Impact Patents (Class 73/379.04)
  • Patent number: 11954244
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and the like for performing processing for eliminating the deviation between postures of an object and a user without deteriorating the user's sense of immersion as much as possible in a scene where an object operated in a virtual space receives some kind of interference. An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation mode determination unit, an instruction posture calculation unit, and an object motion determination unit. The operation mode determination unit determines an operation mode for the first object. The instruction posture calculation unit calculates an instruction posture for the first object based on a posture of an operator of the first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Tanaka, Yasutaka Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 11887174
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing lower body movement in low stress and loaded states and selecting footwear are disclosed herein. A system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a plurality of markers and/or sensors and a controller. The markers or sensors can be used to detect lower body movement of a human subject, including inward and outward knee motion and tibia rotation. The controller can be configured to record lower body movement of the human subject in an unloaded state and a loaded state. The controller can further be configured to determine a trend corresponding to a change in the lower body movement from the unloaded state to the loaded state. Based on this trend, the system can select footwear characteristics that counteract any trend away from the lower body movement in the unloaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Brooks Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Rohr, Pete Humphrey, Carson Caprara, Andre Kriwet
  • Patent number: 11872468
    Abstract: A sport training method and system and a head-mounted VR device are disclosed. The method is performed by a head-mounted VR device. The head-mounted VR device is wirelessly connected to a hand-motion tracker and a foot-motion tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: QINGDAO PICO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tao Wu
  • Patent number: 11628346
    Abstract: A variable hardness punching bag is disclosed herein. The punching bag comprises a core having a first hardness profile; and at least one auxiliary shell attachable to the core, wherein the at least one auxiliary shell has a second hardness profile different to the first hardness profile. The auxiliary shells include a punching shell and a kicking shell, wherein the punching shell is denser and harder relative to the kicking shell. The punching and kicking shells include attachment straps for facilitating attachment to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Chad Taylor
  • Patent number: 11543881
    Abstract: A system for displaying an image of a virtual space on a display obtains detection data from position detection sensors, the position detection sensors including a position detection sensor attached to a user. The system calculates a distance between a pair of the position detection sensors based on the detection data, and sets, based on the distance, a boundary for determining a motion of the user. The system determines, when the motion of the user occurs, whether a positional relationship between one of the position detection sensors and the boundary satisfies a condition, and, responsive to the positional relationship satisfying the condition, executes an action corresponding to the motion of the user in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Robin Boucher
  • Patent number: 11452914
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Norman Cusey, Jay Allen Shears, Harold Dan Stirling
  • Patent number: 11360548
    Abstract: A system for displaying an image of a virtual space on a display obtains detection data from position detection sensors, the position detection sensors including a position detection sensor attached to a user. The system calculates a distance between a pair of the position detection sensors based on the detection data, and sets, based on the distance, a boundary for determining a motion of the user. The system determines, when the motion of the user occurs, whether a positional relationship between one of the position detection sensors and the boundary satisfies a condition, and, responsive to the positional relationship satisfying the condition, executes an action corresponding to the motion of the user in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Robin Boucher
  • Patent number: 11117054
    Abstract: A method for controlling a character in a virtual environment of an interactive gaming application. The method including receiving characteristics of a virtual environment. The method including receiving a weight distribution profile for virtual objects carried by the character, the weight distribution profile causing an offset in a center of gravity of the character. The method including receiving input to move the character about the virtual environment, the input including a first component for moving the character along a path in the virtual environment, and a second component for providing a counter-force to reduce the offset to the center of gravity. The second component is applied when the character graphically appears to be out-of-balance while moving along the path in the virtual environment responsive to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
    Inventor: Hideo Kojima
  • Patent number: 11077350
    Abstract: It is designed to train athletes in rugby and/or American football, providing movement very close to the actual one and gives possibility to be mounted on scrum machine. Tackling machine comprises supporting frame structure (1) with shape of a parallelepiped and detachable connecting devices interconnect its elements. It is placed on ground (2). The longitudinal guide (6) has forked end and is mounted to the structure (1) through the forward end (61). The forked end (62) of the longitudinal guide goes outside the structure (1). At least one metal rod (8) whose upper end (81) protrudes above the parallelepiped, and carry at least one tensioner (9), connected to the forked end (62). The drive unit (10) is mounted to the fork-shaped longitudinal guide and has a working area arranged outside the structure (1). The tackling dummy (11) is attached to the carrier (12) by a detachable connecting device (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Stefan Raychev Antonov
  • Patent number: 10921880
    Abstract: A system for displaying an image of a virtual space on a display obtains detection data from position detection sensors, the position detection sensors including a position detection sensor attached to a user. The system calculates a distance between a pair of the position detection sensors based on the detection data, and sets, based on the distance, a boundary for determining a motion of the user. The system determines, when the motion of the user occurs, whether a positional relationship between one of the position detection sensors and the boundary satisfies a condition, and, responsive to the positional relationship satisfying the condition, executes an action corresponding to the motion of the user in the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Robin Boucher
  • Patent number: 10825561
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to generate a multiple renditions of a user interface that is updated based upon athletic movements of two or more users remotely located from each other. The UI may be configured to simultaneously display energy expenditure values in real-time. In further embodiments, a joint energy expenditure values determined from multiple remote users may be simultaneously displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Aragones, John M. Gordon, Adriana Guerrero, Christina S. Self, Paul T. Winsper, Kristopher L. Homsi
  • Patent number: 10232273
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a pairing between a first player and a second player of a multiplayer application comprises the steps of obtaining one or more parameter values for each of the first player and the second player, inputting the parameter values for each of the first player and the second player into an artificial neural network, obtaining at least a first pairing fitness value output from the artificial neural network, and selecting to pair the first player and the second player in dependence upon a criterion responsive to the each pairing fitness value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Rohan Pankaj Bangdiwala, Jake Leigh Clarke
  • Patent number: 9911357
    Abstract: A solution for training guidance is provided. A method related to the solution includes acquiring, in a training guidance apparatus, cardiovascular data representing cardiovascular measurement on a user carrying out a physical exercise, wherein the acquired cardiovascular data is real-time data measured during the physical exercise. The method further includes determining exercise guidance attributes from the cardiovascular data with respect to at least one training target of the physical exercise, selecting a video clip matching with the guidance attributes, and causing display of the video clip to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Pekka Rytky, Mika Erkkilä
  • Patent number: 9399167
    Abstract: An electronic game system and a method of its operation are provided for virtual space mapping of a variable activity region in physical space. A calibration input may be received from a positioning device of a game controller that indicates waypoints that define an activity region in physical space. A scale factor may be identified between the activity region and an interactive game region in virtual space based on the calibration input. Positioning information may be received from the positioning device that indicates a position of the positioning device within the activity region. The position of the positioning device within the activity region may be mapped to a corresponding virtual position within the interactive game region based on the scale factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Glaser, Steven Michael Beeman, Peter Glenn Sarrett, Scott Henson, Robert Sheldon Walker, John Clavin
  • Patent number: 9289674
    Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an athletic movement and/or exercise and generating a combinatory fitness athleticism score. The score may comprise a fitness sub-score and a fitness sub-score. The athletic movement may comprise a plurality of drills configured to test a plurality of fitness attributes and/or a plurality of athleticism attributes of the user. At least one of the plurality of fitness attributes may be selected from the group consisting of: endurance, flexibility, strength and combinations thereof; and at least one of the plurality of athleticism attributes may be selected from the group consisting of: speed, agility, reaction, power, balance, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Winsper, Kristopher L. Homsi
  • Patent number: 9283475
    Abstract: To provide a game system to perform various modifications to a tune being reproduced for game background displayed together with the tune, without the uncomfortable feeling, but with restriction of amount of memory consumption. The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) which informs a player of the operation timings of operation members (11) to a tune to be reproduced by a display device (3), wherein the game system (1) has background image data (24) for displaying game background image (34) by the display device (3), a break position monitoring device (7c) for monitoring at least one break positions set in the tune in units of beats during which the tune is reproduced, and a background image control device (7d) for controlling the appearance of modification of the game background image (34) so that the appearance of modification changes depending on the play situation of the player when the break position is recognized by the break position monitoring device (7c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Inubushi, Yoshihiko Narita
  • Patent number: 9186546
    Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 8556628
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Malcom E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8503086
    Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Impulse Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry J. French, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110140897
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic virtual running/walking coach that notifies a person as to how hard the person's feet have been impacting a surface, notifies the person as to whether the person's feet are impacting a surface at a proper relative distance from the body and/or at a proper side-to-side angle, and/or notifies the person as to how much cushioning life remains in a pair of shoes. When the notifications are provided to the person during the running/walking activity, the person can respond by taking immediate actions to adjust the foot placement relative to the body and/or adjust the level of foot impact to an acceptable level by varying the speed, step distance, and/or posture while running/walking and/or by selecting among different available surfaces on which to run/walk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Connor Kent Purks, Kory Patrick Purks, Bryce Benjamin Purks, Deborah Rhea Purks, David Kent Purks
  • Patent number: 7857729
    Abstract: An automated striking and blocking trainer is disclosed. In some embodiments, the trainer includes the following: a frame; a striking body joined with the frame, the punching bag including one or more strike zone assemblies, the strike zone assemblies each having a light indicator and a striking force sensor; an arm assembly joined with the frame, the arm assembly including one or more arms, each of the one or more arms including a voltage differential sensor and a motion indicator in the form of an electrical motor, wherein the voltage differential between the power being used by the electrical motor when the one or more arms are not struck and when the one or more arms are struck is used to determine a torque of the one or more arms and an input force of a blocking strike; and a head assembly including a processor unit and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fairfield University
    Inventors: Christopher P. Sullivan, Gregory Robert Sanderson, Mike Swern, Glen T. Sergeant
  • Patent number: 7736248
    Abstract: Disclosed is a training apparatus for training players involved in contact sports, such as football. The training apparatus includes a frame assembly, a first driving mechanism, a drifting mechanism, a second driving mechanism, and a dummy. The frame assembly is configured to support the first driving mechanism, the drifting mechanism, the second driving mechanism, and the dummy thereon. The first driving mechanism is configured to move the dummy in a longitudinal direction, the second driving mechanism is configured to move the dummy in a transverse direction, and the drifting mechanism is configured to move the dummy along a vertical axis of the frame assembly. Further disclosed is a training system including a training apparatus and a controlling module. The controlling module is operatively coupled to the training apparatus for controlling the longitudinal direction movement, the transverse direction movement, and the vertical axis movement of the dummy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Eldridge
  • Patent number: 7736273
    Abstract: The invention is a human and animal performance data acquisition, analysis, and diagnostic system for fitness and therapy devices having an interface box removably disposed on incoming power wiring to a fitness and therapy device, at least one current transducer removably disposed on said interface box for sensing current signals to said fitness and therapy device, and a means for analyzing, displaying, and reporting said current signals to determine human and animal performance on said device using measurable parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl F. Cox, Charles D. Hochanadel, Howard D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 7717826
    Abstract: The invention is a human and animal performance data acquisition, analysis, and diagnostic system for fitness and therapy devices having an interface box removably disposed on incoming power wiring to a fitness and therapy device, at least one current transducer removably disposed on said interface box for sensing current signals to said fitness and therapy device, and a means for analyzing, displaying, and reporting said current signals to determine human and animal performance on said device using measurable parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl F. Cox, Charles D. Hochanadel, Howard D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 7416231
    Abstract: A collision detecting apparatus has a plurality of collision detecting means and a determination means for determining a collision based on at least one of outputs of the plurality of collision detecting means. Each of the collision detecting means has a crank member and a deformation detecting member disposed at the center of a middle portion of the crank member for detecting a deformation of the middle portion. Each of the crank member has a first extending portion extending from a first end of the middle portion and a second extending portion extending from a second end of the middle portion in a direction opposite to the first extending portion. A first collision detecting means and a second collision detecting means are arranged in opposite directions between a reinforcement member and one of side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Takahashi, Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7128692
    Abstract: The present invention features various systems and methods for assessing, measuring, quantifying, and/or relaying athlete performance information, and particularly performance information relating to fighters or boxers. More particularly, the present invention relates to utilizing such technology as modified ergometer based technology, optical sensor and motion analysis technology, accelerometers, and hydraulic meters for the measuring and/or improvement of the performance of fighters, for the facilitating of recruiting efforts, and/or for the enhancement of boxing matches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: John W. Black
  • Patent number: 6876496
    Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Impulse Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry J. French, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6784792
    Abstract: A method of deciding with a high reliability whether an impact with the front side of a vehicle has been caused by a pedestrian is described. Two decision criteria are formed, and only if both decision criteria are met is it decided an impact with a pedestrian has occurred. The first decision criterion is determined by the fact that the pressures or deformations measured by a sensor on the bumper and a sensor in the area of the front edge of the engine hood are compared with reference quantities typical of impact with a pedestrian. The second decision criterion is determined by the fact that the changes in velocity and/or acceleration of the vehicle caused by an impact are determined, and then the changes in velocity and/or acceleration are compared with reference quantities which are typical of impact with a pedestrian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Mattes, Gottfried Flik
  • Patent number: 6765726
    Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Impluse Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry J. French, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6430997
    Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Trazer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry J. French, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6308565
    Abstract: Accurate simulation of sport to quantify and train performance constructs by employing sensing electronics for determining, in essentially real time, the player's three dimensional positional changes in three or more degrees of freedom (three dimensions); and computer controlled sport specific cuing that evokes or prompts sport specific responses from the player that are measured to provide meaningful indicia of performance. The sport specific cuing is characterized as a virtual opponent that is responsive to, and interactive with, the player in real time. The virtual opponent continually delivers and/or responds to stimuli to create realistic movement challenges for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Impulse Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry J. French, Kevin R. Ferguson