Wireless Signal Patents (Class 463/39)
  • Patent number: 8702512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an authentication signature recognized by a capacitive screen, characterized in that it is achieved by a zone of dots that are meshed with one another printed in conductive ink, the signature zone being pressed against the capacitive screen by conductive means by the user on the capacitive screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Jean Etienne Mineur, Bertrand Duplat
  • Patent number: 8702515
    Abstract: A multi-platform gaming system for amusing or entertaining one or more game participants playing a game on a gaming platform is described. The multi-platform gaming system can include collectible toys depicting or representing one or more game characters or objects relevant to a game adapted to be played on the gaming platform. The collectible toys can have associated therewith an RFID tag including a corresponding unique tag identification number. The RFID tag can include an antenna, integrated circuitry for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from an associated RFID tag reader, and non-volatile programmable memory for storing game-relevant information describing skills, abilities or attributes associated with one of said game characters or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A Barney
  • Patent number: 8702516
    Abstract: Enables recognition of events within motion data including but not limited to motion capture data obtained from portable wireless motion capture elements such as visual markers and sensors, radio frequency identification tags and motion sensors within mobile device computer systems, or calculated based on analyzed movement associated with the same user, other user, historical user or group of users. Provides low power transmission of events. Greatly reduces storage for events such as a shot, move or swing of a player, a concussion of a player, boxer, rider or driver, or a heat stroke, hypothermia, seizure, asthma attack, epileptic attack. Events may be correlated with image(s) as captured from internal/external camera(s) or nanny cam, for example to enable saving video of the event, such as the first steps of a child, violent shaking events, sporting, military or other motion events including concussions, or falling events associated with an elderly person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bentley, Scott Lohr, Ryan Kaps, Bhaskar Bose, Joe Scarbo, Juergen Haas
  • Patent number: 8702514
    Abstract: An example controller system includes a terminal device, and an input device as an additional device configured to be attachable to and detachable from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, and an LCD 51 provided on the front side of the housing. The input device includes an operation section such as a stick, a bar-shaped first grip portion, and a support portion. The support portion detachably supports the terminal device so that the screen of the LCD is in a generally vertical direction when the first grip portion is in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ashida, Noboru Wakitani, Yositomo Goto, Yuji Hori, Takafumi Nishida, Hiroki Ikuta, Junji Takamoto, Masato Ibuki, Shinji Yamamoto, Hitoshi Tsuchiya, Fumiyoshi Suetake, Akiko Suga, Naoya Yamamoto, Daisuke Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 8702517
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method of operating a gaming device is provided. The method includes the steps of (1) determining an outcome value of a game result of the gaming device; (2) retrieving historical audio/video programming having content that provides an indication of the outcome value; and (3) providing the historical audio/video programming to a player of the gaming device. The historical audio/video programming may comprise, for example, a television show, a sporting event, a movie, an animated show, or the like. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, David F. Zucker, Taylor M. Davenport
  • Patent number: 8696454
    Abstract: A server device is connected with a player terminal that displays a game screen including a game content arrangement area in a manner capable of communicating information. The server device includes: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of game content including special game content; an arrangement unit configured to arrange game content in the game content arrangement area; a determination unit configured to determine whether the special game content is included in a plurality of pieces of game content; and a grant unit configured to grant a part of game content selected from the plurality of pieces of game content, or all of game content to a player when the special game content is not included, and to grant only a part of game content selected from the plurality of pieces of game content to the player when the special game content is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Suga, Sadaaki Satsuma, Shota Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8696462
    Abstract: A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation emitters for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation emitters, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation emitters to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Sawano, Hitoshi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8690679
    Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher, Robert F. Bahrampour, Darrin M. Mylet, Alan B. Wilkins, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 8690667
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Howard W. Lutnick
  • Patent number: 8684843
    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: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir I. Arezina, Mark B. Gagner, Jeremy M. Hornik, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8684828
    Abstract: A method and system for awarding game features includes a first game device and a second game device. An achievement game including an achievement outcome is conducted on the first game device. In an optional embodiment, the achievement game is a non-wagering game and the first game device is a personal device. A game including a base game and at least one optional feature is conducted at a second game device. The second game device receives any achievement outcomes earned in the achievement game and determines, optionally with input from the user, which optional features to apply to the base game. In an optional embodiment, the game is a wagering game and the second game device is a gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: JRC Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Bertram Coronel, Joseph R Coronel, DeWayne Wooten
  • Patent number: 8684845
    Abstract: A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. For example, whether an operation of waving the controller has been performed is determined based on at least one of a pointed position on a display screen by the controller and acceleration. A wind object is generated and moved in virtual game space according to the waving operation. When it is determined that the wind object has collided with a windmill object disposed in the virtual game space, the windmill object is influenced by the wind and its rotation speed is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kaneshige, Takayuki Shimamura
  • Patent number: 8684842
    Abstract: A game system includes a home-console type game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The portable display device includes an infrared light-emitting portion capable of emitting infrared light. The controller device wirelessly transmits to the game device operation date including data representing a detection result by an image-capturing section, data representing a detection result by an inertia sensor, and data representing an operation performed on an operation button. The game device receives the operation data from the controller device, and performs a game process based on the operation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Eizi Kawai
  • Patent number: 8678926
    Abstract: In order to achieve the above objective, a game apparatus determines whether there has been an input to each of an A button and a B button. It is determined whether there has been an input to the other of the A button and the B button before a predetermined time period elapses after a determination that there has been an input to one of the A button and the B button, that is, whether a simultaneous operation has been performed. Then, it is determined whether one of: a first timing which is a timing of the input to the one of the A button and the B button; and a second timing which is a timing of the input to the other of the A button and the B button is within a simultaneous operation period. When a result of the determination is affirmative, and it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed, it is determined that the simultaneous operation has been performed at a correct timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Ohsawa, Takafumi Masaoka
  • Patent number: 8683378
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the scrolling of user interfaces of electronic devices are provided. For example, a user interface may provide various visual, aural, and tactile enhancements for increasing the ease and speed with which a user may scroll through a list of listings to highlight a particular listing. Each listing may be associated with a particular entry in a media library. Moreover, each listing may be associated with one of multiple sublists in the list of listings, and each sublist may be defined based on a characteristic of a first piece of metadata associated with each entry in the media library. The various visual, aural, and tactile enhancements may be provided based on a relationship between a previously highlighted listing and a currently highlighted listing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William Bull, Kourtny Minh Hicks, Policarpo Wood, Eric James Hope
  • Patent number: 8681096
    Abstract: Touchpad devices emulating button functionality (“click pad” devices) that simultaneously emulates multiple functionalities are described herein. In addition, embodiments provide for click pad emulation of both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality. According to embodiments, a click pad device emulating multiple functionalities may enable or disable certain functionalities based on user interaction with the click pad device. For example, a click pad device emulating both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality may enable TrackPoint functionality and disable touchpad functionality if user gestures on the click pad device indicate that the user is interacting with the click pad as a TrackPoint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Stewart, Harriss C. Ganey
  • Patent number: 8676996
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for facilitating variations in a time scale for a shared environment. There is provided a method for use by a processor of a server for facilitating variations in a time scale for a shared environment, the method comprising receiving a message generated by a first client of a plurality of clients in response to a variation in the time scale, for rendering the shared environment, caused by a user of the first client, and sending a second message to a second client of the plurality of clients in response to receiving the first message to communicate the variation in the time scale caused by the first client, so as to cause the second client to render the shared environment approximately synchronously in accordance with the variation in the time scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Rapo
  • Patent number: 8676257
    Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a motion sensor for generating motion signals in response to motion of the mobile communication device. A motion data generation module generates motion data based on the motion signals. At least one transceiver sends the motion data to a game device in a gaming mode of operation and transceives wireless telephony data with a wireless telephony network in a telephony mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran, Nambirajan Seshadri, Brima B Ibrahim, John Walley, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 8676997
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for facilitating unitized maneuvers for a shared environment to mitigate the effects of network latency. There is provided a method for use by a processor of a server for facilitating unitized maneuvers for a shared environment, the method comprising receiving a first message generated by a first client of a plurality of clients in response to the first client initiating a first unitized maneuver on a first object for rendering the shared environment and sending a second message to a second client of the plurality of clients in response to receiving the first message to communicate the first unitized maneuver so as to cause the second client to render the first object executing the first unitized maneuver in the shared environment approximately synchronously with the first client until a first end time determinable using parameters of the first unitized maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Rapo
  • Patent number: 8668585
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ackley, Jonathan Blossom, Charles Ryan Jordan
  • Patent number: 8663004
    Abstract: Individual users may log into the same online game from multiple different social networking platforms. The disclosed technology provides a way to unite users' accounts such that users that have logged into the online game from different social networking platforms can have their progress in the online game preserved regardless of which social networking platforms the user logged in from. Business intelligence about differences in the user's value when logging in from the different social networking platforms can be determined and incentivizing actions can be performed on the social networking platforms based on the business intelligence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventor: Ziqiang Xu
  • Patent number: 8662995
    Abstract: An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Scosche Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Allan Hawkins, Scott Anthony Pennestri, Richard Donald Maes, II
  • Patent number: 8657683
    Abstract: Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A first gesture of the computer user is identified as one of a plurality of different action selection gestures, each action selection gesture associated with a different action performable within an interactive interface controlled by gestures of the computer user. A second gesture is identified as a triggering gesture that causes performance of the action associated with the action selection gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Jethro Langridge, Christopher Matthews, Guy Simmons, Peter Douglas Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20140051517
    Abstract: Embodiments related to calibrating a game controller including a magnetometer during game play are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method comprising sampling magnetic information received from the magnetometer, and outputting, to a computing device, an initial game controller orientation signal derived from a first sample of a plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from directional offset data. The method further comprises identifying a valid minimum observed value and a valid maximum observed value from the plurality of samples of the magnetic information, and calculating updated directional offset data based on the valid minimum observed value and the valid maximum observed value. The method further comprises outputting to the computing device a calibrated game controller orientation signal derived from a second sample of the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from the updated directional offset data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Russo
  • Publication number: 20140051518
    Abstract: Embodiments related to calibrating a game controller including a magnetometer during game play are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method comprising sampling magnetic information received from the magnetometer, and outputting, to a computing device, an initial game controller orientation signal derived from a first sample of a plurality of samples of the magnetic information and from directional offset data. The method further comprises calculating updated directional offset data based on the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and on the directional offset data, and outputting to the computing device a calibrated game controller orientation signal derived from a second sample of the plurality of samples of the magnetic information and the updated directional offset data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Russo
  • Patent number: 8647205
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8641546
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 8641527
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8641547
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Rauchholz, James A. Niegowski
  • Patent number: 8638364
    Abstract: A thermal imaging interface for control of a computer program may obtain one or more thermal infrared images of one or more objects with one or more thermographic cameras. The images may be analyzed to identify one or more characteristics of the objects. Such characteristics may be used as a control input in the computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Ruxin Chen, Steven Osman
  • Patent number: 8636595
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20140024453
    Abstract: Screen plane coordinates of a plane of a game display screen relative to a location of a game sensor are determined. A location of a user relative to the location of the game sensor is determined. An orientation of the user relative to the plane of the game display screen is calculated based upon the determined screen plane coordinates of the plane of the game display screen relative to the location of the game sensor and the determined location of the user relative to the location of the game sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James P. Eberwein, Erik A. Kirk
  • Patent number: 8632403
    Abstract: A gaming communication apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the wireless transceiver. The controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, receive a voice command relating to a first gaming function, transmit first gaming function data to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and receive data relating to a second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a second wireless transceiver and a second controller operatively coupled to the second wireless transceiver. The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming function data via the second wireless transceiver, execute a first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, and transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless communication device via the second wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen, James Stockdale, David Muir
  • Patent number: 8632404
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8633946
    Abstract: Methods of interacting with a mixed reality are presented. A mobile device captures an image of a real-world object where the image has content information that can be used to control a mixed reality object through an offered command set. The mixed reality object can be real, virtual, or a mixture of both real and virtual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nant Holdings IP, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Cohen
  • Patent number: 8632376
    Abstract: A vehicle chase game includes a first game object and a second game object. A second game object scans for a projected spot on an overhead surface. The second game object detects the projected spot on the overhead surface and gathers location information based on the detected projected spot. The second game object generates a position of a first game object based on the location information. The second game object transfers the position of the first game object to the chase game application program. The chase game application program selects a behavior based on the position of the first game object, where a goal of the behavior is to drive the second game object to intercept the first game object. The chase game application program sends instructions to the second game object's mechanical and electrical systems to execute the selected behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: IRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dooley, Nikolai Romanov, Paolo Pirjanian, Lihu Chiu, Enrico Di Bernardo
  • Patent number: 8628417
    Abstract: A game device includes a first transceiver that receives gaming position data from at least one gaming object. A wireless measurement module generates device position data corresponding to the game device. A processor executes a game application that generates display signals for display on a display device, wherein the game application is based on the gaming position data and the device position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran, Nambirajan Seshadri, Brima B. Ibrahim, John Walley, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 8628418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a mobile gaming system is disclosed. The mobile gaming system establishes areas where mobile gaming is prohibited based on authorized elevations. One embodiment of a mobile gaming device used in conjunction with the system comprises an elevation recognition element to identify the elevation at which the device is being used. The mobile gaming device further comprises a comparator programmed with or configured to receive elevations associated with areas of permitted gaming. The elevation identified by the elevation recognition element registers with the comparator and if a comparison determines that the mobile gaming device is at an elevation where gaming is prohibited, a disabling element operates to disable presentation of a wagering game on the mobile gaming device. In one embodiment, the elevation recognition element is an altimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Eric L. Abbott
  • Patent number: 8622833
    Abstract: A controller interface processor of a user interface apparatus acquires the tilt of a game controller as a rotational value from a sensor built in the game controller. An operation amount determining unit selects a sensitivity characteristic pattern from a plurality of sensitivity characteristic patterns different in the reaction sensitivity of an operation amount with respect to the rotational value in accordance with the width of a range of the rotational value, refers to the selected sensitivity characteristic pattern, and determines the operation amount corresponding to the rotational value acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Tomokazu Kake
  • Patent number: 8616958
    Abstract: A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify game devices and other related activities. A services discovery system and method is provided for providing dynamic access to gaming resources, services, and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dale Hermansen, David L Salls, Peter D Miles
  • Patent number: 8616974
    Abstract: Separate active and passive controllers each detect a generated magnetic field. The active controller phase corrects the detected magnetic field information transmitted from the passive controller and uses that to calculate the position and orientation of the passive controller. The active controller also phase corrects its own detected magnetic field information and uses that to calculate its position and orientation. The active controller transmits each of these calculated positions and orientations to a video game system directly or indirectly through the source of the generated magnetic field. The video game system is thus informed of the position and orientation of each of the active and passive controllers. Alternatively, the active controller creates a signal matrix using the phase corrected information and the position and orientation of a controller is calculated by either the source of the generated magnetic field or the video game system using the signal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sixense Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Rubin, Jeffrey Peter Bellinghausen
  • Patent number: 8616975
    Abstract: A first wireless device including a communication module and a processor. The communication module is configured to detect a wireless signal from a target device. The processor is configured to determine a radial proximity of the first wireless devices to the target device based on a strength of the wireless signal. The processor is configured to execute a program. The program allows a user of the first wireless device to play a game with a second wireless device executing the program. The program is configured to generate a pictorial representation of the game on the first wireless device and the second wireless device. The processor is configured to alter the pictorial representation of the game on the first wireless device and the second wireless device based on the radial proximity of the first wireless device to the target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: PICO Mobile Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Saran Saund, Paul A. Lambert
  • Patent number: 8616979
    Abstract: A system and method comprising of a social networking game system comprising of: a standalone, wearable gaming device configured for activating an application program stored on a mobile displaying device, wherein the application program is configured for activating location determining means to start a monitoring session, and wherein the location determining means is also configured for tracking a game player's moving parameters during the monitoring session; the application program is further configured for converting the game player's moving parameters into game player's statistics; and communication means positioned within the mobile displaying device for transmitting the game player's statistics to at least one remote server, wherein the at least one remote server includes at least one processor and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to conduct a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8616978
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Jacek A. Grabiec, Damon E. Gura, Budyanto Himawan, Jason A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8613671
    Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Dean P. Alderucci, Thomas D. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 8613666
    Abstract: A system for performing user selection of an option is provided. A user interface displays one or more options. Each option is associated with a sequence of a looped motion. In response, a user will perform one of the displayed sequences of looped motion. User motion data is received from one or more sensors connected to the computing device. The user's progress of performing the sequence of the looped motion is determined based on the user motion data matching one or more looped motion criteria associated with the performed looped motion. The user's progress of performing the sequence of the looped motion is displayed to the user. A selection of the option associated with the performed looped motion is automatically triggered in response to determining that the user has completed the sequence of looped motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Esaki, Keiichi Yano
  • Patent number: 8602875
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for preserving game state data for an asynchronous persistent group bonus game may have a plurality of gaming machines associated with the asynchronous persistent group bonus game and at least one network server having at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to determine whether a bonus game session is triggered on any of the plurality of gaming machines; and if the bonus game session is triggered, display live game monitor activities, and periodically save the persistent bonus game state and other data on the at least one non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nguyen Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Binh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8602870
    Abstract: To provide a gaming machine which can carry out a lizhi effect rich in impact without giving a feeling of boredom. A gaming machine being provided with a display device, which can display an image and can be switched to a transmissive condition or a non-transmissive condition, in front of a plurality of symbols which can be variably displayed, in the event that a combination of the plurality of symbols reaches a lizhi, as well as portions in front of the plurality of symbols taking on the non-transmissive condition, a symbol image corresponding to a last stop displayed symbol is variably displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8597108
    Abstract: An asynchronous persistent group bonus game system, method and apparatus may have a plurality of gaming machines including a first processor and a bonus server having a second processor. The first processor may be configured to: determine when a bonus game session event is triggered, transmit a bonus game session request to the second processor, and receive an end session notification from the second processor. The second processor may be configured to execute and maintain the always-on asynchronous persistent group bonus game, receive a bonus game session request from at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, instantiate a bonus game session inside the continuous asynchronous persistent group bonus game for the at least one gaming machine, determine when an end session trigger has been triggered for the bonus game session, and transmit an end session notification to the at least one gaming machine if it is determined that the end session condition has been triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nguyen Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Binh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8591320
    Abstract: When RF signals of a plurality of RFID tags installed in a plurality of casino chips are received through a plurality of reader antennas, a system for managing casino chips using RFID (radio frequency identification) estimates an angle of arrival of the received RF signals, calculates the number and positions of the plurality of casino chips by using the received RF signals and each estimated angle of arrival, and manages the plurality of casino chips by using the number and the positions of the plurality of casino chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hoe-Sung Yang, Cheol Sig Pyo