Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a posture of a body part of a user are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, an image is received from a sensor, where the image includes at least a portion of an image of the user including the body part. The skeleton information of the user is estimated from the image, a region of the image corresponding to the body part is identified at least partially based on the skeleton information, and a shape descriptor is extracted for the region and the shape descriptor is classified based on training data to estimate the posture of the body part.

Abstract: A computationally efficient method of performing probabilistic linear regression is described. In an embodiment, the method involves adding a white noise term to a weighted linear sum of basis functions and then normalizing the combination. This generates a linear model comprising a set of sparse, normalized basis functions and a modulated noise term. When using the linear model to perform linear regression, the modulated noise term increases the variance associated with output values which are distant from any data points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a posture of a body part of a user are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, an image is received from a sensor, where the image includes at least a portion of an image of the user including the body part. The skeleton information of the user is estimated from the image, a region of the image corresponding to the body part is identified at least partially based on the skeleton information, and a shape descriptor is extracted for the region and the shape descriptor is classified based on training data to estimate the posture of the body part.

Abstract: A paintball gun includes a detector that detects the ejection of each paintball and a transmitter that transmits a signal to a remote location indicative of the ejection. The signal is used to determine if the paintball gun is ejecting paintballs at an unacceptable rate and in response, either a warning is generated, or a signal is sent back to inhibit the paintball gun. The signal from the transmitter may include a unique ID for the paintball gun. A command center can receive the signals and generate a statistical record of the operation of each paintball gun in a given playing field.

Abstract: An information display and communication system for use with paintball equipment during a paintball game is provided. The information display and communication system includes a display unit disposed on a housing; a wireless communication unit provided in the housing for receiving information from a paintball marker system; and a controller provided in the housing for displaying the received information on the display unit. The system can be constructed as a portable unit or incorporated into the body of a paintball marker or paintball hopper. Ideally, the display unit includes a touch screen input unit for providing user interaction with the information unit. The wireless communication unit utilizes a short range communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, IR, etc. Additionally, a second wireless communication unit is included having a longer communication range for communicating with other information display and communication systems and players.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a paintball hopper is disclosed, which reduces the paintball reload time. The lid assembly has an outer ring dimensioned to fit over a loading opening of the paintball hopper. A barrier member, such as an elastic membrane or plurality of flanges, is disposed across the inner perimeter of the outer ring such that the loading opening is substantially sealed. Also, a securing member is provided for securing the outer ring to the paintball hopper. A paintball hopper formed with the lid assembly described above is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A plurality of indicia are downloaded during the rendering of a web page retrieved from a server. Each of the indicia corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of text entries in a database in communication with such server or any other server on the network. A predetermined number of the downloaded indicia are then displayed in a first region of a web page. One of the indicia currently displayed at a selected location within the first region is visually enhanced. Next, the respective one of the text entries corresponding to the indicia that has been enhanced at the selected location in the first region is downloaded and then displayed in a second region of the web page. So that all such indicia are displayed, each one of the indicia currently displayed in the first region is replaced with another one of the indicia not currently displayed in the first region.

Abstract: A bistable fluidic switch is switched from its stable state by a pin inserted in the power nozzle of the bistable fluidic switch, the pin being controlled by an electromagnetic actuator which is controlled from an electronic computer. The fluidic switch element has a cross-over type interaction region and a common outlet leading to a pair of output passageways, one of which returns fuel to the supply tank, and the other of which leads to the air intake manifold of the engine. Air is introduced into the output passageway leading to the engine so as to air atomize the fuel before injection of same into the air intake manifold.