In A Game Requiring An Element Of A Participants Physical Skill Or Ability (e.g., Hand-eye Coordination, Reflex, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/7)
  • Patent number: 8858321
    Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator (RDOG) makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with the reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with the reward generating assets, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and the time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Alexander Popovich, Cameron Anthony Filipour, Adam Singer, Thierry Brunet De Courssou
  • Patent number: 8858312
    Abstract: A reaction program system including a reaction program implemented on a reaction system platform, the reaction system platform including a computer, a display device, and a user interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Step Revolution LLC
    Inventors: Kyle A. Ward, Christopher Martin Foy
  • Patent number: 8858334
    Abstract: A racing car steering wheel assembly provides an input/output interface for a participant in a multimedia interactive electronic game. Two primary paddles on the underside of the wheel control throttle and braking functions, respectively. Secondary paddles or buttons may be included on either the side of the wheel for optionally controlling gear selection. Integral accelerometers are included for determining wheel rotation. Steering inputs are caused either by rotation about a fixed point to which the wheel may be affixed or by rotation in free air. A wired or wireless interface to a PC or game console provides communication with game software and optional wired or wireless communication between the user and other individuals. Switches and buttons may be included to emulate controls on real race cars and for inputting game information. A panel display and/or a decorative logo plate may be included on the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ignite Game Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Haswell, Jieming Li
  • Publication number: 20140302471
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling gaming technology, musical instruments and environmental settings via detection of neuromuscular activity are disclosed herein. The disclosed system generally comprises a sensor grid coupled to a user; a base station configured to receive neuromuscular activity inputs from one or more sensors in said sensor grid, determine whether said neuromuscular activity inputs received from said one or more sensors is within a calibrated boundary value for an activity associated with each of said one or more sensors, and instruct a physical device or software to perform said activity when said neuromuscular activity input received from said one or more sensors is within said calibrated boundary value for the activity associated with each of said one or more sensors; and at least one said physical device or said software being configured to receive instructions from said base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer Robin Hanners
  • Patent number: 8852000
    Abstract: The accuracy of results of client-side determinations used for defining views of a virtual space may be verified via crowd-sourcing. Results of primary client-side determinations may be received from client computing platforms. Individual ones of the primary client-side determinations may be performed by individual client computing platforms presenting views of an instance of the virtual space to users. The results of the primary client-side determinations may form a basis for determining view information. The accuracy of the results of the primary client-side determinations may be verified by comparing the results of the primary client-side determinations with results of secondary client-side determinations performed by one or more client computing platforms. Individual ones of the secondary client-side determinations may simulate corresponding primary client-side determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Rhinesmith, Michael Lin
  • Publication number: 20140287807
    Abstract: An electronic tag game includes a system having magnetic field sensors that are to be worn by a player of the electronic tag game. The magnetic field sensors are configured to detect a change in the local magnetic field. The magnetic field sensors may be in operable communication with one another and are configured to send a signal reporting a change in the local magnetic field to a controller which may be communication with electronic device such as a smart phone or the like. The local magnetic field may be altered by one or more devices configured for creating a change in the local magnetic field. For example a spherical projectile or hand-held object may be provided and include a magnet that is configured to alter the magnetic field around the magnetic field sensors when a player wearing the magnetic field sensor is struck with the projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MagneTag LLC
    Inventor: Adam I. Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140287806
    Abstract: A multi dynamic environment and location based active augmented/mixed reality (AR) gaming system having means to utilize its surrounding environment and locations of other systems and devices in conjunction with computer based advanced calculation and graphics to dynamically change the gaming environment to any location and environment of a game play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Dhanushan Balachandreswaran
  • Publication number: 20140274242
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for operating an online interactive simulation/game environment, where an object's motion is controlled by a player along a path. A player's skill level is quickly quantified as they control the object traversing the path, so that they can be properly placed in games with those of like skill, and do so without having competed with others. An optimal path is established for the object's travel during a portion of a game, and at each increment of travel, an optimum velocity or time delta is established. The path of the object being controlled by a player being rated is then tracked over the same path. At each distance increment its position and velocity or time delta are recorded and compared with the optimum. Deviations therebetween are calculated on an incremental basis, and the aggregate determines the player's skill level for a set of equivalent conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan HASWELL
  • Patent number: 8827785
    Abstract: To provide a game device capable of preferably producing an image of a picture in which a first game character loses sight of a second game character having moved so as to disappear from view of the first game character, and thus delays in responding to the second game character. An operation target selection unit (72) selects an operation target character from among the plurality of first game characters. An operation target control unit (74a) changes a state of the first game character selected by the operation target selection unit (72), in the game space, based on a signal input from an operation unit. A selection restriction unit (72b) restricts, in the case where it is determined by the determination unit (72a) that the position of the second game character is included in a determination target area determined based on the position and orientation of the first game character, selection of that first game character by the operation target selection unit (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Suzuki, Hajime Matsumaru
  • Patent number: 8827815
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using geographic information in connection with sporting activities. Sensors may be attached to users and/or clothing to generate performance data. The data, along location data, may be transmitted to a server. The server may maintain leader boards for users and locations and allow users to search for other users and locations of sporting activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Burroughs, Mark Adam Starkey
  • Patent number: 8827787
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive a wager to play the wagering game; direct a display device to display a randomly determined outcome of a base game of the wagering game; in response to a triggering event, initiate play of a non-skill-based game feature and, further in response to receiving a player selection of a skill-based game feature, initiate play of the skill-based game feature; determine an award value for the skill-based game feature; determine an award value for the non-skill-based game feature; and, award to the player only the higher of the two award values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Smith, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8821233
    Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuha Hayashi, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Tetsuhiro Honjo, Aoi Tagami, Takayuki Ishikawa, Hidenori Kotera, Yuki Sato, Yuma Miyazaki, Eriko Motohashi
  • Patent number: 8821232
    Abstract: A platform apparatus that processes the execution results of one or more serious games, the platform apparatus comprising a data processing unit that receives output packets produced from each serious game in execution for measuring and developing a user's cognitive abilities and that generates game data from the output packets; an analysis processing unit that generates, based on the game data, analysis data for measuring the user's brain function; and a result display unit that displays the analysis data to the user through an UI (user interface), wherein the one or more serious game includes serious games for memory, for psycho-motor, for attention, for executive function, and for emotion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Jae Bum Jung
    Inventors: Jae Bum Jung, Moon Gee Choi, Hyeon Woo Yi
  • Patent number: 8814642
    Abstract: Ball games apparatus for use by two or more players, comprises a playing wall with a plurality of targets arranged across at least one face of said playing wall, each target having a particular value associated therewith. In use, a player aims by kicking or throwing a ball or the like at the playing wall and scores points to the value of the target that is struck. The targets may correspond to balls of a conventional pool or snooker game, providing a similar scoring system to the table-based game but at the same time encouraging participation in physical activity. Added complexity is provided by means of ground markers randomly selected to denote which of a series of positions relative to the playing wall from which a player takes aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Playinnovation Limited
    Inventor: Marco Boi
  • Patent number: 8814666
    Abstract: A gaming system having a game outcome generator separate from a gaming machine, where the gaming machine is operably connected to the game outcome generator and, upon a game play request from a player, generates a request for a game play result. The game outcome generator generates a specific game outcome (won amount if the game play is a winning result, or a no-win, o-value result) and sends it back to the gaming machine. The gaming machine uses the predetermined result to mimic or simulate a skill based game. The skill based game is designed to play just like an actual skill based game, which may result in poor players not getting the game to a state that has an equivalent value as that which is supposed to be awarded (equal to the predetermined game play). Each game includes a final game event, consistent with the game just played, which enables the game to make up any difference between the actual result of the skill based and the predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Loren Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140228086
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive a wager to play the wagering game; direct a display device to display a randomly determined outcome of a base game of the wagering game; in response to a triggering event, initiate play of a non-skill-based game feature and, further in response to receiving a player selection of a skill-based game feature, initiate play of the skill-based game feature; determine an award value for the skill-based game feature; determine an award value for the non-skill-based game feature; and, award to the player only the higher of the two award values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Smith, Joel R. Jaffe, Sean P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8795047
    Abstract: A game machine includes a cabinet, a supporting rod disposed in the cabinet, a retaining base secured on top of the rod, a lighting device disposed on the retaining device, and a drive mechanism disposed in the cabinet. The rod defines a bore therein. The retaining base defines an aperture in communication with the bore in the rod. The lighting device has its electric wire extending through both of the aperture in the retaining base and the bore in the rod. The target is made of a light-transmissive material. The retaining base and the lighting device are housed in a receptacle of the target. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the rod to move up to have the target pop out of a hole in a table of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8795082
    Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed comprising a console unit having a processor and transceiver circuitry. The transceiver circuitry couples to the processor and includes respective receiver and transmitter circuits. A first phased array antenna interface is employed to transmit and receive directional signals in response to the processor. The system employs a mobile game controller including a second phased array antenna interface to receive and redirect the directional signals back to the first phased array antenna interface. The processor generates proximity data based at least in part on a parameter associated with the directional signals, the proximity data representing the proximity of the mobile game controller with respect to the game console unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Ju Chen, Farshid Aryanfar, Carl W. Werner
  • Patent number: 8790170
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an electromechanical hybrid game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 8790171
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with a game program stored thereon, the game program instructing a computer to perform the following processes: a reception process to receive an operational input from a player; and a battle process in which a battle between the player and an opposing character starts based on the operational input by consuming a consumption parameter set for the player, a hit point parameter indicative of an amount of damage that the opposing character can withstand changes through the battle, an outcome of the battle between the player and the opposing character is determined, and when a single operational input is received from the player in the reception process, a recovery process and an attack process are collectively performed, the recovery process being a process to recover the consumption parameter, the attack process being a process to attack the opposing character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoto Yoshie
  • Patent number: 8790279
    Abstract: A gait analysis system for training or rehabilitation has an endless belt with pressure sensors underneath the belt to sense a person walking on the belt and an analyzing unit for analyzing the gait of the person. The system further includes an image display system with stored data for displaying images to a person using the apparatus training and/or therapy purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zebris Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Brunner
  • Publication number: 20140206422
    Abstract: An example of a game device accepts inputs from a plurality of players to allow a game to progress. First, the game device accepts a first rhythm input by a first player. A model rhythm is generated and presented based on the first rhythm input. The game device accepts a second rhythm input by a second player. Then, the game device evaluates the second rhythm input using as a reference the model rhythm. Thus, by generating a model rhythm based on a rhythm which is input by a player, it is possible to provide a game with a high playability having an increased degree of freedom for the model rhythm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Goro ABE
  • Publication number: 20140200088
    Abstract: A process and a system for managing a bowling centre, which includes one or more bowling lanes along which a bowl is rolled, one or more pin setting up machines at one end of the lane and one or more bowlers' bays at the opposite end of the lane, one or more overhead monitors or videos above the lane, one or more consoles or keyboards located at the one or more lanes, respectively, and allowing a user to enter data, an electronic control system set up to manage the bowling centre, and in particular, a score program which calculates the score of the games played at the bowling centre and displays the score, in particular at the respective overhead monitor. A visual signal is emitted at the respective lane to indicate that the lane is open and waiting for users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: QubicaAMF Europe SPA
    Inventors: ROBERTO VAIOLI, MASSIMO BARALDI, DARIO FERGACICH, DANILO MAI, STEFANO PANCALDI
  • Patent number: 8777756
    Abstract: A server device connected to a first player terminal used by a first player and a second player terminal used by a second player to communicate with each other, including: a storage unit that stores player information in which each of items owned by players is associated with each of the players; a reception unit that receives, from the first player terminal, an exchange request to exchange a first item owned by the first player for a second item different from the first item, and receives, from the second player terminal after the exchange request, an acquisition request that the second player acquire the first item in an exchange source from the first player; a judging unit that judges whether or not the second player owns the second item based on the player information when the reception unit receives the acquisition request; and an item exchange processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kishimoto, Hisashi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8777708
    Abstract: Targeting control may be facilitated in a simulated environment. In an example embodiment, a method includes acts of monitoring, generating, moving, and firing. A button input and a directional input are monitored. If a press and hold of the button input is detected, a fine aiming mode is generated. If movement of the directional input is detected during the fine aiming mode, a location of a target indicator is moved responsive to the detected movement. When a release of the button input is detected, a ranged weapon is fired based on the location of the target indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Adam J. Langridge
  • Patent number: 8777744
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to gaming systems and methods configured to provide a musical game associated with unlockable musical instruments. In one embodiment, the musical game is associated with a plurality of different musical instruments that are initially unlocked or locked and a plurality of different instrument playing events, each of which is associated with one or more of the musical instruments. Upon an occurrence of one of the instrument playing events, the gaming system produces at least one sound and provides an award associated with each unlocked musical instrument associated with that instrument playing event. The gaming system does not produce any sounds or provide any awards associated with any locked musical instruments associated with that instrument playing event. Upon an occurrence of an instrument unlock event, if any of the musical instruments are locked, the gaming system unlocks at least one locked musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Leandro Basallo, Scott A. Caputo, Walter B. Scharold
  • Publication number: 20140194172
    Abstract: An electronic hand held puzzle game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a housing with left and right housing portions, a first array of lights connected to the left housing portion and a second array of lights fixedly connected to the right housing portion. The first array of lights and the left housing portion is translatable and rotatable relative to the right housing portion, and the first array of lights is movable around an axis extending perpendicular to a housing longitudinal axis. When a puzzle piece light pattern appears on the first array of lights, a player moves that array to align the light pattern with a non-illuminated space on the second array of lights. Closing a compression switch transfers the puzzle piece from the first array of lights to the second array of lights provided that the player's alignment is correct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Klitsner, Hakan Diniz
  • Patent number: 8771069
    Abstract: A game machine includes: a monitor (2) that displays and outputs a game screen (40R); a control panel (3) that includes volume controllers (9) operated so as to change a position of an outer circumferential portion (SP) of a knob portion (9T); a external storage device (20) that stores sequence data (30) in which a reference timing at which the volume controllers (9) are operated during a game is associated with a reference position at which the outer circumferential portion (SP) is to be positioned at the reference timing. And, the game machine teaches information of the reference timing and the reference position to a player, based on the sequence data (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuha Hayashi, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Tetsuhiro Honjo, Aoi Tagami, Takayuki Ishikawa, Hidenori Kotera, Yuki Sato, Yuma Miyazaki, Eriko Motohashi
  • Patent number: 8771047
    Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuha Hayashi, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Tetsuhiro Honjo, Aoi Tagami, Takayuki Ishikawa, Hidenori Kotera, Yuki Sato, Yuma Miyazaki, Eriko Motohashi
  • Patent number: 8764563
    Abstract: A feature image area that has a similar feature (e.g., quadrangular outline) is extracted from an original two-dimensional image photographed by a player. When a game has started, the original two-dimensional image is displayed as the background of a game stage, and a target character 4 is caused to appear or disappear from the extracted feature image area at a random appearance frequency and a random appearance speed. When the player has touched the target character 4, points are added to the score of the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8764532
    Abstract: A fall and/or concussion prediction system includes: (i) a measurement assembly configured to receive a subject having a surface for receiving at least one portion of a body of a subject and at least one measurement device, the at least one measurement device configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are generated based upon the subject's contact with the surface; (ii) a visual display device, the visual display device configured to display a task, an interactive game, a virtual reality scenario, and/or an immersive graphic environment that is visible to the subject; and (iii) a data processing device operatively coupled to the at least one measurement device of the measurement assembly and the visual display device. In one embodiment, a dual-task protocol is used to assess a person's risk for falling and/or predict whether or not a person has sustained a concussion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventor: Necip Berme
  • Patent number: 8764530
    Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. It is determined whether a predetermined command is effectively received for a predetermined number of times or more or not when a predetermined period of time is measured from a time when a time measuring start condition is satisfied. A specific process corresponding to the fact that the predetermined command is effectively received for the predetermined number of times is carried out in a case where the predetermined command is effectively received for the predetermined number of times. In this case, it is confirmed whether an effective reception number reaches the effective reception upper limit number or more when the predetermined command is received, and it is determined that the predetermined command is effectively received in a case where the effective reception number does not reach the effective reception upper limit number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Yusuke Matsui, Satoru Koyama
  • Patent number: 8764533
    Abstract: Spotlight information that contains at least coordinate information indicating a coordinate at which an object is positioned is generated in accordance with a selection operation for selecting the object. A spotlight screen, including a spotlight illuminating region for receiving an operation input and a darkened region for receiving a request to cancel the selection operation, is displayed in accordance with the generated spotlight information. The received selection operation is determined in a case where a selection of the spotlight illuminating region is received. A predetermined region having its center at a coordinate at which the object is positioned is determined as the spotlight illuminating region. A predetermined region including a coordinate on which an object, for which the selection operation is not received, exists is determined as the darkened region in a case where there is the object within the spotlight illuminating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventors: Takashi Ohara, Hisatoshi Ohno, Takehiro Ando, Hidetoshi Aoyagi
  • Publication number: 20140179385
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Kristopher L. Homsi
  • Patent number: 8754319
    Abstract: A plurality of pads SN to CY2 each of which is assigned a tone color of a different musical instrument, and has a surface which a player strikes are provided. Furthermore, a controller CT having a CPU 18a for identifying a pad included in the pads SN to CY2 and struck by the player is also provided. The controller CT has a tone generator 16 for generating musical tones of a musical instrument assigned to the identified pad. The CPU 18a evaluates the player's performance and scores the performance. More specifically, the CPU 18a awards an amount of points when the first and the second pads which are included in the pads SN to CY2 but are different with each other are struck in a sequence. Furthermore, a display unit 15 for displaying the awarded score is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8753183
    Abstract: Techniques to automatically provide assistance for electronic games are described. An apparatus may comprise a game strategy application arranged to receive as input game telemetry information representing gameplay of an electronic video game on a client device. The game strategy application may process the game telemetry information to determine whether a player of the electronic video game potentially needs assistance, and if so, automatically retrieve appropriate game strategy information from a local or remote datastore. The game strategy application may then send the retrieved game strategy information to the same or different client device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: CBS Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: John Davison, Simon Whitcombe, Robyn Tas
  • Patent number: 8753193
    Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with a reward generating asset, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and a time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Alexander Popovich, Cameron Anthony Filipour, Adam Singer, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Patent number: 8747200
    Abstract: An electronic hand held capture-the-light game apparatus in which the apparatus includes a controller, eleven light sources in a linear display and two oppositely disposed movable handles. One of the handles activates a compression switch when the handles are pressed together. The controller is programmed to include a series of games to be played on the apparatus that become progressively more difficult. The games provide that the light sources are momentarily illuminated in a predetermined sequence at a predetermined tempo, and object of the game for a player is to activate the compression switch when one of three light sources in a capture zone is illuminated. If successful, the player earns a reward, if not, the player loses one of a limited number of chances to continue the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Hasbro, Inc., Kid Group, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Klitsner, Hakan Diniz
  • Patent number: 8747199
    Abstract: A computerized system and method for measuring physical activity to advance play in a game. In example embodiments, a cell phone generates a screen display and the game is played through the mobile device. The measurement of physical activity progresses the player through the game by progressing the player through “game days,” by permitting the player to travel from a current location to another location on a map of the game, by earning rewards points for the player that may be utilized in game play, etc. A specified number of steps equates with a game day and a complete game is measured in game days. The device tracks physical activity, related game days, and completion of games. During a game day, a player advances in the game as well as encounters challenges and obstacles and may be prompted to make other decisions related to the game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Palmisano, Benjamin Gibson Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8747204
    Abstract: A system, method and device for playing SNAG-IT© on an electronic device is provided. The device includes an electronic circuit, an input device and a display. The method includes receiving a selection of the number and location of human players, the number of computer players and the number of decks for the game, a selection of the personality type and urges for each computer player; by the electronic. Next, the cards are electronically shuffled and each player is dealt a predetermined number of cards. An electronic game board is generated and displayed, and the electronic circuit provides each player a game turn in succession, until a game ending event occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pixel After Pixel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Whitehurst, Duayne Whitehurst
  • Publication number: 20140155129
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 8740683
    Abstract: In a fantasy league draft, prior to a user-participant making a player selection at a given draft position, a programmatic determination is made as to a likelihood that a particular player will be available for selection in one or more subsequent draft positions. The draft positions may be ones assigned to a particular user-participant, or any draft position a user-participant wants to consider. In one embodiment, the determination is then communicated to the user-participant prior to the user-participant making the payer selection in the given draft position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Sports Media, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Kasten
  • Patent number: 8734232
    Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a predetermined award presented in a manner in which a player's skill at the game appears to affect the amount of the award without actually having an effect on its amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bunch, Bryan M. Kelly, Sean C. Martin, Roderick Ang, Martin S. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8727848
    Abstract: A game with a housing with a number of colored buttons on the top. Each button has an outer color and small circle in the center of an inner color. The game announces a color randomly from the set of inner colors. The player must press the button with the inner circle of the announced color with a short interval. As buttons are correctly pressed, the game continues to announce random colors. As the game progresses, the time within which the correct button must be pressed decreases. If the wrong button is pressed or the interval expires, the game is terminated and the number of correct presses is announced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin G Reyes
  • Patent number: 8727879
    Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Takeshi Hayakawa, Norihiro Aoyagi, Seiki Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20140135085
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus comprising an input apparatus for inputting of a stake information in the form of a number, an outcome ascertainment apparatus for ascertaining a winning number, and a win ascertainment apparatus for ascertaining a gaming win from a comparison of the ascertained winning number with the input stake information. According to the invention, the outcome ascertainment apparatus comprises a monitoring apparatus for monitoring at least one skill/skilled sport installation on which a game of skill/skilled sport which provides at least one game outcome can be executed by at least one participant, wherein the monitoring apparatus comprises game outcome determination means for determining the game outcome, wherein the monitoring apparatus comprises a game outcome determination means for determining the game outcome, and a determination device for determining the winning number from the determined game outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventors: Harald KAIBLINGER, Florian Schrötter
  • Publication number: 20140135084
    Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that is configured to present a wagering event, linked to a physical game, to a player. The system includes a physical game configured to accept physical input from a player and generate performance outcome data representing outcomes of the physical game. The wagering system comprises a processor and memory and the memory contains machine readable code executable by the processor which receives the performance outcome data and accepts a wager to establish a wagering event for the player of the physical game. The gaming system processes the performance outcome data to either initiate the wagering event or change one or more aspects of the wagering event. Then, the system provides the wagering event by generating a random outcome, which is compared to one or more predetermined winning outcomes. A winning outcome results in an award to the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Rama Venkat, Aruhn V. Venkat
  • Patent number: 8721413
    Abstract: A puzzle game where the objective of the game is to create a target number of HEXA and DIA formations per level using a set of primary sub-formations. The game is further intensified by the introduction of secondary sub-formations and a set of Reward Buttons that are awarded for completing different formations. The present invention uses a novel way of scoring where points are calculated based on the formations created by a player and the time remaining in the level. Therefore, if a player finishes a level faster, the player gets additional points. There is also an Infinite game mode for PDA and mobile phone users that allows play until the battery in the device runs out or the device shuts off due to a low battery that has no set levels and set scoring based on various possible formations only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Skyecandy Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jameel Akhtab Mohammed, Faiaz Seddiq
  • Patent number: 8715048
    Abstract: An electronic game and method are set forth wherein the objective of the electronic game, playable by one or more persons, is to select moving or stationary game elements and move them to or otherwise cause them to make contact with a matched or otherwise associated goal and thus score points, and do so among a game space containing other moving and/or stationary game elements which themselves may be selected and moved by the player, and which if contacted by a user-controlled game element may result in either beneficial or detrimental consequences to the configuration of the playing field, the elements themselves, scoring, and progression of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: James J. Leftwich, Stephen S Doss
  • Patent number: 8715049
    Abstract: A first selecting section selects any one of a plurality of movement control information items. Relationship information between a first game character and a second game character in possess ion of a moving object is acquired. A second selecting section selects any one of the plurality of movement control information items based on a selection result obtained by the first selecting section and the relationship information. The first game character moves based on the movement control information selected by one of the first and second selecting sections. The second game character performs an action for moving the moving object toward a target position based on the movement control information selected by another one of the first and second selecting sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Yanagihara, Masaki Yoshino, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Yoshitsugu Hirai, Yuta Taki