Patents Issued in July 28, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160213976
    Abstract: An intelligent treadmill is described with modifications to existing treadmills, and associated methodology. The invention allows the conveyor belt automatically keeps track of and fixes the user's position dynamically with respect to a stationery reference point of the treadmill by adjusting its own speed free hands. Two position measurement techniques and their corresponding belt speed control algorithms are described. Other features of the invention allow users to perceive in real time how their surroundings would be changing by means of video, incline of platform, fan speed, sound and illumination as if they were in fact running in the natural environment. Real time positions of the runner and his partners on other treadmills with respect to a chosen track are displayed. The invention also utilizes a vectored controlled 2/3-phase AC induction motor or a BLDC motor to drive the conveyor belt for energy efficiency and fast response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Albert Ting-pat So, Jackson Ping-kuen Chack, Kin Wa Yee
  • Publication number: 20160213977
    Abstract: A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Arthur OLESON, Christian DIBENEDETTO, Scott TOMLINSON, Allen W. VAN NOY, Amy Jones VATERLAUS, Stephen Michael VINCENT
  • Publication number: 20160213978
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for rehabilitation exercise of hands. The system and the method help a device sense movements of the hands more accurately. The device for rehabilitation exercise of the hands comprising multiple sense parts that are located on each part of a user's hand, and configured to sense movements of the each part; and communication part configured to send movement data sensed by the multiple sense parts to an output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Hoyoung BAN, Younggeun CHOI, Soobin LEE, Kyunghwan YOO, Sungjun ROH, Hoyeong SONG
  • Publication number: 20160213979
    Abstract: A method of providing exercise guide information that may include receiving a biosignal including a heart rate of a user, obtained through a wearable device, and a rate of perceived exertion (RPE), as indicated by the user, with respect to an exercise of a current order, and providing exercise guide information to the user according to a determined exercise intensity of the user in the current order that is based on the received biosignal and RPE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Choonghee LEE, Byunghoon KO, SangKon BAE
  • Publication number: 20160213980
    Abstract: An exerciser assembly includes an exerciser having a control device controlling the exerciser. The control device includes a first display screen, a first connection hole and a first control circuit. An intellectual device has a second display screen, a second connection hole and a second control circuit. The second control circuit has a control program which displays the operation mold of the exerciser on the second display screen of the intellectual device. A is connected between the first connection hole and the second connection hole so as to connect the first control circuit of the exerciser and the second control circuit of the intellectual device. When the control program is activated, the second control circuit of the intellectual device sends signals to the first control circuit of the exerciser. The first control circuit verifies the signals and controls the control device of the exerciser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Chao-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20160213981
    Abstract: A heel strap for swimming flippers includes a tubular resilient band having a round cross section, which can be coupled at each end to a member supporting a rigid eyelet that can be removably attached to a pivot pin projecting laterally from the flipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: MARES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Dante Noceti
  • Publication number: 20160213982
    Abstract: Provided is a swimming fin system that includes a boot portion and a lower leg portion for improved swimming efficiency and normal ambulation over dry land. The lower leg portion comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve configured to receive the lower leg of a wearer and support a pair of laterally extending fin members. The fin members are substantially rectangular and do not overlap the swimmer's ankle or foot. Each boot portion receives the foot and heel of the wearer, while supporting a pair of substantially rectangular fin members that extend from the lateral sides of the boot. The fins do not extend substantially beyond the toes of the wearer. While donned, the fins of the boot and lower leg portions can be angled relative to one another during kicking motions, while the fins of the boot portions do not interfere with a user's gait over dry land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: William Nicol
  • Publication number: 20160213983
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20160213984
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a heel portion, a toe portion, a hosel, and a striking face. The striking face includes a plurality of scorelines each having an average depth no less than about 0.10 mm, a plurality of first micro-grooves each having an average depth no greater than about 0.010 mm, and a plurality of second micro-grooves overlaid on the first micro-grooves, each of the second micro-grooves having an average depth greater than the average depth of the first micro-grooves. Some embodiments can also have a plurality of textured surface treatment regions superimposed on the overlaid first and second micro-grooves so as to at least partially intersect the micro-grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick RIPP, Roberto AGUAYO, Jeffrey D. BRUNSKI, Matthew R. DARASKAVICH, Sharon J. PARK
  • Publication number: 20160213985
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a golf club head having a hollow body comprising a front portion having a strikeface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a back, a crown portion, and a chamfer extending between the front portion and the crown potion, the chamfer having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the chamfer defines a hinge point of the crown portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Martin R. Jertson, Eric J. Morales, Ryan M. Stokke
  • Publication number: 20160213986
    Abstract: A golf bag system is described that can include a main golf bag and a removable golf bag. The main golf bag and removable golf bag can be releasably coupled together for transporting as a single unit (e.g., golf bag system) or as two separate units (e.g., main golf bag and removable golf bag). In some implementations, the removable golf bag can be configured to function at least similar to the golf bag system in that it can carry approximately fourteen golf clubs and include storage compartments for carrying golf balls, golf accessories, etc. Additionally, both the main golf bag and removable golf bag can include removable storage containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Theodore D. Foxman
  • Publication number: 20160213987
    Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Scott H. Moreira, Michael S. Yagley
  • Publication number: 20160213988
    Abstract: A goal frame has multiple foldable joints and two upright posts, two bottom bars, an upper cross bar, and a lower cross bar connected with each other via the foldable joints. By pivoting the first and second connectors of each of the foldable joints to be perpendicular with each other, relative positions of the upright posts, the bottom bars, the upper cross bar, and the lower cross bar are fixed and the goal frame is unfolded. By pivoting the first and second connectors of each of the foldable joints to parallel with each other, the upright posts, the bottom bars, the upper cross bar, and the lower cross bar overlap and the goal frame is folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: JIAO HSIUNG INDUSTRY CORP.
    Inventor: YUNG-HAO YANG
  • Publication number: 20160213989
    Abstract: For a ball game of the football type, a structured goal having a rigid surface that has a hemispherical outline and includes multiple colored zones for graded scoring purposes is provided, together with a layout for a playing field or pitch that limits player access near the goal by team, and a set of rules. The rigid goal lets the ball bounce back. For scoring purposes the zones may be equipped with individual zone impact-indicating means such as bells, electrical transducers, nearby cameras, or be supported on hinged mounts in order to show an impact by movement. The layout, the rules and the goal structure are intended to provide a faster game with higher score numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Laszlo FRISTACZKI
  • Publication number: 20160213990
    Abstract: A device is provided for launching an object (such as a football) in the air in a spiral fashion as if thrown by a professional football player. In one version, the launcher has a generally elongated body with a handle on the proximal end and a socket for holding the football on the distal end. The socket has two concave walls facing each other on each side of the socket. It has a rubber structure on the top and a finlike design flaring outward, which enables the football to spin in the air when it is launched there from.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Robert James Mamangun
  • Publication number: 20160213991
    Abstract: A batting training device having a track defining a track path extending to each side of a batter's strike zone. The path may be arcuate. A trolley supporting a vertically adjustable post is movable along the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Charles S. Howerton
  • Publication number: 20160213992
    Abstract: A kickboard containing a low density member and a high density member, the kickboard having a weight configured that the kickboard does not float on a body of water and does not sink to the bottom of a body of water thereby providing swimmers with greater resistance during swimming as the weighed kickboard requires more force from the user to maintain proper position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: JAMES FIKE
  • Publication number: 20160213993
    Abstract: An agility pole or a passing arc includes one or more receptacles adjacent to a first end of a tube. A spike assembly has one or more fittings, and a spike attached to a holder adapted to slide into the first end of the tube, in a spike-in position wherein the spike is within the tube, and in a spike-out position wherein the spike is substantially outside of the tube. The fittings engage the receptacles in the spike-in position and in the spike-out position. The agility pole or passing arc may be transported and stored in the spike-in position so that injury or damage from the spike is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Allen Keith Holland, Kash Oris Bell, Richard Raymond Huth, III
  • Publication number: 20160213994
    Abstract: An athlete score generating device and a method thereof may include a commitment score calculating unit, a performance score calculating unit, a reach score calculating unit, and a total score generating unit. An athlete report generating device and a method thereof includes an athlete monitoring unit, a sport monitoring unit, and a report generating unit. An athlete rank generating device and a method thereof may include a data receiving unit, an athlete ranking unit, and an athlete rank generating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Tilton, Robert J. Kraus, Michael Robinson
  • Publication number: 20160213995
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for providing game-related information includes a computer processor, a memory device, a display screen, a transmitter, and a communication interface. The memory device stores at least one piece of computer code executable by the computer processor and data used by the computer code. The transmitter enables information to be communicated to a scoreboard. The communication interface enables information to be communicated to subscribers identified on a subscriber list stored in a database of the memory device. The computer code includes code for providing a user interface on the display screen to enable a scorekeeper to input an information item relating to a game, controlling the transmitter to transmit the information item to the scoreboard, controlling the memory device to store the information item in a memory therein, and controlling the communication interface to transmit the information item to at least one subscriber identified on the subscriber list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Hunter HUEBSCH
  • Publication number: 20160213996
    Abstract: A protective shin guard includes a floating knee section hingedly attached to a shin section, both sections being formed of one or more hard shell panels. The floating knee section is attached to the shin section by a main padding layer, and a liner is attached beneath the main padding layer. The liner includes an integral cut-resistant calf-sleeve attached along its bottom edge and extending downward. The cut-resistant calf-sleeve is an elastic tubular sleeve formed of a weave of elastic/cut-resistant fibers, e.g., Kevlar® and Spandex. The cut-resistant calf-sleeve is long enough to surround both the calf and the ankle. The cut-resistant calf-sleeve also provides a lower attachment feature that combines with an upper 360+ degree attachment strap to provide a better fit that will not shift or come loose during play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Bryan Hammer
  • Publication number: 20160213997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski having a sliding surface and a ski upper face opposite the sliding surface, wherein a climbing aid can be attached to the sliding surface and the ski has a continuous through-hole in an area located before a contact surface, which through-hole extends from the sliding surface to the ski upper face. According to the invention, a securing element is arranged on the ski upper face which securing element comprises at least one holding element for the form-fitting connection to a corresponding counter element of the climbing aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Josef HOLOVICZ
  • Publication number: 20160213998
    Abstract: A ski locking device and method for securing a pair of snow skis equipped with snow brakes are provided. The ski locking device comprises a housing (1320) having a rear portion (240), and a lockable closure member (1370) connected to the housing (1320). The housing (1320) and the lockable closure member (1370) are configured such that, when the ski locking device is in a closed position locking a pair of skis, with a slide surface of the first ski (3010) facing a slide surface of the second ski (3020), the rear portion (240) of the housing (220) faces a first edge (3012) of the first ski (3010) and a second edge (3022) of the second ski (3020). The lockable closure member (1370) encloses the snow brakes (3040; 3050) at a crossing point (3060) of the snow brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Loqski International Limited
    Inventors: James PITTARD, Jaquie PITTARD, Sarah DEBARD, Julian SWAN
  • Publication number: 20160213999
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are directed to a transportation device, such as a skate. The transportation device may include a frame configured to support at least a portion of a user, and a support system configured to support the frame above the ground. The support system may include a first wheel connected to the frame, a second wheel connected to the frame, and a suspension system connected to the frame and positioned between the first and second wheel. The suspension system may include a rear wheel pivotally connected to a first portion of the frame, and a shock absorber connected between the rear wheel and a second portion of the frame. The shock absorber may be configured to dampen movement by the rear wheel with respect to the first portion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Peter TREADWAY, Janelle Wang TREADWAY, Kefan HU
  • Publication number: 20160214000
    Abstract: A method and system for playing a bowling game in combination with a football-type game is disclosed. The method and system comprising the steps of initiating a conventional bowling game, filling at least one bowling frame, evaluating a bowling score for at least one bowler, generating a football play result based on the bowling score, displaying a football position based on the football play result, continuing the bowling game and generating the football play result until a 10th frame of bowling is completed, determining a winning football team, and providing an award to the winning football team.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: James Charles Mruk
  • Publication number: 20160214001
    Abstract: An improved billiards ball spotting rack for the compact and precise formation of a plurality of billiard balls that operates by resting on top of and in contact with said billiard balls. The top mounted ball rack consists of a rigid frame and a series of aligning features that induce all of the balls into a tight position in contact with each adjacent ball. The design of the aligning features is such that a secondary compressing action required by ball spotting racks of prior art, commonly performed by pressing the balls with the fingers or thumbs or by the use of a moving mechanical device, is not necessary to achieve a compact and precise formation where every ball is in contact with every adjacent ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Leland Thomas Benson
  • Publication number: 20160214002
    Abstract: This invention is a novel method of game play and game apparatus for playing for at least one players. The method of play elicit creativity by having players tell stories using their interpretation of abstract imagery. In one embodiment the game uses playing cards with abstract drawings. The game components may take other forms, such as a board game, or the game may be played in different media, such as electronic games, video games, computer games, and interactive network games. One aspect of novelty here is the use of abstract drawings, which the players can interpret in many different ways to expand the story. The context of the story, and possible side constraints, will prime the players mind to see different things in each card. In this game of creativity and storytelling, players create and add to a story based on the abstract images. Testing has shown that this method of game play can improve players perception of their creative ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: ROARSTACK LLC
    Inventors: Terrance Edward Boult, William Faigen, Christopher Kazimierz Malec, Travis Aaron Ray
  • Publication number: 20160214003
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic game board system communicating at least one game-play-data to an external device. The system includes a contactless communication unit (CCU), an electronic game board and one or more play items. The contactless communication unit communicates with the external device, and further provides alternating electric field. The electronic game board includes plurality of the play fields to receive the alternating electric field, wherein the playfields serially interconnected with each other. The play item capacitively transmits the game play data to the contactless communication unit. The contactless communication unit generates a processed-game-play-data defining a status of the play item placed on the play field, and the contactless communication unit further transmits the processed-game-play-data to the external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Wolfgang Richter, Faranak Zadeh
  • Publication number: 20160214004
    Abstract: A cribbage board having illuminating peg holes includes a discrete upper piece and a discrete lower piece. The top side of the upper piece includes a playing surface which is defined by a plurality of holes arranged as a first track and a second track, with each track including a continuous series of holes. The bottom side of the upper piece includes a plurality of distinct hollow channels, each running underneath a separate track of holes. In the hollow channels are a plurality of colored LEDs which illuminate when provided with electrical power. The LEDs are configured to illuminate underneath the first track of holes in a distinct color from the LEDs disposed underneath the second track of holes, so as to enable the different tracks of holes to be readily distinguished in a dark environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Richard James Christensen, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160214005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game that can be played on a game board or played as an application on a smart phone, electronic notebook, personal computer, or other electronic device. Each player is asked to order from earliest to latest for times presented from a category. Upon the successful ordering of each of the four items, a player advances along the game board towards the finish line. If a player fails to correctly order each of the four items, then said player moves sideways along the game board. The application allows multiple players in varying locations to play the game together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Barry W. McClure
  • Publication number: 20160214006
    Abstract: Disclosed is a set of a plurality dice useful for playing a spelling game among multiple players and an exemplary method of playing the game. The plurality of dice is assembleable to form a dice block attractive for packaging. Typically, all of the dice are cube shaped and of the same dimensions. Each die of the set has each of its faces labeled with a character set consisting of one or more letters of the alphabet. The difficulty of play can be varied by altering the total number of individual dice in the dice set used for play, for example from 125 dice to 100 dice. Simply adding or removing dice specifically color-coded for that purpose adjusts the difficulty of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Craig PYBUS, Mariyam PYBUS
  • Publication number: 20160214007
    Abstract: A predetermined parameter is acquired during execution of an application, and a predetermined algorithm indicating at least timing and intensity for generating a vibration is set by dynamically changing the predetermined algorithm in accordance with the parameter. Then, a vibration signal is generated using a material for a vibration or a sound and the algorithm, or using a filter capable of generating the material and the algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Kei YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20160214008
    Abstract: An integrated local sports league tracking and scoring system includes a local sports management server. The server includes a league management component executable on the local sports management server, the league management component managing payment, scheduling, and team registration operations for one or more local sports leagues. The server further includes a player management component executable on the local sports management server, the player management component managing a plurality of players associated with the one or more local sports leagues. The server includes a scoring component executable at least in part on the local sports management server, the scoring component configured to receive realtime data regarding scoring of a game occurring in the one or more local sports leagues, the scoring component including a user interface displayable on a remote system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: JOSEPH HECK
  • Publication number: 20160214009
    Abstract: A system for a-synchronous multi-player network-based and turn-based gaming, the system comprising: a client associated with a processing unit and being configured to communicate over a network with a gaming server and receive a tournament invitation and at least one game move notification therefrom; the client is further configured to receive participation authorization indication from a player and instruct the processing unit to perform at least the following: send the participation authorization to the gaming server; receive at least one game move instruction from a player within a time interval parameter defining a time-window during which said player has to make a game move in his turn; and send the game move instruction to the gaming server if the time interval is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Gilad Almog
  • Publication number: 20160214010
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for multi-tiered gaming data download. The system includes a gaming device for local play of a game. The gaming device includes a communication interface receiving and transmitting data to download a game for play at the gaming device. The system also includes a plurality of download servers communicating with the gaming device to provide game data for download to and play at the gaming device. The system further includes a middle tier server acting as a hub to communicate with the plurality of download servers to provide game data from one or more of the plurality of download servers. The middle tier server allocates download server resources and schedules a download of game data from one or more download servers to the gaming device based on resource constraints at the plurality of download servers and availability for download at the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Topham, David Lawdensky, David Salour, Jeff C. Himmelright, Gary Frerking
  • Publication number: 20160214011
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for controlling a view of a virtual scene with a handheld device are presented. In one method, images of a real world scene are captured using a device. The method further includes operations for creating an augmented view for presentation on a display of the device by augmenting the images with virtual reality objects, and for detecting a hand in the images as extending into the real world scene. In addition, the method includes operations for showing the hand in the screen as detected in the images, and for generating interaction data, based on an interaction of the hand with a virtual reality object, when the hand makes virtual contact in the augmented view with the virtual reality object. The augmented view is updated based on the interaction data, which simulates on the screen that the hand is interacting with the virtual reality object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: George Weising, Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20160214012
    Abstract: A system that acquires, from a terminal device, log data related to progress of the game generated by the terminal device; creates the video based on the log data; generates metadata related to progress of the game based on the log data; associates the metadata with the video; and outputs the video and associated metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoaki NISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20160214013
    Abstract: A method is given for providing a visualization of a scene corresponding to game play. The method includes steps of receiving at a visualization server information about a scene corresponding to game play at a client computer, receiving additional information about the scene at the visualization server; and constructing a visualization at the visualization server based on the scene, the constructing based at least in part on the received information and the received additional information. In another embodiment, the visualization may be composed by the user rather than being a scene corresponding to game play. In a further embodiment, a method is given for providing a visualization of a scene corresponding to game play, including: receiving at a visualization server information about a scene corresponding to game play at a client; modifying the scene information; and constructing a visualization at the visualization server based on the modified scene information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Short
  • Publication number: 20160214014
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus erases, on the basis of a chained state of a plurality of pieces arranged on a game field, the pieces in the chained state. The arrangement of the pieces in the game field is controlled such that, in a predetermined region on the game field, an odd number of pieces and an even number of pieces are alternately arranged on imaginary lines in an advancing direction on the game field. For example, the information processing apparatus erases a serial piece group formed as a chain by determining, starting from operation for any one piece on the imaginary line corresponding to a frontmost row among the imaginary lines, whether a piece of a same kind as the one piece is present in left and right pieces adjacent to the one piece present on a next imaginary line in the advancing direction from the operated one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Genki SHIOTA, Koji TEZUKA, Kunio HASHIMOTO, Ken KANAI, Shohei SEKII
  • Publication number: 20160214015
    Abstract: Systems and methods for executing content to be rendered on a screen of a head mounted display (HMD) are provided. One method includes executing the content to render interactive scenes on the screen and tracking an orientation direction of the HMD when worn on a head of a user and the interactive scenes are being rendered on the screen. The method includes changing view directions into the interactive scenes based on changes in the orientation direction of the HMD, such that movements of the head of the user causes the changes in the view directions into the interactive scenes. The method further includes receiving images of a real world space using a camera of the HMD. The camera of the HMD is configured to capture a location of real world objects in the real world space relative to the user of the HMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Osman, Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20160214016
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for warning a user of a head mounted display during gameplay of a video game. A game is executed causing interactive scenes of the game to be rendered on a display portion of a head mounted display (HMD) worn by a user. Images of a physical environment in a vicinity of the user are received from a forward facing camera of the HMD, while the game is being executed. The images are analyzed to determine if the user is approaching one or more objects in the physical environment. Data is sent to be rendered on the display portion of the HMD while rendering the interactive scenes of the game. The data provides information to avoid interaction with the one or more objects in the physical environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Roger Stafford
  • Publication number: 20160214017
    Abstract: A method and system to leverage a gaming infrastructure to encourage actions in a non-virtual environment to achieve virtual world benefits, comprising having a participant install an application on smart phone; the participant sets up an account on Gameco servers; application interacts with Gameco servers; Gameco servers provide participant opportunities to acquire virtual world benefits by visiting specific geographic locations which may include businesses; participants visits specified location; and, participant is provided a virtual reward by Gameco.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Krietzman, Andrew Robinson
  • Publication number: 20160214018
    Abstract: A method to leverage a gaming infrastructure to encourage actions in a non-virtual environment to achieve virtual world benefits, the method may include participant installs an application on smart phone; the participant sets up an account on Gameco servers; application interacts with Gameco servers; Gameco servers provide participant opportunities to acquire virtual world benefits by completing certain real world activities or choices; participants acts or choses; and, participant is provided a virtual reward by Gameco.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Krietzman
  • Publication number: 20160214019
    Abstract: A method of customizing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. A combination of virtual items of a computer-implemented game is selected such that the sum of the values of each of the combination of virtual items has a proportion to an amount of currency in an account of a user of the computer-implemented game, the selecting being performed by a processor. An offer for a sale of the combination of the virtual items at a discounted price is generated for the user of the computer-implemented game. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Fabio Santini, Peter Pao Lai
  • Publication number: 20160214020
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a video game processing program product for causing a server to realize functions to create a rank regarding a video game for each of a plurality of users is provided. The functions includes: a managing function configured to manage the plurality of users in a state where the plurality of users is grouped into groups by every predetermined number; a creating function configured to respectively create ranks for the users in each of the groups; a setting function configured to set up grades for the users in each of the groups on the basis of the ranks of the users; a dividing function configured to divide the groups into a plurality of elements, the plurality of elements respectively corresponding to the grades; and a composing function configured to compose a new group using the plurality of elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX (also trading as SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.)
    Inventors: Hiroki FUJIMOTO, Takashi TOKITA, Hideo IWASAKI, Kouki TAKAHASHI, Kouhei MIYAZAKI, Takuya OKADA
  • Publication number: 20160214021
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages within online games are described. One of the methods includes receiving a message post from a first user. The message post is displayed on an in-game object that is configured for sharing message posts between the first user and other users. The method further includes detecting an interfacing action by a second user with the in-game object. The interfacing action is an input that is responsive to request content that is part of the message post. The method further includes validating the interfacing action to meet a threshold. If the threshold is met, the virtual game object is credited to the game space of the first user. The method includes generating a reward to the second user when the interfacing action is validated. The reward is credited to a game space of the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: Tiago Amaral Penteado de Jesus
  • Publication number: 20160214022
    Abstract: The toy vehicle with a chassis, on which a vertical shaft with a seat is rotatably arranged, wherein the shaft is rigidly connected to a cantilever arm, pivotally connected to which is an end section of a digger arm, which is provided with a handle and whose other end section is connected to a pivotable bucket arm, which carries a pivotable bucket, is characterised in that tensioned between the cantilever arm and the digger arm there is a spring device, which biases the digger arm into a raised position and is increasingly tensioned when the digger arm is lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Schneider, Ulrich Ewringmann
  • Publication number: 20160214023
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloons that may be secured over an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post such that the secured balloon gives the appearance of being whole or un-bisected. Some embodiments may include an continuous and/or continuous air-fed balloon system. Additional embodiments include improved methods for elevating and/or coupling a bisected and/or partially bisected helium-free balloon an extended stationary structure such as an extended pole and/or lamp-post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Publication number: 20160214024
    Abstract: Building constructs for constructing a play structure, a useful construction construct, or the like. In one embodiment, the building constructs are extruded cuboids having notches or other interlocking features. In another embodiment, the building constructs are encased within a polymer shell for enhanced durability or other desirable property. A play structure comprises a plurality of the building elements connected to one another. In one embodiment, the play structure comprises a cabin. Walls of the cabin are constructed by interlocking elongate wall elements. The cabin includes a roof constructed from interlocked flat panels or slats. A roof support elevates the roof over the walls and connects the roof to the walls. A method of constructing a play structure comprises assembling a plurality of the building elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventor: JOHN J. KILEY
  • Publication number: 20160214025
    Abstract: A toy with an exterior structure. Constructed to transform from a rollable first shape to a second shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure is endowed with a magnetic body that moves by way of a magnetic force that acts from the exterior of the toy, an interior locking portion that moves simultaneously with the movement of this magnetic body, and a biasing member that effects a force which moves or turns this interior locking portion in a particular direction. If the magnetic force does not act from the exterior of the toy, the first shape of the exterior structure maintained. In the event that a magnetic force has acted from the exterior of the said toy, the exterior structure transforms from the first shape to the second shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Satoshi YAMADA, Fujio Nobata