52nd week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080318591 | Monitoring the Movement of Mobile Communication Devices - A system records the movement of people carrying mobile devices within a specific area. A plurality of receivers distributed throughout the specified area monitor the area for wireless communication from a mobile device. Mobile devices are identified by way of a unique identifier, e.g. IMSI, IMEI, MAC address, or similar transmitted on a control channel or the like. Whenever such wireless communication is detected, the direction from which the signal is received is detected. The position of the mobile device (and hence the person carrying it) may be calculated by triangulating results from two or more receiving devices, and the results stored. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318592 | DELIVERING TELEPHONY COMMUNICATIONS TO DEVICES PROXIMATE TO A RECIPIENT AFTER AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING THE RECIPIENT'S LOCATION - The present invention discloses a communication method and system, which can include a step of repetitively conveying presence information to a service provider to continuously update a current location of a person identified within the presence information. A communication attempt directed towards the person can be detected. A communication device proximate to the person can be determined based upon the presence information. The communication device can be accessible by any proximate individual. The communication device can be one not specifically designated by an originator of the communication attempt. A notification of the communication attempt can be presented in an environment proximate to the determined communication device. The communication can be established responsive to the person answering the notification by activating the communication device. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318593 | SHARING AND TRACKING REAL-TIME LOCATION FOR MOBILE USERS - In one embodiment, an apparatus can include: a receiver configured to receive location-related data, and to provide real-time location information therefrom; and a processor configured to receive the real-time location information, and to provide an extension in a packet header of a media stream, wherein the header extension comprises the real-time location information. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318594 | Pre-Location Method and System For Assisting Satellite Radio Navigation Systems - The invention relates to a satellite radio navigation terminal using services of a cellular communication network, wherein the pre-location consists in locating the terminal in at least one network cell and the inventive method consists in forming a database ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318595 | POSITION LOCATION SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE POSITION LOCATION TECHNIQUES - A position location system includes a first position location sub-system, a second position location sub-system, and processing circuitry. The first position location sub-system determines first position location information regarding an object using a first position location technique. The second position location sub-system determines second position location information regarding the object, the second position location sub-system using a second position location technique that differs from the first position location technique. The processing circuitry processes the first position location information and the second position location information to determine position of the object within a coordinate system. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318596 | Method and Apparatus for Determining the Position of a Base Station in a Cellular Communication Network - Techniques for performing positioning in a cellular network are described. In one design, a first base station (e.g., a home base station) determines its position based on position information for at least one user equipment (UE) within radio coverage of the first base station and a second base station. The first base station sends at least one position request for the at least one UE to the second base station, receives position information for the at least one UE from the second base station, and determines a position estimate for itself based on the position information. In another design, the second base station receives a position request for the first base station, obtains position information for at least one UE, determines a position estimate for the first base station based on the position information, and sends the position estimate to the first base station. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318597 | INTENSITY-BASED MAPS - The claimed subject matter relates to a first architecture that can create an intensity map based upon intensity scores, and to a second architecture that can provide intensity scores and can request and receive the intensity map. Intensity scores can relate to an approval or a level of satisfaction of a current location of a user and can be conveniently provided, in some cases with a single keystroke (e.g., 0-9 from a conventional cell phone keypad) by, say, mobile device users. Numerous intensity scores can be received and aggregated to produce an intensity map of a given area or region. Portions of the intensity map can be provided to requesting devices, potentially filtered based upon a variety of criteria. As a result, the intensity map can provide in substantially real-time a visual indication of locations or entities that might be interesting to explore. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318598 | CELL-PHONE-BASED VEHICLE LOCATOR AND "PATH BACK" NAVIGATOR - A hand-held, portable navigation system and method are integrated within a cellular telephone enclosure, resulting in a simplified architecture with fewer buttons to press and items to carry. The apparatus uses a cellular telephone having a microphone, a keypad, GPS receiver, a display, a memory, an earphone, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a command through a user input device to determine the initial location of the user and activate the GPS receiver to obtain positional coordinates associated with the initial location. The coordinates are then stored in the memory. A subsequent command through a user input device causes the processor to determine the new location of the user, and the GPS receiver is again activated to obtain positional coordinates of the new location. The processor is further programmed to provide guidance to the user based upon the coordinates of the initial location and the new location enabling the user to return to the initial location from the new location. The user input device may be a portable wireless keyless entry device such as a ‘fob,’ in which case the processor is further operative to receive and store a vehicular DOOR LOCK command in memory, and determine the initial location of the user when the DOOR LOCK command is received and recognized by the telephone. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318599 | Network controller messaging for paging in an unlicensed wireless communication system - An unlicensed wireless service is adapted to generate the interface protocols of a licensed wireless service to provide transparent transition of communication sessions between a licensed wireless service and an unlicensed wireless service. In one embodiment, a mobile station includes level 1, level 2, and level 3 protocols for licensed wireless service and an unlicensed wireless service. An indoor base station and indoor network controller provide protocol conversion for the unlicensed wireless service into a standard base station controller interface of the licensed wireless service. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318600 | System and method for enhanced message routing - Coincident with the evolution, maturation, etc. of (e.g., Short Message Service, Multimedia Message Service, IP Multimedia Subsystem, etc.) wireless messaging ecosystems an infrastructure that provides, in new and creative ways, enhanced message routing capabilities. The dynamic, flexible, and extensible nature of the enhanced message routing capabilities support, among other things, very large volumes of messaging traffic, numerous billing paradigms, different Quality of Service levels and possible charges for same, improved troubleshooting and problem investigation capabilities, etc. The infrastructure may optionally leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located Messaging Inter-Carrier Vendor. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318601 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING NETWORK COMMUNICATION IN RESPONSE TO NETWORK CONDITIONS - A system and method for facilitating communications between a mobile device and a network application are provided. A mobile device transmits a request for data change information that includes a time out interval. The network application receives the request and measures a time elapsed since the receipt of the data change request. The network application will only transmit a notification to the mobile device client if new data is received or the time out interval has elapsed. As notifications are received, the mobile client device tunes the time out interval based upon network and device parameters. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318602 | Method for Mobile and Pervasive Output - Pervasive output capability is provided so that an information apparatus can pervasively output digital content to an output device regardless of the processing power, display screen size and memory space of the information apparatus. This allows small mobile devices with limited display, processing power, and memory to be able to output a digital document (e.g., PDF, HTML, PowerPoint etc) in its full original richness, without resorting to downsizing, truncating, reducing, clipping or otherwise altering the original document. A data output service method for rendering at an output device output content managed from an information apparatus may include obtaining by wireless communication from the information apparatus at least part of a document object relating to the output content, obtaining at least part of an output device object with one or more attributes relating to the output device, and providing the document object and the output device object to a server application operated on a server that is distinct from the information apparatus and the output device, and generating with the server application output data relating to the output device. The output data may then be provided to the output device for rendering the output content as the data output service. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318603 | Method and System for Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Rating and Billing - The advances disclosed herewith delimit an improved method and system for smoothly rating and billing Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Implemented as part of a computer program product, the solution seeking the protection of Letters Patent, represents a comprehensive real-time solution for rating incoming and outgoing MMS messages which, with a view towards simplicity and efficacy of purpose, enables wireless/mobile subscribers to maintain a single account for both voice and messaging (MMS) services. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318604 | Prepaid short messaging - A prepaid messaging solution which uses open networking standards (e.g., TCP/IP) and which supports pre-payment of enhanced Internet messaging services. The disclosed prepaid architectures and methods accurately determine if a subscriber has sufficient account balance to deliver a complete short message, prior to delivery of the message. The short message may be prevented from being delivered (either at the source end or at the destination end) if insufficient funds are in the subscriber's account. A prepaid tariff engine is preferably extensible over a TCP/IP network, and supports remote interaction with the SMSC and web chat servers for the purpose of applying a real-time billing charge for each message. A service provider may create subscriber classes of service that define and uniquely identify subscriber rate and/or tariffing plans used to apply real-time billing charges for sending or receiving of messages. The prepaid short message tariff engine determines the appropriate message billing based upon, e.g., flat rate per message, message count (e.g., 10 messages @ $5.00), character count (e.g., $0.01/char.), Time of Day, Day of Week (i.e., peak & non-peak hours), type of message, and/or mobile location (i.e., network point code). The prepaid short messaging service preferably supports Internet web page access to subscriber's relating to their short messaging account balances and status maintained in the prepaid short messaging database of the prepaid messaging server. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318605 | Zero Power Radio - A receiver has a first ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318606 | WIRELESS TRANSMISSION METHOD, AND WIRELESS TRANSMITTER AND WIRELESS RECEIVER - A wireless transmitter controls the number of transmission beams to be formed for transmitting a data stream depending on the number of data streams to be transmitted, and a wireless receiver selectively receives any one or more of the transmission beam from the transmission beams. In this manner, by changing the number of transmission beams (the original number of beams selectable on the receiving side) to be formed depending on the number of transmitting data streams, high throughput characteristics by a low interbeam correlation at the time of the multistream transmission and a large directional gain at the time of a single stream may be achieved. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318607 | Combined Contention and Scheduling Based Uplink for S3g - A communications system comprises a terminal, and network resources. The terminal is operable to transmit substantially simultaneously a data portion and a data transfer request for that data portion to the network resources. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318608 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSIGNING REFERENCE SIGNAL SEQUENCES IN MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM - A reference signal sequence assignment method and device are provided by which the influence of inter-cell interference can be reduced and the number of usable cyclic shifted sequences per sector can be increased. In a mobile communications system with a structure including multiple cells each including multiple sectors, a sequence assignment method is employed by which pseudo-orthogonal sequences used for reference signals are assigned to cells or sectors. According to this method, the multiple pseudo-orthogonal sequences are assigned to cells or sectors by using multiple repetition patterns. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318609 | Portable Terminal and Method for Determining a Frequency Assignment - Provided is a broadband wireless access communication system, and in particular, a portable terminal and method for determining a FA in a portable Internet system. A method for determining a FA to be used for wireless communication in a portable terminal includes the steps of: (a) checking whether a signal for each FA is detected and obtaining the number of available FAs of a target base station; (b) obtaining a media access control (MAC) address of the portable terminal; (c) determining a FA based on the MAC address and the number of available FAs; and (d) performing connection initialization through the determined FA. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318610 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING MEDIA IN A GROUP COMMUNICATION AMONG WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES - A system, method, and wireless communication device for sharing media in a group communication among a plurality of wireless communications devices, such as among a Push-to-Talk (PTT) group. A wireless communication device that is a member of the communication group can send group-directed media, such as graphics, multimedia and applications, to other members of the communication group, either during a ongoing PTT communication, or independently therefrom. In one embodiment, a group communication computer device stores information on communication groups on the wireless communication network that includes the member wireless communication devices of one or more communication groups, and receives group-directed media from a sending wireless communication device sends the group-directed media either directly to the other member wireless communication devices of the communication group or stores the group-directed media such that the other member devices can access and download the group-directed media. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318611 | Communication System, Apparatus and Method of Operating a Communication System - A radio communication system comprises a first radio station ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318612 | Method and Apparatus For Limiting Peer-to-Peer Communication Interference - Peer-to-peer communication between user terminals in a licensed spectrum is enabled by a method comprising the following steps: —communicating directly, peer-to-peer, between the first and the second mobile terminal, and —disconnecting the peer-to-peer communication in dependence of control signals received or not received from the base station. Thus, according to the invention, the network is enabled to control the peer-to-peer communication between two user terminals. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318613 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR INTERFERENCE SUPPRESSION USING MACRODIVERSITY IN MOBILE WIRELESS NETWORKS - In a wireless network, plural downlink signals from plural base stations are transmitted to a terminal. The plural downlink signals all carry the same information to the terminal. The terminal provides feedback on the downlink channels. The feedback provides information on the taps of the channels. The amount of information fed back is constrained. Based on the feedback, transmission parameters of the downlink signals are adjusted. The process of transmitting, providing feedback, and adjusting the parameters continue so that the energy of the downlink signal is enhanced at the terminal location and suppressed elsewhere. Beam forming can be used to further suppress the energy signature at locations other than the terminal location. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318614 | MOBILE STATION AND TRANSMISSION POWER CONTROL METHOD IN MOBILE STATION - To provide a mobile station and a transmission power control method in the mobile station, which are capable of improving the power saving characteristic associated with the transmission power control in the mobile station under a condition in which the transmit diversity is applied. The transmission power of feedback information ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318615 | Radio base station and control method thereof - To provide a radio base station and a control method thereof wherein a simple way is used to relax the load concentration of a power control and also relax the control delay. A radio base station and a control method thereof wherein a frame generating part inserts a dummy TPC command, and a power setting part sets a TPC command, whereby a process of deciding the TPC command to be inserted can be delayed by the time required for the processes done in the frame generating part, a modulating part and a spreading part and wherein the process of deciding the TPC command and a process of deciding a power value are separated from and done at different timings from a process of controlling a TPC command insertion status and a process of controlling a power setting status, with the result that even when the processes are concentrated, a load dispersion can be done. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318616 | FLEXIBLE LIFESTYLE PORTABLE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A method may include receiving a call at a portable communication device, entering a first mode when the call is directed to a first device identifier associated with the portable communication device; and entering a second mode when the call is directed to a second device identifier associated with the portable communication device, wherein the first mode provides access to a first set of applications and a first set of user data and the second mode provides a second set of applications and a second set of user data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318617 | APPEARANCE ADAPTABLE KEYPAD FOR A HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A handheld communication device configurable between a telephone mode and an email mode is described. The handheld communication device has a body with a front face at which a user input is located. The user input includes an appearance-adaptable keypad configurable between a telephone keypad when the device is in the telephone mode, and a text entry keypad when the device is in the email mode. The telephone keypad includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys. The telephone keypad is arranged in a standard telephone keypad layout when the device is in the telephone mode. The text entry keypad includes a plurality of alphabetic input keys. The text entry keypad is arranged in a standard text entry keyboard layout when the device is in the email mode. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318618 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - The present invention relates to mobile communication devices and a method of controlling the same. The mobile communication device includes a plurality of keys for entering different commands in first and second operating modes, memory for storing key mapping information in which commands corresponding to respective inputs of the plurality of keys are mapped every operating modes, and a mode switch detection unit for determining whether to switch an operating mode from the first operating mode to the second operating mode. When the operating mode is switched, a controller controls some of the plurality of keys to switch to key mapping information used in the second operating mode and the remaining keys to maintain key mapping information used in the first operating mode, based on the key mapping information. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318619 | IC WITH MMW TRANSCEIVER COMMUNICATIONS - An integrated circuit (IC) includes a processing module and main memory. The processing module includes a processing core and a first processing module millimeter wave (MMW) transceiver coupled to the processing core. The main memory includes memory and a first memory MMW transceiver coupled to the memory. At least one of an instruction and data is conveyed between the processing core and the memory via the first processing module MMW transceiver and the first memory MMW transceiver. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318620 | MULTI-MODE MODULATOR - A multi-mode modulator includes a first data path to process in-phase signals in a quadrature modulation mode, a second data path to process quadrature signals during the quadrature modulation mode, and a first multiplexer to selectively switch polar amplitude data onto one of the first and second data paths in response to a selection signal. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318621 | METHOD FOR GSM AND CDMA DUAL-MODE MOBILE PHONE TO CONTROL TWO GSM SUBSCRIBER IDENTIFICATION MODULES - A method for a GSM/CDMA dual-mode mobile phone to control two GSM subscriber identification modules is provided. Without changing hardware of the GSM/CDMA dual-mode mobile phone, the method use a GSM control module to operate a first GSM subscriber identification module, or a CDMA UART driver module and a SIM/UIM driver module connected with each other are built in the CDMA control module. The CDMA URAT driver module is communicated with a GSM device driver layer of the GSM control module through a UART standard, such that the GSM control module is able to control a second GSM subscriber identification module connected to the SIM/UIM driver module. Thus, the GSM/CDMA dual-mode mobile phone is able to control two GSM subscriber identification modules so as to satisfy needs and demands for businessmen and lovers in personal style. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318622 | Handheld intelligent mobile and fixed wireless device - A handheld intelligent mobile and fixed wireless device includes a central processing unit (CPU), and an image module, a wireless transceiver module, a vector signal sensing module, a global positioning system (GPS) module and a short-distance wireless communication module, all of which are connected to the CPU. The CPU integrates and controls information and signals provided by each module and a mobile phone so that the device can immediately transmit an image and a message of a person or an article, or provide a positioning function, a tracking function, an identification identifying function, a communicating function, a monitoring function, a managing function and a remote control function. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318623 | High-Frequency Module - A high-frequency module contains a GaAs switch (GaAsSW) as an FET switch for selectively connecting one of RF input-output terminals (RF | 2008-12-25 |
20080318624 | PERSONAL VIRTUAL ASSISTANT - A personal virtual assistant is provided. The personal virtual assistant includes a medical device and remote station that is connectable via a wireless network to a server containing a control processor and rules engine. The medical device is used to provide physiological information to the remote station. The remote station communicates the physiological information and other related information to the server that monitors the information for a number of reasons, including determining whether the physiological information has a trend. Based on the detrimental trend, the server communicates back to the remote station virtual assistance in the form of advice regarding tips to help facilitate halting or reversing the trend. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318625 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH GAMING MODE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A mobile communication device includes a sensor for generating gaming data in response to the actions of a user. A wireless telephony transceiver sends the gaming data to a game device in a gaming mode of operation and transceives wireless telephony data with a wireless telephony network in a telephony mode of operation. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318626 | MULTI-MODE MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSOR AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A mobile communication device includes a motion sensor for generating motion signals in response to motion of the mobile communication device. A motion data generation module generates motion data based on the motion signals. At least one transceiver sends the motion data to a game device in a gaming mode of operation and transceives wireless telephony data with a wireless telephony network in a telephony mode of operation. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318627 | Portable communication terminal - In the upper enclosure, a CPU for application and a memory for application as well as an application device are mounted. In the lower enclosure, a CPU for communication and a memory for communication as well as a transmission/reception circuit are mounted. In such a configuration, the data transfer for application processing is executed mainly in the upper enclosure. Thus, the quantity of data passing through the folding portion from/to the lower enclosure for the application processing is reduced. The wire harness is simplified and power consumption is reduced. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318628 | Method of controlling a PDA phone and PDA phone using the same - A method for controlling a PDA (personal digital assistant) phone is provided. A first interface configuration file and a second interface configuration file are provided. An interface selection command is received, designating the first or second interface configuration file. A first boot procedure is performed. The first or second interface configuration file is loaded and displayed as an operation interface of the PDA phone. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318629 | Detection, Identification and Operation of Pheripherals Connected Via an Audio/Video-Plug to an Electronic Device - An electronic device including a jack arranged to receive a peripheral device A/V plug, the A/V plug providing an end-terminal for a peripheral device to be connected to the jack, wherein the device is arranged to detect insertion of the A/V plug, and upon detection of insertion, discriminate the functionality provided by the peripheral device. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318630 | GRACEFUL COEXISTENCE FOR MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS - Techniques for graceful coexistence of modules supporting multiple communication protocols are described. Graceful coexistence may be achieved by giving priority to a communication protocol having high priority data to send or receive. In one design, the priority of data to send via a wireless channel by a first module for a first communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11) may be determined, e.g., based on data type, one or more data protocol header fields, an application originating the data, etc. Whether to send the data without delay may be decided based on the priority of the data. A second module for a second communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) may be requested to not transmit on the wireless channel in response to a decision to send the data without delay. The data may be sent via the wireless channel upon receiving an indication that the wireless channel is not occupied by the second module. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318631 | BASE STATION AND COMPONENT CONFIGURATION FOR VERSATILE INSTALLATION OPTIONS - A wireless communication base station assembly includes at least one base band unit ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318632 | Transceiver with selective beamforming antenna array - A multiple mode RF transmitter a baseband section, a transmitter section, and a configurable antenna circuit. The transmitter section is couple to convert a first outbound symbol stream into first outbound RF beamforming signals in accordance with a first beamforming setting and convert a second outbound symbol stream into second outbound RF beamforming signals in accordance with a second beamforming setting. The configurable antenna circuit is coupled to provide a first antenna assembly for transmitting the first outbound RF beamforming signals and provide a second antenna assembly for transmitting the second outbound RF beamforming signals. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318633 | EXPENDABLE SCREEN AND MOBILE PHONE USING THE SAME AND DISPLAY CONTROLLING METHOD THEREFOR - An expandable screen is for displaying display information according to a display mode command. The expandable screen includes a main screen, an extension screen, and a display controller. The extension screen pivotally connected to the main screen via a hinge. The display controller is for receiving the displaying information and the display mode command, and for controlling the main screen and the extension screen according to the display mode command. A mobile phone using the expandable screen, and a display controlling method are also disclosed. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318634 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING BACKGROUND COLOR OF DISPLAY FOR SAME - A wireless communication apparatus includes a communication module, a display, and a color control module. The communication module is for sending a message to a base station, and receiving a switch command from the base station. The display is for displaying an image. The color control module is for being enabled based on the switch command to replace a background color of the image. A method for replacing a background color of the wireless communication apparatus is also disclosed. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318635 | MOBILE TERMINAL AND KEYPAD CONTROL METHOD - A mobile terminal including a display unit configured to display a keypad in a second display region and data input from at least the keypad in a first display region, and a controller configured to determine if the keypad displayed in its current form is to be displayed in a new different form, to determine if all of the keypad in the new different form can be displayed to fit within the second display region, and to selectively control the display unit to display a scrolling function for scrolling the keypad displayed in the new different form when all of the keypad can not be displayed to fit within the second display region. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318636 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL WITH IMPROVED INTERFACE FUNCTION AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING INTERFACE FUNCTION - Disclosed is method for improving an interface function in a wristwatch-type mobile communication terminal, including an arrangement of placing sub-display units on opposite watch band portions with reference to a main display unit. A captured image of a content displayed on the main display unit is adapted to be displayed on a desired sub-display unit. As such, the user can refer to the content displayed on the sub-display units, while implementing a desired function through the main display unit. In addition, the sub-display unit can be used as an additional key-inputting means, so that key-inputting can be easily performed. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318637 | REDUCED KEYBOARD CHARACTER SELECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method of selecting a character for display in a communication device having a display and a reduced-key keyboard is provided. One of the plurality of keys on the reduced-key keyboard is selected and a default letter associated with the selected key is displayed. A backspace key is selected to display a cursor in the position of the character on the display. The key associated with the default character is selected again and an alternate character associated with the selected key is displayed in place of the default letter. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318638 | Call Alerting Using Different Ring Signals According to a Play List - The invention concerns a method of using ring signal files in a portable communication device, such a portable communication device as well as a computer program product for performing the method. The portable communication device ( | 2008-12-25 |
20080318639 | Wireless Headset Switching System - Switching signals between a mobile communications device and a wireless headset can include setting a switch in a first position; connecting, through the switch, signals received from a mobile communications device to a wireless adapter for transmission to a wireless headset; and repositioning the switch, in response to input, to a second position, wherein signals received by the wireless adapter from the wireless headset are connected through the switch to the mobile communications device. Further, signals can be transmitted from the wireless adapter to the wireless headset using a short-range radio frequency protocol. Additionally, the input in response to which the switch is repositioned can be received from a hand-held trigger switch. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318640 | Voice Input-Output Device and Communication Device - A voice input-output device includes a voice input section and a voice output section. The voice input section includes a microphone unit, the microphone unit including a housing that has an inner space, a partition member that is provided in the housing and divides the inner space into a first space and a second space, the partition member being at least partially formed of a diaphragm, and an electrical signal output circuit that outputs an electrical signal that is the first voice signal based on vibrations of the diaphragm, a first through-hole through which the first space communicates with an outer space of the housing and a second through-hole through which the second space communicates with the outer space being formed in the housing. The voice output section includes: an ambient noise detection section that detects ambient noise during a call based on the first voice signal; and a volume control section that controls volume of the speaker based on a degree of the detected ambient noise. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318641 | Electronic Device for Reducing Audio Noise Caused from Unbalanced Ground And Mobile Communication Device Thereof - An electronic device includes a first circuit board having a first audio source and a first reference grounding end, a second circuit board having a second audio source and a second reference grounding end, a flexible board cable, a grounding wiring, a selection unit, and a receiver. The flexible board cable couples the first audio source to the second circuit board. The grounding wiring couples the first grounding end to the second circuit board. The selection unit is used for selecting one from the first and second audio sources to output and selecting one from the first and second reference grounding ends to output. An input end of the receiver is controlled by the selection unit to be connected to the first or second audio sources, and a grounding end of the receiver is controlled by the selection unit to be connected to the first or second reference grounding ends. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318642 | COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION METHOD - A communication apparatus includes: a battery; a battery level detecting unit which detects a remaining battery level of the battery; a transmitting unit which transmits data; a wait time setting unit which determines an upper limit value from a minimum upper limit value to a maximum upper limit value for a random number generation range, generates a random number up to the upper limit value, and sets a wait time for transmitting the data on the basis of the random number; and a control unit which sets the minimum and maximum upper limit value for the random number generation range on the wait time setting unit. The control unit sets at least one of the minimum and maximum upper limit value in a different manner from a normal control time in case that the control unit receives data indicating that the remaining battery level is detected to be low. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318643 | METHOD OF REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A UE WHEN THE UE IS IN IDLE MODE - A method is described for determining the rate of performing neighbor cell measurements by a User Equipment (UE) in an idle mode, which is based on the RANK information of the serving cell and neighbor cells. The RANK information is available with the UE. Comparison of the RANK of the serving cell with a predefined Threshold Value along with the status of the Order of the RANKs of the neighbor cells for a predefined number of DRX cycles, are verified to conclude whether the UE should perform the neighbor cell measurement when the UE is in the idle mode. Thus the method utilizes cell RANKs to determine the network topology. The RANKs are deduced using Hysteresis, Cell Individual offsets, and other parameters by the UE to provide a more practical indication of the neighboring environment of a cell. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318644 | RF TEST ACCESS FOR TESTING ANTENNA IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A housing for a mobile communication device includes a housing member that encloses the mobile communication device. An opening is positioned in the housing member for accepting a battery. A door is positioned over the opening in the housing member, with an access port defined through the housing member positioned under the door for contacting an internal element of a mobile communication device, such as an antenna. A method for testing an antenna in a mobile communication device having a housing with an antenna access port defined therethrough, an antenna, a battery compartment, and a removable cover positioned over at least part of the housing is also described. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318645 | Excessive Rotation Preventing Structure for Rotation Supporting Mechanism and Portable Terminal - An excessive rotation preventing structure for a rotation supporting mechanism, which has no torque loss while ensuring thinness in a height direction, is provided. A portable terminal is also provided. The excessive rotation preventing structure is provided with a rotation stopping means. At the time of rotating and stopping a cover supported on a main body by a shaft, at the same open position where the cover is normally or reversely turned 180 degrees in a flat plane direction, the rotation stopping means rotates and stops the cover by moving one locking member to a move control position for open positioning when the cover is rotated in an opening direction and the locking members of the main body and the cover are correspondingly locked at an open position corresponding part. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318646 | MOBILE PHONES - Mobile phones are provided. A mobile phone comprises a housing, a battery cover, a joining member, and a slider. The battery cover is detachably connected to the housing for covering a battery of the mobile phone. The joining member is movably disposed on the housing and detachably joined with the battery cover. The slider movably connects to the joining member and includes a hole. When the slider is in a first position, the hole is situated outside the housing. When the slider moves with respect to the joining member from the first position to a second position, the hole is concealed in the housing. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318647 | SLIDE MECHANISM AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - An electronic apparatus, comprising a lid member including a display section; an intermediate member including said lid member connected thereto, that is configured to slide in a first direction, and including a second operation section which is exposed in an interlocking relationship with the sliding movement of said lid member; and a base member including said intermediate member connected thereto, that is configured to slide in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and including a first operation section which is exposed in an interlocking relationship with the sliding movement of said intermediate member, wherein at least one of the sliding movement of said lid member and the sliding movement of said intermediate member is an arcuate movement. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318648 | SELF-PROPELLED AGRICULTURAL HARVESTING MACHINE WITH LOSS-MEASURING DEVICE - A self-propelled harvesting machine has a cleaning device having sieves, a loss-measuring device for the sieves of the cleaning device, at least one sensor having a sensor surface and located at a back end of the cleaning device, and the sensor is located at an end of the cleaning device behind at least one of the sieves such that a crop material that fails on the sensor surface and is detected remains in the harvesting machine and is conveyed to a tailings device. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318649 | Combine threshing rotor front bearing and inlet section with improved anti-wind features including a straw ejecting capability - A front rotor inlet section for a rotor of an agricultural combine, including anti-wind features for preventing winding or wrapping of plant materials about a front bearing therearound, and features for providing a straw ejecting capability, including at least one radially outwardly extending slot in a protuberance located adjacent to the front bearing and operable for conveying plant material to a radial outer region of the inlet section, and at least one shoulder or lip on the radial outer region extending at least partially circumferentially therearound and rearwardly, for conveying the crop material rearwardly away from the bearing. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318650 | Grain cleaning system for a combine harvester - A grain cleaning system for a combine harvester, comprises a frame supporting a grain pan and a sieve. The grain pan receives grain and chaff separated from the crop by a threshing mechanism and is reciprocable relative to the frame in order to separate the grain from the chaff and to propel the grain and chaff towards the sieve. The sieve is reciprocable relative to the frame and is connected to the frame by front and rear support arms and that are pivotably secured to the frame and to the sieve. In the invention, the front support arms have different geometries from the rear support arms such that when the sieve is reciprocated relative to the frame, the vertical component of oscillation is greater at the front end than at the rear end of the sieve. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318653 | Domino Tower Electronic Video Game - Embodiments described herein are directed to an electronic version of domino that adds elements of wagering. A player makes a wager for dominoes to be dealt. A minimum of one domino through a maximum of five dominoes can be wagered on and dealt. Once the dominoes are dealt, the player may “flip” the dominoes by touching them. A player can flip the dominoes online in the starting row, so that dominoes dealt in the next row/level have the best chance of creating a chain. Once satisfied with the dominoes, the player keeps the dominoes to play them. A new row of dominoes is then dealt. Any number of pips on these dominoes that match the bottom dominoes number of pips awards the player a payout and another domino or set of dominoes is dealt to the next row/level. This sequence of play continues until there are no more matching dominoes or the player has hit the maximum payout level. Payouts increase with the size of the domino chain. There is also a bonus game that is awarded whenever a certain type of domino is dealt. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318654 | Combat action selection using situational awareness - A game environment is disclosed where actions are automatically selected based on a situational awareness for a player in the game environments. The situational awareness can be determined based on conditions of the player, objects and other characters in the game environment. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318655 | Method and apparatus for players of wagering games to find friends in a gaming environment - Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for players of wagering games to find friends in a gaming environment. Player identification information identifies a first player of a first gaming device configured to play a game of chance. One or more friend-finding criteria associated with the identified first player are retrieved from a storage medium. A second player is identified as a friend or a friend candidate of the first player based on the retrieved friend-finding criteria. A location associated with the second player is identified as being in a designated area of the gaming environment. Output data indicating the identified second player is provided. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318656 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING AUTOMATED PLAY OF A GAME MACHINE - According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Termination of and/or changes in the automated play mode may be related to player input, other types of information about a player (or the player's body), and/or whether a player is directing attention to play of the gaming device. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318657 | GAMING MACHINE - When a predetermined amount of credits has been inserted into a slot machine, a game mode is switched from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode according to the user's input operation via a touch panel. After the switching to the insurance mode, determination is made whether or not the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount. In a case where determination has been made that the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount, the number of games is counted after the switching of the game mode to the insurance mode. When the counted number of games has reached a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318658 | Remote Management of a Gaming Machine - Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318659 | Gaming system and game server - A gaming system includes: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318660 | Slot Machine Game With Respin Feature Which Identifies Potential Wins - A slot machine game that allows the player to respin a selected reel. Before the selected reel is respun, the game displays to the player which paylines can potentially win awards, as well as what particular combinations are available to the player to win. In this manner, a player may be encouraged to make a respin. The player will also find this information helpful in determining whether to purchase a respin. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318661 | Slot Machine - A processor selects either a first game mode or a second game mode based on the operation by the operator carried out at a server | 2008-12-25 |
20080318662 | Slot Machine - A processor executes either of two kinds of game modes, including a base game which is carried out by consuming gaming values in accordance with a bet amount on which the player has placed a bet, and a free game which is carried out without the consumption of any gaming values. If a second scatter symbol | 2008-12-25 |
20080318663 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. If a first specific symbol (for example LION symbol | 2008-12-25 |
20080318664 | Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof - A gaming environment is described. If the predetermined condition is met and the free game is shifted, reels are changed to other reels to be used in the free game. Also, in the free game, reel display portion on which the WILD symbols are displayed on all of the symbol display portions, the reel display portion is held in following games. The WILD symbols are consecutively displayed with the predetermined number (which is greater or equal to the number of symbol display portions of one reel display portion) on the reels used in the free game. Therefore, the probability where WILD symbols fill on the all of the can be enhanced, one or more aspects of the invention can provide higher interest to the player. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318665 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SCROLLING INDICIA FEATURE - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a wagering apparatus, a display, and an award apparatus. The wagering apparatus receives a wager from a player. The display depicts a scrolled sequence of elements. The award apparatus provides an award based on an indicated portion of the sequence of elements. If the elements are digits, for example, the award may be based on a multi-digit number formed by the digits in the indicated portion of the sequence of elements. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318666 | Method of playing a slot machine game with awards based upon an order of symbol placement into a symbol matrix - The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards based upon the order of appearance of symbols in the symbol matrix. An “In-A-Row” embodiment of the present invention displays symbols in random positions of the symbol matrix and issues awards for three or more same symbols appearing in sequential order. For example, the first symbol displayed is an “A,” the second symbol is a “B,” and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth symbols are “C”s. The sequential appearance of four “C” symbols results in an In-A-Row award. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318667 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. In a base game, if scatter symbols are displayed with a predetermined number and above, a game mode is shifted to a free game. In the free game, different reels are used between in a first reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was displayed and on in a second reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was not displayed. Also, expectation value of payout number can be changed without changing payout table. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318668 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE GAME ADVANTAGES - A gaming device and method enables players to purchase one or more features that provide an advantage in a bonus event. In one embodiment, a player can purchase an advantage by paying a fee. In one embodiment, the advantage is applied to a bonus game, such as a head start in the bonus game. In an alternative embodiment, the player can purchase features that provide an advantage in obtaining a progressive award or in obtaining a level of a multiple-level progressive. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318669 | Wagering Game Content Approval and Dissemination System - Methods and apparatus for implementing a digital vault in a wagering game system are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a digital vault in a wagering game system includes transmitting an indication of locally stored wagering game content for a determination about whether the wagering game content complies with regulatory or licensing rules, the indication destined for an auditor The method can also include transmitting authentication information associated with the wagering game content, the authentication information destined for the auditor. The method can also include receiving a message indicating whether the wagering game content complies with the regulatory or licensing rules. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318670 | Token Management System and Method of Operation Thereof - A method and system for managing tokens in an electronic gaming environment includes managing computer-readable tokens that may be issued by an issuer and transferred to an original recipient of the issued tokens, and thereafter, to one or more players of electronic casino games and/or to electronic gaming devices at which the players intend to play the casino games. The issued tokens may not be redeemable by the issuer, but may be redeemable by the original recipient of the issued tokens or an intermediary device of a hierarchy of devices including the original recipient and the electronic gaming devices. The players may play single-player and/or multi-player games. Tokens wagered during a single-player game may be cancelled if the wager is lost. Tokens wagered during a multi-player game may not be cancelled, but instead transferred to the winner of the multi-player game | 2008-12-25 |
20080318671 | Prize redemption kiosk - Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318672 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO METER VIDEO GAME PLAY - Methods and apparatus to meter video game play are described. An example apparatus to meter video game play includes a tag to be attached to a video game controller, the tag having a sensor to detect a user interaction with the video game controller. The apparatus also includes a meter to receive information reflecting the user interaction. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318673 | GAMING OBJECT WITH BIOFEEDBACK SENSOR FOR INTERACTING WITH A GAMING APPLICATION AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A gaming object includes a sensor that generates biofeedback data in response to an action of a user. A transceiver is coupled to send an RF signal to a game device, that indicates the biofeedback data. A game device executes a gaming application that is based the biofeedback data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318674 | Game Apparatus and Game Control Method - A game apparatus displays a first image being provided with a hit determining area, and a second image being superimposed on the first image to hide the first image. The first image is caused to appear by erasing pixels of the second image corresponding to a specified position coordinate or a predetermined area containing the specified position coordinate or applying a transparent process to the pixels, when the specified position coordinate is located within the hit determining area and when the second image exists at the position coordinate. A determination is made that the game ended in success when the area of the visually recognizable portion of the first image exceeds a predetermined ratio. A determination is made that a game ended in failure when the operation amount parameter reaches the predetermined threshold value before the area of the visually recognizable portion of the first image reaches the predetermined ratio. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318675 | GAME CONSOLE AND GAMING OBJECT WITH MOTION PREDICTION MODELING AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A game console includes a receiver that receives motion data in response to motion of a gaming object. A trajectory generation module generates trajectory data based on the motion data and based on a motion prediction model. A processor executes a gaming application based on the trajectory data to generate display data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318676 | Responsive Cutscenes in Video Games - A determination is made that a player's avatar has performed an action while an audio signal representing a narrative of a non-player character is being produced. The action is mapped to an impression, which is mapped to a response. The audio signal is stopped before it is completed and the response is played by providing audio for the non-player character and/or animating the non-player character. After the response is played, steps ensure that critical information in the narrative has been provided to the player. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318677 | Storage medium having information processing program stored thereon and information processing apparatus - Acceleration data is repeatedly acquired, and an acceleration vector having a magnitude and a direction of an acceleration represented by the acceleration data is sequentially accumulated so as to calculate an accumulation vector. A following vector which follows, at a predetermined rate, the accumulation vector calculated by the accumulation vector calculation means is calculated by using the acquired acceleration data, and a difference between the accumulation vector and the following vector is calculated as a differential vector. A position in a virtual world displayed by a display device is designated using a value determined in accordance with the differential vector so as to perform a predetermined processing by using the position. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318678 | ENTERTAINMENT, GAMING AND INTERACTIVE SPACES BASED ON LIFEOTYPES - The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318679 | FOOT GAME CONTROLLER WITH MOTION DETECTION AND/OR POSITION DETECTION - Systems and methods are disclosed having a mesh network such as a ZigBee mesh network, a game controller coupled to the mesh network; and a display device coupled to the mesh network. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318680 | GAMING OBJECT AND GAMING CONSOLE THAT COMMUNICATE USER DATA VIA BACKSCATTERING AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A gaming object includes a memory for storing user data. A radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver is coupled to receive an RF signal from a game console; convert the RF signal into a power signal for powering the gaming object; and backscatter the RF signal based on user data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318681 | GAMING OBJECT WITH ORIENTATION SENSOR FOR INTERACTING WITH A DISPLAY AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A gaming object includes an orientation sensor that generates orientation data in response to the orientation of the gaming object. An actuator that generates interaction data in response to an action of a user. A transceiver sends an RF signal to a game device that indicates the orientation data and the interaction data. The game device generates display data for display on a display device that contains at least one interactive item, and wherein the at least one interactive item is interactive in response to the orientation data and the interaction data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318682 | DUAL TRANSCEIVER GAMING CONSOLE INTERFACE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A game device includes a first transceiver section that receives a first RF signal that includes motion data from at least one remote motion sensing device. A second transceiver section receives a second RF signal that includes user data from at least one gaming object. A processor executes a game application that generates display signals for display on a display device, wherein the display signals are generated based on the motion signals and the user data. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318683 | RFID based positioning system - The position of a mobile gaming object within a video gaming environment is determined using radio frequency identification (RFID) signals transmitted between RFID devices, at least one of which is positioned on a gaming element. Based on signal information regarding the RFID signals, the distances between the gaming element and various RFID devices can be determined. The position of the gaming element within the video gaming environment is then determined based on the distances. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318684 | POSITION LOCATION SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE POSITION LOCATION TECHNIQUES - A position location system includes a first position location sub-system, a second position location sub-system, and processing circuitry. The first position location sub-system determines first position location information regarding a first object using a first position location technique. The second position location sub-system determines second position location information regarding a second object, the second position location sub-system using a second position location technique that differs from the first position location technique. The processing circuitry processes the first position location information to determine a position of the first object within a coordinate system and processes the second position location information to determine a position of the second object within the coordinate system. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318685 | Controlled access layer system and method - A controlled access device produces a controlled access layer in a packet switching environment. The device includes a game monitoring system, a plurality of Ethernet ports, an internal switch, and an encoding mechanism. The game monitoring system monitors and manages game accounting data. The plurality of Ethernet ports facilitate data ingress and egress, and are connectable to a distribution switch. The internal switch forwards transmitted data packets from one or more ingress ports to an egress port. The encoding mechanism encodes a first type of data packets with a QoS high packet delivery priority, and encodes a second type of data packets with a QoS lower packet delivery priority. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318686 | Local Game-Area Network System - A local game-area network includes a plurality of gaming devices and local game-area servers. Each local game-area server is associated with a corresponding gaming device. Each local game-area server in the local game-area network is operatively associated with every other local game-area server in the local game-area network. Additionally, one of the local game-area servers is a host local game-area server while the remaining gaming devices and associated local game-area servers are clients. Furthermore, the host status of the host local game-area server moves dynamically to an available local game-area server in the local game-area network in response to the host local game-area server becoming non-operational. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318687 | Live Game Lobby - A three-dimensional rendering of a game space for a first instance of a game is displayed. The first instance of the game requests position information of avatars in game spaces of other instances of the game. Position information and a player identification for an avatar in another instance of the game is received. A position object is generated based on the position information and player identification, the position object being unable to interact with other objects in the first instance of the game. A graphical representation of the position object is displayed in the three-dimensional rendering of the game space of the first instance of the game, the graphical representation of the position object being positioned in the three-dimensional rendering of the game space based on the received position information. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318688 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING COMPETITION - Systems and methods for facilitating competition are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, competition is facilitated by combining competition results from competition-event-segments across competition events conducted at different event locations. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318689 | LOCAL POSITIONING SYSTEM AND VIDEO GAME APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A system includes a plurality of Local Positioning System (LPS) base units, an LPS mobile unit, and a game console device. The LPS base units are physically distributed and proximal to a gaming environment and transmit an LPS signal. The LPS mobile unit receives the LPS signal, determines distance to the LPS base units based on the received LPS signals, and determines position of the LPS mobile unit within the gaming environment based on the distances. The game console device receives the position of the LPS mobile unit, associates the position of the LPS mobile unit with a position of a video game player, and processes a video game function in accordance with the position of the video game player. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318690 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE - A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. In accordance with one embodiment, a first player playing a first device may benefit from an outcome determined via a second gaming device, the second device being played by a second player. The first device and/or the second device may comprise a gaming device operable to facilitate a wagering game. The first player and the second player may each place a wager on the outcome determined via the second device. The wager placed by the first player may be different from the wager placed by the second player. The displays of the two devices may be merged in some embodiments, such that a first portion of the outcome is displayed on a display of the first device and a second portion of the outcome is displayed on a display of the second device. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318691 | Positioning within a video gaming environment using RF signals - The position of a mobile gaming object within a video gaming environment is determined using at least one combined Radio Frequency (RF) signal. Each combined RF signal includes at least a pair of RF signals that have a known relationship therebetween. Based on signal information representative of properties of the combined RF signal as received and the known relationship, respective distances between the mobile gaming object and a plurality of transmitter/receivers can be determined. The position of the mobile gaming object within the video gaming environment is then determined from the distances. | 2008-12-25 |
20080318692 | STORAGE MEDIUM STORING VIDEO GAME PROGRAM FOR CALCULATING A DISTANCE BETWEEN A GAME CONTROLLER AND A REFERENCE - A game process is performed by obtaining control data from a game controller. Distance data associated with the distance between the game controller and a predetermined measured reference provided in a real space is calculated by using the control data obtained from the game controller. Then, a predetermined game process is performed on a virtual game world through an operation based on the value of the distance data. Then, the virtual game world after the game process is displayed on a display device. | 2008-12-25 |