Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make a game player comfortably watch moving pictures when a camera's line-of-sight tracks a moving object. In a program of the present invention, a control unit recognizes point-of-sight position data for indicating a position of a camera's point-of-sight. Then, the control unit recognizes a view-frustum region and an intra-view-frustum region. Next, the control unit decides whether or not a moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region. When the control unit decides that the moving object is located outside the intra-view-frustum region, the control unit executes processing of moving at least one of the camera's point-of-sight and a camera's point-of-target so that the moving object is located within the intra-view-frustum region.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display 27 having a liquid crystal panel 173 and a light guiding plate 174 placed at the rear of the liquid crystal panel 173 for guiding light emitted from illumination light means 176a, 176b for the liquid crystal panel 173 into the liquid crystal panel 173, and a variable display device placed at the rear of the liquid crystal display 27 and having a plurality of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided in a row each on which a plurality of symbols are arranged. Parts of the light guiding plate 174 to which the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are opposed are cut out or are formed with recesses on the reel side and light scattering process is applied on end faces 174a, 174b, and 174c of the cutouts or the recesses.

Abstract: For an input interface apparatus for recognizing the motion of an object, there may be cases where the brightness of the object to be captured is insufficient, and thus, a camera takes an image of the object operated by the object, a depth position detector detects the position of the object based on captured frames, an action identifying unit identifies an action of the player based on a result on the detection of the object, an input receiving unit receives the action as an instruction to an input-receiving image displayed on a display, and in response to the action, an illumination control unit raises the brightness of the image projected on the display higher than that before the action is detected.

Abstract: A gaming method for presenting both gaming content based video signals and secondary video signals over a single display using a Display Manager is disclosed. The Display Manager is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals.

Abstract: Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals.

Abstract: A method of interaction with a data processor such as a games machine comprises the steps of capturing a wide angle image of an environment, obtaining image features from the wide angle image, and then interpreting these image features as inputs to software running on the games machine. The step of obtaining image features from the wide angle image further comprises the step of mapping one or more regions of the wide-angle image to corresponding one or more flat image planes, and obtaining image features from one or more of said planes of the mapped wide-angle image. Advantageously, the planes can be arranged to reflect the topology of a room or the positioning of players, and allow a consistent representation of image features and consequently of input motion to a process such as a game, without position dependent distortions of the features inherent in the wide angle image.

Abstract: A game controller is provided. One or more main control input interfaces on the game controller consist of generalized sockets. A variety of modular input interfaces can be plugged into these sockets. Hardware specific to the input type of the modular input is contained within the modular input itself, and plugged in via an interface. This allows for dual analog sticks, a combination of analog and trackball, or further any combination of touchpad, directional pad, or additional components.

Abstract: A gaming device which can be operated by wireless signals provided by a remote control unit or device after an initialization process. The initialization process insures that the initialized gaming device accepts signals solely from the initialized remote control unit and that other players are prevented from operating the gaming device using a different remote control unit. The wireless signals contain gaming commands for play of a primary wagering game as well as player identification and/or player tracking information.

Abstract: A video game device which has a mobile phone functionality, wherein a game vibrator which is activated when the game object entering detector identifies that the user controlled game object enters a certain two-dimensional area by identifying the locations of the user controlled game object and the certain two-dimensional area in the computer-generated three-dimensional virtual space is also activated when receiving a phone call.

Abstract: A service that provides for setting up game sessions for a plurality of game players. A number of game players that each have a computing device capable of playing a computer game are linked together by the service. The service allows a player to set up a common game session so that a subset of the players can simultaneously start playing the game at the same level. Additionally, the service allows game competitions to be structured and played among a subset of the game players.

Abstract: Methods, program products, services and devices are provided for protecting a protected avatar from actions of a second avatar within a virtual universe. Protection is implemented for a protected avatar from a second avatar within a virtual universe, including identifying an activity of the second avatar and disqualifying the second avatar from engaging in the identified activity within the virtual universe as a function of a relation of the identified activity to the protected avatar. A protective action is defined, associated with the identified activity and executable against the protected avatar or the second avatar. Activity of the protected avatar or the second avatar is monitored within the virtual universe for an occurrence of the identified activity, and the protective action is executed against the protected avatar or the second avatar in response to detecting the occurrence of the identified activity.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a communications network arranged to facilitate communications to and from the gaming machines. Each gaming machine is arranged to implement a game, and to generate status information indicative of whether the gaming machine is vacant or occupied, and the system is arranged to display availability information derived from the status information indicative of whether at least some of the gaming machines are vacant or occupied. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods of using a simulator cabin module with an interior space which replicates a space ship, where the simulator module is mounted in a real aircraft, as a real airborne simulator. The aircraft lifts off to provide airborne maneuvers such as parabolic flight paths to cause G force and zero gravity effects to passengers in the cabin module. The cabin module includes rows of seats where passengers experience realistic sounds, lights, different temperatures, and physical effects (vibrations) of space ship liftoffs and space travel by having realistic simulation effects distributed over the seated passengers. Passengers can be seated in special reclinable seats with 5 point harnesses and pilot helmets with operable wireless communications and uniforms to add to the realistic simulation effects. Simulator modules can also be mounted in other moving vehicles, such as but not limited to submersibles, ships, and the like.

Abstract: An extreme sports component having a support and at least a first member defining a maneuvering surface. The support and at least first member are operatively joined through at least one member on each of the support and at least first member that cooperate with each other so as to maintain the support and at least first member in a predetermined operative relationship. The support and at least first member are maintained in the predetermined operative relationship without requiring that any anchoring element be directed through the maneuvering surface.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a multi-function game table including a confinement component and a latch component. The game table has a framework and a tablet rotatably connected to the framework. The confinement component is connected to tablet of the game table. The latch component is connected to the framework of the game table and corresponds with the confinement component. A base of the latch component has a through passage corresponding with a channel of the confinement component. A switch of the latch component is located in the through passage of the base and has a manipulation member and a shut member. The manipulation member is pivotally connected to the base, and the shut member is connected to and extends outwardly from the manipulation member moving with the manipulation member. When the manipulation member pivots inside the base, the shut member is selectively inserted into the channel of the confinement component.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: providing a table game of the type where a player seeks to sink one or more balls of a set of balls in one or more pockets of the table by striking the balls with a cue ball in accordance with the rules of the table game; receiving a wager from a player additional to any amount required to play the table game, the wager entitling the player to receive at least one bonus associated with an event if the player achieves the event; and electronically monitoring play of the table game to determine whether the player achieves the event and the bonus should be awarded to the player.

Abstract: Sports training apparatuses, systems and methods for allowing a golf club user to estimate the trajectory and distance of a golf ball once it has been impacted with the golf club. One embodiment includes a golf club made up of a head, a ferrule, a shaft and a grip wherein one or more markings are positioned on said head, ferrule, shaft or grip or any combination of the head, ferrule, shaft and grip so the one or more markings may be used for monitoring and aiding in the improvement of the player's performance. The markings may be positioned at one or more locations about the external surface of one or more portions of the golf club including the head, the ferrule, the hosel, the shaft, and the grip. In other embodiments, additional markings may be used in conjunction with the first set of markings.

Abstract: A golf club according to one or more aspects of the present invention may have a mass less than 300 g, a length greater than about 45 inches, a swing weight between D0 and D6, a head weighing less than about 200 g, a club-head volume of at least about 360 cm3, a grip weighing less than about 50 g, and a shaft having a tip end, a butt end, and a shaft balance point located no more than 24 inches from the butt end. The shaft may have a torsional displacement angle greater than about 5.5° and a mass less than about 50 g. A coordinate system having x-, y-, and z-axes may have its origin at the center of gravity of the club head. The golf club head may have a moment of inertia of at least about 4500 g·cm2 about the z-axis and a moment of inertia of at least about 3000 g·cm2 about the y-axis.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head made of metal includes a face portion, a sole portion, a side portion, and a crown portion. The crown portion and at least a part of the side portion have a Young's modulus lower than the face portion and the sole portion.

Abstract: A golf club head (1) comprises a head main body (10) having a concave portion (11) formed in the face side and a face plate (20) fixed to the head main body (10). The face plate (20) is mounted on the head main body (10) such that a concave step portion (21) engages with a convex step portion (16a) of the head main body (10), and the upper edge portion, lower edge portion, and toe-side edge portion of the face plate (20) abut against edge portions (13), (14), and (15) of the head main body, respectively. The face plate (20) is laser-welded along its perimeter and fixed to the head main body (10).

Abstract: Methods of forming a golf club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics are disclosed herein. A preferred method is the largest tangent circle method, which utilizes a Cartesian coordinate system. The method results in identification and measurement of certain club head features, which can be adjusted to improve aerodynamic properties of the golf club head. One method of the present invention lowers the drag of the club head by specifying dimensional relationships of the driver head based on location of apex and nadir points, while another method lowers the drag of the club head by improving overall face design.

Abstract: A hollow golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature including a sole located stress reducing feature located on the sole of the club head. The location and size of the sole stress reducing feature, and their relationship to one another and other club head engineering variables, play a significant role in reducing the peak stress seen on the golf club's face during an impact with a golf ball, as well as selectively increasing deflection of the face.

Abstract: A hollow golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature including a crown located stress reducing feature located on the crown of the club head. The location and size of the crown stress reducing feature, and their relationship to one another and other club head engineering variables, play a significant role in reducing the peak stress seen on the golf club's face during an impact with a golf ball, as well as selectively increasing deflection of the face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming golf club head using metal injection molding and the resulting golf club head. The method of the invention allows for a lower volume of powdered metal than current metal injection molding processes thereby decreasing overall production cost.

Abstract: This invention is related to multi-layer golf balls having at least one layer containing a neutralized high acid ionomer linked to a grafted metallocene copolymer, where the golf balls exhibit improved performance characteristics and properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting essentially of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core includes a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a first HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a second HNP composition. The first HNP composition has a material hardness of 55 Shore D or less and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The second HNP composition has a material hardness of 45 Shore D or greater and comprises a highly neutralized ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymer. The material hardness of the first HNP composition is less than the material hardness of the second HNP composition. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer.

Abstract: The present invention is to a golf ball having an equator at latitude 0° and two poles; and an equator region defined by latitudes 0 to 25°, a shoulder region defined by latitudes from more than 25° to less than 65°, and a pole region defined by latitudes 65° to 90°; and a dimple pattern on the surface of the golf ball having an average dimple volume of the equator region Ve, an average dimple volume of the shoulder region, Vs, and an average dimple volume of the pole region, Vp such that the ratio Vs/Ve is less than 0.97 and the ratio Vp/Vs is less than 0.97.

Abstract: A golf accessory device includes a divot tool having a pair of spaced apart prongs at one end for repairing divots in a golfing surface. The tool also has an opening adjacent another end for receiving a ball marker assembly. A magnet is positioned in and circumscribes the opening. The ball marker assembly includes a ball marker and a support plate with the ball marker being magnetically attached to a first surface of the plate. A clip is attached to an opposite surface of the support plate. The marker and plate fit within the opening in the tool with an outer edge of the plate seated on the magnet. The ball marker assembly can be removed from the divot tool and attached to an item of clothing by the clip.

Abstract: A sport instruction system for use in training for a sport requiring use of equipment having a gripping handle comprises a plurality of flexible equipment handle cue bands, each cue band displaying a unique visual cue, each cue band sized for securement to the gripping handle of the equipment in a location visible to the player of the sport when holding the gripping handle of the equipment, a plurality of sport specific instruction cards, each card having training theme indicia corresponding to one of the visual cues on the equipment handle cue bands, performance problem indicia related to the training theme indicia, and training instruction indicia related to the performance indicia, such that viewing the visual cue on one of the cue bands during training focuses the players attention on training instructions conveyed by the training instruction indicia on the instruction card having training theme corresponding to the visual cue.

Abstract: A sports activity device playable, for example, as a device for launching and catching objects and as a tossable flying disc. Embodiments of the sports activity device includes an outer annular ring member and an inner annular ring assembly detachably engaged to the outer annular ring member. The inner annular ring assembly may include an inner annular ring member and an engagement assembly configured and operable to facilitate detachable engagement of the inner annular ring assembly with the outer annular ring member.

Abstract: A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: The danger of damage caused by flying fragments from a shattered baseball bat is greatly reduced or eliminated by wrapping a portion of the bat with nearly invisible polymeric film. Although extremely thin, the film shows great tensile strength and retains wood fragments should the bat shatter in use. Preferably the region of the bat where the handle portion transitions into the barrel portion is wrapped because this area is the most prone to shatter. This leaves the barrel of the bat completely unaltered. Where game rules permit thin strips of film can also be applied to the sides of the barrel as an additional precaution although the barrel is relatively unlikely to shatter in use.

Abstract: Vibration dampening devices for arrows are installed in the arrow point end of the arrow shaft or in the nock end of the shaft or in both of those ends. These devices: (a) are fabricated from elastomeric materials; (b) have an elongated core surrounded by one or more annular, vibration dampening elements; and (c) employ decay time modification to attenuate shock and vibration. The devices are assembled in axially aligned relationship to an arrow point insert or arrow nock, and coupling features insure a positive connection between the dampening device and the arrow point insert or nock to which a device is assembled.

Abstract: Embodiments included herein include a projectile system. At least one embodiment of the a projectile system includes hollow portion and a weight that is movably secured within the hollow portion of the projectile insert system. Some embodiments include an attracting device rigidly secured at a first end of the hollow portion, the attracting device removably securing the weight, where the hollow portion provides a pathway for the weight to travel when a force is exerted on the projectile insert system that causes the weight to become unsecured from the attracting device.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur apparatus comprises a derailleur including a mounting member adapted to be mounted to a bicycle frame and a chain guide coupled to the mounting member so that the chain guide moves relative to the mounting member. A power storing unit is supported by the derailleur.

Abstract: A method for mounting a belt on a first pulley and a second pulley is disclosed, wherein a guide member and a fixing member is used. The method includes steps of winding the belt around a pulley groove of the second pulley; fitting the guide member in an inner groove of the first pulley; fixing the guide member on the first pulley using the fixing member; seating the belt in the inner pulley groove of the first pulley using the fixing member; positioning the belt in the outer direction with respect to the axial direction of the first pulley, by the guidance of a belt introduction surface of the guide member; and rotating the first pulley in the rotational direction of the first pulley so as to seat the belt in the inner pulley groove of the first pulley.

Abstract: A transmission for use in an electrically-driven bicycle and/or a scooter is disclosed, in which the transmission coupled with a motor is embedded together with the motor in a hub of a rear or front wheel. According to the transmission and a transmission method, the power generated from the motor or a pedal is outputted through a transmission device to a hub shell of the wheel. The output of the motor or other output of the motor which is subject to a reduction unit is used as the input of the transmission device. The ring gear and the hub shell are connected to each other with an output pawl, so that the power cannot be reversely inputted when the hub shell is rotated with a higher speed than the ring gear.

Abstract: A hybrid module is configured to interconnect an engine and a transmission. The hybrid module includes an electric motor and a first and second carrier. The first carrier is operatively connected to the transmission and is rotatable about the central axis at a first rotational velocity with the electric motor. The first carrier transfers the first rotational velocity to the transmission. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the central axis at a second rotational velocity. A first sun gear rotatably surrounds the central axis and is connected to the second carrier. A first pinion gear is rotatably supported by the first carrier and is in meshing engagement with the first sun gear such that the first pinion gear rotates about the first pinion axis as the first pinion gear and the first carrier rotate in unison about the central axis.

Abstract: A sun gear of a first planetary gear train is connected to an input shaft. A carrier 9 of the first planetary gear train is connected to a sun gear of a second planetary gear train and to a first pump/motor. A ring gear of the first planetary gear train is connected to a second pump/motor, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear train is connected to an output shaft. A first clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the second planetary gear train and the ring gear of the first planetary gear train with and from each other, and a second clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the carrier of the second planetary gear train and a fixed end with and from each other.

Abstract: A controller includes: a adjuster, configured to adjust distribution of driving force between right and left wheels; a limiter, configured to limit a difference between operations of the right and left wheels; a first calculator, configured to calculate a first control amount corresponding to the adjustor and including an amount related to direction of shift of driving force between the right and left wheels; a second calculator, configured to calculate a second control amount corresponding to the limiter; a third calculator, configured to calculate a third control amount including the second control amount and the amount; a fourth calculator, configured to calculate a fourth control amount that is a combination of the first and third control amounts; a selector, configured to select either the adjustor and the limiter; and a controller, configured to control the adjustor or the limiter in accordance with the fourth control amount.

Abstract: A joint driving apparatus for a robot comprises an oscillating internally meshing reduction mechanism, a center shaft member, a ring portion, and an oil seal disposed between the ring portion and the center shaft member. The oscillating internally meshing reduction mechanism is fixed to a first member and rotates the second member relatively with respect to the first member. An output member is arranged at the side of an external gear in an axial direction so as to output a relative rotation of an internal gear with the external gear. The center shaft member is fixed to the output member, and has a shaft portion extending up to the side opposite to the external gear in the axial direction of the output member. The ring portion is integrally formed with the first member and faces to the shaft portion of the center shaft member. The oil seal is disposed between the ring portion and the shaft portion.

Abstract: The problem to be solved is to provide a seat lifting assembly where lesser angular movement of the lifting means provide larger increase or decrease in the height of the seat and the problem is solved by providing a seat lifting assembly having a lifting means, an assembly of gears, arrangement of shafts and link which provides higher movement to seat with respect to smaller angular movement of lifting means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows for multiple mode driving, which is combined with a way of driving at a fixed gear ratio such as the shift stages of a common transmission, and high-efficiency driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having a transmission input member, a transmission output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes.

Abstract: A multi step transmission comprises planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts, and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (4) which couples housing (G) via brake (04), the carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3) which couples housing (G) via brake (03), the drive shaft via clutch (13), and shaft (5) via clutch (35). Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gear of gearset (P4). Shaft (1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and operatively couples the carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear and carrier of gearsets (P1, P2) respectively, and operatively couples the sun gear of gearset (P3). The ring gear of gearset (P4) couples housing (G) and output shaft (2) couples the ring gear of gearset (P3), and detachably couples, via clutch (28), shaft (8) which couples the carrier of gearset (P4).

Abstract: A multi step transmission comprising a drive shaft, an output shaft, four planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier and a ring gear, third, four, fifth, six, seventh and eighth rotatable shafts and at least six shift elements for selectively engaging different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine forward gears and one reverse gear can be implemented. For each one of the nine forward gears and one reverse gear only three of the at least six shift elements are engaged. The sixth shaft is operatively connectable to the sun gear of the third platentary gear set via either a direct connection or a releasable connection.