Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a body having a wall extending about an opening, a faceplate, at least first and second apertures extending through the wall, and at least first and second plugs. The wall has and outer peripheral surface and a first hardness. The faceplate is coupled to the body across the opening. The wall and the faceplate defining a rearward-facing cavity. The first and second apertures extend through the wall from the peripheral outer surface to the cavity. The at least first and second plugs are positioned within the at least first and second apertures, respectively, and the first and second plugs have second and third hardnesses, respectively. Each of the second and third hardnesses is less than the first hardness.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball and being defined by a plurality of peripheral edges, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the peripheral edges of the face, and a sole member connected to the sole of the body. The sole member may be removably connected to the sole, which can permit removal and replacement with another sole member having a different property. The sole member may additionally or alternately be movably connected to the sole, which can permit adjustment of the sole member, such as to change the lie angle of the head. The sole member may be at least partially received in a receiver in the sole and may form at least a portion of the lowermost surface of the head.

Abstract: A ball striking device has a face with a striking surface and a body extending rearwardly from the outer periphery of the face. A channel extends across at least a portion of the sole, and includes a trough defined between front and rear edges and extending in a heel-toe direction. The body further includes a spacing portion that forms a generally flattened surface extending from the front edge to proximate the outer periphery of the face. The rear edge of the channel is spaced rearwardly a different distance from the outer periphery of the face at the center portion of the channel as compared to the heel portion and/or the toe portion. One or more stiffening ribs may also be provided rearwardly of the channel, to increase the stiffness of the sole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grip aid for a golf club, which includes a grip aid body having an accommodation portion into which a golf club grip is inserted, and a projection for setting a gripping location of a golf club; and a first guide member detachably inserted into the accommodation portion and interposed between the accommodation portion and the golf club grip to guide movement of the golf club grip when the golf club grip is inserted into the accommodation portion, wherein after the golf club grip is inserted into the accommodation portion, the first guide member is drawn out of the accommodation portion so that the grip aid body is closely adhered to the golf club grip. If this grip aid is used, the grip aid body may be easily mounted to the golf club grip by using the first guide member, and a gripping posture of the hand gripping the grip aid body may be consistently maintained while swinging the golf club, thereby improving accuracy of swinging and increasing a driving distance of a golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base for golf bag, comprising a base plate, an upper frame and a number of coupling pieces. The base plate is in the shape of a shell with an upward opening. Its periphery is configured with a number of inserting plates. A number of through portions are configured on the ring body at positions corresponding to the inserting plates. The upper frame is coupled on the base plate in a detachable form, with its periphery configured with a number of inserting slots with downward openings and through-holes connecting with the inserting slots. The inserting plates are to be correspondingly inserted into the inserting slots, so that the base plate and the upper frame can be combined together. The through-holes are corresponding to the through portions. The coupling pieces can be inserted into the through-holes and through portions in a detachable form.

Abstract: A golf ball ejection device includes a generally cylindrical cup liner having an open top end, and a curved bottom end with an elongated hollow channel extending downward therefrom. A golf ball ejector is positioned at the bottom end of the channel and is in communication with a controller and a power source. A golf ball sensor and controller timer detect the presence of a golf ball and activate the golf ball ejector upon the completion of a predetermined countdown.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the accuracy of a basketball shooter is disclosed. Rim attachments can have either a regulation 18? diameter mounted thereon or rims having smaller diameters such as 16?. By practicing with smaller diameter rims a shooter must increase the ball trajectory to put the ball through the smaller diameter rims. As his accuracy improves with the smaller diameter rims, his accuracy improves even more with a full size rim. Rim attachments must be easy to interchange and must be very secure over prolonged usage. An adapter is provided for engaging and securing rim attachments with rim diameters of standard size or smaller. An adapter has a flat base plate which is secured to a basketball backboard. It is provided with a sleeve at the bottom. A pair of opposing locking pins is each mounted at the top of the adapter. The locking pins are withdrawn to allow a rim attachment bracket to be lodged within the sleeve and the pins are extended to lock in the attachment bracket when in place.

Abstract: An electronic tracking and coaching system adapted for use in training for various sports is provided. The present invention includes a sports ball that contains a plurality of sensors, a wireless transceiver, a storage medium adapted to store voice commands or noises to be played upon the occurrence of a pre-determined event, and a speaker. The ball's sensors are adapted to monitor the movement of the ball, the level and direction of force applied to the ball, and other such variables relevant to playing a sport with a ball. The device further includes a monitoring apparatus that is worn by the user and tracks all of his or her movement and stores that movement data for later access. The voice commands of the ball provide coaching direction to the user and the user can upload the stored data to data visualization software to precisely monitor his or her actions.

Abstract: A therapeutic training device includes a shallow housing of a specific shape with a quadratic top surface, a quadratic bottom surface and four thin rectangular side surfaces. The housing includes an upwardly open cavity in the top surface and a flexible and transparent cover which encloses the cavity at least partially. The flexible and transparent cover has a size in the range between the size of a human fist and the size of a human foot, and defines a central part. The housing further includes a force sensor placed inside the cavity communicating with the central part. The force sensor measures the force applied on the flexible and transparent cover and generates a response signal.

Abstract: A system comprising contact and motion sensors adapted to sports equipment and coupled to a computer for the wireless communication of performance data. The computer is connected to a display for the visual simulation of player performance information and may be connected to other computers, thereby permitting competitive play among remote players.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for providing training and visual feedback of a preferred swing. The apparatus includes arm bands that are secured to the arms of a user and an alignment member that is attached to the arm bands. In use, the ends of the alignment member are visible to the user throughout an entire swing of a sport equipment without requiring head movement of the user. By observing the position of the ends of the alignment member relative to the body of the user, the user or trainer is able to determine whether a preferred swing is being executed by the user.

Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.

Abstract: A glove for baseball and softball is configured from joining a first panel and a second panel to form a glove shell. The glove shell has a thumb stall, a first finger stall, and a second finger stall. A notch extends upwardly from the heel of the glove. A palm section is divided into two portions, where a flexible seam extends between the two portions, where the flexible seam will be fabricated from a flexible material Any underlying padding in the palm section will also be divided by the flexible seam. A web member extends upwardly from the palm section. The web member is divided into two panels, where the two panels are joined by a flexible connecting member.

Abstract: A table game system comprises a predetermined number of decks of game cards (100s) which are shuffled in a random order and individually packaged as one package (406), an unique ID code (404) is attached to the package (406) of shuffled game cards (100s), an ID code reader (R) for obtaining the ID code (404) of the packages (406) at the game table (411) to identify the package (406) which will be used for the next game, a card storage unit (402) that stores the predetermined number of decks of game cards plucked out from the package (406). The system determines whether the quantity of the cards stored in the card storage unit (402) is a predetermined quantity, and outputs the determination with the ID code (404) of the package (406) in which the plurality of cards stored in the card storage unit (402).

Abstract: The present invention involves live gaming tables where players make one or more wagers on the outcome of a game played according to a predetermined set of rules. The table game is characterized by having a progressive prize that may be won through the play of a plurality of different bonus games. Each bonus game has a different triggering event associated with it and is preferably differentiated from the other bonus games by the probability of winning the progressive prize through the bonus game. The triggering event for each bonus game is preferably a combination of cards formed by the players' hands, the dealer's hand and/or a combination thereof. In additional embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of different table games played with different rules employ a plurality of bonus games associated with the different tables that allows different table games with otherwise disparate and fixed odds to have fair odds of winning a communal progressive prize.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of generating a three-dimensional (3D) image model using a game-based image acquisition. The method including determining a location of a user device, identifying images to be acquired to generate a 3D model of an area surrounding the location, displaying a virtual gaming view that includes targets corresponding to locations of the images to be acquired, wherein the targets move within the virtual gaming view relative to movement of the user device, and a goal of a game includes moving the user device to align a field of view of a camera of the user device with the targets, in response to determining that the field of view of the camera aligns with a target, acquiring an image depicting an image scene corresponding to the field of view of the camera, and generating a 3D image model of an area surrounding the location using the image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media are described herein whereby a character having one or more hyper-fast abilities is depicted to an audience, e.g., via a video game, book, movie, TV show, video, Internet game, casual game, mobile game, short story, novel, or other medium, for education, training, and/or entertainment purposes. The hyper-fast abilities provide super-fast physical and neurological response times and abilities to the character, e.g., running fast, visual detection of minutiae, hyper-fast learning abilities, etc. The character may use the hyper-fast abilities to complete a sequence of challenges and a chief challenge, either alone or in competition with one or more other player characters. In multiplayer modes, characters may insert obstacles in the path of other characters, thereby slowing the other characters down and increasing his or her own chances of winning the game.

Abstract: A system and method for providing in-game advertising to assist in recruiting of affiliation members in an online game. The system and method include receiving affiliation advertising bids from affiliations for advertising opportunities. A bid indicating an aggregate amount of consideration is pledged by multiple users in an affiliation on behalf of the affiliation in a competitive auction with other affiliations for an advertising opportunity and determining winning affiliation advertising bids in competitive auctions for advertising opportunities.

Abstract: Techniques introduced here enable cloud-based file prefetching for gaming applications running on electronic devices. The electronic devices store certain gaming data files on a remote storage server and preload some of the files locally to include file access efficiency. Gaming data file access patterns on the electronic devices are analyzed, individually and collectively, using a cloud service to detect global access patterns and help determine which gaming data files to preload on each of the electronic devices.

Abstract: It is a feature to provide an information processing program and the like which are able to enhance operability when a pointing operation or the like is performed with a pointing device which is operated while being held by both hands. First, an attitude of an operation device or a virtual operation device which is arranged in a virtual space and corresponds to the operation device is calculated on the basis of an output from an angular velocity sensor. Next, a rotation amount in a direction of a first axis in a coordinate system for a space in which the operation device or the virtual operation device is present is changed on the basis of a rotation amount about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, the rotation amount in the direction of the first axis being calculated on the basis of the attitude. Then, a predetermined process is performed on the basis of the changed rotation amount in the direction of the first axis.

Abstract: Software gaming applications may be written to accept an input from one or more standard controllers such a joystick with input buttons. However, multiple wearable sensors or hand held MID devices may enhance the gaming experience. These sensors may include devices such as accelerometers to detect movement of the extremity they are attached to and wirelessly communicate this information to a receiver. Embodiments are directed to using sensor fusion to combine sensor data from multiple wireless input devices, such as wearable sensors and MID devices together to form one logical input stream that is presented to an application and which the application sees are a standard controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication mans for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: A short-range wireless communication network may be established by direct communication between two or more wireless communication devices and/or communication via an access point to permit game play between a plurality of devices. A conventional cellular telephone includes an integrated short-range transceiver. The short-range transceivers of multiple wireless communication devices can be coupled together to dynamically form a short-range communication network without utilizing any wireless communication network supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Data is disseminated between the wireless communication devices using a data message synchronization process. Messages may also be carried from one wireless network to another as the communication devices are carried by individuals.

Abstract: Provided herein in some embodiments is a system and a method including a first client-entertainment module of a first mobile-computing device and a first client-entertainment profile associated with the first client-entertainment module. The first client-entertainment module can be configured to cooperate with i) a server-entertainment module on a server computer or ii) a second client-entertainment module on a second mobile-computing device to provide a seamless continuation of entertainment content at a specific point in the entertainment content on the second mobile-computing device. The first client-entertainment profile can be configured to track user interaction with entertainment content and features thereof to provide the specific point for the seamless continuation of the entertainment content.

Abstract: To enhance motivation of a player to invite another player to a social game, thus activating the social game and a platform that provides the social game, a server device includes incentive giving means that gives an incentive to a player who operates a first terminal device when a player of a second terminal device that receives, from the first terminal device, invitation information including solicitation information to at least suggest participating in the game and specific information to at least specify a landing screen associated with a home screen of the game operates the second terminal device to access the landing screen on a basis of the specific information.

Abstract: A non-limiting example network game system includes a server, and the server is connected with a plurality of game apparatuses in a communication-capable manner via a network. If a player object receives damage or is hindered from advancing during play of a local game by a hindrance object such as an enemy object, each game apparatus notify information about the hindrance object to the server. The server totals the number of times of giving damage, etc. to the player object for each hindrance object based on notice from each game apparatus. At a time of starting the local game, the game apparatus acquires a total result from the server, and changes an image of the hindrance object based on the total result.

Abstract: A computer is operated to receive a current game state of a game being executed on a client computer system from a subset of game code. A determination is made of respective probabilities for advancement from the current game state to a set of possible later game states. Game code required for the set of possible later game states is prioritized in accordance with the determined probabilities for advancement from the current game state to each of the set of possible later game states. Game code required for the set of possible later game states is transmitted from a server computer system to the client computer system in order of the prioritized game code.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect an application, detect a participant that is utilizing the application, detect a qualifying event, and transmit an audio signature associated with the participant to a recipient wherein the recipient utilizes the application.

Abstract: A social network game and a server device are provided. It is so configured that registered users have different items depending on their registered groups; connections with other users which are the characteristics of the social network game are achieved in a fighting game; and the timings of communication between the server and a portable terminal are reduced as much as possible during the game, whereby communication errors and interruption of the game are avoided.

Abstract: A social game capable of adding or improving unexpectedness, dramatic impact, and taste when a reward is provided to a player, and hence capable of raising the player's motivation to participate in or continue the game. A unit for storing information related to a game in which multiple players can participate stores a reward providing condition, rewards, and reward box information, and a control unit for accessing information related to the game, performing computation on the game, and displaying images of the game on terminal devices operated by players allocates at least one reward out of the rewards to the reward box, determines whether the reward providing condition is met based on match-up situations or match-up results between players and first game characters in the game, and displays, on the terminal devices, a screen for providing the reward to players based on the determination results.

Abstract: Player character related information stored in a player character related information memory changes in accordance with progress of a video game. Initial area information stored in an initial area information memory indicates an initial state of each of a plurality of areas on which a player character can move. Latest area information stored in a latest area information memory indicates a progress status of the video game in the same area as the area indicated by the initial area information, and is updated in accordance with progress of the video game in the area. It is determined whether to use the initial area information or latest area information in response to an operation of the player. The player character related information is updated in accordance with control content using the latest area information in a case where it is determined to use the latest area information.

Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

Abstract: Provided are a portable game device and a method of controlling the portable game device capable of making improved use of an image generated by image pickup unit. A pickup object image generating unit (52) picks up an image of a pickup object and generates a pickup object image. A pickup object distance measuring unit (54) measures a distance to the pickup object. An information processing execution unit (56) executes information processing based on the pickup object image and the distance measured by the pickup object distance measuring unit (54).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a game artificial intelligence (AI), which can provide a lifelike game service as if a gamer plays a game with another real gamer, by enabling a game model which is determined as optimal for a particular game situation from previously played game models or randomly played game models, to play a game AI in an identical game situation. Also, a method and system which can execute the game AI in a pattern where a play trend of the gamer is reflected with respect to a particular game situation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to a game server, a game method, a terminal, and a recording medium which provide a function of transferring attribute information of one character to another character in the game.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to altering a probability of fulfilling a game objective in a game space. The game objective may be associated with a set of potential reward items, the set of potential reward items including a first item. Probabilities of the first item from the set of potential reward items being provided to individual users as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rates of usage of the game space by the user. The probability of the first user being provided with the first item as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rate of usage of the game space by the first user.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for matching sponsored game content to location by genre and playability. In some examples, a search system for finding real-environment matched gaming content for a user based at least partially on analyzed properties of potential locations may employ game script/flow information and match against local features from map data to screen content for which a game plot can be executed across appropriate areas and transitions or other physical requirements. Additionally, a broker server system may enable businesses to advertise or sponsor a game in order to get the game set up in their location. A keyword auction or similar process may be used during keyword related game organization that is also within specific geographic locations such that the game is set up with the auction winner's location as a plot related-location.

Abstract: A game system in which game sessions involving one or more players may be recorded and saved as game records. A previously recorded game session may be selected and replayed. However, in addition to providing a static replay of the game session, the game system may allow one or more players to step into and assume control of respective game characters at any point during the replay of the game session. When a player steps into and takes control of game a character during the playback, a new timeline is spawned from the original timeline with potentially different outcomes, and a new game record corresponding to the new timeline is generated and stored.

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.

Abstract: A playground apparatus, extended landing platform attachment, and method of retrofitting a playground structure comprises a slide having at least one inclined surface and a landing platform configured to be coupled to a base of the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may be positioned at the base of the slide to enable a user to slide onto the platform from the slide and to move across the platform away from the path of a subsequent user sliding down the inclined surface of the slide. The landing platform may also be configured to provide additional seating area and more points of accessibility to provide easier access to a disabled user using the playground apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the actual and true position of model railroad turnout points while not adding any load or hindrance to the turnout points or to said points operating mechanism. The movable, tapered rails of railroad turnouts are called points, and their position determines the route that the train will follow. Using Hall-effect switches and magnets, the actual and true position of the turnout throw bar and points is detected without any physical contact with the throw bar, the points, or with the mechanism that actuate said throw bar and points. The output of the Hall-effect switches is used to communicate and provide feedback of the actual position of the points to the position display indicators, which are observed by the model railroad operator, and to the model railroad control system.

Abstract: A method of making blocks with internally disposed magnets. Pockets for the magnets are machined into a non-extrudable material such as wood. Strong permanent magnets are disposed in the pockets to cause the faces of the block to exhibit a desired polarity magnetic field. The pockets are then sealed to permanently retain the magnets. The exterior shape of the block may be formed either prior to or subsequent to machining and sealing of the pockets.

Abstract: A mechanical connection unit may create a structure when removably joined with copies of itself, copies of minor-image counterparts of itself, or both. A connection unit may be made of four joined members, two of the members having the shape of isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases, and two of the members having the shape of truncated isosceles right triangular prisms with right triangles as bases. Two of the members are joined substantially parallel to each other and substantially at a right angle to the other two members. Sets of units and minor-image counterpart units may be provided, e.g., as toys, and units and counterparts may be provided in multiple sizes.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of water treatment comprising straining fractionated water to remove particles larger than one micron in diameter, decanting the strained fractionated water to remove surfactants and oil, evaporating the decanted water to provide concentrated brine and water vapor, and condensing the water vapor.

Abstract: A method for making a liquid-chromatography apparatus includes inserting two inner conduits into an intermediate tube, inserting the intermediate tube into an outer tube, forming a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and forming a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits. A liquid-chromatography apparatus includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube disposed in the outer tube, two inner conduits disposed in the intermediate tube, a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits.

Abstract: A method for breaking emulsions includes applying a polymer mixture to an emulsion. The emulsion can be energized, such as through centrifugation or vibration. In particular, the polymer mixture can be in liquid form. The polymer mixture includes first and second liquid polymer, the second liquid polymer being less hydrophilic than the first liquid polymer. Example polymer useful as the first or second liquid polymers includes polyether. In a water-in-oil emulsion, the less hydrophilic polymer can preferentially reside within the oil phase.

Abstract: Methods for handling raw oil are disclosed herein. Systems for handling raw oil are disclosed herein. Housing module structures related thereto are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A filter insert (10) comprising: a body portion (12) and a closed-ended tube (14), an open end of which is sealingly affixed around the periphery of the body portion (12); an inlet aperture (16) and an outlet aperture (18) each aperture communicating via a through hole in the body portion (12) with the interior of the tube (14); a filter medium (20) located within the tube (14) and being sealingly interposed between the inlet aperture (16) and the outlet aperture (18), wherein the tube (14) is at least partially manufactured of a flexible plastics material, and wherein the body portion (12) is relatively rigid.