US 12005349

US Patent 12005349, titled "Synchronized gaming and programming," is an active patent currently assigned to Winview IP Holdings LLC. The sole inventor listed is David B. Lockton.

The patent was filed on September 29, 2021, and was granted/issued on June 11, 2024.

Abstract:
The patent describes a system and methods to encourage viewer participation in games, contests, and social interactions by synchronizing them with programming (such as television shows or commercials) using a second screen device (like a cell phone, iPad®, or laptop). The programming can be television, Internet (e.g., streamed video), or any other type. The gaming can include games of skill or chance, such as scavenger hunts or treasure hunts.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (System): This claim describes a system involving a server and mobile devices. The server is configured to detect and synchronize with programming to provide game data. It executes a game using synchronization points, determines the delay needed for precise synchronization based on different signal reception times among players, and adjusts the game's presentation to equalize the experience for all participants. The server then transmits game data to mobile devices, which receive the data, display the game, and capture user input.
• Claim 12 (Method): This claim outlines a method performed by a server for synchronizing gaming with programming. It involves the server detecting and synchronizing with programming to provide game data, executing a game based on synchronization points, determining the necessary delay for precise synchronization due to varying signal reception times among players, and equalizing the game's presentation by adjusting for these delays. Finally, the server transmits game data to mobile devices for player interaction.
• Claim 22 (System): Similar to Claim 1, this system includes a server and mobile devices. The server handles detecting, synchronizing, executing the game, determining delay, equalizing presentation, and transmitting game data. A key distinguishing feature is that the mobile devices are also configured to determine participant latency and synchronize the game for each individual participant.
• Claim 23 (System): This system, like Claim 1, comprises a server and mobile devices. The server performs the core functions of detecting, synchronizing, executing the game, determining delay, equalizing presentation, and transmitting game data. Uniquely, the mobile devices are configured to continuously check that pre-produced data files are precisely synchronized with the programming by using inserted audio or video signals.
• Claim 24 (Method): This method, similar to Claim 12, involves a server and mobile devices. The server performs detecting, synchronizing, executing the game, determining delay, equalizing presentation, and transmitting game data. A distinguishing aspect is that the mobile devices continuously check for precise synchronization of pre-produced data files with the programming using inserted audio or video.
• Claim 25 (Method): Similar to Claim 12, this method involves a server and mobile devices. The server detects, synchronizes, executes the game, determines delay, equalizes presentation, and transmits game data. In this claim, the mobile devices are responsible for determining participant latency and then synchronizing the game for each individual participant.
• Claim 26 (System): This system includes a server and mobile devices. The server is configured to detect and synchronize with programming, execute a game, and transmit game data. A key feature is that the server specifically equalizes participant delay to ensure that all players receive the game at substantially the same time. The mobile devices receive game data, display the game, and receive input.
• Claim 27 (System): This system, comprising a server and mobile devices, focuses on the server's role in detecting and synchronizing with programming, executing a game, and transmitting game data. Importantly, the server determines the amount of delay needed for precise game synchronization with programming, where this delay is specifically based on signal reception differences among the plurality of participants. The mobile devices handle receiving game data, displaying the game, and receiving input.
• Claim 28 (System): This system involves a server and mobile devices. The server detects and synchronizes with programming, executes a game, and transmits game data. It also performs two specific equalization steps: substantially equalizing the game's presentation by adjusting for the programming's delay for all participants, and determining the amount of delay for precise synchronization based on signal reception differences among participants. The mobile devices receive game data, display the game, and receive input.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of May 12, 2026 (the date the Google Patents page was fetched), US Patent 12005349B2 is involved in ongoing litigation:

• A PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2026-00245, has been filed and is currently pending.
• Two US cases have been filed in the New Jersey District Court: 3:25-cv-01143 and 3:25-cv-01146.
• The first worldwide family litigation related to this patent family was filed on October 2, 2006.