Patents Issued in August 13, 2019
  • Patent number: 10376754
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, and a crown portion covering an opening in the top portion. The crown portion may include an upper plurality of composite layers, a lower plurality of composite layers, and one or more integral ribs disposed between the upper and lower pluralities of composite layers. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 10376755
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a striking face with a plurality of scorelines. A first virtual vertical plane is perpendicular to the striking face and passes through a toe-wardmost extent of the scorelines, and a second virtual vertical plane is parallel to the first virtual vertical plane and passes through a heel-wardmost extent of the scorelines. A central region bounded by the first virtual vertical plane, the second virtual vertical plane, and a striking face periphery has a first average surface roughness Ra1 of between about 40 ?in and about 180 ?in. And a majority of a toe region hounded by the first vertical plane and the striking face periphery is textured to have a second average surface roughness Ra2 no less than 1.5 times Ra1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick Ripp, Jeff D. Brunski
  • Patent number: 10376756
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a club head body and a weight member that is secured to the body. The weight member is constructed to utilize lateral forces to couple to the head body to minimize the structure required to retain the weight member, and the weight member is preferably constructed so that it has a low profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Noah de la Cruz, Andrew McCarthy, Scott A. Knutson
  • Patent number: 10376757
    Abstract: A golf club head, including a weight system including an adjustable weight including an aperture, the aperture dimensioned to receive a fastener, a bore formed in the sole, a fastener configured to pass through the aperture of the adjustable weight and engage the bore, wherein rotation of the adjustable weight alters the location of the center of gravity of the body, wherein the adjustable weight comprises a first engaging arm and a second engaging arm, wherein the sole of the golf club head comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, the first and second engagement members adapted to engage any one of the engaging arms when the adjustable weight is in the locked position, the first and second engagement members preventing the adjustable weight from rotating relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Charles E. Golden, Mark C. Myrhum
  • Patent number: 10376758
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body having a crown defining a perimeter of the club head, a sole opposite the crown, a toe end opposite a heel end, a back end, and a hosel, the body further including a club face, an exterior side, an interior side, a head center of gravity, and a weight member positioned on one of the exterior side or the interior side of the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan M. Stokke
  • Patent number: 10376759
    Abstract: One object is to provide a golf club equipped with a shaft made of FRP, the golf club being excellent in swing feeling and ball-hitting feeling and capable of stabilizing directional accuracy in ball hitting. The golf club according to the present invention is characterized in that it includes a shaft made of a fiber-reinforced resin mounted to a head, and the shaft is formed so that a variation of a ratio between torsional rigidity and bending rigidity (GIp/EI) is 0.2 or less over an entire length thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Tadashi Toya
  • Patent number: 10376760
    Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided to facilitate consistent, repeatable and/or custom manufacture of lacrosse equipment. The pocket can be constructed from multiple different sections joined with one another, or can be knitted, weaved or otherwise assembled on an automated assembly machine from strands, and/or can be formed as a unitary textile material having regions/sections with different physical and/or mechanical properties. The pocket can be integrally molded within portions of a lacrosse head to eliminate manually constructed connections between the pocket and lacrosse head. The lacrosse head can be integrally molded with a lacrosse handle to provide a one-piece unitary lacrosse stick. Related methods of manufacturing also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Dale W. Kohler, Richard J. Janisse, Craig M. Herman
  • Patent number: 10376761
    Abstract: A bat composed of composite materials is disclosed. Multiple layers of composite material is wound, weaved or interlaced around a mandrel to create a tubular structure composed of composite material. The tubular structure is cured and the mandrel is removed, leaving a hollow tubular structure. A composite material insert is inserted to the tip of the tubular structure, to seal the tubular structure. The knob portion of the structure is likewise sealed. The tubular structure is wrapped with fibrous material, such that the fibrous material encompasses the knob, body and tip of the structure. The resulting structure is a bat wherein the knob of the bat transitions to the barrel of the bat and the barrel of the bat transitions seamlessly to the tip of the bat, to create a continuous composite structure. This solid structure is then injection molded, with a solid bat tip and knob in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Pure Sports Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Osborne
  • Patent number: 10376762
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grip comprising an internal bore with an opening having an internal tapered edge. The grip can engage with a tool or a piece of sports equipment. Further disclosed herein is a method of installing a grip onto a tool or piece of sports equipment, including providing a grip having a tubular body; grinding an open first end of the body, wherein the open first end comprises a greatest diameter closest to the exterior of the bore and tapers internally at an angle towards the interior of the bore; providing a shaft or handle; applying an adhesive to a top portion of the handle; sliding the handle into the grip bore until the shaft contacts the a capped second end of the grip; and coupling a surface of the bore to the handle by allowing the adhesive to dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Roger J. Kleber
  • Patent number: 10376763
    Abstract: A net system used for example a sports game and a fine height adjustment system is provided. A cable mount is coupled to one or both of the upright posts with coarse height adjustment. A cable system for supporting the net includes a first end coupled to the upright post, and a second end coupled to a tension system of the other upright post. An intermediate portion of the cable system is slidably coupled along a pivoting member of the cable mount. The cable mount includes the fine height adjustment system that is coupled to the pivoting member. The pivoting member is pivotable in an upward direction or a downward direction upon movement of the fine height adjustment system without relieving tension from the cable system. The total distance of travel provided by fine height adjustment may be less than an incremental distance with coarse height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Crosby, Kevin R. Needler, James J. Connerley
  • Patent number: 10376764
    Abstract: A rotatable training mannequin used for training fighters or contact sports athletes is constructed of materials that mimic or simulate the upper human body. A sensor embedded in the training mannequin's head senses, detects, and transmits signals containing data for computer analysis. The data is related to motion parameters, which include linear and angular accelerations and velocities, of the training mannequin as a result of impacts and power strikes made by trainee to the training mannequin. Analysis provides feedback to the trainee related to the motion parameters to help the trainee learn proper footwork and where and how to make effective strikes. The parameter values obtained from the training mannequin can be calibrated and/or correlated against current or future real human parameter values due to strikes or other forces that produce damaging effects, such as concussions, and the training mannequin can be used to avoid or learn about concussions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Jason R. Eller, Carl G. Simpson
  • Patent number: 10376765
    Abstract: The invention is generally a system that enables a user to visually and graphically track their fitness goals using an interactive device connected to a server, wherein fitness progress data of the user is stored and made available to the user via a user interface, for example on a mobile device application or a webpage. The system of tracking fitness progress comprises a server, a database, and a device, for example a fitness booth, for taking images and gathering fitness progress data from a user. The information gathered at the fitness booth, including images, is stored in the database. Users are provided a graphical user interface to update and access their fitness progress data, thereby facilitating the user's tracking of their fitness progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FLEX BOOTH, INC.
    Inventor: Kiarash Jafarifesharaki
  • Patent number: 10376766
    Abstract: A scoreboard system, the system including a scoreboard. The scoreboard is configured to display at least one score. A battery pack is removably coupled to the scoreboard and selectively powers the scoreboard. The battery pack includes a housing and at least one battery cell housed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Stanfield, Steven Phillips, Oleksiy Sergyeyenko, Chelsea Wills, Shalin Chikhalkar, Timothy W. French
  • Patent number: 10376767
    Abstract: Wearable electronic devices that are designed to be worn on the head of a user while the user is swimming can determine swimming strokes and swimming performances of the user accurately using motion sensors. Using a sound speaker, the wearable electronic device can play music and provide audio feedback to the swimmer. By comparing the swimming performance of the swimmer wearing the device with previously recorded swimming data, the wearable electronic device can provide audio comparison results to the swimmer while the swimmer is swimming in water. To improve water resistance, magnetic switches are utilized as selection switches. The wearable electronic device can also support similar functions for other sports and physical activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: David Shau
  • Patent number: 10376768
    Abstract: A guard arrangement includes a sleeve with a pocket defining an adjustable opening that has a nominal width, and a pad element having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be removably positioned inside the pocket, and the first portion has a width at a widest part of the first portion that is greater than the nominal width of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Schwanke, Jedd Komlos
  • Patent number: 10376769
    Abstract: A method and system of a training aid to assist a user to learn to catch including a pair of gloves in which at least a portion of an outer surface of a trainee's glove is attached to at least a portion of an inner surface of a trainer's glove to allow the trainer to guide the trainee's glove into proper positions used during catching. Alternatively, a belt portion is attached around the thumb and pinky of the trainee's glove and trainer's glove to attach the gloves to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Anthony Silva, Christopher Stewart Silva, Brian Zeck, John Mccoll
  • Patent number: 10376770
    Abstract: A striking glove may comprise an inner glove, an outer shell, and at least one strap at least partially disposed within a dorsal cavity between the inner glove and the outer shell. A portion of the at least one strap disposed within the dorsal cavity may be configured in an overlapped and crossed configuration. The ends of the at least one strap may extend from the dorsal cavity to an exterior of the striking glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: XON Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Trevor Gene Wittman
  • Patent number: 10376771
    Abstract: A blade holder for an ice skate (e.g., for playing hockey). The ice skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of a skater. The blade holder comprises a blade-retaining base to retain a blade and a support extending upwardly from the blade-retaining base to interconnect the blade holder and the skate boot. Visual characteristics of the blade holder may enhance its aesthetics and/or other aspects related to its visual appearance (e.g., an effect on the skater, elaborateness and/or customization of its visual appearance, etc.). The blade holder may be lightweight and/or provide other performance benefits to the skater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, LLC
    Inventors: Edouard Rouzier, Alexis Seguin, Ivan Labonte, Jean-Francois Corbeil
  • Patent number: 10376772
    Abstract: A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to provide arcuate, generally vertical motion of a board relative to an axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems may include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the wheel assembly to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10376773
    Abstract: A wheel-bearing truck as might be used on a skateboard includes a base, a transverse hanger mounted pivotally at or near its center to the base and adapted to bear a road-engaging wheel at each opposed end. There is a pair of telescopic arms, one end of each being attached to the hanger flanking its center. A longitudinal spring fixed with respect to the base interacts with the other end of each telescopic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Rasyad Chung, Stephen F. Sporer
  • Patent number: 10376774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for playing a multiplayer card game that includes a deck of cards and a holder. The card game utilizes a unique deck of cards and more than one option for gameplay. The variety of card combinations results in a novel and different experience every time the game is played. The primary method for scoring points is by forming time values. Numbered cards are written in a digital type font from a combination of short, straight lines. Instead of the numbers themselves, these lines are counted and subsequently used for scoring. The winner is awarded elongated sticks for each set of points earned based on the time value formed. The elongated sticks are placed into open storage container until the containers are transformed into a solid shape with the final elongated stick protruding to indicate a player has won the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Jane Miller
  • Patent number: 10376775
    Abstract: A read and write playing card system and method are described. The playing card includes a unique card identification that uniquely identifies the playing card from other cards in the deck of playing cards. Additionally, the read and write playing card includes at least one playing card electronic component that receives data regarding game play. Furthermore, the read and write playing card includes at least one of the playing card electronic components that stores data regarding game play. Further still, the read and write playing card includes at least one of the playing card electronic components that transmits the unique card identification data, when activated by the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Milestone Technologies
    Inventor: John B. French
  • Patent number: 10376776
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a video game using information stored by physical objects are disclosed. The video game may take place in a virtual space. Users may access the virtual space via client computing platforms. Users may participate in the video game by controlling game entities in the virtual space. Individual ones of the game entities may be associated with individual physical objects. The information stored by individual physical objects may be implemented by virtue of a client computing platform receiving the stored information. The information may be implemented independently from gameplay in the virtual space using the associated game entity. For example, a physical object may store information related to a “limited edition” version of an associated game entity that may only be implemented in the virtual space by virtue of the information being received from the physical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lowe, Robert Nelson, John G. Vignocchi, Jeffrey Gosztyla
  • Patent number: 10376777
    Abstract: An information processor determines data content to be transmitted and a destination device to which to transmit the data on the basis of the posture of the information processor identified on the basis of detection results of a sensor adapted to detect the posture thereof, a control method of an information processor, a program, and an information storage medium. A game process execution section determines a transmission destination device on the basis of the posture of the information processor identified on the basis of detection results of the sensor. A missile data generation section determines data content to be transmitted to the transmission destination device on the basis of the posture of the information processor identified on the basis of detection results of the sensor at a time different from when the transmission destination device is determined. A missile data transmission section transmits the data to the transmission destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shiina, Toshikazu Iwasa
  • Patent number: 10376778
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing system including at least a reflection member, and an information processing apparatus capable of image processing. The reflection member is a retro reflecting material. The information processing apparatus includes an imaging section that captures an image, a first light emitting section, a second light emitting section, and a light source detecting section. The first light emitting section and the second light emitting section each emit light. At least one of a half-power angle and an entrance angle of the second light emitting section is different from that of the first light emitting section. The light source detecting section detects, in the image captured by the imaging section, a light source image including an image of the retro reflecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 10376779
    Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed to show: a virtual path or other virtual world that indicates the level reached by the player and some of that player's social network friends; a score board that displays the score of a player once he has completed a level successfully, together with the highest scores of some of its social network friends' for that level; and in which each level of the game can be failed and, if the processor determines that the player is running out of moves or time, then the processor causes the game to automatically display a message offering extra moves and/or time for the player to purchase, to carry on playing the game, or other in-game assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Sebastian Knutsson, Niklas Malmqvist, Jonas Magnusson, Tobias Nyblom
  • Patent number: 10376780
    Abstract: The subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for determining a current performance of a gamer during a first gaming session of a gaming application, where the performance is determined from a first plurality of stimulus signals generated by a gaming accessory during the first gaming session according to a configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory, identifying a prior performance of the gamer during a prior gaming session of the gaming application, where the prior performance is determined from a second plurality of stimulus signals generated by the gaming accessory according to the configuration setting, comparing the current performance to the prior performance to determine a change in performance of the gamer, and adjusting the configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory according to the change in the performance of the gamer. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Bruce Hawver, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
  • Patent number: 10376781
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that generates a game log that specifies game events during gameplay to enable efficient distribution of video game playback, facilitates the annotation of gameplay through content from users and others, and generates a video game stream that includes the game log and content. The system facilitates the efficient sharing of video game playback, as well as annotations from users and others. For example, e-sportscasters may use the system to broadcast video game playback with their commentary and/or graphical overlays. Video game players may use the system to share video game playback efficiently with other users. The system may also facilitate the sharing of loadout conditions and micro-transactions relevant to video game playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Marr, Keith S. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 10376782
    Abstract: The server device according to the invention includes: a storage unit that associates and stores multiple first characteristic data sets for each user and associates and stores second characteristic data for each group to which the multiple first characteristic data sets belong; a different-user-selecting unit that selects a different user when a predetermined event occurs while a game is being played; a group formation-assessing unit that determines whether or not all of the first characteristic data sets belonging to a group are included in the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user; and an action-executing unit that executes predetermined actions using, in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user, the second characteristic data associated with the group for which it has been determined that all of the pertinent first characteristic data sets are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Kensuke Umehara
  • Patent number: 10376783
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises causing, to be displayed to a user through a web page of a social network provider that provides a social network, contest data that indicates an online contest; receiving, at a particular entity, input that indicates an intention by the user to participate in the online contest; sending, from the particular entity, request data that indicates a request, by the particular entity, for one or more permissions that allows the particular entity to access information from the social network provider about the user; after sending the request data, receiving, at the particular entity, acceptance data that indicates that the user accepts the request; in response to receiving the acceptance data, causing the user to be entered in the online contest; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Quotient Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Eichstaedt, Sunil K. Bopardikar, Deepak Goel
  • Patent number: 10376784
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for reducing lag time via predictive caching in cloud-based gaming. In one example, a cloud-based gaming system may identify game paths that can be taken during real-time game play and may break down the game paths into subsets of path segments a player can select. The system may determine a probability of the player taking a subset of the path segments based on real-time actions by the player and a game history of the current player and past players. The system may assign probabilities of being selected to the subsets of path segments and may render the subsets of path segments based on their respective probabilities. The system may transmit the rendered game content data for the subsets of path segments to a game client for caching on the local cache so that the game content data may be available when needed during real-time game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Nikhil Chhaochharia, Hariharan Ramasangu, George Paulose Koomullil
  • Patent number: 10376785
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices have been developed with enormous information processing capabilities, high quality audio and video outputs, large amounts of memory, and may also include wired and/or wireless networking capabilities. Additionally, relatively unsophisticated and inexpensive sensors, such as microphones, video camera, GPS or other position sensors, when coupled with devices having these enhanced capabilities, can be used to detect subtle features about users and their environments. A variety of audio, video, simulation and user interface paradigms have been developed to utilize the enhanced capabilities of these devices. These paradigms can be used separately or together in any combination. One paradigm automatically creating user identities using speaker identification. Another paradigm includes a control button with 3-axis pressure sensitivity for use with game controllers and other input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Gustavo Hernandez-Abrego, Xavier Menendez-Pidal, Steven Osman, Ruxin Chen, Rishi Deshpande, Care Michaud-Wideman, Richard Marks, Eric J. Larsen, Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 10376786
    Abstract: Provided are a display device and method of changing a display setting. According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the method of changing a display setting in a display device includes operations of: storing a plurality of display settings corresponding to a plurality of game categories; determining a display setting to be used for displaying video data of a currently running game among the plurality of display settings; and changing an actual display setting of the display device according to a determined display setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeon-ji Lee, Dong-hyun Kim, Yu-hyeon Jun
  • Patent number: 10376787
    Abstract: There is provided a screen update method and system including: a first step of identifying image resource data associated with a first image update event from a predetermined basic recording space in case that the first image update event occurs, a second step of loading the identified image resource data in a buffer space including a plurality of buffers, in which the image resource data are loaded in rotation on the buffer by a frame, respectively, a third step of sequentially determining the image resource data loaded on the buffer for each the buffer, rendering the determined image resource data, and generating a first image at a first frame rate, a fourth step of generating a second image associated with a second image update event at a second frame rate in case that the second image update event occurs, a fifth step of compositing the first image with the second image to generate an entire image, and a sixth step of displaying the entire image on a predetermined display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GAME AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dae Il Kim
  • Patent number: 10376788
    Abstract: Targeted recommendations may be provided to specific user segments. The users may be segmented on or more user parameters that facilitate targeted provision of recommendations to the individual segments of users. A recommendation may prompt a user to take a recommended action in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Tian Lan, Bing Liu, Sainath Shenoy, Kenneth Yu, Liang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10376789
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a user of an online game to assemble a crew of additional crew members for accessing a content item after completing a goal with the crew. A method provides an operation for displaying a crew assembly dialog that includes a graphics user interface (GUI) allowing the user to select crew members for assembling the crew from a crew inventory. The method further provides operations for receiving a selection of at least one crew member and sending a help request directed to the at least one crew member. Additionally, the method provides for assembling the crew and detecting completion of the goal by the crew. Moreover, the method provides an operation for sending data to the user to access the content item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Andres Cantor
  • Patent number: 10376790
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: establishing communications between a controller for operation by a user and a center device, wherein the center device is operable to execute at least one application program and to produce an output for display that is manipulated in accordance with inputs received by the center device from the controller device; measuring one or more pieces of biometric information of the user via a biometric sensor circuit of the controller; storing one or more pieces of predetermined user information, including authentication key information about the user in a memory element of the controller; and performing authentication of the user by comparing the measured biometric information with the predetermined authentication key information via a control circuit of the controller, where authentication is satisfied when the comparison indicates a predetermined threshold of concurrence between the measured biometric information and the predetermined authentication key information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Mariko Hino, Satoshi Hashimoto, Ken Kutaragi
  • Patent number: 10376791
    Abstract: A system and methodology for executing a trivia contest/tournament simultaneously to a plurality of electronic devices, while eliminating fraud associated with trivia contests by ensuring that every gameplay experience across multiple devices, regardless of location, is consistent. This is accomplished by onboarding an electronic device, receiving a current date and time of the underlying user in a predetermined set of parameters, generating a payload (start time of contest, questions, order of questions, duration of each question, termination time of contest, etc.) and transmitting it to the electronic device at a time before the start of the contest. The lag time between all electronic devices is calculated and accounted for, so that each device starts the contest at the same time. The trivia contest takes place and terminates, so that each player has the same experience. Their answers are encrypted and transmitted back to the system for recording and assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Nobel Trivia, LLC
    Inventors: Prem Thomas, Nathan Lehoux, Arun Umapathy
  • Patent number: 10376792
    Abstract: A system and method is provided that recommends group compositions in multiplayer video games. The system may suggest a composition of a group of players using a matchmaking process. For example, one or more players may wish to form or join a group of players for a given game, but not know what would be an appropriate mix of player styles, player roles, skill levels, and/or other player characteristics that would make an optimal group, given the player's own characteristics. The system may identify optimal groups based on matchmaking related information such as, without limitation, game profile, player profile, prior match scores, prior quality scores, and/or other information. Optimal groups may be those that have performed successfully (e.g., accomplished the most wins, objectives, etc.), are associated with the highest player enjoyment (e.g., based on match and/or quality scores), and/or otherwise are deemed to be desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Marr, Keith S. Kaplan, Nathan T. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10376793
    Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charnjit Singh Bansi, Paul Kerby, Peter Hall, Gareth Wilson
  • Patent number: 10376794
    Abstract: Provided is a method of providing an observing service using event prediction in a game, in which a method of predicting various events that may occur in a game space during a game play so as to observe a situation where the events are occurring is provided. According to the method of providing an observing service using event prediction in a game, various game events occurring during a game play may be predicted so as to effectively generate videos of the events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MINKONET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Ahn, Tae Woo Kim, Dong Hwal Lee
  • Patent number: 10376795
    Abstract: A spectating system that generates game inputs based on spectating inputs and provides the game inputs to game systems according to an application programming interface (API). The spectating inputs may include spectator participation statistics, text chat inputs, audio inputs, and spectator interactions with a spectating user interface. The game inputs may include random numbers based on the spectating inputs that may be used as entropy sources for games. The game inputs may also include parameter inputs that provide values for parameters in the game based on spectating inputs. The spectators may become involved in the games being broadcast by influencing game play via the spectating inputs. Game play for the players may be enhanced by providing interesting variations in game play based on the spectating inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohit Garg, Ethan Zane Evans, David Hendrik Verfaillie, Patrick Gilmore
  • Patent number: 10376796
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a message processing method and terminal device. The method includes: receiving a first message that carries displacement parameters and is sent by a client, the displacement parameters being generated by the client and used to indicate displacement of a virtual object in a virtual space; determining, according to the displacement parameters, whether the displacement conforms to a preset rule; and sending, if it is determined that the displacement does not conform to the preset rule, a second message used by the client to refuse the displacement. The present disclosure solves the technical problem in the existing technology that multiple terminal device resources need to be occupied to ensure appropriate movement of a virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited
    Inventors: Ming Zou, Zheng Zhang, Zhenchao Ru, Bailin An
  • Patent number: 10376797
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for playing a game using a gestural gaming device. In an embodiment, the gestural gaming device includes a processor, a sensor, a communications transceiver, and a plurality of lighting elements. An application may be executed on a mobile device in communication with the gestural gaming device via the communications transceiver. The system may also include a back-end server in communication with the application over a network. The game may be played using the gestural gaming device in conjunction with one or more gestures, the game being managed by the application using the plurality of lighting elements. A winner of the game may be awarded a reward in response to winning the game from the back-end server via the gestural gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew Howarth
  • Patent number: 10376798
    Abstract: An amusement ride is formed from a self-equalizing dual line affixed to a pulley at its upper end and to pulley and counterweight system at its lower end. An upper platform at the upper dual line end launches a rider who is connected via a line to a pulley riding on the dual line. A slide is carried by the upper platform from which the rider is launched, resulting in the rider swinging in an arcuate motion about the pulley. A belay, carried by the dual line, is movable to confront the pulley as the rider is carried down the dual lines and to enhance the arcuate swinging of the rider. A lower landing permits the rider to demount the amusement ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Buttercup Business, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren W. Hreniuk-Mitchel
  • Patent number: 10376799
    Abstract: A water attraction having one or more inflatable areas and/or features for reducing turbulence of water flow over a ride surface is disclosed. The water attraction includes a ride surface, a water delivery section, and a recovery section. The water delivery section provides water flow on the ride surface. The ride surface may include the assembly of multiple segments and may be fully or partially inflatable. The water delivery section may include one or more water delivery mechanisms, for example, nozzles. A water delivery mechanism may deliver a water flow different from the water flows from other water delivery mechanisms. In one embodiment, the water delivery section includes water delivery mechanisms directed in a fanned-out configuration in order to reduce turbulence. In another embodiment, gaps between segments of the ride surface may provide a “buffer” for overlapping water flow in order to achieve a smooth water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Brad Jiro Koide, Danny Philp
  • Patent number: 10376800
    Abstract: Toy electronic display structures to receive and support a user to rotating their electronic display device resulting in first and second viewing configurations, with a support mechanism disposing alternate facing gaming display and virtual reality viewing of the electronic display device. A smart phone with a display screen or like electronic display device is arranged to direct the display screen of the smart phone in oppositely disposed for different viewing configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: HASBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Gary D Aigner, Alex Howell, Thomas Maguire
  • Patent number: 10376801
    Abstract: A magnetic tracked toy assembly for entertainment includes a panel, which is annular, and plurality of shells. A plurality of rails is coupled to an upper surface of the panel so that the rails extend annularly and in parallel around the panel. A respective groove, which is complementary to the rails, is positioned in a bottom of a respective shell so that the groove is positioned to selectively insert a respective rail. Each shell is coupled to a respective blower module, which in turn is coupled to a respective controller. The panel, the rails and the shells are magnetized so that each shell is repelled by the panel and the respective rail to levitate the shell above the panel. The controller is positioned to command the blower module to selectively expel air to propel the respective shell along the panel with the respective rail positioned to guide the respective shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin Morris
  • Patent number: 10376802
    Abstract: The invention is Sinkable Toy Warships, in particular, remotely controlled toy boats that can shoot water, be shot at by other boats, retain water that hits them directly, continue to be operational after being hit, sink when a predetermined volume of water has been absorbed, remain near the surface where it can be located and can be recovered after being submerged with no ill-effects to the electric and electronic components on board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Elie Atalla
  • Patent number: 10376803
    Abstract: A special effects device for providing an energy sword effect. The device includes two long plastic semi-cylinders, and these two blade body members are rolled perpendicular to their length, which creates compact cylinders of material of small volume that can be provided on a pair of spools in a hilt. To extend the blade, a motor provided in the hilt unrolls the blade body members from the spools. Each blade body member passes through a blade forming guideway that nests the semi-cylindrical blade body members together as they leave the hilt. To retract the blade, the process is reversed. The lighting of the blade is achieved with a flexible strip of light sources. The light source strip is attached to a blade end cap and positioned in the center of the two blade body members such that it is pulled up along with the blade body members during their extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Honeck, Lanny S. Smoot, Quinn Y. Smithwick, Eli Joseph Romaire, David J. McCall, Terry O. Sandin, Adam B. Forster, Peter Anastasios Chevako