In A Race Game Patents (Class 463/6)
  • Patent number: 10460524
    Abstract: Technologies are described for providing turning in virtual reality environments. For example, some implementations use roll turning that involves rotating around an outer edge of a control input, some implementations use tap turning to move directly to a location indicated by a control movement, and some implementations involve combinations of roll turning and tap turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. McGrath, Tommaso Checchi, Soren Hannibal Nielsen, Robert Poerschke
  • Patent number: 10379604
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a virtual reality exercise game. One of the methods includes determining a head rotation of the user and a head lean of the user on an exercise device based on data from one or more sensors. The method includes presenting a virtual reality environment on a virtual reality headset, wherein the perspective of the user in the virtual world is determined by a vehicle that defines the velocity of the perspective, a body which defines a reference view point of the perspective (with the head looking forward), and a head which defines the view point of the perspective. The method also includes determining to apply rotation to the body in response to determining that a direction of the head rotation is in a direction of the lean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Virzoom, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Malafeew
  • Patent number: 10376793
    Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Charnjit Singh Bansi, Paul Kerby, Peter Hall, Gareth Wilson
  • Patent number: 10315072
    Abstract: A stretch stride system comprising a mat having a first stride pattern and a second stride pattern positioned thereon. The first stride pattern may include two or more step patterns spaced at a first interval. The second stride pattern may include two or more step pattern spaced at a second interval. The first interval and the second interval may be determined using different extended step lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Albert Skulman
  • Patent number: 10252172
    Abstract: An example information sharing system includes: an executing unit that executes an application program according to operations of one of a plurality of users; a recording unit that records replay data for replicating an execution process of the application program; a generating unit that generates shared information associated with the application program based on operations of the one of the plurality of users; and a sharing unit that shares the generated shared information and the recorded replay data with the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Hayashida
  • Patent number: 10183221
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for operating a computer game. It can include identifying a playing user and one or more other users; storing user information about one or more other users and the game progress information of those other users; determining whether any of the other users satisfy a predetermined condition based on their game progress information; identifying any of the other users that meet the condition and qualify as substitution-target users; displaying the substitution-target users to the playing user; obtaining input from a playing user indicating the selection of at least one substitution-target user; allowing the user to play the game, and obtaining a result of a game played by a playing user on behalf of a substitution-target user, with said game being one available to the substitution-target user; and updating the game progress information of the substitution-target user in accordance with the result of that game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Hidenobu Arai
  • Patent number: 10121322
    Abstract: In a method of wagering, one or more primary bettors place wagers having an applicable base take-out or rake rate, and thus yielding a base payout for winning wagers. One or more secondary bettors may place wagers having an applicable modified take-out or rake rate (preferably lower than the base take-out or rake rate), thus yielding a higher payout for winning wagers than the base payout. The wagering may occur relative to card games such as poker, or other types of games or events, including sports betting. Bets may be placed with a host, such as a casino or track, or through an off-track entity such as an OTB or ADW facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: TAKEOUTRATE.COM, LLC
    Inventor: Louis J. Tavano
  • Patent number: 10099145
    Abstract: A system and method for recording and playback of game data is provided. A recording engine may be configured to record and playback game data, including broadcast data received over a network. The recording engine may be included in a game console or at other network-enabled devices, such as a desktop computer. The recording engine may be configured to record the game data in a buffer memory, an archival memory, and to assist in the display of the game (e.g., interacting with a graphics processing unit). Game data stored in the buffer memory may later be transferred to the archival memory. Playback commands may be operable when a portion of the game broadcast has been recorded. When a playback command is received, the game recording engine may access a portion of the game data from buffer or archival memory and displays a selected portion and may be subject to certain seek functions (e.g., fast forward and rewind). Spectators may be able to independently archive and playback game data using local memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Brunstetter, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 10039980
    Abstract: A video game processing apparatus is provided for controlling progress of a video game while displaying a player character on a display screen of a display device provided with a touch panel. The video game processing apparatus is provided with a virtual controller information memory for storing virtual controller information on a virtual controller. The display device is caused to display the virtual controller on the display screen on the basis of the virtual controller information. In a case where an operational input to the virtual controller displayed on the display screen is received, the video game processing apparatus updates a shape of the virtual controller on the basis of the virtual controller information, and controls an action of the player character on the basis of the received operational input. The operational input may include a slide operation and a tap operation, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Ryoma Matsui, Toshio Akiyama
  • Patent number: 10013851
    Abstract: A gaming machine runs a normal game, and runs a free game when the right to run the free game is awarded. In the free game, symbols are rearranged on a display device and a benefit is awarded based on a combination of the rearranged symbols, bonus random determination is executed based on a bonus random determination table for a number of times corresponding to the number of specific symbols rearranged, the right to run the bonus game obtained as a result of the bonus random determination is accumulatively stored in the running right stocking area of the storage device, and the bonus random determination is repeated for the awarded number of times of the free game. After the end of the free game, the bonus game is serially executed for the number of times of the bonus game accumulatively stored in the running right stocking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: Yukinori Inamura, Susumu Mio, Bungo Matsumura, Takehisa Itagaki, Fumihiro Watabe
  • Patent number: 10004981
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Champagne, Shigeki Yamashiro, Shigeru Miyamoto, Claude Comair
  • Patent number: 9953489
    Abstract: A method of playing a game, the method comprising selecting a predefined number of player indicia; providing an event reference, the event reference being viewable on a display device, the event reference comprising a plurality of event participants, the plurality of event participants being ranked; randomly generating a plurality of randomly generated indicia, the plurality of randomly generated indicia comprising a first indicia and a second indicia; associating the first indicia with a first event participant; associating the second indicia with a second event participant; obtaining the ranking of the participants based on the order they finish in the event reference; ordering the plurality of randomly generated indicia based on the ranking of their respective associated participants; and determining a game outcome, the game outcome comprising comparing the player indicia to the plurality of randomly generated indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: John Colceri
  • Patent number: 9861888
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Champagne, Shigeki Yamashiro, Shigeru Miyamoto, Claude Comair
  • Patent number: 9864844
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for obtaining first wearable sensor data associated with a first fitness session and first fitness equipment and obtaining second wearable sensor data associated with a second fitness session and second fitness equipment. Additionally, an effort normalization may be conducted between one or more settings of the second fitness equipment and one or more settings of the first fitness equipment based on the first wearable sensor data and the second wearable sensor data. In one example, a user prompt is generated during the second fitness session via a user interface of one or more of the second fitness equipment or a wearable device based on the normalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lenitra M. Durham, Giuseppe Raffa, Glen J. Anderson, Deepak S. Vembar, Jamie Sherman
  • Patent number: 9802127
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for a video game including user determined location information is presented. Location information (e.g. GPS, Google Maps, an entered address or the like) determined by a user of a video game is acquired. Then user determined location information relating to a physical location determined by the user is mapped to a video game environment wherein the user of the video game experiences objects from the users entered location while playing the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: BLACKBIRD TECH LLC
    Inventor: David W. Rouille
  • Patent number: 9773380
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a multilayer hybrid game with a real world engine connected by a communication link to a game world engine wherein the real world engine comprises a real world credit meter, a random number generator, and a real world credit pay table, wherein the real world engine is configured to receive from the game world engine via the communication link, a trigger of a wager of real world credit, determine a gambling outcome for the wager of real world credit in response to the trigger, and communicate to the game world engine via the communication link, the gambling outcome, allocate the randomly generated payout of real world credits to the credit meter, an entertainment software engine connected to the game world engine configured to execute a multilayer entertainment game that provides outcomes based upon a plurality of players' skillful execution of the multilayer entertainment game, wherein players at a same gameplay layer are engaged in g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Caitlyn Ross
  • Patent number: 9770660
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed for starting a simulation from a real situation. In various embodiments, the technology receives a parameter corresponding to simulation of a physical entity in a virtual context, receives an attribute corresponding to the physical entity in a physical context, and simulates the physical entity in the virtual context using the attribute as a stimulus. The attribute may identify an actual occurrence during the physical context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Shmuel Ur, Ady Hascalovici
  • Patent number: 9717983
    Abstract: A race management system is described. In one aspect, a race is chosen and an interested/committed selection is made. If “interested” is selected, the race management system prioritizes races, updates and displays a race menu, and updates and displays an interested/committed list. A TEL (Tentative Entry List) database can notify trainers when they have horses that are interested in a race that has made the TEL. Updates are sent to and/or received from the TEL database. If “committed” is selected, the race management system executes similar steps as if “interested” was selected. In another aspect, a one-day TEL template is uploaded, protocol races are inserted into the template, and prioritized races are transferred from the TEL database to the template. Based on this prioritization, the one-day TEL is constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Pollowitz, Jacob Pollowitz
  • Patent number: 9707484
    Abstract: A game control device capable of giving at least one of a plurality of game data sets that are members of an opponent game data group to a user. A match request receiving unit receives a match request sent from a user terminal. An opponent game data group determination unit determines a plurality of game data sets as members of the opponent game data group. In a case where the match request is received, a match executing unit executes a match based on one of the game data group and the game data of the user, and the opponent game data group. In a case where the match is executed, a game data giving unit gives at least one of the plurality of game data sets that are members of the opponent game data group to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kensuke Kokami, Kenichi Miyaji
  • Patent number: 9697680
    Abstract: Data can be received and can include a request to initiate a cooperative digital skills-based gaming competition and an identification of one or more additional players to invite to join a cooperative team. Data including an invitation to become members of the cooperative team can be transmitted using a transactional server and to clients associated with the additional players. An amount of funds for one or more of the members of the cooperative team to contribute to form a wager for the cooperative team can be determined. Data comprising a confirmation to initiate, which, when received by the game server, causes initiation of the cooperative digital skills-based gaming competition for the members of the cooperative team can be transmitted using the transactional server and to a game server. A prize can be caused to be distributed based on the outcome. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Skillz Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Paradise, Dennis Zografos
  • Patent number: 9691298
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, software, and apparatuses provide an interactive application, such as a video game, that presents gaming and driving challenges to facilitate improvement of driving skills and development of safe driving behavior. Drive data may be collected while a user is driving a vehicle and the drive data may be used to define a graphically simulated virtual world. A drive score may also be calculated based on the drive data. Portions of the graphically simulated virtual world may be unlocked based on the drive score. Also, attributes of a character within the graphically simulated virtual world may be modified based on the drive score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Chienlan Hsu-Hoffman, Gibbs Evan, Alicia Dornadic, Andrew L. Carbery
  • Patent number: 9652926
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a device may test the health of race participants in order to ensure the fairness of a bet on an order of finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Gelman, Dean P. Alderucci
  • Patent number: 9616340
    Abstract: Provided are a computer device, a storage medium, and a method of controlling the computer device, which enable a player character to perform various actions according to the user's intention. A game program causes a CPU of a game device to function as a game space generating section and a PC control section. The PCU control section causes the CPU to function as a movement control section and a stance control section. The stance control section increases the variation in the player character's stance changed from a reference stance, with an increase in the operation amount of a second operation unit, and decreases the variation in the player character's stance changed from the reference stance, with a decrease in the operation amount of the second operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Capcom Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Wakazono, Yuichi Sakatani
  • Patent number: 9533223
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Champagne, Shigeki Yamashiro, Shigeru Miyamoto, Claude Comair
  • Patent number: 9492735
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to gaming based on the results at intervals of a race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Mark A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9430945
    Abstract: A system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing route information calculated by a remote source (116) to a display is provided. The system includes a display interface (124) for providing a signal to the display (108). The system further includes a communications device (120). The system yet further includes a processor (122) operatively coupled to the communications device (120) and the display interface (124), wherein the processor (122) is configured to cause vehicle position information to be sent to the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor is further configured to receive route information from the remote source (116) via the communications device (120). The processor (122) is yet further configured to provide a representation of the route information to the display interface (124), the route information conveying directions from a position of the vehicle to a destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Rodger W. Eich, Brian L. Douthitt, Richard J. Chutorash, John D. Spencer
  • Patent number: 9406189
    Abstract: An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CANTOR INDEX, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A Scott, Lawrence A Krause
  • Patent number: 9364751
    Abstract: A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals. The method includes receiving, at each of the computer games terminals, interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and also interactive user input data from a controller associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals. The method further includes rendering a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data is received from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Avent, Kim Burrows
  • Patent number: 9360846
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling servomotors are described herein. Servomotor controllers and related control circuitry are configured to generate control signals for controlling the servomotor. The control signals include directional control signals to control the rotational direction and position of the servomotor, and power control signals control the rotational speed and/or torque of the servomotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Beard
  • Patent number: 9259652
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method provides a game for a first player. The method receives timing information for a second player that competed in a first instance of the game participated in by the second player and determines a set of parameters for an opponent in a second instance of the game based on the timing information. The second player started competing in the first instance of the game before the second instance of the game is started. Then, the opponent is created based on the set of parameters for the second instance of the game. After which, the method provides the second instance of the game in which the first player competes with the opponent. The opponent is automatically controlled in the second instance of the game by a game controller to perform according to the set of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Kynan Woodman, Ian Uniacke
  • Patent number: 9216348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the domain of control devices for virtual games, and more specifically to a control device to control the displacement of a virtual player and of a virtual ball in the scope of a football video game. According to the invention, the control device is in the form of a ball connected to a pedestal. This ball is equipped with accelerometers able to detect a displacement force on the ball as a result of a strike exerted on said ball, pressure sensors able to detect a pressure force exerted on the surface of the ball and a processing module. The processor module generates using information from the accelerometers and pressure sensors control signals to control the displacement of the virtual ball in the video game and control signals to control the displacement of the virtual player in the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Pierrick Jouet, Pascal Bourdon, Vincent Alleaume
  • Patent number: 9208639
    Abstract: A system includes a community screen configured to display images of a community event thereon. The system includes a number of wagering game machines coupled to the community screen. The system also includes a number of handheld devices, wherein each handheld device has a respective display and is associated with a respective one of the wagering game machines. The system includes an image module configured, for at least one handheld device of the number of handheld devices, to identify a location on the community screen based on a position of the at least one handheld device and to present an image on the display of the at least one handheld device based on the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Benjamin T. Gomez, Sean P. Kelly, Timothy C. Loose, Scott A. Massing, Pamela S. Smith
  • Patent number: 9174085
    Abstract: A method for providing cycling classes to remote users comprising providing information about available cycling classes that can be accessed via a digital communication network by a user at a remote location for display at the remote location, receiving from the user a selection of one of the available cycling classes for display at the remote location, and sending digital video and audio content comprising the selected cycling class from a server to a computer associated with a stationary bike at the remote location for display to the user on a display screen associated with the stationary bike. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is streamed for display to the user in substantially in real-time. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is archived content provided from a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventors: John Paul Foley, Thomas Philip Cortese, Yu Feng, Christopher Brett Sira, Hans Schlichting Woolley
  • Patent number: 9155963
    Abstract: A system, method and article for ranking a gaming session between a plurality of independent player game components. A method includes receiving one or more gaming session metrics determined at each of a group of the game components participating in a gaming session; calculating a quality metric for the gaming session based on the one or more gaming session metrics received from the group of game components; and storing the quality metric for ranking the gaming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Baynes, Serkan Hassan
  • Patent number: 9129341
    Abstract: A method (100) and betting system (120) for a betting agency (102) to accept a bet (103) from a participant (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Grant Fraser
  • Patent number: 9123207
    Abstract: A gaming system (10, 100) implementing a base game and a feature game. A game controller (101) controls play of the game. The gaming system has at least one display (14, 106) and a player interface (107). The feature game comprises at least one series of game events, in which a plurality of symbols from at least one predetermined symbol set that includes at least first and second symbols, are randomly selected and displayed on the at least one display (14, 106). The feature game is a challenge feature and during play of the feature game, the game controller (101) maintains in computer memory (103) counters for said at least first and second symbols, varies the value of said counters on the occurrence of the at least first and second symbols and causes the at least one display to show a value of the counters. The values of the counters are evaluated against predetermined competitive criteria to determine the outcome of the series of game events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Chi We Chim, William George Cormack
  • Patent number: 9120022
    Abstract: A game control server apparatus connected to terminal devices of a plurality of players via a network, includes a developing stage management unit that determines, in a developing stage in which a common character commonly owned by a plurality of players in a same team is developed, a capability parameter of the common character based on an action of each of the plurality of players; and a team battle stage management unit that provides, in a team battle stage in which one team battles against another team, a common character in a team battle while setting a capability parameter of the common character to the capability parameter of the common character determined by the developing stage management unit, upon accepting a calling instruction from a player in the one team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Abe, Minehiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 9101827
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Champagne, Shigeki Yamashiro, Shigeru Miyamoto, Claude Comair
  • Patent number: 9092983
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product which normalizes GPS data obtained from multiple vehicles. At a server, GPS information is received from first and second vehicles in first and second formats. The GPS data is normalized for synchronized display of positions of the first and second vehicles, and transmitted to a computer in order to display simultaneously the synchronized positions of the first and second vehicles. An end user of the system may search for GPS logs of other people and simultaneously display the information resulting from the search with his or her own GPS information. The system may also provide for an automatic upload from a mobile device of the GPS data captured on a circuit or other location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Tomasz R. Klimek
  • Patent number: 9064369
    Abstract: A method, gaming machine, and networked gaming system are disclosed for operating a wagering game that includes an interface activate-able by a player; a set of game plays, with at least one of the game plays occurring after activation of the interface by the player; and a persistent customizable player avatar interactive with a player and the wagering game, and, providing entertainment and companionship for a player during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Schueller, Michael Conway, William Garretsen, Jennifer Schulze, Michael Wabschall, Clint Owen, JP Cody
  • Publication number: 20150133205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the position of a vehicle on a track so as to provide a slotless racing vehicle game is described. The method involves generating within a primary feedback loop a first input signal for a steering servo of the vehicle so as to minimise an error signal produced by comparing a measured lateral position of the vehicle on the track with its desired position. The method further comprises generating within a secondary feedback loop a second input signal for the steering servo so as minimise a measured angle of orientation of the vehicle on the track. It is found to be advantageous for the stability of the vehicle on the track if responsivity (Klf2) of the secondary feedback loop is set to be equal to the reciprocal of the responsivity (Kss) of the steering servo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: David Alan Keating, James Edward Alexander Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20150099566
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to control movement of a non-player character is provided. Actions of a player character in a race event of a multiplayer game are detected. A player character movement model based on the actions of the player character is generated. A set of non-player actions is generated in a non-player character movement model based on the player character movement model. A movement of a non-player character in the multiplayer game is controlled based on the set of non-player actions in the non-player character movement model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Arjun Bharat Lall, Abhinav Agrawal
  • Patent number: 9001181
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit that acquires an image of a subject imaged by an image capturing lens; a face detecting unit that detects face information corresponding to a person's face from the image acquired by the image acquiring unit; an image angle-of-view calculating unit that calculates an angle of view of a portion including the face in the image based on the face information detected by the face detecting unit; and a correction necessity determining unit that determines whether distortion correction of the image is need to be performed, based on the angle of view calculated by the image angle-of-view calculating unit and distortion characteristics of the image capturing lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20150094128
    Abstract: An online fantasy racing game in which users select a finishing order of an auto race, such as NASCAR, and compete against team members or other teams. A selection tool is provided to assist users in selecting a finishing order of the drivers. The selection tool utilizes a unique algorithm to calculate a preliminary finishing order. The user can utilize the selection tool to modify the preliminary finishing order to the user's own predicted finishing order. The user can modify the user's predicted finishing order manually. A viewing page allows all users to see who is winning the online fantasy game. The display may be color coded to quickly and easily determine how one is doing in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8974292
    Abstract: A betting system for handling betting events, comprising means for determining natural probability values assigned to the events based on a statistical method; and transformation means for applying a transformation function to the natural probability values to get transformed probability values; and means for providing the transformed probability values to betting clients of the betting system. The betting system may provide real-time betting events in comparable short time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Novomatic AG
    Inventors: Martin Zimmerl, Andreas Kleinbichler
  • Patent number: 8968067
    Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing personalized leaderboards based upon user parameters, game parameters or a combination thereof. The personalized leaderboard determined by identifying a group of users (i) to which the first user belongs, and (ii) among which performance in the online game by the first user as characterized by the first set of game parameter values is relatively high. Providing leaderboards where the user features relatively high incentivizes the user to continue playing the game to continue progressing toward the top of the leaderboard, improving player retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Publication number: 20150050970
    Abstract: Electronic gambling methods and systems comprising an electronic computer system operating electronic gambling software and a data analytics engine that can be accessed by players using computing devices are disclosed. During the players' gambling sessions provided by the electronic gambling software, the electronic gambling system will present an “Investment Wager” to the players to induce them to move some or all their funds remaining in their gambling accounts to one or more investment accounts. The Investment Wager is implemented and designed based upon findings from behavioral economics, including loss aversion, the priming effect and the framing effect. The entity managing the electronic gambling system can act as the manager of the investment accounts, thereby yielding a potential revenue stream to the entity/manager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Racho
  • Patent number: 8944902
    Abstract: A methodology for playing a card game on a table or an electronic device. The methodology includes a dealer using a standard deck of 52 cards and three additional jokers. Each player in the card game places a bet and if the player loses his bet during the game they are allowed to immediately place a new bet and reenter the same game. If a player wins and his bet is paid he may make the same initial bet amount. The game ends when three jokers are played or if a joker is the first card out of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Tammy L. Capone, Francis Capone
  • Publication number: 20150031423
    Abstract: A method of managing bets includes receiving first types of bets and second types of bets. Each first type of bet comprises a bet that the number of units earned by a participant in a plurality of events will fall within a first range of numbers. Each second type of bet comprises a bet that the number of units earned by the participant over a course of a plurality of events will fall within a second range of numbers. The total number of units earned by the participant is determined based on the positioning of the participant in each event. The method includes determining whether the first or second type of bets are winning bets. A betting pool is determined based on the total amounts associated with the first and second types of bets. A payout is determined based on the betting pool and the total amounts of the winning bets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher, Adam Burgis, Dominic Crosthwaite
  • Publication number: 20140364181
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enable predictions helpful to viewers to be preferentially presented. An information processing apparatus accepts dopester's purchase of a voting ticket for voting a race target participating in a race. The information processing apparatus accepts a prediction of the dopester for a race for which purchase of a voting ticket is accepted, the prediction including a race target predicted by the dopester. The information processing apparatus determines a coincidence between a promising bet of a race target of a voting ticket whose purchase is accepted and a prediction accepted by the prediction acceptance means per dopester. The information processing apparatus determines a prediction of which of a first dopester and a second dopester is preferentially presented to viewers based on coincidences determined for the first dopester and the second dopester, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: RAKUTEN, INC.
    Inventor: Sadaaki Emura