McCulloch, Stephen Latta
  • Patent number: 9799146
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for performing object deformation modeling. One example system includes a hardware processor, a system memory, and a contact-based deformation modeling software stored in the system memory. The hardware processor is configured to execute the contact-based deformation modeling software to receive a first object geometric data corresponding to a first virtual object and a second object geometric data corresponding to at least a second virtual object, and to transform the first object geometric data by an n-dimensional mapping onto an object deformation space determined based on n primitive deformations. The hardware processor is also configured to execute the contact-based deformation modeling software to model a deformation of the first virtual object due to contact with at least the second virtual object, based on the n-dimensional mapping and a definition of direction for an object-to-object contact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitriy Pinskiy, Jose Luis Gomez Diaz, Nara Yun
  • Patent number: 9799147
    Abstract: A computer enabled method teaching a relation of two-dimensional depictions with three dimensional objects is provided. Users employ printed line drawings having sections thereon which may be colorized by the user. The colorized line drawings may then be electronically imaged and positioned upon video depictions of the three dimensional object as a viewable guide to the user during colorization of a physical rendition of the three dimensional object. The system may employ product packaging as the three dimensional object to defray costs and for contests and product promotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Marwan Chehadeh
  • Patent number: 9799148
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to online postage systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for establishing the colors of a customized stamp purchased through an online postage system. In one embodiment, a method is employed for customizing the colors of a customized stamp having a panel and an image. The method includes the steps of enabling a user to select a region of the image, retrieving a color value corresponding to the region of the image, and applying the retrieved color value to a visual feature of the panel, such as the background and text of the panel. The method also maintains a minimum amount of contrast in brightness and color between the background and the text of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 9799149
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for providing a fleet management user interface. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for assessing operational data to determine a vehicle travel path and one or more operational characteristics indicated by the operational data. In addition, according to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for generating a graphical user interface that includes an evaluation results display showing the operational characteristics and a geographical map showing the vehicle travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 9799150
    Abstract: This invention provides a system for sharing real-time recording and the method thereof. The system in this invention transmits the traffic image from the traffic recording device to the cloud server database for storage by the hand-held communication device. Here, the system for sharing real-time recording includes at least three parts: a traffic recording device, a hand-held communication device and a cloud server. User can automatically transmit traffic image provided by the vehicle event data recorder capable of transmitting traffic image to the cloud server by the system and its method disclosed here to achieve real-time sharing of the traffic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SANJET TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Steve Liao, Mark Sung, Danny Lin
  • Patent number: 9799151
    Abstract: A system for hindering the pilot from inadvertently turning off the fuel and/or engine when it is not safe is disclosed. In an embodiment, a fuel shutoff interlock is engaged if the aircraft is in the air and cross-side engine is not running. In an embodiment, a fuel shutoff interlock is not engaged if essential bus power is not present. In an embodiment, a fuel shutoff interlock is not engaged if the aircraft is on the ground. In an embodiment, a fuel shutoff interlock is not engaged if the cross-side engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Carolyn J. Olson
  • Patent number: 9799152
    Abstract: A control device of the present disclosure includes a receiver configured to receive a function enabling signal transmitted from a portable machine used to manipulate a vehicle, a determination unit configured to measure a predetermined time since the receiver receives the function enabling signal and determine whether the predetermined time elapses, and an opening and closing body controller configured to control opening and closing of an opening and closing body of the vehicle. The opening and closing body controller controls an opening operation of the opening and closing body based on user's action detected by a sensor, which is provided in or around the opening and closing body to detect the user's action, before the determination unit determines that the predetermined time elapses and after the receiver receives the function enabling signal from the portable machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunobu Kamisawa, Yosuke Tomita
  • Patent number: 9799153
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a portable access control device. In some embodiments, the portable access control device is configured to store a list of user identifiers and user attribute data, receive a set of access criteria specifying one or more attributes, receive and identify a user identifier via a data input component, determine an access status of the user identifier based on the access criteria, and present the access status in such a way as is perceivable by a user of the access control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Palantir Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Worrall, Joel Hosino
  • Patent number: 9799154
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic key (32) having at least two contacts (324, 325, 326) for the transmission of data and/or energy to an electronic lock (16). In accordance with the invention, the housing (321) of the electronic key (32) comprises an input device (33) for the entry of an authorization code (36). The invention also relates to an electronic closure system with an electronic key (32) and an electronic lock (16) as well as to a method for secure acquisition of an access authorization or for secure delivery of a key to at least one user (22) by means of an electronic lock (16) and at least one electronic key (32) carried by the user (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Lock Your World GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manuela Engel-Dahan, Ralf Knobling, Thilo Meisel
  • Patent number: 9799155
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a controller that may include one or more processors, and memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations may include receiving key fob data from a reader. The key fob data may include ID information of a user. The operations may further include determining authorization privileges associated with the received ID information of the user, and controlling a lock system of a gas flow valve in response to the determination of the authorization privileges associated with the received ID information of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bohnas LLC
    Inventors: Casey Johnson, Greg Bauer, Doran Thomas
  • Patent number: 9799156
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to providing access without determining an identity of a requester. A fixture may receive a rule pertaining to access to a floor of a building. The fixture may receive a request to access the floor of the building. The fixture may grant access to the floor based on a determination that the rule indicates that access to the floor should be granted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jannah A. Stanley, Ashley Chapman, Matthew Joyce
  • Patent number: 9799157
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a table to be loaded a first and a second banknote group partitioned by a header card recording the bar code number in the piling direction of the banknotes, a take-in portion to take in the banknotes of the first and second banknote groups loaded on the table and the header card, a discrimination portion to count the banknotes taken in by the take-in portion and discriminate the kind thereof, a plurality of stackers to sort and stack the banknotes discriminated by the discrimination portion on the basis of the kink thereof, and a sensor to detect the header card taken in by the take-in portion. The sheet processing apparatus additionally includes a controller to control so as to stop the taking-in of the second banknote group on the basis of detection of the header card by the sensor and after a lapse of a predetermined time, to start the taking-in of the second banknote group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Toru Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9799158
    Abstract: A coin processing machine includes a coin support plate having a coin support surface defining a coin path extending from an intake location to a coin removal station. Depressions formed in the coin path reduce the likelihood of coins, particularly wet coins, from adhering to and stopping along the coin path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GCCM, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory F. String
  • Patent number: 9799159
    Abstract: A wagering gaming apparatus is provided, comprising a 3-dimensional (3D) display device; at least one processor programmed to cause the 3D display device to display a 3D scene for a game, the 3D scene comprising a virtual 3D space in which a plurality of virtual game components are displayed; and at least one contactless sensor device configured to sense a location and shape of a physical object in a physical 3D space and generate 3D information indicative of the location and shape of the physical object in the physical 3D space. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is programmed to: update a 3D model for a virtual object in the 3D scene, the virtual object corresponding to the physical object; and detect an interaction between the virtual object and at least one virtual game component in the 3D scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventors: Stefan Keilwert, Franz Pierer, Sven Aurich, Fayez Idris, David V. Froy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9799160
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 9799161
    Abstract: A computer device and method for displaying a 3D avatar and causing the 3D avatar to move are provided. The computer device may be an electronic gaming machine, and comprises a camera which can be used to collect data on the movement of a player of an electronic game. The movements of the player may then be analyzed and used to generate avatar movement data for moving the 3D avatar. The 3D avatar may mimic the motions of the player, or may react to the player's motions in complimentary fashion. Additionally, the electronic gaming machine may be networked to other like electronic gaming machines, which may share avatar movement data amongst themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventor: David Froy
  • Patent number: 9799162
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer network system that allows a user to register for games of chances throughout the country and in accordance with national, state and local laws and ordinances. This system analyses the geographical location and residency information of a user in relation to the geographical access and participation areas permitted, excluded, and restricted for a game of chance as governed by jurisdictional laws, statutes, rules, and regulations. If the user is not located within a permitted area or falls within an excluded or restricted area, the user will not be allowed to access or participate in the game of chance. The ability of the system to limit participation by geographical location is based on user input, data, and variable analysis, and the comparison between the areas where games of chance are permitted, excluded, restricted, and user location and residency, filters data to determine user accessibility to a game of chance, listings, and advertising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Nemisys Networks LLC
    Inventor: David Fotevski
  • Patent number: 9799163
    Abstract: A system and method for providing currency multiplier items to one or more users of an online game is described. A user of an online game may obtain a currency multiplier item by purchase, by award, responsive to one or more actions taken in the online game, and/or by other methods. Use of the currency multiplier item may enable the user to adjust the amount of virtual currency in the inventory in the user's user account, wherein the adjustment to the amount of currency is not provided to the first user prior to use of the currency multiplier item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Bryan Tsao, Inyang Akpan, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Albert Wei, David McNeill
  • Patent number: 9799164
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Daniel E. Tedesco, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 9799165
    Abstract: A method for converting a game award earned during play of a first wager-based game into a game award in a second wager-based game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: receiving, over a network, a request to convert a first award earned by a player in the first wager-based game into at least one award in the second wager-based game; converting, by one or more processors, the first award earned during play of the first wager-based game to at least one award associated with the second wager-based game based on award conversation data; and storing, by the one or more processors, data associated with result of the conversion of the first award into the at least award of the second wager-based game in a data storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steve G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9799166
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a bonus game which enables players to combine different, independent features without introducing any significant advantage or significant disadvantage to players for combining certain features over other features. The gaming system utilizes one or more bonus game supplemental awards to insure that the average expected payout per selected feature remains the same or substantially the same regardless of which bonus game features or combinations of features are employed for a play of a bonus game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Hoffman, Christmas C. Parker
  • Patent number: 9799167
    Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, Jr., William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 9799168
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Ryan W. Cuddy