Wireless Signal Patents (Class 463/39)
  • Patent number: 9630114
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems provide a suggested list of people for a user of a social network system to play a game with. A social networking system receives a trigger for providing the user access from a user device to the game over a network. The social networking system identifies a pool of people who have a personal connection with the user and who have not played the game before. From the pool of people, a suggested list of people is selected based on closeness to the user. The suggested list is sent to the user device for the user device for the user to selectively invite one or more of the people to play the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Hoskins, Anh Tuan Khuc
  • Patent number: 9610500
    Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler James Colbert
  • Patent number: 9606223
    Abstract: An electronic device for wirelessly tracking the position of a second electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes transceiver circuitry having a beacon generator to generate a beacon at a particular frequency and direction. An antenna array transmits the beacon, and receives at least one reflected beacon from the second electronic device. The reflected beacon is received if a position of the second electronic device lies within a range of directions of the beacon. The transceiver circuitry further includes an injection-locked oscillator having an input coupled to the antenna array to receive reflected beacons, and to lock to the reflected beacon when the reflected beacon has a frequency value within locking range of the oscillator. Processing circuitry coupled to the transceiver circuitry tracks the position of the second device based on the lock condition of the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Farshid Aryanfar, Marko Aleksić, Kambiz Kaviani
  • Patent number: 9597602
    Abstract: An example of information processing system includes a storage device; and an information processing device for performing near field communication with the storage device. The storage device has an external appearance representing, three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, an object that appears in a virtual space generated by execution of a predetermined application program by the information processing device. The storage device stores object information on the object. The information processing device writes, to the storage device, character image information specifying an image of a character created based on an instruction of a user. The information processing device executes a predetermined process using at least one of the object information and the character image information read from the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Shimohata, Kimiharu Hyodo, Ryuichi Yoshida, Goro Abe, Yusuke Yamasoto
  • Patent number: 9582147
    Abstract: An example system includes: a contactless communication unit for performing contactless communication with a data storage medium having a contactless communication function; a data acquiring unit for acquiring data stored in the data storage medium by the contactless communication unit; a display processing unit for displaying at least one content stored in a content storage unit and a content according to data acquired by the data acquiring unit on a display unit as selection objects; a selection accepting unit for accepting selection by a user for a content displayed by the display processing unit; and an information processing unit for performing information processing pertaining to a content, which is an object of selection accepted by the selection accepting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., THE POKÉMON COMPANY, AMBRELLA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Norio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 9561441
    Abstract: A game process is performed by obtaining control data from a game controller. Distance data associated with the distance between the game controller and a predetermined measured reference provided in a real space is calculated by using the control data obtained from the game controller. Then, a predetermined game process is performed on a virtual game world through an operation based on the value of the distance data. Then, the virtual game world after the game process is displayed on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuhiro Dohta
  • Patent number: 9552695
    Abstract: This description describes techniques for storing and utilizing wagering game histories. In one embodiment, a method for recording progress of a wagering game can include detecting a first event indicating a first activity of the wagering game. The method can also include storing the first event according to a first data format and detecting a second event indicating a second activity of the wagering game, wherein the second event includes random number information indicating a result of the wagering game. The method can also include encrypting the second event and storing the second event according to the first data format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Erhard W. Rathsack
  • Patent number: 9532271
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mobile two-tier wireless communication are provided. A wireless communication signal may be received at a mobile communication device from a cellular base station. Data may be recovered from the received wireless communication signal. The data may be transmitted to an IEEE 802.11 user device. A second wireless communication signal may be received from the IEEE 802.11 user device. Data may be recovered from the second wireless communication signal. The data may be transmitted to the cellular base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: IPR Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian R. Bishop, Thomas E. Gorsuch, John V. Page
  • Patent number: 9524609
    Abstract: A gaming system which facilitates the two-way communication between mobile devices, such as mobile phones, and different gaming system components to enhance a player's gaming experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael Shorrock, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Mark C. Nicely
  • Patent number: 9489801
    Abstract: A gaming environment may provide a user with a community gaming experience by providing, via a first interface at a first gaming machine, a display of a wagering game to a first player; determining an initial game outcome for a play of the wagering game by the first player, wherein the initial game outcome is a losing game outcome; based on the losing game outcome by the first player, receiving, from a second player, a selection of an option to wager on a final game outcome, the final game outcome being based in part on the losing game outcome; displaying, via a second interface at a second gaming machine, the final game outcome to the second player; and providing an award to the second player based on the final game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Franco E. Crivelli
  • Patent number: 9474977
    Abstract: The subject disclosure includes a method for detecting a transferee gaming accessory, presenting a user interface providing a plurality of selectable gaming configurations, detecting a selection of a gaming configuration from the plurality of selectable gaming configurations, accessing the gaming configuration, facilitating a peer-to-peer communication session with the transferee gaming accessory, and transmitting the gaming configuration to the transferee gaming accessory to configure the transferee gaming accessory. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Kim Rom, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Francis Arnold Grever, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
  • Patent number: 9471154
    Abstract: A computing device can obtain information about how the device is held, moved, and/or used by a hand of a user holding the device. The information can be obtained utilizing one or more sensors of the device independently or working in conjunction. For example, an orientation sensor can determine whether a left hand or a right hand is likely rotating, tilting, and/or moving, and thus holding, the device. In another example, a camera and/or a hover sensor can obtain information about a finger position of the user's hand to determine whether the hand is likely a left hand or a right hand. In a further example, a touch sensor can determine a shape of an imprint of a portion of the user's hand to determine which hand is likely holding the device. Based on which hand is holding the device, the device can improve one or more computing tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Dong Zhou, Kenneth Mark Karakotsios, Jennifer Silva
  • Patent number: 9448690
    Abstract: Control of a three-dimensional virtual broadcast presentation is disclosed. The three-dimensional virtual broadcast presentation may be generated based on dynamic information such as traffic information, weather information, or other information that may be featured on a three-dimensional virtual broadcast presentation. A signal generated by a control device maneuvered by a presenter and reflecting positional information of the control device is received. A view of the three-dimensional virtual broadcast presentation is manipulated in response to the received signal, the manipulation of the virtual broadcast presentation at least partially based on positional information of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Pelmorex Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Gueziec, Briac Blanquart
  • Patent number: 9440153
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a game apparatus with good operability which includes a card reader and a touch panel display and enables a player to operate a card even without looking the card reader with eyes and to perform an input operation while looking the touch panel display. The present invention includes a touch panel display, and a card reader including a panel on which a card used in a game is set. The present invention further includes a display support section which supports the touch panel display, and a panel support section which supports the panel of the card reader. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the display support section supports the touch panel display such that at least a portion of the touch panel display is located above at least a portion of the panel in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Tanzawa, Daisuke Miyata, Yoshimasa Asao, Tetsuro Uchida
  • Patent number: 9412228
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine and/or a proximity of the handheld gaming machine to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 9403100
    Abstract: A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: TechnologyOne, Inc.
    Inventor: Arjuna Ragunath Karunaratne
  • Patent number: 9393867
    Abstract: A hand control throttle system includes an actuating mechanism and a sensor. The system is mounted to a standard steering wheel for a vehicle, so that a disabled driver can operate the throttle using a single hand (either right or left) while the hand is also holding the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventors: Brian A. Downey, Ryan A. Downey, Philip W. Worthington
  • Patent number: 9390318
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for position-setup for gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes capturing, by an image capture unit, an image of a first player and an image of a second player, cropping, from the image of the first player and the image of the second player, a first sub-image of at least part of the first player and a second sub-image of at least part of the second player, respectively, determining whether to adjust the first sub-image and the second sub-image, if it is determined to adjust the first sub-image and second sub-image, adjusting the first sub-image and the second sub-image, and merging the first adjusted sub-image and the second adjusted sub-image into an output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Seungil Kim
  • Patent number: 9329728
    Abstract: A first electronic device is operated in the presence of a second electronic device. Both are configured to transmit acoustic signals, the first being configured to transmit signals with a first characteristic. The first device determines the presence of the second device and thereafter transmits acoustic signals having a second, signal characteristic, different from the first characteristic, and giving a reduced interference between signals transmitted from the first and second devices respectively than the first signal characteristic. Acoustic signals comprising reflections of the transmitted signals from an object are received at the first device, and are used to characterise the motion of the object and thereby control a function of the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Elliptic Laboratories AS
    Inventor: Tobias Dahl
  • Patent number: 9323429
    Abstract: An “Interactive Virtual Display,” as described herein, provides various systems and techniques that facilitate ubiquitous user interaction with both local and remote heterogeneous computing devices. More specifically, the Interactive Virtual Display uses various combinations of small-size programmable hardware and portable or wearable sensors to enable any display surface (e.g., computer display devices, televisions, projected images/video from projection devices, etc.) to act as a thin client for users to interact with a plurality heterogeneous computing devices regardless of where those devices are located relative to the user. The Interactive Virtual Display provides a flexible system architecture that enables communication and collaboration between a plurality of both local and remote heterogeneous computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yan Lu, Wen Sun, Shipeng Li
  • Patent number: 9293001
    Abstract: According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, a wagering game is operated on a first platform, wherein the first platform is capable of supporting all or fewer than all of a plurality of game assets associated with the wagering game, and further wherein the wagering game is capable of receiving a wager. The wagering game is operated on a second platform that is capable of supporting all or fewer than all of the plurality of game assets. A player may accumulate one or more player assets while the wagering game is played on the first platform. At least one of the accumulated player assets is transferred to the play of the wagering game on the second platform, wherein at least one capability of the first platform is different from a corresponding capability on the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Anderson, Vincent P. Chan, Mark B. Gagner, Daniel Murphy, Larry Pacey, Craig J. Sylla, Matthew J. Ward
  • Patent number: 9269222
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. Registration for the mobile device may be via a registration terminal connected in a network with a plurality of gaming terminals. The mobile device may communicate wirelessly with the registration terminal, and the registration terminal then communicates with the played gaming terminal via the network. The mobile device may select to play games offered by any available gaming terminal. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines. The registration terminal may also be a cashing out terminal and print a ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: IGT Canada Solutions ULC
    Inventors: David Vincent Froy, Jr., Peter Babin, Bharat Gadher, Fayez Idris
  • Patent number: 9240888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that uses digital signature technology to authenticate the contents of one or more manifests located on a storage device. Each manifest contains a list of file records, where each record contains the name of a file stored on the storage device, and a signature value derived from the contents of the file. At boot time, the gaming machine first authenticates the contents of the manifest and then authenticates the contents of the files using the signature value stored in the manifest. Files are verified using the signature, as they are needed, during the boot up of the operating system and throughout normal operation. This method reduces the boot time of the gaming machine and eliminates the need to check digital signatures for each individual file or over the entire contents of a non-secure media. Similarly, a method of adding authentication ability to legacy software components without necessarily altering the legacy software components is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Anthony E. Green
  • Patent number: 9235953
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes presenting a wagering game at a wagering game machine. The method includes establishing a wireless communication between the wagering game machine and a mobile device. The method also includes, in response to a wagering game player satisfying a wagering game criteria when playing the wagering game, enabling access to content on the mobile device, wherein the content is based on a context resulting from the wagering game player playing the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Q. Earley, Mark B. Gagner, Damon E. Gura, Daniel P. Louie
  • Patent number: 9227144
    Abstract: A communication game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses which can be communicated via a network and functions as a parent machine and as a child machine, for example. In the child machine, a moving track of an object to be operated is obtained in response to an input with a pointing device by a player, and transmitted to the parent machine. In the parent machine, a movement of the object is controlled by the moving track, and drawing information to draw a virtual game space including the moved object is transmitted to the child machine. In the child machine, a game screen including the object to be operated is generated and displayed on the basis of the received drawing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daiki Iwamoto, Shirou Mouri
  • Patent number: 9218715
    Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system is configured to establish a secure communication session between an electronic gaming machine and a portable electronic device. The system can confirm that a communication session is secure by displaying pre-selected content unique to the portable electronic device. The content can be continuously displayed on the EGM during the active communication session to indicate that the session is secure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Derrick Price, Dwayne R. Nelson, Dennis Thomas Kleppen
  • Patent number: 9208641
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: IGT Canada Solutions ULC
    Inventors: David Vincent Froy, Jr., Peter Babin, Bharat Gadher
  • Patent number: 9205331
    Abstract: An example mobile wireless handset includes a housing configured to be held in at least one hand of a user and a display disposed on the housing. A motion sensor is disposed in the housing and is configured to generate an output in response to movement of the handset. A communication interface is configured to wirelessly receive game data from a source external to the mobile wireless handset. The communication interface includes wireless telephone circuitry; a memory configured to store the received game data; and a processor configured to execute a gaming process including the game data and the output from the motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Iwao Masuyama, Toshiaki Suzuki, Akira Takara
  • Patent number: 9199175
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for interactive play is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an interactive toy is provided. The interactive toy is configured to store a plurality of codes and display codes on a display on the toy. The codes can authenticate the toy and unlock functionality within a virtual world. In one embodiment, the interactive toy is configured to communicate with a user computer. Another embodiment provides methods for interactive play with an interactive toy and a virtual world. A further embodiment provides a computing device configured to participate in the interactive play system. This Abstract is provided for the purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Brian Zheng
  • Patent number: 9199176
    Abstract: A communication game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses which can be communicated via a network and functions as a parent machine and as a child machine, for example. In the child machine, a moving track of an object to be operated is obtained in response to an input with a pointing device by a player, and transmitted to the parent machine. In the parent machine, a movement of the object is controlled by the moving track, and drawing information to draw a virtual game space including the moved object is transmitted to the child machine. In the child machine, a game screen including the object to be operated is generated and displayed on the basis of the received drawing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daiki Iwamoto, Shirou Mouri
  • Patent number: 9189146
    Abstract: When a game operation image is displayed on a touch panel of a portable terminal, the size of a game display screen and the operation image are small and therefore the progress of a game becomes difficult. Even in the case of a terminal having only a touch panel of a limited size, an operation image having a size that affects the progress of a game as little as possible is displayed on the touch panel by superimposing the operation image on a game display screen at a position that affects the progress of the game as little as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Makoto Ishii
  • Patent number: 9177437
    Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to provide both in-person and remote play. A command from a remote client device is provided to the gaming machine to initiate a round of gameplay. A result of the gameplay is communicated back to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Paul B. Walkingstick
  • Patent number: 9168464
    Abstract: A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: TechnologyOne, Inc.
    Inventor: Arjuna Ragunath Karunaratne
  • Patent number: 9159189
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. If the communications link is temporarily broken during a game, the mobile device will create the appearance that the game is continuous, such as by continuing to spin reels, until communications are reestablished. The reels will stop once the mobile device receives the final outcome from the gaming terminal. The player may pause the game to temporarily suspend the minimum game frequency rules. The mobile device may switch between gaming terminals. For 3D video, the original format is adjusted for the mobile device. The gaming terminal may be a gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GTECH Canada ULC
    Inventors: David Vincent Froy, Jr., Peter Babin, Bharat Gadher
  • Patent number: 9146631
    Abstract: A computing device can obtain information about how the device is held, moved, and/or used by a hand of a user holding the device. The information can be obtained utilizing one or more sensors of the device independently or working in conjunction. For example, an orientation sensor can determine whether a left hand or a right hand is likely rotating, tilting, and/or moving, and thus holding, the device. In another example, a camera and/or a hover sensor can obtain information about a finger position of the user's hand to determine whether the hand is likely a left hand or a right hand. In a further example, a touch sensor can determine a shape of an imprint of a portion of the user's hand to determine which hand is likely holding the device. Based on which hand is holding the device, the device can improve one or more computing tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Dong Zhou, Kenneth Mark Karakotsios, Jennifer Silva
  • Patent number: 9137668
    Abstract: A method and mobile electronic device are provided which automatically adjust settings based on the environment of the mobile electronic device. The settings of the mobile electronic device which are adjusted may be security settings, filter settings, or status for instant messaging in dependence on the determined location of the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ahmed E. Hassan, Denny Chiu, John Ferguson Wilson
  • Patent number: 9129489
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GTECH Canada ULC
    Inventors: David Vincent Froy, Jr., Peter Babin, Bharat Gadher, Fayez Idris
  • Patent number: 9123200
    Abstract: A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: GTECH Canada ULC
    Inventors: David Vincent Froy, Jr., Peter Babin, Bharat Gadher, Fayez Idris
  • Patent number: 9108112
    Abstract: An example of a game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses, and a matching server decides game apparatuses as players (A, B), and game apparatuses as game masters (C-E) in response to a request from the game apparatus. During the game play, operation data in response to an operation input to each of the game apparatuses (A, B) is transmitted to the game apparatuses (C-E), and in the game apparatuses (C-E), game processing is executed. Result data of the game processing is transmitted to the game apparatuses (A, B). When the data is saved, the encoded game data is transmitted from each of the game apparatuses (C-E) to the game apparatuses (A, B), and saved there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Osako
  • Patent number: 9106812
    Abstract: Computing resources may automatically generate a rough draft of storyboard by using textual analysis to extract meaning from a screenplay. The storyboard may be accompanied by spoken dialog, sound effects, and a soundtrack. Users may provide pre-production decisions regarding appearance of characters and backgrounds. The users may include a community of different individuals who contribute content and suggest modifications to the storyboard. The computing resources may also access logic to select visual elements for the storyboard from libraries of existing content or from custom content prepared by one of the users. Pagination of the screenplay and location of dialog and action on the pages of the screenplay may be used to create a timeline for the storyboard and any accompanying audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy F. Price, Peter A. Schwabland, Joseph King
  • Patent number: 9098967
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include establishing a connection with an input device, from a plurality of input devices configured for user input, for use in a wagering game during a wagering game session. The operations can further include receiving input data from the input device, wherein the input data has a first format specific to the input device, and wherein the wagering game requires the input data in a second format different from the first format. The operations can further include converting the input data from the first format to the second format required by the wagering game, and providing the input data to the wagering game in the second format for use as the user input for the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric V. Erickson, Sean P. Kelly, Jesse M. Smith, Martin R. Ugarte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9089768
    Abstract: Various embodiment provide a method of interfacing an application controller with a remote display. The method can include the steps of providing an application on an application controller comprising a controller display; executing the application to retrieve a user input into the application controller; executing logic to render an output; and displaying the output on at least one of the controller display and the remote display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vange
  • Patent number: 9068843
    Abstract: A system for determining and correcting a calculated orientation of a computing device based on data from an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The system compares a predicted direction of gravity in a predicted frame of the device with a measured direction of gravity in a sensor frame of the device, and determines an angle of the difference between the directions. A correction is calculated to rotate the predicted frame around an axis by the angle relative to a sensor frame, the axis being perpendicular to both the predicted and measured directions of gravity. A predicted orientation of a reference “Earth” frame relative to the predicted frame is calculated based on the gyroscope data. A corrected orientation is determined by applying the correction to the predicted orientation, providing an orientation of the Earth reference frame relative to the sensor frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Bae Sohn, David William Devries
  • Patent number: 9039532
    Abstract: A videogame system for use in connection with a toy, where each of the toys includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The toys further comprise audio, visual and other effects, wherein at least some of said effects are initially disabled, but later enabled as the user reaches certain achievements with the videogame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Canessa
  • Patent number: 9041253
    Abstract: A direct feeding apparatus for impedance matching of a wireless power transmission device includes a helical type resonator, and a feeding unit configured to directly feed power to a region having a relatively small current value as compared to a center of a conductive line of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Je-Hoon Yun, In-Kui Cho, Jung-Ick Moon, Seong-Min Kim, Dong-Hee Park
  • Patent number: 9039518
    Abstract: When the player identifies herself to a gaming machine at a casino, for example by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader, she is, at generally the same time, logging onto a game provider's backend system (the game provider being different from the casino operator). This concurrent sign-on to the game provider's system is done in a non-intrusive, transparent, and passive manner. The player is not distracted from the normal steps leading to game play on the machine until she is ready to redeem points with the game provider or for some reason additional authentication is needed from the player. By virtue of this single sign-on to the game provider network, in addition to continuing game play across different casinos, the player can publish events to the Internet, such as on social networking sites, take advantage of offers targeted specifically for her, or facilitate responsible gaming programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Erik B. Petersen, Kevin M. Higgins, Steven G. LeMay, William C. Little
  • Patent number: 9039533
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail store that is usable in an interactive game that provides virtual play via computer animation. The toy may include an RFID transponder or tag which is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or character. Players advance in the game by finding clues, casting spells and solving various puzzles presented. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
  • Patent number: 9030380
    Abstract: A method, system and an interactive device for interaction with the electric field of touch-sensitive electronic display of a computing device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: R2Z Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Richter, Faranak Zadeh
  • Publication number: 20150119144
    Abstract: A master wireless module transmits a beacon signal to a client wireless module in the same cycle as a game processing cycle. Each of the master wireless module and the client wireless module outputs an interrupt signal when a transmission time of the beacon signal arrives. A game processing section of each of the master wireless module and the client wireless module adjusts a V counter based on the interrupt signal. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily synchronize, when a multiplayer gameplay is performed using a plurality of game apparatuses capable of performing wireless communication with each other, times at which the plurality of game apparatuses execute predetermined processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Masato KUWAHARA, Shoya TANAKA
  • Patent number: 9011250
    Abstract: A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: QFO Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Condon, James Edward Fairman, Bradley Dean Pedersen