50th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 44 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130331083 | WiFi ZAPPER SMART PHONE APPLICATION - A method and system for disabling traffic from a specific device or devices on a WiFi network via a remote script or other action. In one embodiment, the method is implemented as an application that executes on a device such as a smart phone (e.g., IOS iPhone, Android operating system device) or tablet (e.g., iPad). | 2013-12-12 |
20130331084 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AND RETRIEVING PROFILE DATA FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A method and system for backing up and restoring personal data are provided. The method includes establishing a first communication connection between the first communication device and an entity in a remote computer network upon detecting changes of personal data stored in a first communication device; communicating between the first communication device and the remote computer network entity an identity of an archival function to be performed over the first communication connection, wherein the archival function to be performed includes backing up the personal data; performing a backup function by receiving the changed personal data from the first communication device; establishing a second communication connection between a second communication device and the remote computer network entity; and performing a restore function using the second communication connection by transmitting the changed personal data from the remote computer network entity to the second communication device. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331085 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING USER SETTINGS FOR OVER-THE-AIR UPGRADES - A method and apparatus for performing a software upgrade are disclosed. The method determines a plurality of mobile endpoint devices affected by a wireless network access software upgrade, and schedules a deployment of the wireless network access software upgrade. The method transmits a notification to the plurality of mobile endpoint devices, wherein the notification is configured to cause each of the plurality of mobile endpoint devices to store user settings in a memory of each of the plurality of mobile endpoint devices. The method downloads the wireless network access software upgrade wirelessly to the plurality of mobile endpoint devices, wherein the wireless network access software upgrade is configured to cause each of the plurality of mobile endpoint devices to install the wireless network access software upgrade and to restore the user settings from the memory of each of the plurality of mobile endpoint devices. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331086 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONTROL OF OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A smartphone or other portable electronic device is used to control another electronic device using the existing audio output of the phone without modification. The audio link can be ultra-sonic, sub-sonic, or audible and, if the controlled device has an audio output, bi-directional communications may be achieved using the microphone of the smartphone. The smartphone acts as a control panel to program or operate the external device. In one disclosed example, the smartphone is used to control and tune a portable sports event radio using an acoustic link and tone pattern(s). | 2013-12-12 |
20130331087 | Location-Based Device Automation - This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying a presence of a plurality of mobile devices at a geographic location; determining an entertainment option to be played at the geographic location based on the identified plurality of mobile devices; and based on the determination, selecting an entertainment option to be played at the geographic location. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331088 | MOBILE TERMINAL FOR SMALL CELL CONFIGURATION AND MAINTENANCE - The claimed subject matter is directed to defining a framework that enables wireless communicability between base stations for maintenance and configuration purposes, even while disconnected from an operator network, and/or deployed in the field. Embodiments are particularly applicable in the cases of small-cell base transceiver stations deployed in inconvenient, secluded, elevated and/or difficult to reach locations. The small cell base transceiver station is operable to communicate wirelessly to wireless terminals and mobile computing devices by emulating select functionality from dedicated components in an operator network. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331089 | Optimizing Mobile User Data Storage - Systems and methods described herein provide a mechanism for optimizing the reception and storage of mobile user data. Data relating to mobile user location, behavior, and profiles are received from mobile users and stored at a storage system in an efficient manner. The efficiency is achieved by identifying what system parameters may be adjusted to reduce storage requirements while still providing sufficient data for useful analysis. System parameters that may change to reduce storage requirements include, e.g., the type of mobile user data collected, the frequency at which mobile user data is collected, the events or conditions that trigger data collection, and dynamically adjusting data collection upon detecting a number of event or time-based triggers. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331090 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING UE-TO-UE COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATION IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus and method for performing UE-to-UE cooperative communication in a wireless communication system are disclosed, by which implementation of a UE cooperative communication using a cellular network is facilitated. The present invention includes activating an application to perform the UE-to-UE cooperative communication, receiving first data via a first network from a base station recognizing that the application has been activated, receiving second data via a second network from a cooperative user equipment linked for the UE-to-UE cooperative communication, and performing a service by adding the first data and the second data together through the application, wherein the first network and the second network correspond to heterogeneous networks, respectively. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331091 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION FOR PUSH MESSAGING - A method, apparatus and machine readable medium are described for reducing power consumption for push messaging. For example, a method in accordance with one embodiment comprises the operations of: registering with a push notification service over a first communication interface, the push notification service to push notifications to the wireless client in response to detected events; detecting that a usable connection to the push notification service may be established over a second communication interface, the second communication interface being an interface which will be operative for reasons other than a connection to the push notification service; responsively disconnecting from the push notification service over the first communication interface and re-connecting over the second communication interface; and temporarily powering down the first communication interface. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331092 | DEVICES FOR DETERMINING WHETHER TO SCAN FOR CELLULAR SERVICE - A wireless communication device for determining whether to scan for cellular service is described. The wireless communication device includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Executable instructions are stored in the memory. The wireless communication device obtains a location of the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device also obtains a distance between the wireless communication device and a cellular service area. The wireless communication device also determines whether the distance is less than a threshold. The wireless communication device additionally avoids scanning for cellular service if the distance is not less than the threshold. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331093 | MULTIMODE TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR RELAYING MOBILE COMMUNICATION USING THE SAME - Disclosed are a multimode terminal that may simultaneously enhance utilization of a device and efficiency of a network by enabling a mobile terminal supporting a plurality of communication schemes to additionally support a relay function, and a method of relaying communication using the multimode terminal. A communication relay method of a multimode terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: searching, by a base station, for terminals that support a plurality of communication schemes; selecting, by the base station from among the searched terminals, a relay terminal that satisfies a predetermined condition for performing a multimode relay function; requesting, by the base station, the relay terminal to perform the multimode relay function; and relaying, by the relay terminal in response to the request of the base station, communication between the base station and a target terminal. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331094 | Multiple Abstraction Layers Within a Communication Device - In a method of processing data in a communication device operating in a heterogeneous communication network, data is transferred between a first communication interface within the communication device and an upper protocol layer via a first abstraction layer (AL) processing unit. The first AL processing unit is dedicated to the first communication interface. Additionally, data is transferred between the first AL processing unit and a second AL processing unit within the communication device via an interface between the first AL processing unit and the second AL processing unit. The first AL processing unit is dedicated to a second communication interface within the communication device. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331095 | Method, Server and Database for Resolving Local Dialing Plans in IMS Networks - A Local Dialing Routing Application Server (LDR-AS) for resolving local dialing plans by a roaming mobile device in regard to a visiting network in which the mobile device is located with a Local Dialing Database (LDD) of the visiting network. The LDR-AS of a home network of the mobile device spatially distinct from the visiting network. Methods for resolving local dialing plans by a roaming mobile device with respect to a visiting network. A Local Dialing Database (LDD) for resolving local dialing plans by a roaming mobile device. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331096 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SUBSCRIBER IDENTITY MANAGEMENT IN A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods and systems for managing a pool of subscriber identities, and wirelessly provisioning mobile devices to use one or more of the subscriber identities when a subscriber is roaming on a different network. When a subscriber's mobile device connects to a visited network, a subscriber identity server can be notified. The subscriber identity server may have access to a plurality of available subscriber identities (e.g., registered to various service providers), and may select a suitable subscriber identity matching the subscriber's visited network. The subscriber identity can be communicated to the subscriber's mobile device, which can be reprogrammed to assume the new subscriber identity. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331097 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISCOVERING NEIGHBOR NODES IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK - A method for processing a first node to configure a neighbor network in a wireless communication system including the first node and one or more second nodes neighboring the first node. The method includes generating discovery information; and broadcasting the generated discovery information to one or more of the second nodes. The discovery information includes information of the first node, an indicator indicating whether to receive the discovery information and accept the relay of the received discovery information to other nodes, and a hop limit indicating the number of available relays of the discovery information. A value of the indicator is set through an input of a user. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331098 | Automatically Determining and Alerting Users to Available Wireless Networks - Automatically determining and alerting a user to available wireless networks. Initially, the method may automatically determine that one or more wireless networks are available to a wireless device at a location. The method may determine if the wireless device has been present at the first location for more than a threshold amount of time, e.g., based on periodic determination of the available wireless networks to the wireless device. Based on the wireless device being present at the first location for more than the threshold amount of time, an alert may be automatically displayed to the user on a display of the wireless device. The alert may indicate at least one wireless network of the one or more wireless networks at the first location. The wireless device may connect to wireless network indicated by the alert in response to user input. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331099 | METHOD OF BARRING ACCESS TO NETWORK, MOBILE DEVICE FOR THE METHOD, AND PROCESSOR USED IN MOBILE DEVICE - When a network is in a state of requiring any sort of access barring, determining whether a special type access class is included as an access class to which an own device belongs, determining appropriateness of an access by referring to, from barring information, a first barring information for designating whether a mobile device belonging to each access class is subject to access barring when having determined that the special type access class is included, and determining the appropriateness of an access by referring to, from the barring information, second barring information indicating a value serving as a reference for determining the appropriateness of an access according to a relationship between a numerical value generated by each mobile device and the reference indicated by the second barring information when having determined that the special type access class is included. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331100 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PROVIDING SMALL CELL INFORMATION TO USER EQUIPMENTS IN A HETEROGENEOUS NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - A method and a system for providing small cell information to a user equipment in a heterogeneous network environment are provided. A user equipment sends a request to a network entity for providing availability of one or more small cells in its proximity. The network entity obtains location information associated with the user equipment and retrieves a small cell map displaying the one or more small cells from a map database. Then, the network entity determines whether the one or more small cells are in the proximity of the user equipment using the small cell map. Accordingly, the network entity provides a notification indicating availability of the one or more small cells to the user equipment. Moreover, the user equipment initiates a scan for the one or more small cells based on the received notification. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331101 | Automatically Modifying Wireless Network Connection Policies Based on User Activity Levels - Modifying network connection policies of a wireless device based on user activity levels. One or more activity indicators of the wireless device may be monitored. One or more criteria for wireless network blacklisting may be selected based on the one or more activity indicators. The criteria may include different types of connectivity problems. A wireless network may be detected. The wireless network may be monitored for connectivity problems. The wireless network may be blacklisted if connectivity problems meeting the selected criteria for wireless network blacklisting are determined to have occurred. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331102 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION NOTIFICATION FOR OVER-THE-AIR ACTIVATION - A method and system automatically activates a mobile station in a wireless communications network. The system includes an over the air activation function (OTAF) processor in the network that initiates an activation process in response to receiving a registration message from a mobile switching center serving the mobile station requesting the activation. Each mobile station has a unit of information stored into it at the time of its manufacture to enable it to request over the air activation. That unit of information is either the network routing address of the OTAF processor, or alternately, it is a value that is translatable into that address, either an OTAF ID number that is the same value for every mobile station or it is a sequentially serialized dummy value for the mobile identification number (a dummy MIN). | 2013-12-12 |
20130331103 | Apparatus and Method for Selecting HO Triggers - The disclosed solution dynamically selects a handover trigger for triggering handover of a mobile terminal in a wireless network from a source base station to a target base station based on one or more Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Each KPI indicates a quality of wireless services provided by the wireless network responsive to a particular handover trigger. A trigger selection circuit selects one of multiple candidate triggers as the handover trigger based on a comparison between corresponding KPIs for different ones of the candidate triggers. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331104 | BASE STATION APPARATUS, USER EQUIPMENT, AND METHOD USED IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A disclosed base station apparatus to be used in a mobile communication system includes a report signal receiving unit, receiving a report signal from one or more user equipment terminals, a radio parameter adjustment unit adjusting radio parameters based on an analysis result of each report signal, a designation unit designating a report condition to be used for each user equipment terminal to determine whether to transmit the report signal and content to be reported in the report signal, and a report unit reporting the report condition and the content to be reported to the one or more user equipment terminals. Further, in the base station apparatus, the report condition is satisfied when a transmission source of a downlink reference signal is a specific cell, and the content to be reported includes a received quality value of the downlink reference signal. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331105 | Identifying Mobile Station in a Cellular Wireless Communication System - A method of facilitating identification of a user equipment (UE) is disclosed. A first network control node (NCN) receives an radio link failure (RLF) indication message including a first mobile identity indicator (MII) of a UE. The first NCN determines a second MII of the UE, the second MII being associated with the first MII, and a second NCN associated with the second MII. And the first NCN sends the second MII to the second NCN. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331106 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR SAVING USER EQUIPMENT POWER BY SEARCH LENGTH REDUCTION - The present disclosure presents example methods and apparatuses for improved cell searching in a wireless communications environment. For example, the disclosure presents example methods that can include computing a predicted serving signal strength associated with a serving cell where a mobility state of a user equipment is one of a stationary state or a low mobility state. Furthermore, in an aspect, the example method can include ascertaining a search threshold based at least on the predicted serving signal strength and generating a search integration length based on at least the search threshold. In addition, some example methods may include scanning for one or more reselection candidate cells based on at least the search integration length, wherein each of the one or more reselection candidate cells has a cell signal strength greater than the search threshold. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331107 | RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICES, INFORMATION PROVIDERS, METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AN INFORMATION PROVIDER - In an embodiment, a radio communication device may be provided. The radio communication device may include a first receiver configured to receive from a first cell first data representing a content encoded using a first codec; a second receiver configured to receive from a second cell second data representing the content encoded using a second codec; and a combiner configured to combine the first data and the second data. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331108 | COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - A communication apparatus includes a first CPU that is capable of executing a communication process at a first processing speed; a measuring unit that measures a first transmission speed when the communication process is executed with a base station; a collecting unit that collects from at least one other apparatus, a second transmission speed between the base station and the apparatus, and a second processing speed of a second CPU included in the other apparatus based on the first transmission speed; a determining unit that determines whether the communication process is to be transferred to the other apparatus, based on the second transmission speed and the second processing speed; and a transferring unit that transfers the communication process to the other apparatus based on a determination result. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331109 | Cell Cluster Network Performance Optimizations - The techniques and systems described herein are directed, in part, to optimizing network performance by repeatedly clustering cell sites of the network and optimizing each cluster of cell sites, thereby optimizing performance of a network as a whole. The cell sites may be base stations, radio access networks, and/or other hardware that directly or indirectly exchanges communications with user devices such as mobile telecommunication devices (e.g., user handsets, user hardware, etc.). By optimizing the clusters of cell sites, a service provider (e.g., a telecommunications company, etc.) may improve network performance in less time and/or with less capital resources than attempting to optimize each cell site on an individual basis. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331110 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, BASE STATION, AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHOD - A base station performs an association between frequency range and combinations of a plurality of base stations including an local base station to notify a terminal of the association. According to the notified association, the terminal, for each frequency, calculates quality of communication with one base station or quality of communication with the combination of the plurality of base stations. The base station and the control station determine the base station/the plurality of base stations that communicate with the terminal, the wireless resource and the transmission scheme, based on the result. Further, the base station selects whether to notify an entirety of or a part of the association to the terminal using positional information of the terminal. Since the association information that is unnecessary for the terminal is not communicated, it is possible to further lighten the load of control. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331111 | WIRELESS MOBILE COMMUNICATION METHOD - A wireless mobile communication method is provided. If a wireless mobile communication service arrives at a core network, the core network sends a paging signal to at least one macro base station and at least one Femto gateway. After the macro base station receives the paging signal, the macro base station pages the at least one mobile station within the coverage of the macro base station. The Femto gateway blocks the paging signal sent from the core network, so that the at least one Femto base station covered by the Femto gateway does not page the mobile station. After a destination mobile station receives the paging signal, the destination mobile station establishes a signaling connection, so that a call to a destination mobile station is established. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331112 | SUBSCRIBER STATION, RESOURCE ALLOCATION METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - The present invention relates to a subscriber station, resource allocation method, and non-transitory computer readable medium thereof. The subscriber station using in a femtocell network comprises a receiving interface and a processor. The receiving interface receives a frame of the femtocell network. The processor, electrically connected to the receiving interface, blindly decodes a first logical frequency resource unit (LRU) of a frequency partition of the frame to obtain an allocation message, determines the allocation message is relative to the subscriber station, and proceeds a data transmission in the femtocell network according to the allocation message. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331113 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TILE-BASED REDUCTION OF ACCESS POINT LOCATION INFORMATION - Embodiments of a system and method for tile-based reduction of access point location information are described. Embodiments may reduce a set of network access points and respective locations to generate a reduced set. For instance, embodiments may include parsing a representation of a geographic region into multiple tiles. Embodiments may also include, for each sub-area or “bucket” of multiple buckets that make up a given tile, evaluating the set of network access points and respective locations to identify network access points residing in that bucket, and based on a ranking of the network access points in that bucket, eliminating at least some network access points of that sub-area from the reduced set. Embodiments may also include, for each sub-tile of multiple sub-tiles of the given tile, assigning within the reduced set a common location to multiple access points residing within different locations of that sub-tile. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331114 | ADJACENT NETWORK AWARE SELF ORGANIZING NETWORK SYSTEM - A network resource device is associated with a first wireless network that is configured to provide wireless services in a first geographic area. The network resource device comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the processor, perform the following method: obtaining performance metrics data of a second wireless network, the second wireless network being configured to provide wireless communication services in a second geographic area that overlaps with the first geographic area; and changing a configuration parameter associated with the first wireless network based on the second performance data obtained in order to reduce interference generated by the first wireless network towards the second wireless network. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331115 | COMMUNICATION OF DATA USING INDEPENDENT DOWNLINK AND UPLINK CONNECTIONS - In communication of data between a first base station and a mobile terminal, a second base station may handle uplink transmissions from the mobile terminal. For this purpose, the first base station sends, to the second base station, a request to handle the uplink transmissions from the mobile terminal. The handling of the uplink transmissions to be performed by the second base station includes scheduling of the uplink transmissions so as to obtain uplink scheduling information. Via a backhaul link, the second base station transmits the uplink scheduling information to the first base station. The first base station includes the uplink scheduling information into downlink transmissions to the mobile terminal. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331116 | TRANSMITTING INITIATION DETAILS FROM A MOBILE DEVICE - Act initiation details can be automatically selected based on time information in a time-based object in a mobile device. In response to a gesture made with the mobile device and sensing a proximity of the mobile device to a receiving device, the selected act initiation details can be transmitted to the receiving device. The act initiation details may be call initiation details that can be received from the mobile device at the receiving device. The receiving device can use the call initiation details to place a telephone call represented by the call initiation details without using the mobile device as a telephone for the call. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331117 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WHITE SPACE DATABASE DISCOVERY - Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products herein enable a communication device to determine contact information for at least one white space database. One example method may include causing location indication information to be transmitted to a white space database discovery server. The method may further include receiving address information for one or more white space databases from the white space database discovery server based at least in part on the location indication information. The method may further include causing a connection with at least one of the one or more white space databases based on the address information. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331118 | PERFORMING ENHANCED BACKGROUND LOCATION SCANS TO FACILITATE LOCATION-BASED GEO-FENCING - The disclosed embodiments facilitate location awareness in mobile computing devices while also reducing power consumption. A baseband processor performs background scanning of wireless networks, tracking the status of surrounding wireless networks while a primary application processor operates in a lower-power sleep state. Upon detecting a wireless network of interest, the baseband processor notifies (and wakes up) the application processor. The baseband processor can also be configured to track a subset of the wireless networks detected from previous scans to facilitate trajectory tracing. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331119 | Global-Positioning System (GPS) Update Interval Based on Sensor - In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting at a pre-determined polling frequency an activation signal waking from a sleep mode an application on a mobile computing device and causing the application to activate a location service of the mobile computing device for a pre-determined sampling duration. The pre-determined polling frequency and the pre-determined sampling duration are determined at least in part by detecting a movement of the mobile computing device. The method also includes receiving location data from the mobile computing device after the pre-determined sampling duration. The location data is responsive to a transmission signal. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331120 | POSITIONING - An exemplary method includes: receiving at each of at least three antenna elements of a positioning device a wireless signal having modulated thereon an identifier relating to a transmitting device; obtaining complex signal parameters of a signal received at each of the at least three antenna elements; determining a measure of a strength of the received wireless signal; comparing the measure to a threshold associated with the identifier; if the measure exceeds the threshold, processing the complex signal parameters to determine a bearing of the transmitting device from the positioning device; and if the measure does not exceed the threshold, discarding the complex signal parameters without processing them to determine a bearing. An exemplary apparatus and computer readable medium configured to perform the method are also disclosed. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331121 | WI-FI ENHANCED TRACKING ALGORITHMS - Disclosed herein is the use of Wi-Fi based location estimates of a mobile device to provide global offset corrections (including automated initialization) and enhanced navigation accuracy through delivery of heading corrections. In an embodiment, dead reckoning tracking data may be received for a tracked subject. The tracking data includes a plurality of tracking points forming a tracking path of the tracked subject. A Wi-Fi position system location estimate is also obtained. The Wi-Fi position system location estimate is one of a plurality of Wi-Fi position system location estimates correlated to the dead reckoning tracking data. And a tracking related parameter is determined based on the correlation of the dead reckoning tracking data to the Wi-Fi position system location estimate. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331122 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING DISCOVERY OF PREFERRED MOBILE COMPUTING LOCATIONS - A method for improving discovery of preferred mobile computing locations includes monitoring sensor data corresponding to a mobile computing device (MCD) and monitoring non-GPS network data implemented by the mobile computing device. Additionally, the method determines whether sensor data and non-GPS network data indicate that the mobile computing device is stationary within a cell site as well as scanning any network that the mobile computing device is electronically linked to. In short, the method discovers an improved preferred mobile computing location based on the sensor data and non-GPS network data that provide reliable information that the mobile computing device is stationary within the cell site. The sensor data and non-GPS network data are converged when several corresponding scans produce overlapping results. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331123 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING DISCOVERY OF PREFERRED MOBILE COMPUTING LOCATIONS - A method for improving discovery of preferred mobile computing locations includes monitoring sensor data corresponding to a mobile computing device (MCD) and monitoring non-GPS network data implemented by the mobile computing device. Additionally, the method determines whether sensor data and non-GPS network data indicate that the mobile computing device is stationary within a cell site as well as scanning any network that the mobile computing device is electronically linked to. In short, the method discovers an improved preferred mobile computing location based on the sensor data and non-GPS network data that provide reliable information that the mobile computing device is stationary within the cell site. The sensor data and non-GPS network data are converged when several corresponding scans produce overlapping results. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331124 | Location Tracking - One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for tracking a wireless device are disclosed. For example, a method includes receiving signal strength data for each of a plurality of access points. The signal strength data from the plurality of access points is compared to identify an anchor access point having a highest signal strength. Remaining signal strength data from the plurality of access points are compared to a threshold signal strength to identify at least one attractor access point. A memory is accessed for locations of the anchor access point and the at least one attractor access point. A pull point is calculated along a line from the anchor access point to the at least one attractor access point. A location of the wireless device is estimated as an average of the pull point and the location of the anchor access point. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331125 | COOPERATIVE LOCALISATION OF RADIO APPARATUSES - A cooperative localisation process for determining the absolute position of an apparatus to be localized includes a plurality of cooperator apparata able to cooperate, through the exchange of messages and data, in the localisation of the apparatus to be localized. The cooperator apparata are equipped with at least one direct, apparatus-to-apparatus radio transmission and reception system for messages and data, and components for estimating the distance between apparata of the set of cooperator apparata. The cooperative localisation apparata able to implement this process are also described. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331126 | USER DEVICE RADIO ACTIVITY OPTIMIZATION IN DEAD ZONES - A user device may determine whether the user device is located within a dead zone; periodically search, using a first process, for a cellular tower of a cellular network when the user device is not located within the dead zone; and periodically search, using a second process, for a cellular tower of the cellular network when the user device is located within the dead zone. The second process may consume less power of the user device than the first process. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331127 | PROXIMITY-BASED NOTIFICATIONS IN A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods, program products, and systems for proximity-based notifications are described. A proximity-based notification system can receive a request to be notified when a contact's mobile device is in proximity to a user's mobile device, obtain permission to receive information associated with the contact, receive the information associated with the contact, detect that the contact's mobile device is in proximity to the user's mobile device based on the information associated with the contact, and notify the user that the contact's mobile device is in proximity to the user's mobile device. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331128 | GEOFENCE WITH KALMAN FILTER - A least squares geofence method that minimizes trigger misfires caused by data variability and location blunders and minimizes delayed/missed entry triggers generated under urban or indoor conditions. The least squares geofence method uses a weighted least squares (LS) model to compute a location estimate for a target device. A LS location estimate is used to determine if a target device is located inside or outside a predefined geofence. The present invention additionally comprises a Kalman filter geofence method that further improves the accuracy of entry/exit geofence triggers. A Kalman filter geofence method uses a Kalman filter to filter location data retrieved for a target device. Filtered location data is used to determine if a target device is located inside or outside a predefined geofence. A Kalman filter geofence method estimates velocity and heading information for a target device to generate accurate entry/exit geofence triggers for devices in fast moving mode. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331129 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING IMAGES AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION DATA IN A MOBILE DEVICE - A method and system for managing images and associated geographic location data in a mobile device uses an integrated camera to generate one or more images. After generating an image, the system determines a geographic location associated with the image. The system then stores the image, the associated geographic location data, and a record of the association in the mobile device's storage component. The system may also associate supplemental information, such as telephone number, category, and street address, with the image. The system provides one or more display modes for displaying the image and the associated information. The display modes may include a list mode for displaying multiple images and portions of the associated data and a detail mode for displaying a selected image and the full set of associated data. The system may also provide a map display mode for displaying locations associated with one or more images on a map of a geographical area. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331130 | Visualization of Network Members Based on Location and Direction - Methods, devices and systems enable efficient organizations of group communications on a mobile device. The mobile device may be configured to receive location information from other mobile devices in a communication system, determine the current location and orientation of the mobile device, determine directions and distances from the mobile device to each of the other mobile devices, and generate a first-person perspective and/or top-down perspective display showing relative locations of the other mobile devices. Other multiple mobile devices may be represented in the display as images (e.g., icons, avatars, directional indicators, etc.). The display may provide a user interface to enable a user to quickly organize other mobile devices into groups and initiate group communications with some of the other mobile devices. The mobile device may be configured to group the displayed images into one or more communication units and establish communication links with mobile devices in the communication units. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331131 | Event Tagging For Mobile Networks - Providing for improved network event tagging for mobile communications is described herein. By way of example, a mobile network can be configured to take periodic geographic positions of a mobile terminal operating within the mobile network. Network events occurring between the periodic geographic positions, otherwise partially unknown in position, can be estimated by referencing topographical information and estimating a route of travel of the mobile device. Estimated speed of the mobile device can be utilized to place the mobile device on a road network, cycling route, pedestrian walkway, or the like, and refine the estimated position of the mobile device at the time of the network event. Such estimates can be refined from traffic information or other real-time travel data. An estimated position of the mobile device can be output as an approximation of the network event to facilitate event modeling for the mobile network. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331132 | MOBILE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MESSAGING - A mobile device and method are provided for controlling messaging. The method includes receiving a send request for a message from a user; analyzing a writing style of content of the message; comparing the writing style with a user behavior pattern that is pre-set for a standard writing style of the user to determine whether a non-standard writing style is detected; and withholding sending the message, upon detecting the non-standard writing style. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331133 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO TWO OR MORE ASSOCIATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES - A method is performed by a message-originating communication device. The method includes inputting, by the device's user interface, a request to deliver a message to a first address. The device accesses, in response to receiving the request, a memory to determine a second address that is associated in the memory with the first address. The device then transmits the message to the first address and transmits the message to the second address. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331134 | METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING MINI-MESSAGES AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE - To reduce the call cost for user messages of a few tens of bytes through a mobile telephone network ( | 2013-12-12 |
20130331135 | INTER-DEVICE SESSION CONNECTIVITY ENHANCEMENT - Devices and methods are provided for managing device-to-device (D2D) communications session in a wireless-enabled communication environment. A first client node comprises a database containing location and ID information associated with a plurality of second client nodes. The location information in the database is updated as individual second client nodes change their location. As the location information is updated, it is processed by the first client node to determine the distance between it and an individual second client node. If the distance between the first client node and the individual second client node is within a viable D2D communications range, then the user of the first client node is notified that a D2D communications session can be initiate with the individual second client node. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331136 | Method And Apparatus For Coordinated Beamforming - Various methods and devices are provided to improve wireless communications. In one method, a need for additional wireless service in a target area is detected ( | 2013-12-12 |
20130331137 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COEXISTENCE OF WIRELESS SUBSYSTEMS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Methods and apparatus to mitigate interference among multiple wireless subsystems of a wireless communication device are described. A host processor obtains configurations for a plurality of wireless subsystems and evaluates whether potential or actual coexistence interference exists between two or more of the wireless subsystems. The host processor provides configuration information and link quality reporting parameters to and obtains link quality reports from at least two wireless subsystems. When link quality for at least one wireless subsystem fails a set of link quality conditions, the host processor adjusts data requirements for applications that communicate through one or more of the wireless subsystems and/or adjusts radio frequency operating conditions for one or more of the wireless subsystems to mitigate interference among the wireless subsystems. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331138 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING SIGNAL IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Methods, a Base Station (BS), and a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving a signal are provided. The method for transmitting a signal by a first BS in a wireless communication system includes receiving control information including information related to transmission of a Reference Signal (RS) by one or more second BSs, from the one or more second BSs which are neighboring BSs of the first BS, and transmitting signals to a UE based on information as to a second resource identified in the received control information, wherein the second resource corresponds to an identical resource to that used by the one or more second BSs for transmitting the RS. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331139 | System and Method for Establishing an Incident Communications Network - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for establishing incident communications networks. In an embodiment, the system includes an incident controller, a communications resource database that stores communications resources information and a marshalling rules module that stores a set of marshalling rules. A marshalling rule identifies how to select the communications resources to be marshaled into the incident communications network based on an incident trigger. Upon receipt of an incident trigger, the incident controller is configured to establish the incident communications network by obtaining a marshalling rule based on the incident trigger. The incident controller marshals communications resources based on the marshalling rule and the communications resources determined to be available. Information sources can either provide an incident trigger (e.g., a hurricane warning) or provide data to be analyzed to determine an incident trigger. In an embodiment, an incident communications network includes one or more mobile interoperability workstation. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331140 | METHOD OF OPERATING A BASE STATION AND BASE STATION - The present invention relates to a method of operating a base station ( | 2013-12-12 |
20130331141 | Methods And Apparatus For Use In Facilitating Communication For Different Types Of Wireless Networks - Techniques in a wireless device for facilitating communication for different types of wireless networks are described. The device displays a list of identifiers of wireless networks, and receives an input request for selecting one of the wireless networks for communication. When the selected wireless network is of a first type, the device attempts to establish a connection with the selected wireless network. When the selected wireless network is of a second type, the device launches or displays an input prompt to launch an application having a stored association with a device type of the selected wireless network. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331142 | EXTENSIBLE INFOTAINMENT/TELEMATICS SYSTEM HAVING FIXED BASE UNIT CONTROL OF A PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - An infotainment/telematics system includes a fixed base unit adapted to execute a set of stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics functions, and a portable communication device adapted to execute a stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device may be connected for intelligent communication with one another to allow the fixed base unit to control and access the stand-alone infotainment and/or telematics function of the portable communication device. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331143 | Adjusting Power of a Control Channel Based on a Characteristic of a Message in the Control Channel - An entity, such as a base station, in a wireless communications network performs power control of a control channel based on one or more characteristics of a message in the control channel. For example, the control channel can be a paging channel. The one or more characteristics include, as examples, the size and/or the type of message in the control channel. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331144 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN A CONVERGED WIRELESS TRANSMIT/RECEIVE UNIT - The present invention is a method and apparatus for minimizing power consumption in a converged WTRU. In a preferred embodiment, power consumption is minimized by coordinating battery management of the various RATs supported by the converged WTRU. A coordinated multi-RAT battery management (CMRBM) unit is used by the converged WTRU to minimize power consumption. The CMRBM unit monitors various power and link metrics of the various RATs supported by the converged WTRU, and coordinates power states of the converged WTRU. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331145 | MEASURING SYSTEM FOR MOBILE THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGING SYSTEM - A mobile device including an imaging device with a display and capable of obtaining a pair of images of a scene having a disparity between the pair of images. The imaging device estimating the distance between the imaging device and a point in the scene indicated by a user on the display. The imaging device displaying the scene on the display. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331146 | METHOD AND APPARTUS TO MEASURE SIZE OF TROPHY GAME - The instant invention is a ribbon for use with sport fishing in conjunction with a GPS-enabled smart-phone. The ribbon tape is calculated in terms of estimated weight allowing an ocean weigh-in, versus a dock located weigh-in, to meet the fishing tournament requirements and/or a recreational angler's requirements, and the GPS-enabled smart-phone allows accurate documentation of the catch for competition or recreational purposes. The ribbon tape of the instant invention provides an estimate of fish weights based upon fish length, the fish weights based upon a statistical averaging of a particular fish species. The objective of the invention is to eliminate the destruction of fish caught only for the purpose of determining fish size and weight, and to eliminate the risk caused by tournament fishing boats racing back to weigh-in stations. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331147 | SERVICE PROVIDING SYSTEM INCLUDING DISPLAY DEVICE AND MOBILE DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SERVICE USING THE SAME - A display device provided to a vehicle includes a communication unit which communicates with a mobile device, a control unit which acquires a keyword in a call conversation if the mobile device makes a call, and a display unit which displays additional information corresponding to the keyword. Accordingly, the display device can provide the user with services corresponding to keywords of the call conversation with convenience. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331148 | Image Modifying Assembly for Smart Devices - An image modifying assembly for connection to a smart device, such as a smartphone or smartpad, is disclosed. The assembly includes an adapter case for receiving the smart device, a connector attached to the adapter case, a locking collar operably associated with the connector for removable attachment thereto, and a clamping device having a first clamping portion for connection to the locking collar, a second clamping portion spaced from the first clamping portion, and a bore extending between the first and second clamping portions. The bore together with the locking collar and opening provide an optical path for the camera associated with the smart device. The second clamping portion is adapted for connection to an image modifying device, such as a spotting scope, lens, night vision monocular, and so on, to thereby modify an image before it is received by the camera. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331149 | TACTILE INDICATION OF TRANSMISSION QUALITY IMPAIRMENTS - Systems and methods for providing a tactile alert or indication of a condition comprising a transmission quality impairment affecting a communication device are provided. More particularly, in response to detecting a transmission quality impairment, a tactile alert can be provided to the user of the communication device. The tactile alert can be varied in a recognizable way to indicate the type and/or degree of impairment. The generation of a tactile alert allows the user to be apprised of the condition, which may prevent the provision of speech or other input by the user from being clearly received by other communication endpoints, to be provided with certainty. Moreover, the condition can be communicated in compliance with communication device accessibility requirements. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331150 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes a housing, a display module, and a touch panel. On the housing, an opening is formed. The display module is fixed to the inside of the housing in such a way that a display surface faces the side of the opening. The touch panel is placed to be opposed to the display surface of the display module via a first elastic member placed on the display surface of the display module, and is fixed to the housing via a second elastic member placed on the housing. Hardness of the first elastic member is higher than that of the second elastic member. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331151 | COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, PROCESSOR, AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL METHOD - In a communication terminal, a communication occurrence notifying unit detects occurrence of data communication. A determining unit determines whether the data communication occurs and whether an SCRI is transmitted based on a time set in a timer. A transmitting unit transits the SCRI to a network according to the determination result of the determining unit. The determining unit determines whether the SCRI is transmitted based on an expiration time of “N×S” seconds longer than “N×P” seconds, after the SCRI is transmitted in accordance with expiration of “N×P” seconds. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331152 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A mobile terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one other terminal; a display configured to display a first screen layer corresponding to one of a back screen of the mobile terminal and an execution screen of an application installed on the mobile terminal, and to display a second screen layer corresponding to a note function of the mobile terminal; and a controller configured to control the display to selectively display the second screen layer based on an input request for requesting the second screen layer, to receive a touch input on the first or second screen layers and to execute a function corresponding to the received touch input on the first or second screen layers. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331153 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WEARABLE WIRELESS SPEAKERPHONE - A wearable wireless speakerphone that can be worn by a user on their bodies either by attachment to their garments or other accessories by means of a variety of clips, magnets or worn around the neck using a lanyard to provide a hands-free means of communication with a smart phone or other smart devices. An exemplary embodiment of the invention combines the wireless speakerphone of the invention with a corporate badge or other badges worn by a user in the course of their work to enable them to communicate with their smart phones or other devices or with their co-workers smart phones or devices so that their hands are free to accomplish the tasks that they are engaged in. The wireless speakerphone uses a PCB circuitry for wireless and/or hands-free connectivity with the latest Bluetooth protocol 4 or other advanced protocols including, but not limited to RF, RFID, NFC, WIFI protocols. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331154 | WIRE ARRANGEMENT STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A wire arrangement structure includes a first fixed rod, a second fixed rod, a movable rod, a wire, and an elastic member. The elastic member is connected to the movable rod. When the second fixed rod slides relative to the first fixed rod, the elastic member provides a force to move the movable rod to adjust the length of the wire. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331155 | MOBILE DEVICE CASE WITH REMOVABLY INSERTABLE CORNERS - A mobile device case including a housing sized to receive a mobile device. The housing includes at least one corner defining an aperture there through. A corner element is included and is removeably insertable within the aperture. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331156 | BACK CASE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A back case for use with a portable electronic device has a connection element for electrical connection with the portable electronic device. The back case is characterized in that the back case has a back cover and a sidewall; the back case has a receiving space; the back cover has a plurality of holes; the holes are positioned proximate to an end side of the back cover; the portable electronic device is received in the receiving space provided by the back case; the holes provides a resilient deformation force for the back case, so as for the portable electronic device to be fixed in place by the sidewall. Due to the holes of the back case, the back case can be mounted on or dismounted from the portable electronic device easily. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331157 | PROGRAMMABLE GAME-BASED HAPTIC ENABLED GUN CONTROLLER - Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331158 | IMPLEMENTING CHALLENGES IN SINGLE-PLAYER GAMES - A method of implementing challenges in single-player games starts with a server receiving a challenge from a first mobile device and transmitting the challenge to a second mobile device. The challenge may include a high score or an achievement of a single-player game obtained on the first mobile device. The server may determine that a new high score is obtained on the second mobile device that is equal or greater than the high score included in the challenge or that the achievement is completed on the second mobile device. The server may then transmit a notification to the first mobile device that the challenge has been completed. If the server determines that the new high score is obtained, the notification may include a new challenge from the second mobile device to the first mobile device and the new challenge may include the new high score. Other embodiments are also described. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331159 | GAME MACHINE AND METHOD OF GENERATING SENSOR CORRECTION DATA THEREFOR - A game machine which comprises: a self-propelling vehicle as a traveling body capable of traveling on a travel surface; and a sensor capable of outputting an output signal corresponding to a change of physical state of each of cell portions arranged two-dimensionally along the travel region, the physical state changing depending on positional relation to the self-propelling vehicle, and detects the position of self-propelling vehicle based on the output signal by the sensor, wherein the travel surface is sectioned into plural regions, and when each region changes from a region where the self-propelling vehicle exists to a vacant region where no self-propelling vehicle exists in relays the output signal by the sensor relating to the vacant region is obtained, and the output signal of each vacant region obtained is combined together to generate correction data for the sensor. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331160 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine comprises: a chasses having a top plate and a section plate arranged at a lower surface side of the top plate to make space; a traveling body arranged in the space and capable of traveling along an upper surface of the section plate; and a sensor outputting signal corresponding to a position of the traveling body, the sensor having a flexible sheet-like detection portion that is laid on the section plate and a substrate portion being provided with an electric circuit component for detecting the position using the detection portion and connected with an end portion of the detection portion. In the game machine, the end portion of the detection portion of the sensor is bent along a side surface of the chassis from a circumferential edge portion of the section plate, and the substrate portion is attached to the chassis at the side surface. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331161 | IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, PUZZLE GAME SYSTEM, IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD, PUZZLE GAME METHOD, IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE, PUZZLE GAME DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY PROGRAM AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM ENCODED WITH A COMPUTER-READABLE PUZZLE GAME PROGRAM - An image display system that has access to a display unit capable of stereoscopic display is provided. The image display system includes a background setting unit for setting a two-dimensional stereo image for stereoscopic view as a background; a reference surface setting unit for setting a reference surface in a virtual space such that the reference surface corresponds to a pseudo-surface that appears to exist in the two-dimensional stereo image when the two-dimensional stereo image is stereoscopically displayed; an object placing unit for placing at least an object on the reference surface; a stereoscopic image creating unit for creating an image for stereoscopic view, based on a stereo image created by picking-up an image of the object using a stereo virtual camera in the virtual space and on the two-dimensional stereo image; and a display control unit for causing the display unit to display the image for stereoscopic view. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331162 | MATCH THREE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A gaming system, comprising a graphic user interface generated by a processor for a display device, the graphic user interface further comprising a field having a N×M matrix of spaces, wherein N and M are integers greater than three, and wherein each space of the matrix includes one of a plurality of different items. A cursor having an associated item and configured to allow a user to exchange a selected item from the field with the cursor item. Wherein forming a predetermined arrangement of three or more identical items results in the items within the arrangement being removed from the field. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331163 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331164 | ELECTRONIC METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL PLAYER REWARD AND A GAMING SYSTEM - An electronic method of providing an additional player reward, the method comprising determining that a gaming session has been initiated by a player in respect of a gaming device in response to an initial establishment of gaming credits at the gaming device in response to operation of a credit input mechanism associated with the gaming device and without receiving any information identifying the player; monitoring play of the gaming device in order to determine, independently of any awards made as outcomes of wagers of gaming credits placed by the player on play of the gaming device, whether one or more characteristics of play of the gaming device entitle the player to an additional award; and making any determined additional award to the player. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331165 | METHODS DEVICES APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTENDING BROADENING AND PROMOTING GAMING PARTICIPATION - Disclosed is a game participation extension system for extending, broadening and promoting gaming participation, in a regularly recurring game, including: a game instance tracking module to track one or more instances of the regularly recurring game, a virtual game generator to substantially in real-time generate virtual representations mirroring game events from the tracked game instance and to transmit the virtual representations to a computing appliance of a prospective player, and a virtual wager module to accept virtual wagers made by a prospective player through their respective computing appliance. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331166 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH REARRANGEABLE REELS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to rearrange the symbols on the reels to represent winning payline patterns. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331167 | Apparatus and Method for a Game with Connectable Game Elements - An apparatus and method for a game of play for use in a casino establishment, or on a general purpose computing device for offering games with multiple outcomes and including connectable game elements. A base game, or an outcome on a base game that triggers a sub-game or a bonus game involves establishing connections between connectable game elements where the orientation of ends of the elements are in alignment. Alignment and connection of the connectable game elements results in awards to players. The apparatus and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed on other devices such as on a general purpose computing device or mobile telephone in stand-alone form or connected to a network, such as the internet. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331168 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system having a game play mechanism in which an outcome evaluator evaluates a game outcome based on the wager made by the player. A plurality of symbols are selected for display, and determined whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome. When a winning outcome is determined to exist, the outcome is communicated to the player by a symbol associated with the winning outcome being repeatedly and successively displayed and at least one modified representation of the symbol. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331169 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system for play of a base game, and arranged to detect a trigger condition during the base game. A feature game is implemented when a feature game frequency criterion is met. The feature game frequency criterion may be based on the number of base games having been implemented since the last implementation of a feature game. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331170 | GAME MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A WINNING CONDITION IS ESTABLISHED BASED ON TYPES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF SYMBOLS - An aspect of the invention provides a game machine including: a second game chance control device that generates at least one game chance that is allowed to establish a predetermined winning condition in a game within a predetermined range provided to a player in exchange for a game value; a symbol arrangement control device that determines types of symbols to be arranged on a predetermined area on a game screen with a predetermined positional relationship according to the generation of the game chance; and a first winning determining device that determines whether the winning condition is established based on the types and the arrangement of the symbols arranged on the predetermined area. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331171 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING BALANCED PAYBACKS WITH VARYING WAGER AMOUNTS - Various embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to play a secondary or bonus game, in which the player has the chance to play for a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game. The probability of triggering the secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. Additionally, the probability of winning a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. In one embodiment, as the primary game wager increases, the odds of triggering the secondary or bonus game increase, but not in direct :proportion to the wager. Similarly, the odds of winning the designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game increases, but not in direct proportion to the wager. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331172 | RANDOM PAYOUT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICES - A random payout system provides self-funding winning symbol combinations that allow various wagering games to be quickly and easily defined. The winning symbol combinations may individually be associated with a funding pool. Symbols from a winning symbol combination may be disabled or not presented when an associated funding pool is negative. The symbols may be activated or presented when the associated funding pool is non-negative. In this manner, the winning symbol combinations are self-funding. Funds for a funding pool may come from various sources including advertising revenue and placed wagers. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331173 | WAGERING GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH ENHANCEMENT PARAMETER DICTATED BY PRIOR PLAY - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display device configured to portray wagering game outcomes indicated by symbols populated in symbol arrays. The gaming system receives a first wager and displays a first symbol array to indicate the outcome for the first wager. The gaming system receives a second wager and displays a second symbol array to indicate the outcome for the second wager. During portrayal of the second outcome, the first symbol array is displayed simultaneously with the second symbol array, and the first symbol array is modified according to one or more symbols in the second symbol array. The gaming system provides an award according to the improvement, if any, in the second symbol array resulting from the modification. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331174 | GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE IN PROVIDING RANDOM REWARDS - Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331175 | Networked Games with Payback Exceeding 100% and Non-Cash Awards - A networked gaming system and method for use in one or more casino establishments for offering games with a payback to the player exceeding 100% of the amount wagered over time by awarding the player with non-cash awards such as merchandise and services sold in bulk by third parties offering the merchandise and services. The gaming machine and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed in other forms such as on a general purpose computing device or mobile telephone in stand-alone form or connected to a network, such as the Internet. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331176 | SELECTING A WAGER FOR AN EVENT - Technologies are generally described for processes and systems effective to select or determine a wager for an event. A wager processor may be configured to be in communication with a wager database and an event status processor over a network. The wager processor may be effective to receive event information and crowd information. The event information may relate to a status of the event. The crowd information may relate to demographics and/or interests of the participants at the event. The wager processor may select or determine the wager based on the event information and the crowd information. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331177 | HEAD-TO-HEAD AND TOURNAMENT PLAY FOR ENRICHED GAME PLAY ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems for enhanced head-to-head hybrid gaming are provided. An enhanced head-to-head hybrid game has a gambling game with a real world engine that provides a randomly generated payout for the gambling game, an entertainment software engine that executes an entertainment game providing outcomes upon a player's execution of the entertainment game, and a game world engine that manages the entertainment software engine and communicates gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's execution of the entertainment game that trigger the gambling game. A global betting manager receives player performance measurements from the game world engine, determines tournament eligibility, assigns a tournament handicap based at least in part upon the performance measurements from the game world engine and sends information concerning these parameters to the game world engine which is configured to implement each assigned handicap and tournament eligibility within the enhanced head-to-head hybrid game. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331178 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-REVEALED ELECTRONIC SWEEPSTAKES - A system and method that generates a finite number of sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes, facilitates a selection of one or more sweepstakes entries from the finite number of entries, determines the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, allocates each nonzero result to the user, and provides the user with at least one of the selected sweepstakes entries, the result of each selected sweepstakes entry, the sum of all nonzero results from the selected sweepstakes entries, a code that is associated with the selected sweepstakes entries, and a program that is configured to cause a computer to interactively display to the results associated with the selected sweepstakes entries to the user. The results of the selected sweepstakes entries may be viewed in the form of a simulated game, or the user may log into an account associated with the user to view the total amount won. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331179 | Utilizing a Social Network Account to Provide Additional Functionality to a Gaming Network Account - A method to provide additional gaming network functionality links a user's gaming network identity with the user's social network identity. Linkage of the user's gaming network and social network identities establishes a two way communication link by which a gaming (social) network service can obtain information from, and send information to, a social (gaming) network service on behalf of the user. The gaming (social) network service may obtain information regarding the social (gaming) network relationships of the user's social (gaming) network identity and suggest gaming (social) network relationships to the user based on the social (gaming) network relationships. The gaming (social) network service additionally enables a user having linked identities to post gaming (social) network related messages as social (gaming) network messages via their social (gaming) network identity. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331180 | REMOTE AND/OR DISTRIBUTED EQUIPPING OF VIDEO GAME CHARACTERS - Video game characters of a video game may have associated attributes, such as their equipment, modified using a device which may be both remote from a device used to play the video game and incapable of playing the video game. A server in communication with both devices may communicate video game character information to the device remote from the game play device, check validity of modifications to video game character equipment requested by the remote device, save information of the modifications, and provide the information of the modifications to the device used to play the video game. The device used to play the video game may allow for acceptance, and use thereafter, of the equipment modifications during game play. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331181 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TOURNAMENT MODIFIERS - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for online tournament leader boards (and/or other rankings) that may be modified by tournament modifiers obtained by individual players (or groups of players). Systems, methods and articles of manufacture may also or alternatively provide for win or loss streaks that trigger bonus games, where a tournament modifier from the bonus game may be utilized to alter the primary game. | 2013-12-12 |
20130331182 | GAME APPARATUS AND GAME PROGRAM - A task of the present invention is to prevent timings of a plurality of objects to arrive at the same destination from becoming uncoordinated and perform efficient computation processing to perform control of moving a plurality of objects in game space to the same destination. A movement control unit of the present invention reads information related to a moving speed of each player object from an object memory unit to perform control of moving a plurality of plurality objects. Further, the movement control unit determines a party moving speed for moving a plurality of player objects as a party based on the read information related to the plurality of moving speeds. Furthermore, the movement control unit performs control of moving a plurality of player objects according to the party moving speed. | 2013-12-12 |