Abstract: A device-mounted infrared (IR) camera and a hybrid visible/IR light projector may be used to project visible animation sequences along with invisible (to the naked eye) tracking signals, (e.g. a near IR fiducial marker). A software (or firmware) platform (either on the handheld device or to which the device communicates) may track multiple, independent projected images in relation to one another using the tracking signals when projected in the near-IR spectrum. The resulting system allows a broad range of new interaction scenarios for multiple handheld projectors being used in any environment with adequate lighting conditions without requiring the environment to be instrumented in any way.

Abstract: A system making use of video games and data communications external to video games is used to provide advertisements, prizes and other benefits to gamers. The prizes relate to either of real world products and services as well as content for use within the video game environment. During a video game session an advertisement is provided to the gamer. When the gamer interacts with the advertisement the video game software acts to facilitate a transaction between the gamer and the advertiser.

Abstract: In order to track the behavior of a gamer with a virtual environment of a video game, the virtual environment is provided with a set of predetermined objectives. The completion of the predetermined objectives is monitored and recorded. This information is then provided to a game developer. In addition, comparing the record of the predetermined objectives with current game assets associated with the gamer serves to inhibit authorized duplication of game assets.

Abstract: A system supporting the presentation of advertisements within video game is described in which a memory cache stores advertising data that is used to provide the advertisements. The memory cache is managed via instructions provided by an external server via a network data connection. The management of the cache supports the storage of a variety of advertisements for a single advertisement opportunity. In addition, the cache management system is designed to supports numerous different video games on a same computing device.

Abstract: An impression normalization function can be established and applied against recorded values for impressions occurring in two or more games. A normalized impression record is created to provide advertisers independent and realistic measurements by which they can compare impressions to enable agreement on the degree of exposure offered by a given advertisement.

Abstract: A method for approving data wherein a request for approval of advertising content for being impressed upon video game players within a known advertising spot within a known video game is provided. Based on the advertising spot and the video game a system determines at least a party for approving of the advertising content. Then, the system automatically transmits a message to the at least a party requesting their approval of the advertising content for being impressed upon video game players within the known advertising spot within the known video game.

Abstract: An image drawing method for drawing an image on an input screen of a portable terminal having input keys arranged in an N×M matrix includes the steps of: determining a size of an input window formed of grid squares arranged in an N×M matrix; determining a position of the input window on the input screen; displaying the input window of the size determined in the input window size determination at the position of the input screen, the position being determined in the input window position determination; and in response to user input being performed on one of the input keys arranged in the N×M matrix, performing a drawing process at the grid square corresponding to the position in the N×M matrix at which the user input has been performed.

Abstract: A putter guide for guiding a putter shaft during a putting stroke has a pair of guide rails for guiding the shaft of a putter, a base member; and a post coupling the base member to the pair of guide rails for elevating the pair of guide rails above the ground to be closer to a grip on the putter. The guide rails are adapted to fold down beside the main post and both are adapted to fold down between two parallel tubes of the base to allow a golfer to carry the putter guide.

Abstract: A putter guide for guiding a putter shaft during a putting stroke has a pair of guide rails for guiding the shaft of a putter, a base member; and a post coupling the base member to the pair of guide rails for elevating the pair of guide rails above the ground to be closer to a grip on the putter. The guide rails are adapted to fold down beside the main post and both are adapted to fold down between two parallel tubes of the base to allow a golfer to carry the putter guide.

Abstract: An impression normalization function can be established and applied against recorded values for impressions occurring in two or more games. A normalized impression record is created to provide advertisers independent and realistic measurements by which they can compare impressions to enable agreement on the degree of exposure offered by a given advertisement.

Abstract: An impression policy associated with impression policy criteria is created and transmitted to one or more game consoles. The impression policy is applied to all possible content impressions (e.g., advertisement impressions) that occur during game play. The content impressions that satisfy impression policy criteria are reported as actual content impressions.

Abstract: An image drawing method for drawing an image on an input screen of a portable terminal having input keys arranged in an N×M matrix includes the steps of: determining a size of an input window formed of grid squares arranged in an N×M matrix; determining a position of the input window on the input screen; displaying the input window of the size determined in the input window size determination at the position of the input screen, the position being determined in the input window position determination; and in response to user input being performed on one of the input keys arranged in the N×M matrix, performing a drawing process at the grid square corresponding to the position in the N×M matrix at which the user input has been performed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for nucleic acid amplification are provided that minimize the formation and amplification of spurious products, particularly in multiplex amplification reactions. Linear amplification molecules are provided. A first embodiment comprises a first common primer sequence, a first template homology region, a cleavable site, a second common primer sequence and a second template homology region. Methods employing the linear amplification molecules for nucleic acid amplification are also provided. A first embodiment comprises a template-specific hybridization, a linear amplification, a template-specific intramolecular hybridization, a strand cleavage, a second linear amplification and an exponential amplification using common primers.

Abstract: A repeater of a wireless communication system includes a positioning unit, such as a GPS receiver, in order to calculate the location of the repeater. In addition, various techniques are described that exploit the positioning information generated by the repeater in order to improve the wireless communication system.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a repeater and base station control device implemented in a wireless communication system. The repeater includes a control unit capable of detecting signals sent from various base stations in the wireless communication system. In accordance with this disclosure, the repeater identifies a set of base stations that it can detect, and then sends information indicative of the set of base stations that the repeater can detect to a specific base station that gets repeated by the repeater. In this manner, the repeater can be used to help assess network topology. The base station control device receives the information from the base station and can use the information to update a neighbor list.

Abstract: A method for managing advertising content delivery in a gaming environment, includes a step of providing a first software package for a specific release version of a video game for a particular first platform. The first software package including computer readable code for being executed on the particular first platform. A first game identifier is embedded within the computer readable code of the first software package. Furthermore, a second software package is provided for a specific release version of a video game for a particular second platform, the second software package including computer readable code for being executed on the particular second platform. A second game identifier is embedded within the computer readable code of the second software package, the second game identifier different than the first game identifier.

Abstract: A foam soap generator is provided for implementation with various types of foam soap delivery systems. The foam soap generator includes converging air and liquid soap passages at a mixing chamber, where a prefoam is generated for ultimate extrusion through a porous passage member. In one embodiment of the invention, the soap and air are delivered through coaxial tubes, with the soap being introduced axially into the mixing chamber and the air being introduced radially angularly. In another embodiment, the liquid soap is drawn into an entrainment zone by high velocity air passing through the air passageway and into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A foam soap generator and pump is provided for receipt by a liquid soap container in a foam soap dispenser. The foam soap generator and pump comprise an air cylinder and a liquid cylinder, integral with each other, and in parallel arrangement. Each receives a respective air and liquid piston, again of integral construction. The pistons are provided with arms having passages therethrough that ultimately bring the liquid and air together under pressure for the generation of foam and extrude of the same through an appropriate screen or open cell foam disk.

Abstract: A distributed loosely coupled unified on-line gaming system comprises a central service provider, gaming service customers providing gaming service customer located equipment connected to the central service provider through a broadband network, and gaming service providers connected to the central service provider through the broadband network. The different gaming service costumers are connected to different gaming service providers.

Abstract: A system making use of video games and data communications external to video games is used to provide advertisements, prizes and other benefits to gamers. The prizes relate to either of real world products and services as well as content for use within the video game environment. During a video game session an advertisement is provided to the gamer. When the gamer interacts with the advertisement the video game software acts to facilitate a transaction between the gamer and the advertiser.