Zynga Patents
Patent number: 9122556
Abstract: Software accesses a code database and determines that a specified percentage of the code in the code database for an application has been updated. The software then accesses an application database and obtains the application as currently deployed. The software obtains one or more application specifications from the application database, based at least in part on a scan of the application. And the software obtains one or more code-module specifications from the code database, based at least in part on the one or more application specifications. The software then determines that an update can be made to the application as currently deployed, based at least in part on code-module dependencies identified in the one or more application specifications and updated code modules for the application in the code database. And the software creates a new version of the application using the updated code modules and deploys the new version.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 31, 2013
Issued:
September 1, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Amitt Mahajan
Patent number: 9111394
Abstract: A workflow for 3D content authoring, delivery, and rendering is facilitated based on pre-authored image projections to obtain improvements in authoring efficiency. Additionally, a content delivery platform centered on such pre-authored image projections provides a mechanism for significantly improving streaming efficiency for 3D worlds. Multiple images encode primary surface detail of 3D worlds in real-time applications. Examples of such projections include images that can be as rich as film frames, feature animation frames, high end digital renders, concept paintings, or any suitable combination thereof. An algorithm for improved image projection camera path trajectories, sampling selection, and blending may be implemented by various systems and methods to facilitate smooth transitions during movements of a player within a game set in the 3D space. In addition, a back-projection technique may be implemented by various systems and methods to propagate revisions of one or more projections.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 26, 2012
Issued:
August 18, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
James Ho, Szymon Swistun, Sulabh Patel, Nils Jonas Norberg
Patent number: 9101833
Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for guiding a player to the completion of a task during game play. The player selects a control device in a graphical user interface device generated by a processor. In response to the selection, a hint is provided to the user in the graphical user interface that presents a game board to a player. The player may use the hint to accomplish the task.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 31, 2012
Issued:
August 11, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Fareed Behmaram-Mosavat, Seth John Sivak, William Lazzaro
Patent number: 9101834
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating game features are presented. For example, a first user may be segmented to a user segment based on a property of a game profile of the first user. The property of the game profile may match a threshold of the user segment. The user segment may then be assigned a difficulty level. The difficulty level may be usable to set a configuration value for the feature of the game. The feature of the game is then surfaced to the first user and the configuration value for the feature of the game may be updated with the difficulty level assigned to the user segment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2013
Issued:
August 11, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Tim LeTourneau, Alexi Chialtas, Joseph Traverso, Hao Chen, Naoise O'Loughlin Irwin, Sean Baity
Patent number: 9104849
Abstract: A network security system that correlates security-related events to individual users, as identified by a user identifier and an identity provider. The user identifier may be associated in one or more implicit or explicit social networks.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 2013
Issued:
August 11, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Andreas Seip Haugsnes
Patent number: 9101843
Abstract: A method for detecting suspicious behavior in an online gaming application is provided. The method initiates with providing an online gaming application to a user. Gaming activity and social network activity of the user is analyzed. In response to detecting a suspicious activity based on the analyzed gaming activity and social network activity, a constraint of service order is generated which defines an action to be taken in response to the detected suspicious activity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
August 11, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Matthew Ocko, Sim Singh, Shane Saraeli
Patent number: 9104851
Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identity key management in networked application execution. In one embodiment, an identifier request is transmitted from a client system to a server system, in which an identity key value in the identifier request is blank. Upon detecting the blank identity key value at the server system, the server system operates to generate a new identity key value and an identifier for the new identity key value. The new identity key value and the identifier for the new identity key value are transmitted from the server system to the client system. The new identity key value is stored in a local store of the client system. The local store of the client system is secured by a passcode and persists data through power cycling of the client system. The identifier is used to track execution of a networked application in an anonymous execution mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 2012
Issued:
August 11, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Rohith Ravi, Joy Ghanekar, Dorion Carroll
Application number: 20150221179
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing information in a poker game. One method includes operations for providing an interface to a player for playing a poker game, and for detecting the creation of a side pot in the poker game during play. The side pot is presented in a first format, which includes the amount of the side pot. Additionally, the method includes an operation for detecting a selection by the first player in the poker game requesting additional information about the side pot. In response to the selection, the side pot is presented in a second format, which has the amount of the side pot and one icon for each of the players participating in the side pot, where players absent from the side pot are not represented in the second format.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 31, 2014
Issued:
August 6, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jacob Moore, Stacey Adams, Justin Rouse, Theodore Marston
Patent number: 9098864
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing game operations. One method includes an operation for receiving a request from a player to acquire a first game asset to be utilized in the game, the first game asset being associated with a token usable in the real world outside the game. After assigning the first game asset to the player in the game, the player is rewarded in the game with a second asset in response to the request. Further, the method includes an operation for detecting a commercial operation executed outside the game by the player with the token, and the player is rewarded in the game with a third asset in response to the detecting.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 8, 2013
Issued:
August 4, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Mateo Graziosi, Rishi Sachdeva, Fabio Santini
Application number: 20150209667
Abstract: Disclose methods and systems provide for management of game failure in distributed gaming by automated indication of a failure acknowledgment to a client device on which an associated player plays the game, for example by automatically presenting a failure apology message on the client device. An automated interactive acknowledgment process can include providing in-game compensation to the player, thereby to lessen player frustration resulting from game failures. The automated acknowledgment interaction can include gathering failure information from the client device.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 31, 2014
Issued:
July 30, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Joshua Marc Burgin, Roland O'Leary
Patent number: 9092932
Abstract: A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 9, 2008
Issued:
July 28, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael W. Saunders, Rolf E. Carlson, William D. Miller
Patent number: 9072976
Abstract: Systems and methods to update virtual trading card characteristics are described. In some embodiments, a method initiates a game played with multiple virtual trading cards, each of which represents a real-world character. Initial characteristics of each virtual trading card are determined based on historical performance data associated with the real-world character. Current performance data is accessed for each real-world character. The characteristics of each virtual trading card are updated based on the current performance data for the represented real-world character. The game is played based on the updated characteristics for the multiple virtual trading cards.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 29, 2012
Issued:
July 7, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Walter Franklin Coppersmith, III, Andrew Thomas Busey, Jeffrey Michael Petry
Patent number: 9061211
Abstract: A gameplay notification system receives gameplay indications and notification configuration information from a gameplay system. The gameplay indications and configuration information are stored in a platform queue corresponding to a client device platform type. Further configuration information may be received from various gameplay devices of a user. The notification configuration information is analyzed by the gameplay notification system to schedule transmission of gameplay notifications to various client device platform types. The notifications are sent to the corresponding client devices according to frequency, day of the week, and notification states, among other configuration settings, that pertain to a user and the user's corresponding client devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 7, 2011
Issued:
June 23, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Shawn Lohstroh, Geoff Dagley, Justin Rouse
Patent number: 9050530
Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for efficiently collecting doobers. A game window may be presented in a graphical user interface on a display device. The game window may include a game character associated with a first player, regions and objects within the regions. The character may move within the regions and interact with the objects. One or more doobers may be presented in the game window, and the doober(s) may be marked as collected by the first player in response to one or more inputs to the graphical user interface by the first player. The doober(s) may be marked as collected if an input moves a cursor within a particular distance from the doober(s).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 31, 2012
Issued:
June 9, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Seth John Sivak
Patent number: 9044680
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing an online game. One method includes an operation for executing a first game board for a first user and a second game board for a second user. The first game board is created when the first user plays the game for the first time and the second game board is created when the second user plays the game for the first time. The method further includes operations for detecting a visit by the second user to the first game board, and for detecting a request by the second user to place a game asset in the first game board. The game asset is installed in the first game board when the first user approves the request, and the second user obtains one or more game rewards when the first user interacts with the game asset while playing the online game.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 5, 2013
Issued:
June 2, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Kartik Ayyar, Revant Kappor, Kevin Dressel, Chris Antimary
Patent number: 9033803
Abstract: A method of changing a virtual world of a computer-implemented game based on real-world locations of players of the computer-implemented game is disclosed. A presence of a player of the computer-implemented game is detected at a physical location. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game is detected at the physical location based on a communication received from the player of the computer-implemented game. An aspect of the virtual world of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting of the presence of the player at the physical location and the detecting of the presence of the additional player of the computer-implemented game at the physical location.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 15, 2012
Issued:
May 19, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nathan Arthur Etter, Jay Monahan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
Patent number: 9033805
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing three-dimensional operations in an isometric projection are presented. A graphical user interface may be presented to a user that presents an isometric projection of a virtual environment. A placement event corresponding to a user initiating a placement of a game object within the virtual environment may then be detected. The game object may be modeled with a two-dimensional model. Selection coordinates associated with the placement event are then obtained. Using the selection coordinates, it may be determined that the user selected one of a plurality of surface areas of an existing game object. Then, the game object is then inserted within the virtual environment relative to the one of the plurality of surface areas of the existing game object.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 18, 2013
Issued:
May 19, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Sreenath Somarajapuram
Patent number: 9037968
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for communicating information in a virtual environment are presented. A graphical user interface is provided to a user, where the graphical user interface displays a virtual environment that includes one or more virtual objects. A virtual object may be linked to a section of a digital document. Selection of the virtual objects in the virtual environment by the user is monitored. Information regarding the section of the digital document is communicated to the user based on receiving an indication that a virtual object is selected.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2012
Issued:
May 19, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
William Pringle, Sean Hanley, Jay Monahan
Patent number: 9031337
Abstract: Techniques for a compressed image with alpha channel data are described. Encoded alpha channel data from a compressed image representation may be extracted. A common type pixel run characteristic may be determined for at least one common type pixel run represented in the encoded alpha channel data. A common alpha channel value is applied, based on the common type pixel run characteristic, to pixels in a decompressed image representation correlated to the at least one common type pixel run. Pixels in the decompressed image representation correlating to at least one lookup type pixel run represented in the encoded alpha channel data may be processed. The processing may include a determination of an alpha channel value based on pixel data, specific to a pixel correlated to the lookup type pixel run, in the encoded alpha channel data and an application of the alpha channel value to the pixel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 8, 2014
Issued:
May 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Eric Christensen, Marc Hanson
Patent number: 9032022
Abstract: A method of sending and receiving configurable buckets of communication is disclosed. A request to send a communication from an application executing on a client to an application executing on a server is received. The communication has a first priority. A request to send an additional communication from the application executing on the client to the application executing on the server is received. The additional communication has a second priority. The communication is placed into a bucket of communications based on the communication having the first priority. A determination is made to send the bucket of communications to the application executing on the server. The additional communication is placed into the bucket of communications based on a determination that the bucket of communications is not full. The bucket of communications is sent to the application executing on the server.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 20, 2012
Issued:
May 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Ian Dunn, Robert Aaron Jones, Dan Racanelli
Patent number: 9028310
Abstract: Systems and methods for operating multiuser online games with game condition reminders. In particular implementations, a method includes accessing a game condition file from a memory wherein the game condition file includes one or more game condition identifiers corresponding to one or more game conditions for a user of a game, determining the value of the one or more game condition identifiers, presenting a reminder for the one or more game conditions based on the determined value for the one or more corresponding game condition identifiers, presenting a user response interface for receiving a user response related to whether the user has changed the one or more game conditions, and updating the one or more game condition identifiers in the game condition file based on the user's response.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 12, 2010
Issued:
May 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
William Henry Kelly Mooney, Erik Francis Vanbragt
Patent number: 9021390
Abstract: Methods and systems executing an embedded application within the context of a first client application are provided. One method includes executing application logic to adjust states of one or more display objects and rendering one or more of the one or more display objects that are associated with a stage definition in a display region of the first client application. In response to a trigger event, the method causes the first application to generate a interface component, such as a pop-up, in the display region and pausing the rendering of the embedded application. The pausing includes generating a static image based on the states of the one or more display objects associated with the stage definition, associating the static image with the stage definition and disassociating the one or more display objects from the stage definition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 2010
Issued:
April 28, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Damon Stefan Franklin Pidhajecky
Patent number: 9017169
Abstract: A franchise game mechanic for use in an online social game that promotes interaction between users.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 16, 2010
Issued:
April 28, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Uberoi Kelly, Alexander Michael Minh Khiem Le
Application number: 20150099588
Abstract: A device, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method of distributing game network features is provided. A game request to access one or more features associated with a game networking system are received by a mobile game application operating on a client device and associated with a mobile game developed by a game developer. The one or more features are integrated into the mobile game application using a software development kit (SDK) provided from the game networking system to the game developer. Information relating to the one or more features are accessed by the mobile game application in response to the game request, where the information is accessed from the game networking system using at least a portion of the SDK. The mobile game application provides the one or more features with the information using the at least a portion of the SDK.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 9, 2013
Issued:
April 9, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Samuel Lavery
Patent number: 9003379
Abstract: Systems and methods for generating test information from a source code are described. One of the methods includes accessing the source code. The method further includes receiving a modification of the source code to generate a modified source code. The modification includes one or more instructions that do not affect functions performed by executing the source code. The modification further includes one or more instructions for generating test information regarding each executable line of the source code.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 12, 2011
Issued:
April 7, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Aleksandr Kuzmin
Patent number: 9003333
Abstract: A device may be configured to provide a user interface that supports sequential selection of objects displayed on a screen. As configured, the device may display a presentation of multiple objects, and the device may receive a user input that defines a path within the presentation of displayed objects. The device may then determine the sequential order of a selected subset of the displayed objects. Based on this sequential order, the device may select, initiate, and perform an action that is targeted at the selected subset of the objects. In the context of an action game, the user may trace the path through various enemies, and the device may select and perform the action based on the number of enemies, the type of enemies, or the order in which the enemies were selected. Selection and initiation of the action may begin while the user input is still being received.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 4, 2013
Issued:
April 7, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
James Ho, Szymon Swistun, Nils Jonas Norberg, Sulabh Patel
Patent number: 8998716
Abstract: A system, a computer readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for updating a performance of a presentation of a virtual game environment. A presentation of a virtual game environment is generated based on a visual attribute. The visual attribute may identify a visual quality of the presentation of the virtual game environment. A visual performance metric associated with the presentation of the virtual game environment is then monitored. The visual attribute then updated based on the visual performance metric. After the visual attribute is updated, an updated presentation of the virtual game environment is generated based on the updated visual attribute.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 19, 2013
Issued:
April 7, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Gregory Omi
Patent number: 9003505
Abstract: Disclosed in one example is a method of authenticating with multiple social network services. The method may include storing first authentication information associated with a user for a first social networking service using at least one computer processor, receiving second authentication information associated with the user for a second social networking service from a social networking application, and sending to the social networking application the first authentication information. The first authentication information may enable the social networking application to utilize a protected application programming interface call for the first social networking service and the second authentication information may enable the social networking application to utilize a protected application programming interface call for the second social networking service.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
April 7, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nathan Brown, Henry Joseph Sommer, Andreas Selp Haugsnes
Application number: 20150094150
Abstract: Disclosed in some examples are methods, machine readable mediums, and systems for allowing a user to utilize an application that is not normally browser-compatible in a browser. In some examples, this may be accomplished by utilizing a source-to-source compiler to compile the source code of the browser-incompatible application itself into browser-compatible code (such as JavaScript). In other examples, this may be accomplished by utilizing a source-to-source compiler to compile the source code of a virtual machine into browser-compatible code (such as JavaScript). Once the virtual machine is rendered browser-compatible, the virtual machine may execute within the browser, and applications that are natively executable on the execution environment simulated by the virtual machine may then be executed within the virtual machine (and by extension, within the browser).
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 1, 2013
Issued:
April 2, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
James Peter Gregory, Timothy J.O. Catlin
Patent number: 8989486
Abstract: A machine may be configured to process an uncompressed image to obtain a set of intermediate images, which may be alternatively known as working images or temporary images. Such a set of intermediate images may be used as input for an image compression algorithm that, when executed by the machine or other compression engine, outputs a compressed version of the uncompressed image. For example, a compression format called “PVRTC,” which may be used on certain portable devices, accepts a set of three intermediate images as input, specifically, one full resolution, low precision version of the original uncompressed image, plus two low resolution, low frequency color versions of the original uncompressed image. A set of intermediate images for such a compression format may be generated by the machine from the original uncompressed image.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 4, 2013
Issued:
March 24, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nils Jonas Norberg, Sulabh Patel, James Ho, Szymon Swistun
Patent number: 8988446
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) animation may be generated from a three-dimensional (3D) mesh by a machine or device that flattens, textures, and modifies the 3D mesh, which results in distorting the texture of the 3D mesh. The machine or device is configured to access and flatten a 3D mesh of 3D vertices. At least some of the 3D vertices of the flattened 3D mesh are texture mapped with a 2D image. The machine or device generates a first 2D frame of animation by rendering the 3D mesh (e.g., with graphics acceleration hardware), modifies the 3D mesh by repositioning one or more of the 3D vertices, and generates a second 2D frame of animation by rendering the modified 3D mesh (e.g., with graphics acceleration hardware). Accordingly, 2D animation may be generated by distorting the 2D image that is mapped onto at least part of the 3D mesh.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 17, 2012
Issued:
March 24, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Bret Steven Hobbs, Sean Uberoi Kelly
Application number: 20150080131
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method to present a location-based leaderboard is provided. A request to play a game against a second player is received, the request being received from a first client device of a first player and including a location of the first client device. A pre-defined location associated with the location of the first client device is determined. A game instance of the game is generated in response to the request. An outcome associated with the game is determined. The outcome of the game instance is published including publishing the outcome based on the pre-defined location.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 19, 2013
Issued:
March 19, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga, Inc.
Inventors:
John Bacon, Jordan Knapp, Christian Selchau-Hansen, Kevin Keeker
Patent number: 8984064
Abstract: A communication analysis system for an online game is described. A communication history among players of the online game is retrieved. Communication tracking metrics are generated based on the communication history of the players of the online game. A retention analysis is performed with the communication tracking metrics to determine retention of players of the online game. A retention recommendation is generated based on the retention analysis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
March 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Girish Keswani, Jim Baer, Kenneth Rudin, Daniel McCaffrey
Patent number: 8984541
Abstract: Disclosed in one example is a method for interfacing with multiple social networks. The method includes receiving a call from a social networking service agnostic social networking application for one of a plurality of social networking functions in a first format, translating the call in the first format to a call in a second format, the second format being one of a plurality of heterogeneous social networking service application programming interface formats, and passing the call in the second format to a first social networking service by utilizing a first social networking service application programming interface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 7, 2013
Issued:
March 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nathan Brown, M. Ian Graham, Shantanu Talapatra, Scott Dale
Patent number: 8974276
Abstract: Systems and methods to generate reminders for game conditions are described. In some embodiments, a method accesses a game condition identifier associated with a game condition for a user of an online game. The method further determines a value associated with the game condition identifier and generates a reminder associated with the game condition based on the value of the game condition identifier. The reminder is presented to the user along with a user response interface that allows the user to indicate whether the user has performed a particular action with respect to the game condition. The game condition identifier is updated based on a response received from the user regarding whether the user has performed the particular action with respect to the game condition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
March 10, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
William Henry Kelly Mooney, Erik Francis Vanbragt
Patent number: 8974279
Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and a method of implementing bad beat insurance are disclosed. After a stage of a portion of a game is played, it is determined that a player is favored to win the portion of the game. After the portion of the game is completed, it is determined that the player has suffered a bad beat. The player is compensated at least partially for a loss that the player incurred as a consequence of suffering the bad beat.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2012
Issued:
March 10, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
James Brett Nowak, Shawn Carnes
Application number: 20150065241
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing game object grouping are discussed herein. For example, a virtual gaming environment is generated on a client system. The virtual gaming environment may include a first game object and a second game object. Responsive to detecting a user selection of the first game object, a game object grouping is generated. The game object grouping may include the first game object and the second game object based on matching criteria that compares a property of the first game object with a property of the second game object. The virtual environment is then updated to provide a visual indication of the game object group.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 28, 2014
Issued:
March 5, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Michael McCarthy
Patent number: 8959154
Abstract: A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 9, 2008
Issued:
February 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael W. Saunders, Rolf E. Carlson, William D. Miller
Application number: 20150046247
Abstract: A notification of requirements to earn a reduced-ad reward is provided to a user of an ad-associated computer application (app). Actions of the user are monitored to determine whether or not requirements to earn the reduced-ad reward are satisfied by the user. Upon determining that requirements to earn the reduced-ad reward are satisfied by the user, the reduced-ad reward is provided to the user of the ad-associated app. The reduced-ad reward is a specified amount of time in which the user can execute a reduced-ad version of the ad-associated app without monetary cost to the user.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 7, 2013
Issued:
February 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Vishwanath Rajappa
Application number: 20150045105
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for adjusting bonus winning odds while playing an online slots game. One method includes an operation for receiving user input during a session of an online slots game, where the user input is defined to spin wheels of the online slots game. In addition, the method includes an operation for defining an initial tier and one or more additional tiers for play of the online slots game during the session, each tier being assigned an odds value that changes with each assigned tier, and each tier being defined to have a set of spins. Further, the method includes operations for assigning tiers with changed odds when an option to play a bonus game is not presented during the predefined set of spins for each tier, and for assigning the initial tier upon determining that the bonus game was played during the session.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 16, 2014
Issued:
February 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Leslie, Joseph E Kaminkow, Kin Hang Chan
Application number: 20150045104
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for allowing players to challenge other players in an online game to compete by playing a modular game within the online game. One method includes an operation for providing an interface to a first player for challenging a second player to compete in the modular game after detecting completion of the modular game by the first player. The modular game is played within an online game. Further, the method includes operations for sending a challenge to the second player, and for detecting that the second player completed the modular game in response to the challenge. The first player is rewarded a challenge award if the first player obtained a higher score than the second player in the modular game.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 15, 2014
Issued:
February 12, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Leslie, Joseph E. Kaminkow
Patent number: 8944920
Abstract: A system has a first web node, a first server node, a second server node, a push messaging server, and a second web node. The first web node receives a message from a first player at a first client node for a second player at a second client node within an online game. The first server node maintains a first persistent connection with the first client node. The second server node maintains a second persistent connection with the second client node. The push messaging server stores a game state of the first and second players of the online game, updates the game state based on the message, and notifies the first and second server node. The second web node receives the message from the push messaging server and forwards the message to the second client node via the second persistent connection.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 6, 2013
Issued:
February 3, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Michael Munson
Patent number: 8949781
Abstract: A method of injecting a feature into an application is disclosed. A definition of the feature of the application is received. It is determined that the feature is an injection feature of a view of the application. It is detected that an instance of the view of the application is being instantiated. The feature is injected into the view of the application based on the determining that the feature is the injection feature of the view of the application and the detecting that the instance of the view of the application is being instantiated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 2011
Issued:
February 3, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jason Eugene Orcutt, Amir Elaguizy
Patent number: 8943133
Abstract: Social network information of a player of a computer-implemented game is accessed to analyze a social interaction of the player with other players from the social network information to recommend other players of the social network of the player to further communicate with. A recommendation of other players is generated to the player based on a frequency of the social interaction. A selection of players from the recommendation is received from the player. A communication message is generated to the selected players.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
January 27, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Daniel McCaffrey, Kevin A. Lee, Kenneth Rudin, Yan Zhang, Ananda Ghosh
Patent number: 8938499
Abstract: Social network information of a player of a computer-implemented game is accessed to identify active players from the social network information. The active players each have a minimum number of reciprocated communications with the player within a time range. A recommendation of players is generated to the player based on the identified active players.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
January 20, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Daniel McCaffrey, Kevin A. Lee, Kenneth Rudin, Yan Zhang, Ananda Ghosh
Patent number: 8936513
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for placing players of a multiplayer game in a virtual world are described. Territory for a player of the multiplayer game is placed in the virtual world for the multiplayer game. Territory for at least one other player is placed adjacent to the territory of the player in the virtual world. The player is determined to have entered the territory for the at least one other player. At least one in-game task is assigned to the player based on an in-game state of the player and an in-game state of the at least one other player.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Issued:
January 20, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Ian Wang, Erik Paul Bethke
Patent number: 8932138
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for placing players of a multiplayer game in a virtual world are described. Territory for a player of the multiplayer game is placed in the virtual world for the multiplayer game. Territory for at least one other player is placed adjacent to the territory of the player in the virtual world. The player is determined to have entered the territory for the at least one other player. At least one in-game task is assigned to the player based on an in-game state of the player and an in-game state of the at least one other player.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 11, 2011
Issued:
January 13, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Ian Wang, Erik Paul Bethke
Application number: 20140364236
Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to the trapping of enemy units in a game. A game may give each player control of a certain territory or area. Each player may build or place buildings within their territory. Each player may build units capable of attacking the territory of one or more other players. One or more players may place traps within their territory. An attacking enemy unit may be captured by the trap. A captured unit may be put to work for the capturing player (e.g., to generate resources for the capturing player). In some example embodiments, a captured unit may be freed in a later attack, and resume fighting for its former controller or its liberator.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 16, 2014
Issued:
December 11, 2014
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Matthew Robert Read
Patent number: 8905849
Abstract: According to particular embodiments, virtual trading cards including virtual statistics or characteristics of a virtual, game-based representation of a real-world sports player or other character, are updated periodically to reflect changes in a player's real-world performance. Adjusting the virtual characteristics using real-world performance causes the characteristics of the sports player's virtual trading card to change in a virtual environment as does a corresponding player's video game performance. Characteristics of team members are variable based on characteristics of other team members and opposing team members or other competition factors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 6, 2010
Issued:
December 9, 2014
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Walter Franklin Coppersmith, III, Andrew Thomas Busey, Jeffrey Michael Petry
Application number: 20140357345
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing players with rewards are described. Data indicating that a player has selected an unavailable reward may be processed. Sponsored content based on the processed data may be obtained and presented to the player. Data indicating that the player has completed an interaction with the sponsored content may be obtained and the reward may be provided in response to processing the data that indicates that the player has completed the interaction with the sponsored content.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 30, 2014
Issued:
December 4, 2014
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Fabio Santini