Questions And Answers Patents (Class 273/430)
  • Patent number: 11823534
    Abstract: A system and method for awarding secondary prizes, such as relative to wagering events presented at gaming machines and gaming tables, is provided. A player receives a different number of opportunities, such as prize entries, for wagers placed on different wagering events having different house advantages, and preferably where each prize entry has its own win/lose outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Todd Fishon
  • Patent number: 11317135
    Abstract: A method of determining a group of user devices suitable for contributing user content to an interactive media broadcast may comprise: —transmitting a set of requirements to a first plurality of user devices (13), each user device having a set of capabilities, the set of requirements relating to using at least part of the user content in the interactive media broadcast, —transmitting an invitation to a second plurality of user devices (13), the invitation being configured to cause a user device to produce a conditional response if the set of capabilities of the user device matches the set of requirements, and —identifying a group of user devices from which a conditional response was received. The method may further comprise selecting a group of user devices from the identified user devices. The selected group of user devices may include all identified user devices. The media broadcast may include an interactive television broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: KONINKLIKE KPN N.V., NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Martin Prins, Hans Maarten Stokking, Simon Gunkel
  • Patent number: 11167214
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a dynamic game or contest management platform are described herein. The platform may be integrated with a programmatic advertising system and configured to utilize substantially real-time programmatic advertising information, predictive analytics, and/or one or more artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to dynamically adjust parameters associated with the game or contest. The AI algorithm(s) may use historical ad revenue information and a number of other ad revenue projection factors described herein to predict the amount or generate an expectation of future ad revenue for a certain time period. Based on the prediction, the contest management platform may be configured to adjust a variety of parameters to dynamically adjust a game or contest itself and the projected prizes to be awarded based on one or more stored models designed to achieve a certain total prize amount awarded over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Exponential Corp.
    Inventors: Jason White, Jeb Havens
  • Patent number: 11148049
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a data providing method may be provided. The data providing method may include: determining a hypothetical question of a user using an application program; determining an answer to the hypothetical question; and providing the answer in the form of a hint to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Henky Jatmiko Gunawan, Hung Wei Goh
  • Patent number: 10965622
    Abstract: A device for transmitting a reply message is provided. The device includes a communication unit configured to receive a question message from another device, a controller configured to determine a category of the question message, a display unit configured to display a user interface (UI) for selecting data to be included in a reply message to the question message, according to the category, and a user input unit configured to receive a user input of selecting data to be included in the reply message through the UI, wherein the communication unit transmits the reply message including the data to the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Deok-ho Kim, Hae-jun Lee, Eun-jeong Ko, Ji-hyun Rho, Volodymyr Zubariev, Tae-yeun Yang, Ha-yoon Jung, Ho-jin Jung
  • Patent number: 10854101
    Abstract: A method for enhancing recall and retention of educational material includes sending a series of structured interactions that are derived from educational material to a learner in small, discrete chunks over a period of time. The interactions may be repetitive and may require learner input and interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Naveed Iftikhar
  • Patent number: 10789856
    Abstract: A context-aware adaptive data processing application is described. One or more computing servers establish connections with multiple user terminals to provide an application to the user terminals. The provided application is executable at the user terminals via web browser or a dedication application installed at a user terminal, for example. The provided application is context-aware to dynamically adapt to a user's changing circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Charis YoungJoo Jeong
  • Patent number: 10613699
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for displaying on a viewing surface of a multi-view display targeted instructional content to a first viewer in a viewing space such that other viewers in other locations of the viewing space are unable to observe the instructional content. The multi-view display is configured to provide differentiated content to viewers located in different positions around the display. In some embodiments, the viewing surface is located in a venue such as a theater, the first viewer is a speaker located on a stage in the venue, and the instructional content is text from a speech or performance to be presented by the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: MISAPPLIED SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: David Steven Thompson, Albert Han Ng, Paul Henry Dietz
  • Patent number: 10170013
    Abstract: Computerized assessments rely upon databases containing constantly changing assessment information including an identifier, questions, choices, and scoring criteria. A particular instance of an assessment, including captured questions and corresponding scoring criteria is stored. The captured questions are administered to assessment takers. The answers are linked to scoring criteria using the identifier, so that assessment results may be generated. The assessment instance includes a first data entity including a selection of questions and an instance identifier; and a second data entity including the instance identifier and scoring criteria. An API captures the assessment instance responsive to a request by an external program, then communicates the first data entity to the external program. The external program then communicates back assessment answers with the identifier. The API associates the responses with the second data entity using the identifier and creates scoring results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Questionmark Computing Limited
    Inventors: Paul Roberts, John Kleeman, Eric Shepherd
  • Patent number: 10114477
    Abstract: A display device is provided, which includes a jog switch which performs a moving operation in a plurality of directions and a push operation, a display unit which displays a first user interface (UI) for adjusting a channel or a volume of the display device or a second UI for adjusting other functions of the display device in accordance with a first operation of the jog switch, and a control unit which adjusts a selected function of the display device in accordance with a second operation of the jog switch in which is performed in a state where the first UI or the second UI is displayed. The jog switch is formed to project for a predetermine height from a surface of the display device, and thus a user can find the jog switch easily and promptly even is the jog switch is obstructed from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-ho Kim, Chang-joo Jung
  • Patent number: 9927963
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating digital flash cards that include links to content from one or more digital content sources, referred to herein as a flash card mode. The mode allows a user to create a digital flash card by selecting a portion of a digital content source and performing a create command. The created flash card includes at least two virtual sides and a first side of the flash card identifies the location of the selected portion of digital content. The location may be identified, for example, by a canonical fragment identifier (CFI). Text can then be entered for a second side of the flash card. Flash cards can be shared with other users, and because the flash cards only identify locations of content within digital content sources, the mode is well-suited to handle sources including digital rights management (DRM) protection, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wilson, Dale J. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9805383
    Abstract: An inter-advertainment is an inter-active entertainment that relates to services of a business. A customer can play and win the inter-advertainment while waiting at the business. The inter-advertainment identifies images of objects at the business for the customer to find. The inter-advertainment has one or more playing levels with one or more instances of the inter-advertainment selected randomly. In order to win, the customer must correctly identify each object that correctly matches each of a corresponding image of the same object. The customer must take a still image of the matching objects and upload them via the Internet to an inter-advertainment engine. The inter-advertainment advances to a next image when the received image correctly matches a corresponding image of the same object. When the customer correctly matches all images, the customer is given the wining prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventors: Suraiya Daud, Aziz Basrai
  • Patent number: 9737797
    Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
  • Patent number: 9672753
    Abstract: An online test platform facilitates automatic scrolling of test materials in a web browser while maintaining a text prompt associated with the test materials. The platform also facilitates development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Rogers, John Bosko, Corey S. O'Brien, Raghubir S. Mutum
  • Patent number: 9539516
    Abstract: A method for providing an activity involving a plurality of users in a plurality of virtual communities is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) creating the plurality of virtual communities based on the resources accessed or actions taken by the plurality of users, (b) keeping track of each of the plurality of user's resources accessed or actions performed, and (c) enabling the activity based on the resources visited and actions performed by each of the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Yongyong Xu
  • Patent number: 9050526
    Abstract: A remote control for use with a media player coupled to an output device. The media player is configured to receive signals from the remote control, to read and execute information stored on a game medium, and to cause the output device to transmit generated signals. The remote control includes a controller, an input coupled to the controller, a transmitter coupled to the controller, and a receiver coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to selectively operate in a first mode that causes the transmitter to transmit a signal upon user actuation of the input, and a second mode that prevents the transmitter from transmitting signals upon user actuation of the input. Reception of a first generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the first mode, and reception of a second generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter MacIver
  • Publication number: 20150145214
    Abstract: The invention is related with KeeWordz, which is a quiz show targeting various socio-economic groups with its multi-platform structure and high interaction power and it is characterized by the inclusion of one or more contestants, presenters, computers, giant screens, database centers, websites (e.g., the KeeWordz website), and remote user formulations. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Bekir Sami Batok
  • Patent number: 8985583
    Abstract: Typically, games are created for entertainment purposes involving trivia information or games are created for educational purposes focused on particularized subjects. Currently, there exists a need for a game that challenges players with questions from a broad range of topics useful for everyday life that are non-trivia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas P. Arduini
  • Patent number: 8794630
    Abstract: A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another embodiment of game play provides for the repurposing of an existing taped game show. The previously recorded game show would be segmented into subsets of issues, for example, presentation of questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy), those issues would be presented to one or more players, a response would be received from those players, and the answer would be compared to the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players relative to one another or to indicate the amount of the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Milestone Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Randall Mark Katz, Gary Dawson, Andrew Felsher
  • Patent number: 8771050
    Abstract: A counting game played by one or more players involving numbers selected from pre-classified categories, suited to be played by players having different levels of mental maturity. A game involves choosing a set of numbers from one or more categories, at random. The object of the game is to generate numbers as high as possible, by using multiple math functions on the randomly generated chosen numbers. A player with the highest generated number wins the game. Apart from providing recreation and entertainment, the game develops math skills and provides mental training exercises, and can therefore be useful as a tool for educational and learning purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Richard John Buchner, III
  • Patent number: 8757620
    Abstract: Teaching aid math games utilizing a mathematical matrix organized about x and y axises where the game is played by correctly associating numbers with their corresponding stations. The matrix comprises a first string of stations and a second string of stations where the first and second strings have the same number of stations. Each station is associated with a numerical value, and each station on the first string is parallel to a corresponding station on the second string where each corresponding station pair add up to the same numerical value. The display of the matrix provides visual associations for mathematical relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Todd Glenn Buchholz, Victoria Jacqueline Buchholz, Katherine Sabrina Buchholz, Alexia Grace Buchholz
  • Patent number: 8753184
    Abstract: A system and method for playing an interactive song lyric guessing game is provided. Some aspects present a player with a scrambled word cloud of lyrics and asks the player to select the correct name of the artist or song from a list of possible answers. Advertising and other commercially useful information are presented to the user and collected from the user in the course of playing the game. For example, the player of the game may be directed to an online store where songs can be purchased or downloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: David Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 8733760
    Abstract: A game and a method of playing a game are disclosed. A card with an image of a celebrity printed thereon is drawn by a player on a team. The player also starts a timing device, indicating his time of play, and manipulates a random number generator to obtain a random number. Within the given time of play, the player must recite a number of facts about the celebrity, corresponding to the random number, with players on an opposing team attempting to hinder the player's rotation of facts by playing disadvantage cards, and teammates on the player's team attempting to assist the player by playing benefit cards and/or help cards. Points are assigned based on recitation of the assigned number of facts related to the respective celebrity, and after multiple rounds of play are concluded, the points are tallied for the teams and a winner is declared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: André Fontana
  • Patent number: 8672326
    Abstract: A game is described which includes playing media such as sticks or cards. The playing media have a first side with an identifying indicia and a second side with a question and its corresponding answer. The game consists of players collecting sticks for providing correct answers to the questions on the media. The object of the game is to collect the most media in a specified period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Rosemarie Maalouf
  • Patent number: 8109819
    Abstract: In general, the invention relates to providing infrastructure, process controls, and software to design, advertise, and implement an on-line contest in which participants in the contest search the Internet for a target in order to earn a reward. Hints and/or hidden objects may provide clues as to where to look for the reward, how to claim the reward, and what the reward is. The reward is funded by participating web site owners who reserve, in some embodiments via an auction, the opportunity to “host” the target during a contest or a portion of a contest, and as a result, drive traffic to their respective web sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: TopCoder, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hughes, Michael Lydon, John Clayton Bollinger, Sarah Charlene Ramkissoon, Donald Cruver
  • Publication number: 20110304100
    Abstract: A question and answer game includes more than one answer choice to each question and each answer choice has a strategic element with a risk/reward tradeoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Dominic Crapuchettes, Nathanael Breeze Heasley
  • Publication number: 20110248445
    Abstract: A game is playable in two phases. In a first phase, a player is required to perform certain tasks, after which the player earns a collectible item. In a second phase, the player uses the earned collectible item to play a board game. The first phase may include multiple stages, and the game may be constructed such that a game piece is awarded for completing each stage. Alternatively, the collectible item may be awarded only after completing the last stage. Certain tasks may comprise at least one of solving problems, achieving certain goals, answering questions, solving puzzles, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jonah C. Kagen
  • Patent number: 8032905
    Abstract: In a system and method for providing a television broadcast that displays different content for different viewers, a pool of content items, or particular items from a pool of content items, is integrated with a signal for a television program. The combined signal is transmitted or broadcast in any suitable way, such as by satellite, antenna, cable, or the like. Once the combined signal has been transmitted, or while the signal is being transmitted, different items from the pool of content items are displayed to different viewers. The items may be displayed to viewers during a broadcast of a pre-recorded television program. Rules may be integrated into the combined signal governing how and when items from the pool of content items are displayed. The rules may also govern which items from the pool of content items are displayed. A return channel may be provided so that a viewer may communicate to a content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Nizar Allibhoy, Nicholas Cross Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7997582
    Abstract: An audio game system and method playable with a website server having an online connection on a network such as the Internet to a plurality of computers for respective participants employs a website enabled to receive from each participant's computer a music file entry selected in response to a game question or challenge issued by the website and determining an ordering by time of response of a first-in-time music file entry and sending it for audio playback on the participants' computers as a winning entry to the game question or challenge. Preferably, a participant's time-of-response is measured by a client applet on each participant's computer, and sent with the music file entry to the website server to enable the server to determine at least a first-in-time response accurately despite differences in bandwidth and connection speeds of the participants' computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Michael K. Wong
  • Patent number: 7972205
    Abstract: A grid game, such as crossword, operable on a networked computer or internet enabled device, which employs pre-designed clues and searching and search engine retrieval functions to aid the user in ascertaining the answers. The results generated by the search engine are displayed in predetermined locations on the results page returned by the search engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Vijay Krishna
  • Publication number: 20100301563
    Abstract: The comparative trivia game requires players to make a quantitative judgment in selecting one of a series of responses at each turn of play. A plurality of question sets are provided, with each question set having a plurality of questions that may be correctly answered with a numerical product. The responses are developed by multiplying each of the numerical factoids of the questions by a multiplier factor to arrive at an arithmetical product. The object is to choose the response corresponding to the highest product. The provision of questions resulting in numerical responses allows the responses to be ranked numerically, with fewer points awarded for the selection of a numerically lower response. The questions may be worded such that the responses are monetary values, or non-monetary arithmetical values or numbers. Questions in each set may be selected randomly, or may have a common subject area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Walter J. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20100270744
    Abstract: A system and method for playing a game of questions. Players will answer questions with multiple answers. Players will lose points when answering incorrectly. When players have answered an amount of questions correctly they will be able to create their own questions. Whenever there are two other players that answer a player's question and one of them answers correctly and another answers incorrectly the question author will win points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Tiago Campos Simoes
  • Publication number: 20100259010
    Abstract: A method of playing a trivia game includes the step of registering a plurality of players to participate in the trivia game. Then, providing a clue to the plurality of players and receiving an answer from each player participating in the trivia game. Next, eliminating players associated with an incorrect answer and allowing players associated with a correct answer to continue participating in the trivia game. The steps of providing the clue, receiving the answer and eliminating players are repeated until one of only one player who provided correct answers remains before the trivia game ended, at least one player who provided correct answers remains when the trivia game ended and all registered players have been eliminated before the trivia game ended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: GREGORY DAVIDZON, Semyon Katsman
  • Patent number: 7801541
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the use of Point-To-MultiPoint (PTMP) display messages over a mobile cellular telecommunications infrastructure for supporting a number of multi-user applications including multi-user interactive applications in the case of interactive display messages. Exemplary applications include a consumer survey, a multi-player game, a Content on Demand application, and the staggered broadcast of the same interactive display message over different geographical areas served by different Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Celltick Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronen Daniel, Ran Wellingstein, Yossi Wellingstein
  • Patent number: 7725910
    Abstract: In a system and method for providing a television broadcast that displays different content for different viewers, a pool of content items, or particular items from a pool of content items is/are integrated with a signal for a television program. The combined signal is transmitted or broadcast in any suitable way, such as by satellite, antenna, cable, or the like. Once the combined signal has been transmitted, or while the signal is being transmitted, different items from the pool of content items are displayed to different viewers. The items may be displayed to viewers during a broadcast of a pre-recorded television program. Rules may be integrated into the combined signal governing how and when items from the pool of content items are displayed. The rules may also govern which items from the pool of content items are displayed. A return channel may be provided so that a viewer may communicate to a content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Nizar Allibhoy, Nicholas Cross Wodtke
  • Patent number: 7713123
    Abstract: A bonus round for a slot game. A player can select random elements in order to win prizes, different elements may have different award amounts. A player is offered an opportunity to receive a hint, and if the player accepts a hint then the player is provided a clue of which random element(s) to select or avoid to obtain a greater award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ID Interactive LLC
    Inventors: Ignacio Gerson, Jorge Heymann, Mike Park
  • Patent number: 7665733
    Abstract: The religious game includes a game board with a playing path thereon, with the path having two phases. A series of question cards with correct responses on their backs is provided for each phase, with each card containing a series of questions, each question corresponding to one of the positions along that phase of the path. A repent area having a series of positions corresponding to the phase one positions is included on the board. The position marker of a player missing a question during phase one play is moved to the corresponding position of the repent area, and cannot return to the playing path until correctly answering a repent question. A missed question in phase two play initially results in a missed turn, with a second consecutive missed question resulting in a severe penalty by setting that player's marker back to an intermediate position in phase one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Claude R. Swanson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7654533
    Abstract: A game is provided wherein a player or team gains points by answering a question worded in such a way that the answer is always a number. In one embodiment, the questions are directed to points of trivia or general or specific knowledge, and the game includes a plurality of question cards, on the reverse side of which are the answers to the questions. The questions are such that players can make an informed or educated guess at the numeric answer. The object of the game is to answer each question by coming closer to the correct numeric answer than the opposing players. In one embodiment, players are given a preselected amount of time, as determined by a timing device, to write down their answers. Once the players have written down their answers, all players may display their numeric answers simultaneously. The player or team that comes closest to the answer given on the card gets more points than the other players or teams. In another embodiment, players or teams that come second closest, third closest etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Bernard Seal
  • Publication number: 20090280882
    Abstract: A method and computer program product for an educational trivia game. The trivia game includes elements of gambling (i.e., placing bets) with an intense educational process and can be characterized as a method of unique edutainment. The trivia game of the present invention can be implemented in various forms such as, for example, a simple board game, a computer game, a DVD-based interactive game and a TV game show. The trivia game includes a playing board comprising three circles, three playing pieces of different colors, a timing piece (i.e., an hour glass or electronic timer), at least three sets of different color tokens (called Niqs) and at least three decks of trivia cards. A player who starts at point Zero (i.e., the initial point on the game board) and returns back to this point first, after going through all the steps of the three circles of the game board, becomes a winner. Alternatively, the last survivor of the game (when all other players run out of Niqs) also becomes a winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Hovakim Saghatelyan, Nerses Tumanyan
  • Patent number: 7572182
    Abstract: A method for a knowledge-based casino game. A first embodiment provides the knowledge-based casino game as a bonus game for an underlying casino game. A second embodiment provides a stand-alone knowledge-based casino game and a third embodiment provides back-and-forth play between a casino game and a knowledge-based casino game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Olaf Vancura
  • Patent number: 7549645
    Abstract: A multi-player audio game system and game console enables players to compete against each other based on music that is contained in their own personal music player devices. The game console has multiple ports to allow the players to plug their audio player devices into the game console. In response to pressing a Next button to advance the game, the console displays a music question or challenge selected from questions stored in memory. Upon seeing the challenge displayed, the players compete to be the first to submit a music entry (by playing their entry and pressing the respective Enter button on the console) that meets the challenge from among the songs stored on their audio player devices. The console has an audio signal queuing mechanism to allow the first-in-time player's song input to be played on a speaker while muting the other players' song inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael K. Wong
  • Patent number: 7523939
    Abstract: A remembrance game system for helping players playing to remember a deceased friend or family member includes a plurality of puzzle pieces being assembled to reveal a picture of a loved one and a plurality of player tokens. A game board is positionable on a support surface. The game board has a path indicated thereon. The path is divided into a plurality of spaces. The spaces include a plurality of action spaces to indicate an action to be performed by a player when one of the player tokens is positioned on one of the action spaces. The spaces include a plurality of character spaces to indicate receiving of one of the puzzle pieces when one of the player tokens is positioned on one of the character spaces. At least one die is rolled to indicate movement characteristics of the player tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Campbell, Sherry Campbell
  • Publication number: 20090091087
    Abstract: One detailed embodiment of a quiz-nested quiz game and system therefore, played by one or by one or more players. Each quiz comprises one information fragment for its answer and one for each clue. A unique identifier is assigned to the information fragments. The uniquely identified information fragments are associated into a quiz structure, wherein non-terminal members are an answer in one quiz and clue in an associated quiz. A system means comprises exposure, guessing and validation means. A user interface is provided. Clues in one quiz can be selectively exposed to the player(s), who can provide a guess at the associated answer. The guess is validated, and, depending on the validation result, the associated answer is exposed as a clue in a different, associated quiz. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Wasmund
  • Publication number: 20090085289
    Abstract: A themed-knowledge game and associated method of play, comprising: a plurality of game cards, each game card containing N questions thereon in a one-to-one correspondence with N predetermined categories of knowledge, and each of the N questions having an answer therefor; a game board comprising a plurality of game spaces between a start space and a finish space thereof; the plurality of game spaces subdivided into a plurality of game space clusters of N+1 game spaces per game space cluster; within each the game space cluster, N of the N+1 game spaces having a one-to-one correspondence with one of the N predetermined categories of knowledge, and the remaining 1 of the game spaces being a “lucky” game space; and rules for playing the game as disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Helena A. Mirza
  • Publication number: 20090085290
    Abstract: A board game played by at least two players for provoking discussion amongst the players based on questions provided by the board game. There is a game board having spaces thereon forming a path on the game board including a start and a finish space. Predetermined spaces along the path include indicia thereon requiring a player to take a predetermined action. Game pieces are moved by a player along the path according to a number rolled on at least one die. The first player to reach the finish space wins the board game. There are also a pre-selected number of question cards. One of the question cards is selected and answered by a player when landing on a space having indicia thereon that indicates such action. The questions have no wrong answers to them and are answered according to the player's views based on life experiences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Tammy J. Brewer
  • Patent number: 7462104
    Abstract: An interaction competition provides an entertaining enjoyable environment for a player to compete against a celebrity in a head-to-head trivia game. The questions may be associated with the celebrity rather than random general information or general trivia. The celebrity can participate via stored audio media, stored audio-visual media, or in a live real-time format. A goal of the competition is for a player to gain more points than the celebrity. Another goal of the competition is for the player to answer more questions correctly than the celebrity. At least one or more game episodes can be provided on computer-readable media. A game episode may be implemented with a product featuring a celebrity. The competition can be provided in many different gaming environments. The competition can be provided online via a web-based format; a television game show format; telephone call-in radio talk show format; or a cellular phone game format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Di Cesare
  • Patent number: 7438291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game in which a game surface, a plurality of game pieces, and a plurality of game cards are provided for use in games involving names of people. In the preferred embodiment, the game surface comprises a plurality of ladders having starts, finishes and various spaces; the spaces are associated with certain subjects like Entertainment or Politics. The game cards have clues printed on one side; answers are printed on the other side. Game pieces advance one space along a ladder if a team is able to guess the correct answer; play is ceded to the other team for an incorrect answer. Wipe out spaces permit the other team to select the subject of the game card; game pieces advance one space if the word card is answered correctly, and retreat two spaces if answered incorrectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Kilbane
  • Publication number: 20080161082
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes receiving a request to purchase a product from a vending machine. At least one question to be output is determined, and the determined question is output. An interface is provided which that permits at least one answer to the at least one question to be entered by a customer. At least one answer to the at least one question is received via the interface. Based on the answer, a level of access to one or more products available for sale by the vending machine is determined. A product is provided if the level of access permits providing of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: JAY S. WALKER, Paul T. Breitenbach, Daniel E. Tedesco, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 7390255
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7374481
    Abstract: A sequencing game is provided with a housing and a microprocessor disposed within the housing. A plurality of manually operable controls are affixed to the housing and are in communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor generates and sensorially renders a sequence of events, wherein each event is related to one of the manually operable controls. Each manually operable control is externally acutable by a participant for responding to said sequence of signals. The microprocessor further compares the participant's response to said sequence of events for determining the correctness of the participant's response. The difficultly of the game is increased with a motor that drives wheels which move the game while the sequence of events are being sensorially rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper