Zynga Patents
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Zynga Inc. develops, markets and operates social games played on the iOS and Android mobile platforms and the Facebook social networking website. Their popular game brands include FarmVille, Words With Friends, Zynga Poker, Hit It Rich! Slots and CSR Racing.
Zynga Patents by Type
- Zynga Patents Granted: Zynga patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Zynga Patent Applications: Zynga patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Patent number: 9324177
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:
February 13, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nils Jonas Norberg, Sulabh Patel, James Ho, Szymon Swistun
Patent number: 9320971
Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages within online games are described. One of the methods includes receiving a message post from a first user. The message post is displayed on an in-game object that is configured for sharing message posts between the first user and other users. The method further includes detecting an interfacing action by a second user with the in-game object. The interfacing action is an input that is responsive to request content that is part of the message post. The method further includes validating the interfacing action to meet a threshold. If the threshold is met, the virtual game object is credited to the game space of the first user. The method includes generating a reward to the second user when the interfacing action is validated. The reward is credited to a game space of the second user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Tiago Amaral Penteado de Jesus
Patent number: 9320968
Abstract: An online game mechanic matches requests and responses of different data types that include text, image and audio. Request values corresponding to a first data type are sent to users in a distribution list, and those users send response values corresponding to a second data type. Winning response values are selected and announced.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 24, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Vijay Thakkar, Kevin Holme, Justin Rouse
Patent number: 9320969
Abstract: An online game mechanic matches requests and responses of different data types that include text, image and audio. Request values corresponding to a first data type are sent to users in a distribution list, and those users send response values corresponding to a second data type. Winning response values are selected and announced. In an example embodiment, the request values include a text description that includes at least one word, and the response values include an image file or a reference to an image file.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Vijay Thakkar, Kevin Holme, Justin Rouse
Patent number: 9317402
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:
March 19, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 19, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Aleksandr Kuzmin
Patent number: 9311778
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
Patent number: 9311462
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:
March 31, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Nathan Brown, Henry Joseph Sommer, Andreas Selp Haugsnes
Patent number: 9307091
Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, system and apparatus for recording audio is provided so that the recording can be authenticated. The system may be implemented as a central server that is accessed via one or more lines for audio communication, or as a stand-alone unit. The system operates by encrypting communicated data (e.g., audio signals), storing the encrypted information, and providing at least one user with a key that can be used to decrypt the stored information.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 27, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, Thomas M. Sparico, James A. Jorasch
Patent number: 9305425
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing online games that are non-monolithic programs. One method includes an operation for providing access to a plurality of online games and to a wrapper game. Each of the online games and the wrapper game is directly accessible to be loaded utilizing a corresponding internet address, which is different for each online game. The wrapper game includes options to load any of the plurality of online games. In addition, the method includes another operation for providing a chat interface in the plurality of online games and in the wrapper game. The chat interface allows users accessing any of the online games to exchange messages with other users accessing any of the online games, and the chat interface is unavailable to users currently absent from the online games and absent from the wrapper game.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 3, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Shane Sareli, Lamberto M. Alvaro, Laurence M. Toney, Nir Leibovich, Sergey Pervov
Patent number: 9302177
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing an adventure game. One method includes operations for sending an interface for a betting game, and for starting an online game that is displayed simultaneously with the interface for the betting game. The method further includes operations for detecting a bet placed in the betting game, and for determining an outcome of the bet in the betting game. An avatar is advanced along a path of the online game, where the amount of advancement of the avatar is based on the outcome of the bet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 5, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Josh Guase, Nimai Malle, Nathan Ratcliffe
Patent number: 9305028
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for detecting fraud in a social gaming environment is disclosed herein. For example, game events generated responsive to a player playing a game executing on a client device are received. The game events may then be used to build a player profile for the player. The player profile may characterize the game actions performed by the player. The player profile is then compared with a golden profile. The golden profile may specify an expected gaming behavior. Based on the comparison between the player profile and the expected gaming behavior specified by the golden profile, a player account associated with the player may be marked as suspicious.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 11, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sunu Engineer, Prashun Purkayastha, Anandamoy Roychowdhary
Patent number: 9305328
Abstract: A method performed by software generates a render request record for a render request submitted by a user of an app and stores the render request record in a queue database. The render request includes a visualization to be rendered. The software selects the render request record from the queue database. Selection of the render request record is determined at least in part by a priority value that depends on an amount of time the user has spent using the app. The software generates a rendered image for the selected render request record, using render data. Then the software publishes a publishing element including the rendered image to a newsfeed stream displayed by a social networking site.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 5, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Amitt Mahajan, Matt Ocko, Joel Poloney
Patent number: 9295919
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing a smart ping mechanism are presented. For example, an example embodiment may generate a game board on a first client device and a second client device. Then, the embodiment may detect, from the first client device, user activation of a smart ping mechanic. Responsive to detecting the user activation, the embodiment may generate, on the first client device, one or more user selectable communication artifacts based at least in part on contextual data derived from the game board. Then, responsive to detecting a user selection of one of the user selectable communication artifacts, the embodiment may surface the selected communication artifact to the second client device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 29, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jordan D. Maynard, Jason C. Leong, Cameron McNeil
Patent number: 9289686
Abstract: Techniques for recommending and establishing connections between users within a gaming social network, designed for connecting users having common gaming interests or characteristics. Embodiments include methods for recommending connections from members of an out-of-game social network, the gaming social network, and gaming activity participants; evaluating user profile information and user characteristics in a gaming social network and gaming activity in a game networking system to determine an appropriate set of connections for a selected user; and presenting graphical user interface content and configurations to enable the suggestion, review, and accepting of recommended connections in the gaming social network.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 27, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 22, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Shane Hall, Daniel McCaffrey, Dylan Sproule, Ben Hall, Timothy J. O. Catlin, Jason Allen, Clayton Stark
Patent number: 9286058
Abstract: The apparatuses, methods and systems for API call abstraction includes obtaining programming code for an application. The obtained programming code is parsed to identify various instructions contained therein. An application programming interface (API) call is identified in the programming code, based on the parsing. The API call includes an input string. It is then determined whether the API call requires a pre-registered bundle to replace the input string. A database is queried for the pre-registered bundle using the input string. The pre-registered bundle is retrieved and is incorporated into the application by replacing the input string.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 15, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Amitt Mahajan, Luke Rajlich
Patent number: 9283484
Abstract: Game rhythm in an electronic game can be synchronized, allowing a desired emotional state to be achieved. Specifically, a desired emotional state of a user playing an electronic game is identified. Then a beats-per-minute (bpm) level corresponding to the desired emotional state is selected. Game music may then be played at the selected bpm level, while animation for one or more game objects within the electronic game is synchronized with the selected bpm level. In some example embodiments, the game rhythm is synchronized based upon which game object a user selects, and there remain some game objects whose animations are synchronized at a different bpm level than the selected game object.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 27, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 15, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Michael McCarthy
Patent number: 9286767
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:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 15, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Leslie, Joseph E Kaminkow
Patent number: 9280875
Abstract: In various embodiments, virtual currency is used within a multiplayer online game in a restricted manner.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 3, 2010
Date of Patent:
March 8, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Mark Jonathan Pincus, Michael Arieh Luxton, Matthew Adam Ocko, Carl Eric Schiermeyer, Stephen Henry Schoettler
Patent number: 9272208
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating tailored game challenges are presented. To begin, a method may first identify a first game object and a second game object operable within a game challenge. The method may calculate, based on game profile data associated with a player, a first selection factor associated with the first game object and a second selection factor associated with the second game object. A game object from the first game object and the second game object is then selected. The selection is based on the first selection factor and the second selection factor. The game challenge is then generated, wherein the game challenge with the selected game object for the user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Tim LeTourneau, Alexi Chialtas, Joe Traverso, Hao Chen
Patent number: 9272212
Abstract: Software at a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game website receives a request for assistance with a game task from a first player of a MMO game. The software transmits the request to a second player of the MMO game who is associated with the first player through a relationship recognized by the MMO game. The software determines whether the second player responds to the request within a time period. The time period depends on one or more factors related to game mechanics and to user data for the first player. Then if the second player does not respond within the time period and the game task is a game task whose completion can be assigned without the assistance of another player, the software assigns completion of the game task to the first player and transmits an automated apparent response to the first player.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 26, 2013
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
Patent number: 9272214
Abstract: Software receives a command from a player selecting one or more businesses from a game menu in an online game that is a builder-type game. The software then receives a command from the player identifying an empty location in a game space for the game. The software causes the one or more businesses to be displayed in the game space at the location and receives a command from the player selecting a plurality of displayed businesses. The software then receives a command from the player to consolidate the displayed businesses that were selected into a consolidated business and displays the consolidated business in the game space.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 7, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Brian Eddy, Daniel Marks
Patent number: 9272217
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium sorting at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing notifications to players of games are described. An identifier for a player of a first game is received. Notifications for at least one other game are obtained using the identifier for the player. The notifications for the at least one other game are transmitted to a device of the player, where the notifications for the at least one other game are to be displayed in a user interface for the first game.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 1, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Kevin Holme, Andy Gotcher, Tim Terence Trampedach, Ananda Ghosh, Jane Shapiro
Patent number: 9272219
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:
April 8, 2015
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventor:
Sreenath Somarajapuram
Patent number: 9257007
Abstract: A method of customizing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. A combination of virtual items of a computer-implemented game is selected such that the sum of the values of each of the combination of virtual items has a proportion to an amount of currency in an account of a user of the computer-implemented game, the selecting being performed by a processor. An offer for a sale of the combination of the virtual items at a discounted price is generated for the user of the computer-implemented game. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to the user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2014
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Fabio Santini, Peter Pao Lai
Patent number: 9256887
Abstract: A method of providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. An offer is generated for a sale of a combination of virtual items at a discounted price. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to a user. The presenting suggests to the user that the combination of virtual items is randomly selected from a set of virtual items and the discounted price is randomly selected from a set of discounted prices, the presenting of the offer being performed by a processor. However, in actuality, the combination of virtual items or the discounted price may not be selected randomly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 8, 2014
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Fabio Santini, Peter Pao Lai
Patent number: 9256888
Abstract: An advertisement is associated with a particular user move in a gaming environment where playing of the user move by a user results in the advertisement being displayed at the user's gaming device. With multiple users, each play of a unique user move results in a corresponding uniquely targeted advertisement being displayed at the respective gaming device of each user. User moves and associated advertisements are bound to one another based on a frequency of use of the user move in game play and the desirability of the advertiser to associate the advertisement with the user move.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 4, 2011
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Chow, Justin Rouse, Kevin Holme
Patent number: 9254436
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for presenting Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) in an online game. In one method, a player becomes a “regular” visitor of a friend when the player visits the friend a predetermined amount of times within a certain period (e.g., three times within the last seven days). When a player becomes a regular visitor, the player may obtain items (e.g., pepper) that are not obtainable in any other way. As long as a player is a regular visitor, the player may continue visiting the friend to continue obtaining the special items. However, if the player falls below the threshold of visits required within the period, the status of regular visitor is lost by the player, and the player may regain the regular status by meeting the requirement again.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 18, 2013
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jason Fox, Michael Starbird, Steve Klinkner
Patent number: 9254443
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing custom features in a game is provided. A themed game board associated with a first set of rules of a computer-implemented game is generated. The first set of rules relates to a theme of the themed game board and is different than a second set of rules associated with a game board without a theme. Game board display data is provided to a first client device of a first player to display the themed game board. A move on the themed game board is received from the first client device, and a score associated with the move is generated. The score is based on the first set of rules relating to the theme, where the score is different than a score associated with the move on the game board without a theme.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2012
Date of Patent:
February 9, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
M. Ian Graham, Ya-Bing Chu, Randall William Allred, Jr., Christopher Delbuck, Jonathan Sheng Chao, Vladimir Loktev, Amanda Carrico Schloss, Seth Alexander Allison, Andres Cantor
Patent number: 9248375
Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for representing a resource object in a virtual environment are presented. To begin, a graphical user interface may be provided to a player. The graphical user interface may display a virtual environment that includes the resource object and a game object. A resource production event may be detected. The resource production event may be generated based on a resource production attribute that specifies that a quantity of resource units have been generated. Based on the detected resource production event, at least some portion of the quantity of generated resource units is allocated to the resource pool. Then, responsive to detecting a user initiated game action being applied to the game object, a determinable amount of resource units is removed from the resource pool.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2013
Date of Patent:
February 2, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Manuel Uris Bronstein Bendayan, Werner Wright Bagwell, Michael McCarthy
Patent number: 9251649
Abstract: A gaming system authenticates over a network a user of a remote device for a gaming system for a gambling game. The gaming system determines a location of the remote device. The gaming system verifies that the location of the remote device is within a jurisdiction that allows use of the gaming system by persons of age to gamble. Then the gaming system provides software to the remote device, wherein the software, when executed, causes media associated with the gambling game to be presented on the remote device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 15, 2013
Date of Patent:
February 2, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael W. Saunders, Rolf E. Carlson, William D. Miller
Patent number: 9253018
Abstract: A machine may generate and store a correlation among multiple identifiers of the user that enable access to an application through multiple systems. For example, the user may have a first identifier for using a first social network system, and a second identifier for using a second social network system, and the machine may generate and store a correlation between the first identifier and the second identifier. The machine may identify the user based on the first identifier and access a database that stores the correlation. The machine may then access a configuration of the application based on the correlation and configure the application in accordance with the configuration. The machine may generate a visual representation of the configured application, provide the visual representation to a device of a further user, receive an indication of an opinion of the further user on the visual representation, and present the indication.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 28, 2013
Date of Patent:
February 2, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Dylan Sproule, Shane Hall, Ben Hall, Timothy J. O. Catlin, Jason Paul Allen, Clayton Rhodes Stark
Patent number: 9248379
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:
February 13, 2015
Date of Patent:
February 2, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Girish Keswani, Jim Baer, Kenneth Rudin, Daniel McCaffrey
Patent number: 9242175
Abstract: Embodiments are presented for executing an online game. One method includes an operation for creating an animation on a game board that is associated with a player. The animation includes a non-player character that delivers an invitation to start a master mission having quests. If the player accepts, an application from the player is received to start the master mission, the application including the selection of a specialty from a plurality of specialties available for the master mission. The method further includes an operation for delivering a quest reward after completing at least one of the quests from the plurality of quests, where the quest reward includes a wearable status item for an avatar of the player in the game board. In addition, a master reward is delivered after the completion of the master mission. The master reward includes the ability to perform game operations associated with the specialty.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2011
Date of Patent:
January 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Taylor John, William Graham, Xian Yang (Kenji) Low, Josh Wickham, Alexi Chialtas
Patent number: 9244902
Abstract: An apparatus and method providing a localization framework capable of localizing dynamic text is disclosed herein. The localization framework is configured to automatically identify and prioritize certain text contained within an application code base to be translated. Such text is pre-processed prior to translation to facilitate accurate and complete translation in a target language.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
January 26, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga, Inc.
Inventors:
Bigi Lui, Danica Milosevic Brinton, Eric Matsumura, John Huan Vu
Patent number: 9235961
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 28, 2014
Date of Patent:
January 12, 2016
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdelena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
Patent number: 9224259
Abstract: A method and system to host a computer-implemented multiplayer game includes functionality to identify and resolve conflicts resulting from asynchronous game play. Client system game state information that changes responsive to in-game actions performed on a client system is intermittently synchronized with authoritative game state information, during which the in-game actions may be validated. Actions that fail a prerequisite check based on the authoritative game state information are analyzed in automated fashion to determine whether they are redundant actions that fail the prerequisite check owing to their having been performed with respect to outdated client system game state information. One or more remedial actions are performed for respective redundant actions, e.g., by allowing the redundant action and modifying the game state, by restoring spent resources to affected players, or by disallowing both the redundant action and an associated preempting action.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 22, 2012
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Scott G. Miller, Nimai Malle
Patent number: 9220985
Abstract: A method of providing virtual items based on location-based action is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A virtual item is provided based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game. The virtual item may be usable within the computer-implemented game.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Kathleen Auterio, Deniz Ersever, Nathan Arthur Etter, Hardik Kheskani, Serena Lam, Amitt Mahajan, Christopher Joseph Makarsky, Jay Monahan, Donald C. Mosites, Benjamin Mullin, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds, Shantanu Talapatra, Justin Waldron, Ian Wang, Jackson Wang
Patent number: 9220977
Abstract: An optimized friend recommendation system is described. An active social network (ASN) of a player of an online game is determined based on a frequency of reciprocated communications between the player and friends of the player. The ASN of the player has friends of the player with a minimum number of closed-loop communications with the player within a predetermined duration. The social network of non-ASN friends outside the ASN of the player is identified. One or more non-ASN friends identified and suggested to socially engage with the player in an online game based on the social network of non-ASN friends of the player outside the ASN of the player are.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Daniel McCaffrey, Kevin Lee, Kenneth Rudin, Yan Zhang, Ananda Ghosh
Patent number: 9223599
Abstract: A method of executing a cross-platform application on a system is disclosed. An instruction pertaining to an execution of the cross-platform application on the system is received. Based on a determination that the instruction pertains to a rendering of an element of a user interface of the cross-platform application on the system, the instruction is sent across a bridge to an engine executing in the native layer to process the instruction at the native layer. Alternatively, based on a determination that the instruction does not pertain to a rendering of the element of the user interface of the cross-platform application on the system, the instruction is sent to an engine executing in the cross-platform layer of the system to process the instruction at the cross-platform layer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2012
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Dan Racanelli, Ian Dunn, Robert Aaron Jones
Patent number: 9216358
Abstract: Software displays a virtual game space for an online game. The virtual game space is associated with a first player of the online game and includes at least one terraformed feature created by a first player. The software receives a modification from a second player of the online game. The modification changes one of the at least one terraformed features into another terraformed feature. Then the software displays the virtual game space with the modification. At least one virtual object is associated with each of the at least one terraformed features.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
December 22, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Charles L. Hess, Daniel M. Marks
Patent number: 9216346
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:
October 18, 2013
Date of Patent:
December 22, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
James Ho, Szymon Swistun, Sulabh Patel, Nils Jonas Norberg
Patent number: 9210201
Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of aggregating social networking data by receiving first authentication information for a first social networking service, the first authentication information being associated with a user and being received from a first social networking application, receiving second authentication information for a second social networking service, the second authentication information being associated with the user and being received from a second social networking application, requesting first information regarding the user from the first social networking service using the first authentication information, receiving the first information regarding the user from the first social networking service and storing the received first information, requesting second information regarding the user from the second social networking service using the second authentication information; and receiving the second information regarding the user from the second social networking service and storing t
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2014
Date of Patent:
December 8, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Scott Dale, Nathan Brown
Patent number: 9186584
Abstract: Software at an online game website assigns to a player game tasks in a conditional series of game tasks based at least in part on a measure of difficulty associated with the each game task. The measure of difficulty of each game task depends on a profile associated with the player. At least one of the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks is a social game task. Then the software provides a reward to the player upon termination of the conditional series of game tasks. The reward depends at least in part on the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks that are completed by the player.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 1, 2013
Date of Patent:
November 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Travis Morrison, Chandra Janakiraman, Brian Crowder
Patent number: 9186575
Abstract: An animal-breeding mechanic enables the generation of an offspring virtual animal in an online game system by combining features of a male virtual animal and a female virtual animal. Relevant features may include a base color and optional pattern markings with a corresponding pattern color. Additional game aspects may include options for enhancing the likelihood of generating a successful offspring, decreasing the time for generating the offspring, and nurturing the offspring to maturity. Parameter representations for color features enable substituting color values for a specific virtual animal into source artwork to generate a variety of distinctive displays.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Janis, Greg Omi, Tim Wang, Vasudev Vadlamudi, Bruce Harlick
Patent number: 9186582
Abstract: An animal-breeding mechanic enables the generation of an offspring virtual animal in an online game system by combining features of a male virtual animal and a female virtual animal. Multiple candidates for the offspring virtual animal may be generated, and a selection or identification can then be made from the multiple candidates. Relevant features may include a base color and optional pattern markings with a corresponding pattern color. Additional game aspects may include options for enhancing the likelihood of generating a successful offspring, decreasing the time for generating the offspring, and nurturing the offspring to maturity. Parameterized color values for a specific virtual animal may be substituted into source artwork to generate a variety of distinctive displays.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 17, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Sean Janis, Greg Omi, Tim Wang, Vasudev Vadlamudi, Bruce Harlick
Publication number: 20150325087
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for providing players with additional side betting options. One method includes operations for receiving user account information of a first player for playing a blackjack game, and for providing data for a sideboard interface to be presented before a round of the blackjack game. The sideboard interface provides options for side bets, which are wagers on cards dealt during the round. Additionally, the method includes an operation for providing data for a blackjack interface for playing the blackjack game after side bets have been entered. A check is made to determine if the one or more cards dealt during the round of the blackjack game produce one or more winning side bets, and a currency counter of the user account is increased of the first player for the one or more winning side bets during the round of the blackjack game.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 6, 2014
Publication date:
November 12, 2015
Applicant:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Pagano, Hal Hanlin
Patent number: 9185534
Abstract: In a method of notifying a user of an option to participate in a meta game, a presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. An association between a computer-implemented meta-game and the location is identified. The player of the computer-implemented game is presented with an option to participate in the computer-implemented meta-game. An indication of an acceptance of the option to participate in the computer-implemented meta game is received from the player of the computer-implemented game. A performance of an action within the computer-implemented game by the player of the computer-implemented game is reflected within the computer-implemented meta game.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 10, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Justin Rouse, Kevin Holme, Daniel Hurd, Jason Tomlinson, Grant Yang, Shawn Lohstroh, Jessica Oyhenart, David Chow
Patent number: 9177113
Abstract: Systems and methods for managing jobs to be scanned based on existence of processing nodes are described. One of the methods includes obtaining identification information regarding operation of a first set of the processing nodes from an inventory and creating a job for scanning the processing nodes of the first set for security vulnerability. The job includes the identification information. The method further includes verifying the inventory to determine the first identifying information of the first set of processing nodes for removal from the job and loading the job having second identifying information for a second set of processing nodes that remain after the verifying operation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 4, 2014
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Kevin McGinley, Rich Tener
Patent number: 9174128
Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a game and for creating computer-generated game quests, which are referred to as dynamic quests. One method includes an operation for identifying a template for creating a dynamic quest. The dynamic quest includes quest tasks and quest rewards, which are provided to a player upon completion of the quest tasks in the game. The template includes template tasks and template rewards. Further, the method includes an operation for selecting one or more template tasks for the quest tasks, and an operation for selecting one or more template rewards for the quest rewards. The dynamic quest is created in the game with the selected one or more template tasks and the selected one or more template rewards.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 26, 2012
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Ian Guthridge, Edan Nahari
Patent number: 9177207
Abstract: Software for supervised learning extracts a set of pixel-level features from each source image in collection of source images. Each of the source images is associated with a thumbnail created by an editor. The software also generates a collection of unique bounding boxes for each source image. And the software calculates a set of region-level features for each bounding box. Each region-level feature results from the aggregation of pixel values for one of the pixel-level features. The software learns a regression model, using the calculated region-level features and the thumbnail associated with the source image. Then the software chooses a thumbnail from a collection of unique bounding boxes in a new image, based on application of the regression model. The software uses a thumbnail received from an editor instead of the chosen thumbnail, if the chosen thumbnail is of insufficient quality as measured against a scoring threshold.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 16, 2015
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2015
Assignee:
Zynga Inc.
Inventors:
Lyndon Kennedy, Roelof van Zwol, Nicolas Torzec, Belle Tseng