Game, Board Or Table Type Patents (Class 434/128)
  • Patent number: 12020590
    Abstract: An electronic chess set includes a plurality of conductive chess pieces, a chessboard having a playing surface including a plurality of individually identifiable locations visible to a user on the chessboard, and an electronic system including a capacitive sensing system. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to determine for each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations: when a chess piece included in the plurality of conductive chess pieces is located at a respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations and user-contact with the chess piece is absent; when the chess piece located at the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations is in contact with the user; and when each of the plurality of conductive chess pieces is absent from the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Bryght Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bowman Wigh, Adam Wesley Roush, Justin William Farrell, Elliot Samuel Wilder
  • Patent number: 12002375
    Abstract: An electronic chess set includes a plurality of conductive chess pieces, a chessboard having a playing surface including a plurality of individually identifiable locations visible to a user on the chessboard, and an electronic system including a capacitive sensing system. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to determine for each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations: when a chess piece included in the plurality of conductive chess pieces is located at a respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations and user-contact with the chess piece is absent; when the chess piece located at the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations is in contact with the user; and when each of the plurality of conductive chess pieces is absent from the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Bryght Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bowman Wigh, Adam Wesley Roush, Justin William Farrell, Elliot Samuel Wilder
  • Patent number: 11984041
    Abstract: A system and method for teaching arithmetic has a plurality of training aides or manipulatives wherein a child/student learns arithmetic facts by executing the method using the system. The physical training aids may include a die (10,12), a factor card (14) and a factor finder member (16). The physical training aids are used with the child where the child creates a multiplication product by rolls of the die (10,12) wherein the child uses the factor card (14) and the factor finder member (16) to identify factor numbers associated with the multiplication product. A game may be incorporated where the child can use the system and method in playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: David Drymiller
  • Patent number: 11893900
    Abstract: An electronic chess set includes a plurality of conductive chess pieces, a chessboard having a playing surface including a plurality of individually identifiable locations visible to a user on the chessboard, and an electronic system including a capacitive sensing system. In some embodiments, the capacitive sensing system is configured to determine for each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations: when a chess piece included in the plurality of conductive chess pieces is located at a respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations and user-contact with the chess piece is absent; when the chess piece located at the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations is in contact with the user; and when each of the plurality of conductive chess pieces is absent from the respective one of the plurality of individually identifiable locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Bryght Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bowman Wigh, Adam Wesley Roush, Justin William Farrell, Elliot Samuel Wilder
  • Patent number: 11235229
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for playing a game by providing a board with tactile and/or sound annotations uniquely referencing play positions on the board; and providing tactile and/or audible pieces to be used with the tactile and sound-annotated board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Rohit Khorana
  • Patent number: 10166475
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 10166476
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 10080965
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 9968852
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 9968851
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artifact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artifact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artifact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 9950261
    Abstract: A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artifact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artifact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artifact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic J. Bauchot, Graham Butler
  • Patent number: 9418569
    Abstract: There are provided methods and a system for visually representing a rate of writing a plurality of identical Chinese characters for at least one user on a first portion of a display, with the visual representation having both a discrete movement component and a rate of activity component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Kin Fui Chong, Xin Yi Wong
  • Patent number: 9174116
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games. Game developers may illustratively access one or more electronic game board, game piece templates and/or other game development application software from a game server to design and develop electronic board games. Such electronic board games may then be acquired by game players in the form of full, limited and/or modifiable versions. A game service module of the game server makes a number of electronic board game related services available to game players for managing, playing and acquiring electronic board game collections and/or for enhancing or facilitating electronic board game playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Rita H. Wouhaybi, Sai P. Balasundaram, David I. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9022787
    Abstract: An educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers includes a carpet/game board including ten positively numbered spaces from +1 to +10 inclusive a 0 space and negatively numbered spaces from ?1 to ?10 inclusive and wherein said positive numbered spaces proceed upwardly in a generally zigzag direction from 0 to plus 10 and the negatively numbered spaces proceed downwardly from 0 to minus 10 and an extra space above the plus 10 and an extra space below the minus 10 wherein the extra space above the plus 10 is a win space and the space below the minus 10 is a lose space. The game also includes a single cube shaped die having six faces with an indication of plus 2, minus 2 and no movement on three of the faces and a plus 1, minus 1 and plus 1 plus and additional turn on the sixth face. Further, the game includes six game pieces of separate distinct colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dunia Tariq AlDeghaishem
  • Publication number: 20150042043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strategy game to enhance decision-making skills and memorization. In addition to the basics of traditional chess, the invention expands upon traditional chess rules by comprising some or all pieces being concealed within housing shells, except for the King, so that players do not have full disclosure of their opponent's pieces and must identify and memorize the opponent's game pieces from the movement made during the game. An essential feature at the discretion of the participant is to use at least one “hold and secure” placeholder on a square that allows a player to “hold and secure” up to two, or more, squares in a match upon capturing an opponent's piece on that square. Also, a method for training that comprises phases including, but not limited to, game pieces being concealed within housing shells, a “hold and secure” feature, and some or all pieces starting in non-traditional chess starting positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Brian T. Dolk
  • Publication number: 20150031000
    Abstract: A board game for a plurality of players to learn arithmetic by playing the game with game pieces representative of the players. Each of the players has a first number of tokens, and the game is played on a game board with a dice rollable to advance the game pieces. The board game comprises a vessel for storing a second number of tokens. The game board comprises a plurality of locations extended around a perimeter of the game board. The plurality of locations is delineated for advancement of the game pieces according to a roll of the dice. Each delineated location indicates an arithmetic function operable by each of player based on their corresponding first number of tokens, when the representing game piece arrives on each delineated location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: G BALASEKARAN
  • Publication number: 20150024350
    Abstract: An educational device comprising a game board demarcated with a plurality of positions, each position having associated with it and actuator, actuation of which causes the communication device to provide instruction to the player as to what the player is supposed to do. A player can activate a random number generator to determine how many positions to move. Once instruction has been received, the player utilizes game pieces on the game board to execute the instruction. By going through this process, any player can learn a particular skill or gain particular knowledge that can be applied in life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Ward
  • Publication number: 20140342319
    Abstract: A board game and method for learning mathematical tables includes providing a landscape having a first player area and a second player area with predefined spaces associated with each player area; positioning a plurality of game pieces on the predefined spaces of the first and second player area; advancing a first game piece of one player area towards a second game piece on the second player area; challenging the second game piece by randomly generating two independent numbers then performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, or other mathematical operation between the two numbers for each player; and removing one of the first and second game pieces from the landscape when the mathematical operations yield first and second calculated numbers, with one of the calculated numbers being inferior to the other of the calculated numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Alvin R. Wirthlin, Douglas J. Wirthlin
  • Patent number: 8833768
    Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaming device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob G. R. Kramlich
  • Patent number: 8740619
    Abstract: A set of geopolitical cards and methods of play therefore. The set includes a plurality of geopolitical entity cards, each having an associated geopolitical entity represented or associated therewith, along with factual information contained in categories. The set further includes cards containing queries for use in some methods of play, the queries being answerable using the geopolitical entity cards, and cards containing categories of information for use in some methods of play, the categories of information corresponding to categories of the geopolitical entity cards. Variations of play with the cards include dealing cards to each player, and scoring for each player based on play of the game played. In some variations, queries and categories are selected for answers using the geopolitical entity cards. In other variations of play, players' hands are compared to determine scoring and winning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Alan G. Fishel
  • Publication number: 20140106315
    Abstract: A device and method of teaching and learning numeral systems comprising at least one game board and a plurality of value block pieces, wherein the game board comprises columns whereby one column is a decimal point column and other columns are each a numeric column to form a numeric grid thereon, and wherein each value block piece identifies the number equivalent value of a numeric symbol derived from the symbol's location on the numeric grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Berko-Boateng
  • Publication number: 20140087337
    Abstract: A teaching and learning chess-based game designed to help teach and learn the letters, and sequence of alphabet, as well as dictation of words written in the Persian (Farsi) alphabet, Persian alphabet including 32 characters and being no Letter name 1 ? ? A,e 2 ? ? B,e 3 ? ? P,e 4 ? ? T,e 5 ? ? S,e 6 ? ? Jim 7 ? ? Che 8 ? ? He 9 ? ? Khe 10 ? ? Dal 11 ? ? Zal 12 ? ? R,e 13 ? ? Z,e 14 ? ? Zh,e 15 ? ? Sin 16 ? ? Shin 17 ? ? Sad 18 ? ? Zad 19 ? ? Ta 20 ? ? Za 21 ? ? Aein 22 ? ? Ghaein 23 ? ? Fe 24 ? ? Ghaf 25 ? ? Kaf 26 ? ? Gaf 27 ? ? Lam 28 ? ? Mim 29 ? ? Non 30 ? ? Vav 31 ? ? He 32 ? ? Y,e and being different from the western alphabets in that they are written from right to left. According to the embodiments of the present invention the letters of Persian (Farsi) alphabet are either used as, or printed on, chess pieces, are set on a chessboard and are used following the rules of the chess game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Hossein Mirahmadi
  • Patent number: 8662894
    Abstract: A method for playing a music game. The game is played by having each player move along a game path that includes a plurality of spaces, each of which is associated with a key signature. Each player advances along the path when he or she correctly identifies the elements of music structures. A random or pseudorandom event generator may be used to select the music structure elements and an event verifier may be used to correct the construction of the music structures. Each player may earn royalties play money in the course of a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Bernardo Paratore, Richard M. Brewer
  • Patent number: 8651869
    Abstract: A game having two numerical dice, each numerical die having ten faces, each face labeled with a number such that each numerical die has a face labeled with each 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; two symbol dice, each symbol die having ten faces, each face labeled with a symbol; a plurality of creature cards forming a first deck of cards, each creature card has a front face labeled with at least a picture, a name, a card type, a rarity, an ability, and a spell symbol; and a plurality of spell cards forming a second deck of cards, each spell card has a front face labeled with at least a picture, a name, an ability, a series symbol matching one symbol on the symbol dice, an attack, and a defense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Angel L. Lassalle
  • Publication number: 20140038141
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a computer-implemented method for providing tutorial content explaining a live casino table game. The method can include capturing a video stream of the live casino table game. The method can also include determining a game state for the live casino table game, wherein the game state includes a record of wagers for players of the live casino table game and results for the players of the live casino table game. The method can also include determining tutorial content based on the game state for the live casino table game, wherein the tutorial content includes information explaining strategy for the live casino table game. The method can also include transmitting a content stream including the video stream of the live casino table game and the tutorial content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Burza, Damon E. Gura, Patrick M. Gustafson, David W. Hasson
  • Patent number: 8622743
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include initiating, at a gaming machine, an analysis mode of a wagering game training tool associated with a wagering game, and determining when a player has played a predefined number of rounds of the wagering game. The operations can also include determining a skill level associated with the player for one or more areas of skill associated with the wagering game based, at least in part, on the predefined number of rounds played by the player. The operations can further include identifying an area of skill associated with the wagering game where the skill level associated with the player is less than a predefined skill level, and initiating a training mode of the wagering game training tool to improve the skill level associated with the player in the identified area of skill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bone, Dean A. Ehrlich, Allon G. Englman, James J. Getz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8602788
    Abstract: A set of geopolitical cards and methods of play therefore. The set includes a plurality of geopolitical entity cards, each having an associated geopolitical entity represented or associated therewith, along with factual information contained in categories. The set further includes cards containing queries for use in some methods of play, the queries being answerable using the geopolitical entity cards, and cards containing categories of information for use in some methods of play, the categories of information corresponding to categories of the geopolitical entity cards. Variations of play with the cards include dealing cards to each player, and scoring for each player based on play of the game played. In some variations, queries and categories are selected for answers using the geopolitical entity cards. In other variations of play, players' hands are compared to determine scoring and winning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Alan G. Fishel
  • Patent number: 8533985
    Abstract: The invention provides a simple, yet flexible mechanism for affixing items to a magnetic board such that they are accurately aligned to the board and to one another. Such mechanism allows positioning and repositioning of the items as desired by the user, including stacked configurations. Contact between the items and the board is aesthetically pleasing, and provides a bearing surface that allows for repositioning of items using a sliding motion. Further, aligning the items is convenient for the user and does not distract from the primary task at hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventor: W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 8530036
    Abstract: A sports board has a hard top shell formed with a top concave shell cavity. The hard top shell has an inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A top layer of adhesive adheres to the hard top shell. A rigid foam core is formed with a top profile and a bottom profile. The top profile matches and receives the top hard shell. The top layer of adhesive adheres to a top surface of the foam core. A bottom layer of adhesive adheres to a bottom surface of the rigid foam core; and a hard bottom shell is formed with a bottom concave shell cavity. The bottom concave shell cavity is formed to fit to the bottom profile. The hard bottom shell is pervious to light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Ronald Thompson
  • Patent number: 8512042
    Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Cashflow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Rogan, David A. Gipp, Douglas W. Herman
  • Patent number: 8502789
    Abstract: An interactive input system comprises a display surface and processing structure communicating with the display surface. The processing structure presents on the display surface at least one graphic object, the graphic object having properties and a respective solution state comprising a value of at least one property. The processing structure in response to gesture input manipulates the value of the at least one property, and provides an indication as to whether the graphic object is in its solution state in response to the application of a predetermined amount of pressure against the display surface in association with the graphic object. A method and computer readable medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: SMART Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Edward Tse, Jamie Duncalf, Min Xin, Cheng Guo
  • Patent number: 8480399
    Abstract: A game is disclosed which teaches a comprehensive understanding of fundamental aspects of personal (family) finances—including insurance, working with debt, investing and securing financial objectives, and which enables players to understand principles upon which significant wealth may be accumulated, and also teaches financial advisors how to organize finances of their clients. The game teaches skills concerning personal finances, including insurance, working with debt and investing, and securing financial objectives. The game also teaches the fundamental aspects of working with the cash flow one has, and it teaches players to understand principles upon which significant wealth may be accumulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: KRESSON a.s.
    Inventor: Karel Koreny
  • Patent number: 8465286
    Abstract: An entertaining and educational apparatus is provided, comprising a first board and a second board. The first board, that is for beginners and intermediates has a plurality of colored spaces, each color stands for a concept in IUPAC nomenclature system. The second board that is for intermediates and advanced levels has 289 square spaces of equal dimensions, some spaces contain premium score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Soroush Sardari Lodriche, Shima Alsadaat Dianat
  • Patent number: 8459648
    Abstract: A game for teaching financial skill and responsibility to a plurality of players. Each player initially is given a predetermined amount of spending capital representing earned income and credit available, with the object to generate debt. Players move pieces around a board, incurring debt by making mandatory payments or purchasing items and pursuing opportunities based upon the spaces landed upon. A player that has accumulated the most debt may proceed to answer a change question presented by one or more financial advisors in an attempt to win the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Lottie Kimbrough
  • Patent number: 8435037
    Abstract: A learning system for testing aspects of how a child learns includes a toy-like electro-mechanical chassis having upstanding pegs. The child is encouraged to place donut shaped hand pieces onto the pegs. The hand pieces test the ability of the child to discriminate between different colors, and separately between different textures and different shapes and also tests the child's abilities in perception and creativity. The electro-mechanical chassis also is able to test the child's ability to discern and copy tones and rhythms. Information of the child's performance is automatically collected and compared with normalized results of a large tested group of subjects. Remediation focuses on activities related to the learning channels where the child is least astute and periodic retesting measures the ability of the child to improve in those channels to enable improvement of remediation approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tina Marie Davis
  • Patent number: 8430671
    Abstract: A game and method of play for motivating children to exhibit good behavior is disclosed. The game includes a game board, plural tickets, plural reward markers, and at least one bank. The board represents a store at which various real-world reward items may be acquired. Each token represents a predetermined value. The tokens are acquired in response to completing an assigned task or in response to taking an action exhibiting good behavior. The reward markers are arranged to be releasably secured to the board and represent a real-world reward that can be acquired by the child who accumulates a sufficient number of tickets equaling a redemption value of the reward marker. The bank is assigned to the child for receipt of acquired tokens and can be opened to remove the tokens for redemption so that the child may claim the real-world reward represented by the reward marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Michael I. Kotler, Nicole Berger
  • Patent number: 8419538
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a game screen is displayed on the LCD. A touch panel is provided on the LCD. The game screen presents a marker image so as to be variable in position in time with performance of music, and also presents a timer circle image for indicating touch timing for the marker image. A player needs to touch a marker image to be touched with precise timing, listening to the music or watching the timer circle image. The player's touch is evaluated on the basis of the touch timing and the touch position. If the touch is evaluated as a failure, the game screen is shaken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mashimo, Shinya Saito, Keiichi Yano, Norihide Okada
  • Publication number: 20130078598
    Abstract: A system and method for a social network within a social network which allows for the creation of a child network fully embedded within a parent/family network and the ability to ‘clone’ the child network so that parents can safely monitor their children while enjoying the adult features of the system or Internet. Also disclosed is an innovative method for combining story branching technology with user generated content to create a game-based social networking platform together with a story personalization method that enables characters to alter story structure by making choices at key decision points and to customize their gaming experience to their unique social network. Backend databases allow for the personalization and segmentation of data that remembers user choices, responses and experience to establish advanced recommendation systems unique to the goals of the individuals and their social network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: UQ, INC.
    Inventor: Maureen Dunne
  • Patent number: 8398470
    Abstract: A puzzle includes light emitting diodes integrated in the puzzle in order to achieve a high level of interaction between the user and the puzzle. The puzzle can adapt to the players needs by increasing or decreasing the difficulty level or by giving the user hints. The puzzle functions not only as a puzzle but may also function as an ambient light (or object) of programmable color point (and layout) when not in use as a puzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Murray Fulton Gillies, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Patent number: 8371856
    Abstract: A game box includes a box and a drawer is located in the lower space of the box and includes at least one chamber. The box includes an operation portion protruding in the upper space of the box and multiple slots are defined in an inside of the operation portion. At least one figure board slides in the slots and a light source is located in the box. The light of the light source goes through the at least one figure board. The at least one figure board includes holes which are located corresponding to the multiple areas of the map on the at least one figure board. At least one index member is received in the at least one chamber of the drawer and the players insert the index member into the correct hole in the at least one figure board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Ju-Yu Shen, Li-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20130020762
    Abstract: A question and answer board game to be played by at least two players having a game board, two dice, a timing device, a plurality of place markers, a plurality of question cards having questions, each question having a plurality of potential answers, one of which is correct, a card with answers and a plurality of answer tokens used to indicate a player's chosen answer or answers. The game tests a player's general knowledge or a player's knowledge of specific topics and rewards correct answers with points and bonus points in accordance with the rules of the game. The particular topic for each game is determined by the set of question cards chosen to play the game. The game rules encourage interaction among players and strategic play by allowing players to benefit from providing two answers to questions, one an honest answer and the second a strategic answer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Garth Hope Taylor
  • Patent number: 8308562
    Abstract: Environmental feedback and/or biofeedback is associated with one or more players' emotions in real time. The emotional feedback is provided to a game device being used by the player, such an electronic gaming machine (EGM). The game device uses the biofeedback and/or environmental feedback to appropriately adjust the game play to maximize the game's entertainment value to the player(s). The player(s) can be identified, and the game device matches the emotional response with certain game elements being presented at that time and associates this matching to the identified player. The matches can be used to make an adjustment to the game device, to the environments, and/or to take some other action. The game device can also store the matches, combined with any collected environmental and/or biometric stimuli, on a game server or player tracking database via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Patton
  • Publication number: 20120237904
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an interactive device for use as a children's educational tool. The interactive device is designed to provide feedback in response to a child indicating a desired design element on the interactive device. The interactive device comprises a mat with pressure sensing elements associated with a plurality of design elements. When the child selects the appropriate design element, the pressure sensing element activates a control element which provides feedback such as an audio response or a visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Paula Alicea
  • Patent number: 8221124
    Abstract: A method of educating includes providing a collectible trading card game with a plurality of trading cards. Each card may contain educational information including a consonant, vowel, number or mathematical operator and the cards are used to form a properly spelled word or to form a mathematically correct equation. In some forms, the method includes providing a game with a playing field and a set of game components with game component types having a predetermined power for affecting play of the game by affecting a power, effect, or value of the game component. The level of skill necessary to play the game may be varied by selectively implementing or disregarding the predetermined power of the game components. An educational game includes first and second game components with different expressions, powers, point values, and identifiers for distinguishing game components and facilitating game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Professor Brainstorm, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Bruce Ferguson, Richard Goodman
  • Patent number: 8137104
    Abstract: The present invention, game of chance and strategy pertaining to emergency preparedness, is a social game, based on the timely topic of disaster preparedness, providing simplification of a complex topic plus improvement and entertainment value for groups and individuals. There are two fields of play on the game surface—the outer tracks where collection of resources occurs and the inner circle—the opportunities that all participants simultaneously complete. The player or team that maximizes resources and opportunities wins. Through play conversations emerge, strategies shared, and observation occurs, opportunities to improve and practice skills applicable to emergency preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mary Christina McGill
  • Publication number: 20120049454
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas P. Arduini
  • Patent number: 8118598
    Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cashflow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Rogan, David A. Gipp, Douglas W. Herman
  • Patent number: 8092226
    Abstract: A game is provided for teaching users about conditions affecting the human body. The game may include a game zone representing a body inflicted with a condition, a number of opponents representing attributes of the condition, and at least one character representing the user. The user may be asked a number of questions, and be required to answer the questions to obtain one or more weapons for overcoming the opponents. The story line of the game may represent the progression of the condition, and may require elimination of at least some of the opponents in order to overcome the condition and win the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Big Red Frog Limited
    Inventor: Anthony John Findlay
  • Publication number: 20110300518
    Abstract: A nutritional game and related method for educating children regarding proper nutrition is disclosed. The nutritional game includes a board having a character illustrated on the surface of the board which is divided into a plurality of sectors. Nutritional cards are provided in which each nutritional card is configured to cover a respective sector with each nutritional card representing a particular nutrient group, which includes a list of foods representative of that nutrient group. In addition, the nutritional game is played by having the child remove one or more nutritional cards that cover the different sectors of the board as the child eats the foods listed on each nutritional card for a particular nutrient group until all of the nutritional cards are removed from the board, thereby rewarding the child at character illustrated on the board is revealed to the child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Sharen Becker
  • Publication number: 20110287394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for teaching gaming in a casino. The system and method is highly efficient and effective for casino customers to learn table games and betting strategies from expert consultants. The present invention further provides a training program, preferably a web-based course, to train casino employees to act as expert consultants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: James Ueltschi