Abstract: A golf bag having a shoulder strap assembly including a two strap system that can be converted to a single strap system is provided. In the two strap system, Strap A is fitted over one shoulder and Strap B is fitted over the other shoulder. To convert from a double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, Strap A is detached and slipped over the head area and coupled to Strap B. This results in a single strap comprising both Straps A and B. The combined Straps A and B are joined together by a suitable fastening means. For example, complementary male and female members that interlock with each other on the straps can be used. The shoulder strap assembly is durable, lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable.

Abstract: A golf bag having a shoulder strap assembly including a two strap system that can be converted to a single strap system is provided. In the two strap system, Strap A is fitted over one shoulder and Strap B is fitted over the other shoulder. To convert from a double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, Strap A is detached and slipped over the head area and coupled to Strap B. This results in a single strap comprising both Straps A and B. The combined Straps A and B are joined together by a suitable fastening means. For example, complementary male and female members that interlock with each other on the straps can be used. The shoulder strap assembly is durable, lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable. In another embodiment, a central hub connector having four open slots for retaining the shoulder straps is provided. The Straps A and B criss-cross each other in the hub connector. Strap A or B can be removed from the hub connector to convert the two-strap assembly to a single strap assembly.

Abstract: A golf towel including a towel body, the towel body having both a first abrasive portion and a second abrasive portion for cleaning the dimples on a golf ball and the grooves in a golf club head, respectively. The first abrasive portion includes a plurality of nubs projecting outwardly therefrom and corresponding to dimples on a golf ball. The first abrasive portion may include a bowl-shaped cavity for at least partially enveloping a golf ball when seated therein. The second abrasive portion includes a plurality of linearly arranged mounds projecting outwardly therefrom in a substantially parallel manner. The plurality of mounts is arranged to clean individual and corresponding grooves formed in golf club head.

Abstract: A lacrosse mesh with elastic portions is provided. Elastic portions of the lacrosse mesh may be formed along one or more vertical paths along a length of the lacrosse mesh. In some embodiments, the vertical paths along the length of the mesh having elastic properties may be symmetrical about a center of the mesh, or in other embodiments may not be symmetrical. The invention includes lacrosse mesh and goalie lacrosse mesh. The lacrosse mesh may be displaced in response to receiving a thrown ball or by a ball during a throwing motion of a lacrosse stick with the lacrosse mesh with elastic portions coupled to the head of the lacrosse stick.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball backboard and rim assembly is disclosed which comprises a back member having a first channel formed therein and a second channel formed therein with the second channel being within the first channel, a first illumination device positioned within the first channel, a second illumination device positioned within the second channel, a front member covering the back member, the channels, and the illumination devices, and a rim attached to the back member.

Abstract: A tabletop horseshoe game for playing a horseshoes style game on a self contained game board includes a game board base having a substantially planar playing surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, a horseshoe projecting mechanism adjacent to the proximal end, and a fixed stake across the playing surface towards the distal end. The horseshoe projecting mechanism, which in one embodiment defines a pendulum style projecting member and an elevated launching pad is operative to be swung toward a mini horseshoe positioned on the launching pad so that it contacts the mini horseshoe and launches it towards the stake at a desired velocity and angle so that it may encircle the stake or otherwise be moved to a position close to the stake.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: A soccer kicking tee is disclosed which is especially useful by soccer players to use as a training aid to learn a kicking technique known as kicking with the laces. The tee provides a support for a soccer ball at a prescribed height above the ground plane. A vertical support element interfaces with the bottom of the ball and prevents the ball from rolling or tipping over. This vertical element is supported by a base that spreads out the portion touching the ground and stabilizes the vertical element and the ball and prevents them from tipping over. The shape of the tee minimizes the likelihood that it will tip over when the ball is kicked or struck with the foot. The tee can be used on any surface and can be further secured to the ground with a golf tee or similar stake like element. The vertical support element is pliable enough to easily deflect if the foot comes into contact with it and is stiff enough to support the ball in a static position.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device to enable a user to experience a VR space in a floating state, the image processing device including: a wall configured to form a water storage space; and an image generating unit configured to generate a stereoscopic view image to be displayed on the wall toward an inside of the water storage space.

Abstract: A training system includes a launching device house a computer electrically connected to a mechanical hopper and a plunger disposed within a casing sized to launch a lacrosse ball. The casing is structured and arranged to be movably connected to the housing such that at least one of a launch angle, speed, direction, distance and spin can all be selectively chosen by a user. At least one sensor is designed to be placed onto at least one of a player, the lacrosse ball, or a lacrosse net such that the sensors are structured and arranged to relay metric data to the computer in connection with a training program software operating on the computer, wherein the sensor(s) are wirelessly connected to the computer. A mobile device software application communicates with the computer for tracking the metric data and selective programming of the lacrosse ball tossing and training system by the player.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring athletic performance data for a plurality of users and motivating increased athletic activity among users by providing challenges and suggestion for improving athletic performance. User athletic performance data and other information may be synchronized with an athletic monitoring service provider to associate various parameters of athletic performance with selected athletic activities in furtherance of determining and matching users with other challenge participants.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, a movable engagement surface connected to the frame and movable in the performance of an exercise, and a display located adjacent to or below at least a portion of the movable engagement surface.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame, an upright portion of the frame, a movable element connected to the frame and movable in the performance of an exercise, a first display connected to the upright portion of the frame, and a second display connected to the frame.

Abstract: A treadmill includes an exercise deck. The exercise deck includes a platform, a first pulley attached to the platform in a front portion, a second pulley attached to the platform in a second portion, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, and a pacing mechanism incorporated into the platform.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame and an exercise deck. The exercise deck includes a platform, a first pulley connected to a front portion of the platform, a second pulley connected to a rear portion of the platform, and a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley. The exercise device also includes a motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the first pulley and the second pulley to drive the tread belt and an energy efficiency indicator that actives in response to determining that a power load needed to operate the exercise device is below a predetermined energy efficient threshold during a performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A wearable impact protection and force channeling device operable to transfer force received via impact from a head of the user to a body of the user, thereby utilizing an entire mass of the user to lessen rapid momentum change of the head.

Abstract: An athletic garment is provided that has a plurality of fabric panels sewn together to form pants. The pants have a continuous interior cavity with a pair of leg portions each terminating at a leg opening. The pants have a front face and a rear face. A waistband is sewn to an upper edge of the pants. A fabric pouch is provided for containing an athletic support cup, and this pouch is disposed within the interior cavity of the pants proximate to the front face. The pouch is attached to the waistband by a top attachment panel, and it is attached to the front face of the pants on right and left sides of the pouch by side wing attachment panels. The side wing attachment panels are spaced apart from each other so as to leave a tip portion of the pouch unattached.

Abstract: According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves and the use of said gloves, intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Because of its unique finger configurations, grip enhancers, and/or its hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove now operable on a football quarterback's throwing hand and on golfers dominant hand, for example.

Abstract: A soccer board game to emulate the action, skill and strategy of a conventional soccer match. The board game includes a game board having markings of a conventional soccer pitch. Cylindrical player pieces are utilized to manipulate a ball piece and impart a sliding or a flipping motion in the ball piece. The players may pass, shoot, or throw the ball in actions to emulate the play of a conventional soccer match.

Abstract: A game board and method of play. The game board and method of play include a board having indentations that can each support a marble. The indentations form starting groups, diagonal groups, sets, and home groups, which allows a player to move the marbles along several paths. The first player to move all of their respective marbles from the starting group to the home group, wins the game. Each player has the option of attempting to traverse the diagonal groups to shorten the pathway. However, rolling a certain number of the dice is required to pass through. A first color marked indentation indicates the position the marbles leave the starting groups, and also provides protection from killing by other player's marbles when they attempt to occupy the same indentation.

Abstract: A ball-launching system mounts to a top rim of a roulette wheel and positions a ball launcher configured to launch a roulette ball into the roulette wheel. The ball-launching system includes an outer jaw and an inner jaw which clamp to the top rim. At least a part of a ball launcher extends into a concave bowl of the roulette wheel and facilitates launching the roulette ball directly into a ball track underneath the top rim within the concave bowl.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of collecting and refining information that may include requesting user inputs and recording user inputs to provide outputs of high purity and high value.

Abstract: The present invention includes a template for placing toppling toy objects, such as dominos, in a preselected formation to facilitate toppling. The template includes a plurality of openings in a preselected configuration. Toppling toy objects may be placed on a playing surface in an upright orientation within the plurality of openings of one or more templates. After lifting the template or templates, the toppling toy objects are left standing in a spaced formation as defined by the preselected configuration. The toppling toy template may also include feet to assist in elevating the toppling toy template above the playing surface. Further, one or more template may be utilized, with a backboard, to enable users to keep toppling toy objects in a preselected formation for display purposes.

Abstract: An interactive vending system includes at least one vending machine, at least one portable device, a management server and two routers. The first router is connected to the vending machine, thereby connecting the vending machine to the internet. The portable device is connected to the internet. The second router is connected to the management server, thereby connecting the management server to the internet.

Abstract: A game comprising a hand-held device and a retractable magnetic grabber connected to the hand-held device by a flexible cord or string. A person using the educational game may pull on the grabber to extend it to a desired length, and then proceed to attach the grabber to any one of a plurality of targets. When a target or group of targets have been attached to the grabber, the person may then press a pressure sensitive button on the hand-held device, and the grabber is retracted back to the hand-held device at a self-controlling speed. The targets may be magnetized pieces covered with a dry-erasable material, allowing a parent or teacher to write on the pieces the desired responses to educational questions posed to a person. Some embodiments may include a timer and wireless communications for tracking interactivity.

Abstract: A gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game. The plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels that convey audio for the game, and a chat audio channel that conveys chat audio. The gaming headset includes an integrated analog voiceband modem that modulates data for communication over the chat audio channel, and transmits the modulated data on the chat audio channel that conveys the chat audio. The modulated data may be communicated, via the chat audio channel, to one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game. The modulated data includes one or more dual tone multi-frequency tones. The gaming headset may also receive data, via the chat audio channel, from one or more devices associated with one or more other gamers that are engaged in the play of the particular game.

Abstract: A computer game interface is disclosed, having controller inputs configured to receive an input signal from a user interface controller and to enable the user to control a user controllable element of a game on a computer. The computer game interface also has a controller output that sends an output signal to the computer, the output signal having information to control the user controllable element of the game. Another element of the computer game interface is a switching module in communication with the controller inputs and the controller output. The switching module selects an input signal from the input signals received by the controller inputs and communicates the input signal to the controller output. An additional element of the computer game interface is a timer controlling the switching module to switch the input signal communicated to the controller output based on a time period.

Abstract: A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described.

Abstract: User action data characterizing action by a player in a game environment executing at a user client is received at a server. The game environment is created by the user client separate from the server. Data characterizing a selected viewing position is received. The selected viewing position is different than a player viewing position. The selected viewing position characterizes a viewing location within the game environment. A recreated game environment is generated from the user action data at the server. A video stream of the recreated game environment is generated. The video stream includes video from a perspective of the selected viewing position. The video stream is transmitted to a viewing client. Related apparatus, systems, articles, and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A system and method are described for managing the state of an online video game. A method includes initiating a new online video game in response to user input from a client device, the online video game being in a first state on a first server when initiated; executing the online video game on the server, thereby causing the online video game to enter a second state; pausing or terminating the online video game; determining differences between the first state and the second state and generating difference data containing the differences; transmitting the difference data over a network to a second server; and recreating the second state from the difference data and the first state in response to user input indicating that the user wishes to resume the online video game and in response to the second server being selected as the server on which to execute the video game.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable game medium storing instructions for controlling an operation of a game system. The game system includes a head mounted display (HMD); a processor; a memory; and an input reception device capable of detecting a physical movement of a user. The processor is configured to cause the HMD to display a virtual reality space for forming a game. The processor is configured to cause the HMD to display, in the virtual reality space, a moveable object to be operated by the user in association with the physical movement of the user detected by the input reception device. The processor is configured to give a disadvantage to a player in the game in response to the physical movement of the user exceeding a predetermined velocity in comparison to a case in which the physical movement of the user is equal to or less than a predetermined velocity.

Abstract: Data characterizing two players enrolled in a tournament of an online video game is received. Each player is executing a separate instance of the online video game. The online video game is asynchronous between the two players. The data is received by a tournament server hosting the tournament and separate from a game server providing game data to clients associated with the two players. An instruction for synchronous initiation of gameplay between the two players is generated. The instruction is transmitted to the clients associated with the two players, the instruction causing synchronous initiation of the asynchronous games for the two players. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game is provided. The functions include: a receiving function configured to receive participation of a user of the user terminal in an event, a plurality of users being allowed to participate in the event, the event proceeding in synchronization with participating users who participate in the event; a displaying function causing the user terminal to display a game image, the game image containing a game field unique to the user; and a progress controlling function controlling progress of the event in which at least a part of an enemy character appears in a game field unique to at least one user of the participating users, the progress controlling function controlling progress of the event in the game field unique to the user in accordance with an input of the user.

Abstract: A method, system, computer readable media and cloud systems are provided for generating views of a virtual reality environment for a spectator. One example method includes enabling a spectator to view into a virtual reality environment, and control what specific content within the environment the spectator wishes to see. By allowing the spectator to move closer or further away from specific content, the spectators movement toward or away will cause an automatic scaling of content within the virtual-reality content being generated by an HMD player, that is sharing the content with the spectator. Other features include allowing a spectator to adjust the viewing angle of the content. The viewing angle of the content can be moved by allowing the spectator to reach into the content or control the content scene, and then position the content in the viewing angle that is most comfortable to the position of the spectator.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus includes a storage device that stores state information of game contents changing according to progress of a game; a screen information generator that generates first information relating to a display of the game contents on a display screen and second information relating to a display of the state information on the display screen; an output device that outputs the first information and the second information to the display screen at a predetermined timing, respectively; and an instruction receiving device that receives a switching instruction to switch between display of the game contents and display of the state information on the display screen, wherein the screen information generator generates the second information based on latest state information stored on the storage device at a time when receiving the switching instruction.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game is provided. The functions include: a displaying function configured to display a game image containing a moving object, a game field, and an operation object, the moving object moving in accordance with a virtual attractive force, the moving object being movable in the game field, the operation object being formed in the direction of the attractive force in the game field; a first action controlling function controlling an action of the moving object so that the moving object finally stops at a predetermined portion of the operation object; and a second action controlling function controlling an action of the moving object in a movement mode, the movement mode being determined in accordance with an input from a user when the moving object is in contact with the predetermined portion.

Abstract: A game device includes a processor implementing a character process that performs a character control process; a game process that performs a game parameter calculation process; and a display process that displays a game image based on results of the game process. The processor implements the character process that performs a process that controls a master character that is operated by a player, and a process that controls a plurality of subordinate characters that are subordinate to the master character. The processor implements the game process that performs a process regarding a game event that involves a first subordinate character and a second subordinate character based on a first relationship parameter between the first subordinate character and the second subordinate character, a second relationship parameter between the master character and the first subordinate character, and a third relationship parameter between the master character and the second subordinate character.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a playable video game from user-generated artwork. The systems and methods include a smart game board system having a plurality of recesses arranged in a grid and configured to accept an RFID tag embedded in a block. As the user places blocks in the recesses, an antenna system detects which recesses contain blocks, and the color or another identifier of the block. This information is transmitted to a computer system for translation into playable video game data, such as level data or a skin or image.

Abstract: An electronic book apparatus displays an event invitation icon along with contents of a book wherein the event invitation icon represents event data that includes a text file and/or a game data file that relates to contents of a specified part of the contents of the book. When a player selects the event invitation icon while reading the contents of the book, the apparatus presents the text as shown in the text file or executes a game from the game data file.

Abstract: Various metrics as may be deployed in an active, passive, or hybrid validation architecture are disclosed. A computing device configured to monitor network game activity may identify an inconsistency between user game data and a particular game metric governing a particular aspect of the network gaming environment. Upon identification of an inconsistency between game data and a game metric, which may indicative of illicit game play, a validation process (e.g., active, passive, and/or hybrid) may be implemented to further confirm the existence of illicit game. Alternatively, an action to maintain integrity of the gaming community may be executed without further confirmation whereby a purportedly illicit game device may be ejected from the network.

Abstract: A game apparatus is provided which has a convenience where another function, such as photo taken by a camera, can be used while playing a game by causing a game program and another program to work together. The game apparatus increases interest of the game by relating a result of execution of the other program to the contents of the game. For example, when a camera icon displayed on a display is selected by an operation of a touch panel, a program for controlling a camera function launches, and an image can be captured at an arbitrary timing. The captured image is converted according to a predetermined condition. The converted image is displayed on a display screen and image data is stored in a flash memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dart game server, a dart game apparatus, and a computer program recorded in a readable medium, which support log-in, and the present disclosure may provide a dart game server including: an OTP request receiving unit receiving a one time password (OTP) request including at least one of a user ID and a terminal identifier from a user terminal; an OTP generating unit generating an OTP based on at least one of the user ID and the terminal identifier; an OTP transmitting unit transmitting the OTP to the user terminal; an OTP receiving unit receiving the OTP input in a dart game apparatus from the dart game apparatus; an OTP verifying unit comparing the OTP which the OTP transmitting unit transmits to the user terminal and the OTP which the OTP receiving unit receives from the dart game apparatus; and a game start requesting unit requesting a dart game start to the dart game apparatus based on a comparison result of the OTP.

Abstract: A network game system of high interest in which a contingency and/or unpredictability intervenes in a data exchange between players in a network game is provided. When a map item and a character are selected, a game apparatus transmits a data exchange request and character information to a server apparatus. The received character information is stored in a character management table of the server apparatus. When a predetermined time elapses after the data exchange request, other-character information is specified, and the character management table is updated. The other-character information is transmitted to the game apparatus, and the game apparatus updates each table based on the received information.

Abstract: A game system has one or more network-connected servers executing system software (SSW) on one or more processors from a non-transitory medium, providing virtual reality games for players logged in to the system to select and play, and a plurality of mobile digital devices in use by players logged in to the system, associated by the system with individual player identity, executing a mobile application (MA) enabled to interact with the SSW, and equipped with GPS tracking. The MA reports GPS coordinates for individual ones of the plurality of players to the SSW periodically, and the SSW identifies clusters of players based on pre-programmed geography limitations, and uses cluster data for various interactions between players and the system, and between players and other players.

Abstract: A method includes steps of admitting a first player and a second player to play an on-line video game implemented in a virtual environment, establishing a definition of proximity for any two objects or avatars in the virtual environment, tracking location in the video game for each player avatar or object controlled by a player, noting an event each time the two players are in proximity, as defined by the proximity definition, recording time period that the two players are in proximity for each event, and issuing to one or both players a Friend suggestion for the other player, based on proximity events and time in proximity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for metrics-based gaming operations are provided. Information concerning game play for each play may be received and stored. Such information may be used to generate certain metrics. The generated metrics, in turn, may be used to determine how to customize a game operation. Such game operations may include providing training to a player, matching a player up with another player or with a team, adjusting a game event, etc.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a chess game variant comprises a game board and four sets of eighteen chess pieces each. The game board has an inner zone and four panel zones thereabout. The inner zone presents eighty-one playing positions in a nine-by-nine square array. Each panel zone presents twenty-seven playing positions arranged in a three-by-nine rectangular array. The board includes universal rows which adapt for chess-like play on an unbalanced board. Each set of game pieces include institutional pieces and citizen pieces. Most of the citizen pieces are matched in status with corresponding institutional pieces, and are subject to rules of promotion which are driven, in part, by these status relationships. Most of the game pieces include covert or overt markings, which also drive game play and strategy. In certain aspects of game play, a player may take control of the game pieces of one or more opposing players.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing a game application are disclosed. While the game application is executed in a gameplay session, embodiment of the systems and methods can acquire data associated with the game application. The data acquired during the gameplay session may be associated with a session identifier. Different types of data (such as telemetry data and video data) can be linked together using the timestamps of the gameplay session. A user can choose a timestamp of the gameplay session to view the data associated with that timestamp. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods can associate an event with one or more timestamps. When a user chooses the event, the systems and methods can automatically display event data starting from the beginning of the event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for managing audio chat for an online video game or application. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: an online video game or application execution engine to execute an online video game or application in response to input from one or more users of the video game or application and to responsively generate audio and video of the video game or application; and a chat subsystem to establish audio chat sessions with the one or more users and one or more spectators to the video game or application, the chat subsystem establishing a plurality of audio chat channels including a spectator channel over which the spectators participate in audio chat and a user channel over which the users participate in audio chat.

Abstract: An outdoor amusement rocking device having a frame and a support member that together form a curvature saddle-shaped play structure. The amusement device includes a hyperbole paraboloid frame structure defining an interior area and a resilient support sheet material disposed in the interior area of the frame and attached to the frame.