Abstract: A golf tee toss system for deciding the order of play in a game of golf. The golf tee toss device is grasped by a protruding edge and tossed to the ground. The numerals located on the surface of the golf tee toss device indicate the order in which the golfers will tee off to start a round of golf. The golf tee toss device can be used over and over for different rounds of golf. The indicium on the golf tee toss device can be in a plurality of designs to promote collection of the golf tee toss device.

Abstract: A convertible tiered game system comprising a plurality of tiered platforms, each tiered platform having at least one of a width and a length that is greater than any higher tiered platform, a plurality of tiered overlays configured to be seated upon each tiered platform among the plurality of tiered platforms, at least three of the tiered overlays comprising a center opening and having at least one of a width and a length that is greater than any higher tiered overlay, and a plurality of beverage container placement markers located on at least one of a tiered platform and a tiered overlay. The system may further comprise a lowest tiered overlay configured to rest on a same surface as the lowest tiered platform. The tiered overlays may comprise a lip extending downward along a vertical side wall of a tiered platform on which the tiered overlay is seated.

Abstract: A target for a disc throwing game, including a receptacle including an open top, an open bottom connected to the open top, at least one aperture arranged between the open top and the open bottom, a first reflective member arranged elevationally below the at least one aperture, and a second reflective member arranged proximate the open top, and an illumination means securable only to an inside surface of the receptacle a distance from the at least one aperture, the illumination means operatively arranged to transmit light through the at least one aperture and the open top.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A physical activity training system operative in conjunction with at least one physical target with which the trainee is expected to interact in trainee activity modes, the system comprising sensor module/s operative to execute real-time measurements of aspect/s of the trainee's interaction with the target, without imaging the trainee; and an output generator including indicator/s operative to enter selectable trainee-detectable states each for a respective time period, thereby to indicate to the trainee which of the trainee activity modes governs (e.g. is in effect) within each time period, and a processor operative to monitor at least one trainee's interaction with the target within the modes, at least by generating, for storage in computer memory, time-stamped records of the modes or states and associated with the records, trainee scores derivable from the measurements generated by the module.

Abstract: A stickhandling tool has a first hockey stick blade, a second hockey stick blade, and a structural part with a cross member that connects to and laterally separates the first hockey stick blade and the second hockey stick blade to define a ball or puck receiving cavity between the first hockey stick blade and the second hockey stick blade.

Abstract: A system for enhancing ball control by a bowler when swinging and releasing a bowling ball, and corresponding method of formation, are disclosed. A rigid sleeve is placed over the thumb of the bowler. The rigid sleeve is dimensioned and configured to fit in close cooperation with and slide readily along a thumbhole of the bowling ball, and to grip and be retained on the thumb. The thumb and rigid sleeve are inserted in the thumbhole. The bowling ball is then swung and released, while retaining the rigid sleeve on the thumb. The interior of the rigid sleeve may be coated with a tacky substance or may have installed thereon a shimming material. When swinging and releasing the bowling ball, the thumb and rigid sleeve may be withdrawn from the thumbhole prior to fingers being withdrawn from the finger holes. Ends of the rigid sleeve may be rounded to eliminate sharp edges.

Abstract: A motion sensing basketball training device for measuring the rotational force of a user's wrist during a basketball shot. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an apparatus and system that measures the acceleration of a user's guide arm during a basketball shot. If the user's guide arm accelerates above a threshold value, an alert is delivered to the user. The alert indicates to the user that proper technique was not maintained during the basketball shot. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wrist worn wearable device and/or an application executing on a smart watch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of basketball shooting aids. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid includes a glove portion and at least one stiffener to at least partially restrain the thumb of a user. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid can include plural stiffeners, such as two stiffeners, with one positioned on either side of the user's thumb. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid includes a stiffener and at least one strap for securing the stiffener to a user's hand. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid can help a basketball player to practice his or her shot.

Abstract: Generally, described are methods, apparatuses and systems for a recommendation engine which determines a recommendation based upon a terrestrial parameter and an overall factor unrelated to the terrestrial parameter. The recommendation engine may receive as inputs: (1) some data relating to the terrestrial parameter and (2) some data relating to user operation of a mechanical device. An overall factor may be calculated or obtained, at least in part, from the data relating to user operation of the mechanical device. And based upon the data relating to the terrestrial parameter and the overall factor, a recommendation may be determined and transmitted. In one embodiment, as part of the transmission process, the recommendation may be displayed to a user requesting the recommendation.

Abstract: A golf training device for use in a glove or under the ball of the foot or under the heel, which includes pressure sensors, a visual display which is flexibly connected to the sensors for adjusting the position to suit the wearer, and a controller programmed to provide visual feedback to indicate if the pressure is appropriate or not. For a glove the sensors are located on the palm at the junction with the first three fmgers. There are two or more sensors and for each sensor the controller can display by an appropriately coloured LED that the pressure detected by the sensor is too light, appropriate or too tight. For a shoe the sensors are located under the ball of the foot or the heel and the LEDs indicate whether the weight is appropriately on the ball of the foot or on the heel.

Abstract: A spring enclosure trampoline includes a trampoline bed connected across a horizontal frame member. The trampoline bed is supported by a plurality of springs. Trampoline legs support the horizontal frame member above a ground surface. A trampoline enclosure supports a trampoline enclosure net from a spring enclosure netting support. The trampoline enclosure surrounds the trampoline bed and the trampoline enclosure is supported on a trampoline pole. The spring enclosure netting support is formed as a leaf spring. The leaf spring is flexible in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction. A leaf spring vertical dimension is greater than the leaf spring horizontal dimension. A horizontal spring constant of the leaf spring, and a vertical spring constant of the leaf spring are different.

Abstract: A device for providing information to a user, the device including means for measuring heart rate of the user, a sensor for detecting an orientation of the device, a light source for emitting a light beam from the device to render the information in a surface outside of the device; and at least one actuator for adjusting relative direction of the light beam in respect to the orientation of the device.

Abstract: A method and device for guiding a runner along a predetermined running path including the steps: a) Determining the actual position of the runner by a GPS module; b) Assigning the actual position of the runner to a position along the predetermined path; c) Determining if the runner has to continue the predetermined path c1) straight ahead, or c2) by turning to the left or c3) by turning to the right; d) Controlling at least two light emitting elements arranged at or in a garment worn by the runner, wherein at least one left light emitting element is located in a left hand region of the garment and at least one right light emitting element is located in a right hand region of the garment, wherein d1) no activation of the light emitting elements is carried out in above case c1), d2) at least one left light emitting element is activated in above case c2), and d3) at least one right light emitting element is activated in above case c3).

Abstract: An exercise machine may include a tower enclosing, at least in part, a cable and pulley system, a base supporting the tower on a surface, and a plurality of handles operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system and configured to extend from the tower. The exercise machine may include a resistance motor operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system. The resistance motor may include a fan and a flywheel connected to a common shaft. The exercise machine may be operatively associated with a user interface which includes an exercise display area configured to activate one or more exercise indicators in a predetermined sequence and a control area including at least one mode control operable to change the sequence of activation of the one or more exercise indicators. The user interface may be provided on a console of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An athletic glove is provided for an athlete participating in a sport or competition. The athletic glove includes specifically designed finger receptacles for enhanced stability and protection for the athlete's fingers and improved performance. A first finger receptacle encloses the little and ring fingers preventing them from moving relative to each other. A second finger receptacle encloses the index and middle finger thus preventing them from moving relative to each other.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein are directed to artificial turf systems and installation techniques that are adapted for providing a target maximum shock rating (i.e., “Gmax” rating) without the use of compliant infill materials such as, for example, crumbled rubber. More specifically, such disclosures are directed to artificial turf systems and installation techniques that achieve such target maximum shock rating without the use of compliant infill materials even in applications where the artificial turf system is installed over a substantially non-displacing support surface such as asphalt or crushed stone. Furthermore, such artificial turf systems and installation techniques can be specifically configured for use on a support surface that is substantially impermeable to liquid that might drain off of or through the artificial turf.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformer toy car that automatically transforms the shape to turn a card over to provide the information on the card, if the card is attached to the transformer toy car. The transformer toy car includes: a separable toy car body; and cards adapted to be attached to the underside of the toy car body, wherein if one of the cards is attached to the underside of the toy car body, a portion of the separable toy car body is separated, and a portion of the separated toy car body pressurizes a floor surface, thereby making the toy car body stand up or turn over and thus allowing the underside surface of the card attached to the underside of the toy car body to be exposed to the outside.

Abstract: A single deck shuffler includes a pre-shuffle bin, card-selector assembly, drive wheel and post-shuffle bin. The pre-shuffle bin is configured to accept a single deck of cards. While in the pre-shuffle bin, a modest downward force is applied to the single deck of cards. A base of the pre-shuffle bin is an independent member that selectively raises and lowers the deck of cards pursuant to a randomly-selected card number (e.g., 1-52). Once positioned correctly based on the randomly-selected card number, an upper body of the card-selector assembly moves forward to push a number of cards off the top of the deck corresponding to the randomly-selected card number thereby exposing a bottom card (i.e., the randomly-selected card) to a drive wheel. The drive wheel propels the card from the pre-shuffle bin into the post-shuffle bin. The process is repeated until each card is propelled into the post-shuffle bin.

Abstract: An automatic card shuffler to shuffle eight decks of cards (or less) and deal a round of Baccarat. The automatic shuffler comprises two pre-shuffle bins, each receiving approximately four decks of cards wherein the pre-shuffle bins are spaced apart from one another with card slides directing to a card-receiving area. Cards are randomly selected from the cards in each of the pre-shuffle bins and propelled onto the card slides directing the cards to the card-receiving area. Once a sufficient number of buffer cards (e.g., seven) have been deposited into the card-receiving area, a card flipper moves the seven cards against a face plate of an integral dealing shoe. A buffer-holder member maintains the buffer cards against the face plate for dealing as the card flipper returns to a home position to receive more shuffled cards while buffer cards are being dealt in a round of Baccarat.

Abstract: A craps game is disclosed that combines traditional craps wagers with a set of wagers having longer odds, and thus higher payouts, which are determined based upon the matching of a predefined set of numbers a specified number of times with the roll of the dice prior to the occurrence of a terminating event. In one form, the set of numbers is a single number. In a further form, at least one wager includes a specified number which matches the predefined number which makes up a single member set.

Abstract: An educational card game, designed primarily for children. A designated deck of cards are broken into several sets, with, the respective sets designated on the backs of the cards. The front of the cards has at feast one colored symbol. The cards, and therefore symbols on the cards, can be designated as number, letter, shape, image or other symbol, depending on what the child is to team from that particular deck of cards. The cards are meant to be played as one of a number of games, so that players can learn while having fun. In one embodiment, a player with a deck of cards attempts to match either the color or symbol of a card atop a “play” pile.

Abstract: A gaming device and its example operations include detecting, via a secondary gaming controller, an electronic request for funding a second casino wagering game (“second game”) concurrently presented with a first casino wagering game (“first game”) via an electronic display device associated with a wagering game machine. The first game includes first content that originates from a first content source. The second game includes second content that originates from a second content source independent from the first content source. The first game is funded via user input of monetary value via a value input device associated with the wagering game machine. The operations can further include initiating, by the second game controller, access to funds associated with the first game. The operations can further include electronically routing accessed funds associated with the first game to fund one or more wagers for the second game.

Abstract: Motion capture and haptic glove systems/methods and devices are provided in this invention. In one embodiment of the invention a motion capture and haptic glove system is described, comprising: A glove portion to be worn on top of a user's hand, the glove having finger portions for the fingers and thumb of the user; a plurality of anchoring finger caps circumscribed around the extremities of the finger portions; a plurality of anchor points configured to generate sensor data identifying a flexion/extension and an abduction/adduction of the finger portions; a plurality of tendon-like cables configured to transmit the flexion/extension and the abduction/adduction data to a plurality of measuring devices for processing; a plurality of return force providers to ensure flexion and tension in the tendon-like cable elements; and a housing structure residing on the forearm and connected to the glove portion via the plurality of tendon-like cables.

Abstract: A video game system can include a console, a camera and a light targeting peripheral (LTP), where the LPT can direct non-visible light (e.g., infrared (IR) light) onto a display screen. The camera is positioned so that is can view the display screen, and can locate a non-visible light dot on the display screen during video game play. The system can be used with any size or type of electronic display (e.g., any type of television, computer screen, etc.), or any type of non-electronic display (e.g., projector screen) on which the video game can be projected.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for presenting in a graphical user interface a plurality of associable three-dimensional (3D) actions and a plurality of accessories having distinct operational functions, receiving a request to associate one of the plurality of 3D associable actions with an input function of a select one of the plurality of accessories, associating the 3D action with the input function of the selected accessory, monitoring the selected accessory for a stimulation of the input function, and transmitting the 3D action responsive to detecting the stimulation of the input function. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device directed to a combination computing and input device. The computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the computing device. The input device communicates with the computing device and provides a pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device. The input device further provides a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, a touch sensitive input module, and a transaction system configured for point of sale use. The structural bridge adaptively and snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. A first of the pair of control modules features a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge, which snugly accommodates the length of the computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of configuring disparate physical objects to provide control signals for controlling one or more of a game, a virtual space, a video game taking place in the virtual space, and/or other interactive games are described herein. Individual physical objects may include one or more sensors and/or other components. Output signals generated by the one or more sensors may be used to determine control signals. For example, control specification information may be utilized. Control specification information may specify associations between output signals and control signals, and/or other associations.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for providing an online game experience using multiple devices are generally disclosed including methods and devices for, in some examples, receiving first data from a first device, the received first data being associated with a first interaction with the online game, receiving a request to utilize a second device and responsive to the received request, transmitting second data to the second device, the second data being associated with a second interaction with the online game, the second interaction related to first interaction but being different from the first interaction.

Abstract: A system and method for replaying the activity on request to individuals and to the group at large within a virtual reality (VR) arena for training and efficiency improvement purposes from within the VR system or outside is disclosed. The virtual reality (VR) system does real time tracking and response feedback to the players, using light markers and cameras connected to multiple slave-server systems that are controlled by a master-server. The hierarchical data collection system collects all the activity and tracking data from the arena. The master-server combines and correlates all the data collected from the VR arena and sends that to the game-server to be saved in a dedicated storage memory coupled to the game server. This data is then played back as VR play back on request to individuals or to all players and supervisory staff within or outside the VR arena for training and efficiency improvement purposes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of interaction with an application executed by a piece of equipment separate from a client terminal implementing the method of interaction. In particular, the method of interaction is a method for interaction of a client terminal with an application executed remotely. The application executed remotely is, in particular, a video game broadcast using, for example, a WebRTC communication protocol.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to obtain a user input that was inputted into a first accessory operably coupled with the computing device where the first accessory provides a user interface for user interaction with a video game, determine a language of an intended recipient of the user input based on an identity of the intended recipient, access a multi-lingual library comprising a plurality of words associated with the video game, match the user input to one or more words of the plurality of words of the multi-lingual library to generate a translated message in the determined language of the intended recipient, and provide the translated message to a second accessory for presentation to the intended recipient in real-time. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a video game system can include applying an optical filter in a field of view of a camera to filter out visible light and allow the camera to view non-visible light directed at a display screen positioned within the field of view of the camera. The method can also include processing the video output feed from the camera with a computer processor to identify a location of a non-visible light dot within the field of view of the camera that is projected onto the display screen by a light targeting peripheral unit. The method can also include calculating the location of the non-visible light dot within the field of view of the camera as a proportion of one or more dimensions of the field of view of the camera and translating the location of the non-visible light dot within the field of view of the camera onto a location on the display screen.

Abstract: An example device includes a touchscreen and a processing system in communication with the touchscreen. The processing system is configured to perform operations including detecting a touch-on position on the touchscreen, setting a reference position based on the touch-on position, continuously detecting subsequent touch positions on the touchscreen after detecting the touch-on, and continuously performing operations based on one or both of a direction and a distance from the reference position to the subsequent touch positions.

Abstract: Zoom controls for virtual environment user interfaces are provided herein. In one embodiment a computing system includes a processor and memory configured to provide a virtual gaming environment. The virtual game environment when executed includes a graphical user interface that has a radial zoom controller. The radial zoom controller is configured to allow a user to selectively control a zoom view and the radial zoom controller has an arcuate slider that is placed into concentric relationship with an activation button that allows the user to control an action within the virtual game environment.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for rendering a character for games. In some examples, a method performed under control of a game server may include calculating a level of detail (LOD) for a first character positioned in a same virtual game space as a second character, based at least in part on a calculated degree of closeness between the first character and the second character; and controlling a display definition of the first character based at least in part on the calculated LOD.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artifact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artifact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artifact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input artefact and a set of shared parameters comprising a coding frame, one or more positioned elements, a travel path, and an initial position, and receiving an input artefact. The method includes initializing an output string and a head index and a tail index. The method includes traversing the travel path by, for each position: (i) determining whether the next position includes any positioned element; (ii) responsive to the next position not including any positioned element, filling the head index with a content character from the next position and incrementing the head index; (iii) responsive to next position including any positioned element, filling the tail index with a content character from the next position, and decrementing the tail index. The method includes setting said next position based on an attack position for the positioned element according to a variant of chess.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an access grant determination device may be provided. The access grant determination device may include a game providing circuit configured to provide a request to start a game to a first user and to a second user. The access grant determination device may further include a winner determination circuit configured to determine a winner of the game. The access grant determination device may further include an access grant circuit configured to grant access to a device based on the determination of the winner of the game.

Abstract: An improved controller with fingerprint sensors for interfacing with a game console. The controller is intended to be hand held by a user in the same manner as a conventional controller. A child safety cover is provided to removably attach to the portion of the game console that houses the operational controls. A pause/resume system is integrated with the fingerprinting sensors.

Abstract: A video game method has steps for receiving, at a network-connected server providing video games, a request from a first player to enter a particular game, determining by software executing on a processor on the network-connected server, from a non-transitory medium, instances of the particular game already in progress, accessing stored information regarding friends of the first player, determining if one or more friends of the first player are engaged in one or more of the games already in progress, and directing the first player to a particular one of the games already in progress wherein one or more friends of the first player are engaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to games and applications in general and in particular to computer-implemented online games, such as online role-playing games, playable by more than one person from more than one location. The game engine can search a player's social network to find friends to play with. These social networks can be constructed implicitly by analyzing a player's game play information and other information.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a video game processing program product for causing a server to realize functions to control progress of a video game in response to an operation of a user is provided. The functions include: an event participation managing function configured to receive participation in an event from at least one of users; an initial level setting function configured to set a level of a player character in the event to a predetermined initial level regardless of a level thereof indicating a degree of strength outside the event of the player character, and to cause the event to start after setting; a level-up determining function configured to manage a predetermined condition to raise the level of the player character in the event; and a privilege giving function configured to give a privilege in the event to the player character or the user.

Abstract: Fantasy sports systems and methods comprising receiving a fantasy lineup roster including a plurality of players, each player assigned to a playing position and one or more of the plurality of players further assigned to one or more alternative positions, assigning scores to each of the plurality of players based on statistics derived from one or more real life competitions, receiving a notification of at least one substitution event, each substitution event associated with one of the players and also associated with a substitution segment within the one or more real life competitions, and calculating a fantasy lineup score by aggregating the assigned scores of each of the players assigned to a playing position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic platform-screen comprising (a) a globally flat case (200); electronic processing, storage and interface means housed in the case; (c) a flat screen display (110) arranged at an upper surface (202) of the case; and (d) a plurality of user-interface elements (300) for several users, distributed around the display screen and connected to the interface means housed in the case. The invention also concerns a method for controlling clearance for executing downloaded programmes such as games. The invention is applicable in particular to electronic games involving several players.

Abstract: A combined type toy top separated through induction control, includes a main top, an auxiliary top and an elastic part. When the combined type toy top is in a first state, the main top is limited and fixed by the auxiliary top, above the auxiliary top, and meanwhile the main top compresses the elastic part so that the elastic part is compressed. The combined type toy top is characterized in that a sensing mechanism is arranged in the auxiliary top. The sensing mechanism can controllably relieve limiting fixation of the main top from the auxiliary top under a second state through induction control. The main top pops up under an elasticity action of the elastic part, and, accordingly, the main top and the auxiliary top rotate independently.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a pillow representative of a fantasy character, a pet character or an animal character and a sleeping bag aesthetically matching the pillow in terms of the fantasy character, the pet character or the animal character. The pillow includes a plurality of appendages that are at least one of arms and legs of the fantasy character, the pet character or the animal character. The sleeping bag is detachably connected to the pillow. The pillow is further configured to be used as a standard arm pillow or as a seat, and the sleeping bag in a foldable configuration enables the slumber bag system to be displayed vertically.

Abstract: A plush toy having a face with features such as eyes, nose mouth and ears. The plush toy has a first bendable member above the eyes on the face and a second bendable member on the upper edge, lower edge, or both of the mouth. The bendable members are elongated and are covered with a cushioning material such as rubber, plastic or cloth, and are secured along their length to the face of the toy, for example, within a channel formed of cloth or other material.

Abstract: A method for beautifying a balsa wood model aircraft with a thermal shrink covering film, so that the balsa wood model aircraft with a thermal shrink covering film is obtained. This method makes a model aircraft colorful, reduces labor costs, improves the beautifying and painting effect of the model aircraft, and also improves the pneumatic performance of the model aircraft.

Abstract: A balloon holder includes a cup portion having a stem with a barb extending therefrom, and a conical cup defined by a sidewall extending from the stem to define a top edge of the conical cup. The balloon holder further includes a stick portion including an elongate stick body extending from a first end to a second end, a stem receptacle at the first end, and a barb receptacle provided in the stem receptacle, wherein a portion of the stem is received in the stem receptacle such that the barb locks into the barb receptacle to join the cup portion and the stick portion together to form a complete balloon holder.