Abstract: An apparatus for golf training includes a wrist strap and a ring which are shaped and sized to be worn by a user. A cable extends between the wrist strap and the ring, and certain movements thereof are configured to provide an indication of improper swing form using an audible stimulus.

Abstract: A fight simulation multi-headed, multi-abdomen, multi-armed apparatus is adapted to be used in conjunction with a slip and counter fight simulation apparatus or stand alone apparatus. The fight simulation multi-headed, multi-abdomen, multi-armed apparatus includes a multi-headed member having at least one head attached to at least one abdomen and at least one arm having a glove appending member. Preferably, multiple heads are attached to multiple abdomens with multiple arm pairs to provide different punch configurations for the user to strike at. The multi-headed, multi-abdomen, multi-armed provides various angles adapted for a user to punch, knee, and/or do a flying knee.

Abstract: A golf swing analysis apparatus capable of estimating the strike point of the ball on the face in a simple manner when a golf club is swung is provided. The apparatus is provided with a derivation unit, a calculation unit, and an estimation unit to analyze a swing using a golf club having a grip, a shaft and a head. The derivation unit derives analytical data including at least one of time-series angular velocity data and time-series acceleration data in an analysis time interval near impact, from sensor data output from at least one of an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor attached to at least one of the grip and the shaft. The calculation unit calculates a feature amount of a waveform of the analytical data. The estimation unit estimates an impact position of a ball on a face of the head, according to the feature amount.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device comprises memory for storing instructions that are executed by a processor to perform the operations of analyzing data with the portable electronic device related to the position and motion of a putter at least one of before, during and after at least one putting stroke performed with the putter. The portable electronic device analyzes the data by utilizing a plurality of sensors within the portable electronic device including accelerometers configured to measure accelerations and gyroscopes to identify an angle of the putter during the at least one putting stroke. The portable electronic device is attached to the putter. A putting stroke characteristic can be determined based on the data generated from the sensors of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining a score for a user of a gaming platform such that the score reflects the user's success rate in calling plays in a sporting event. A computing device receives a user profile including a coach score and initiates a sequence of states in response to a start of a real-time football game play. The sequence of states include a poll creation state, a first notification state, a coach pick state, a fan voting state, a second notification state, and a play in action state. The computing device calculates a field score associated with the real-time play based on an on-field result. The computing device determines a coach score based on a fan vote and at least one of a coach pick, a winning play, and the field score, and outputs content to the registered user computing device related to the coach score.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exercise apparatus via a control interface of an exercise apparatus, including steps of controlling a touch screen to display an information field, and then monitoring the touch screen to detect whether a touch has occurred on the surface of the touch screen and whether the touch is located in an input zone which has a plurality of sensing areas in the information field. A user can use specific actions to operate the exercise apparatus from one condition of using a first speed value to another condition of using a second speed value.

Abstract: A race start assistance method for a boat participating in a regatta including a pre-race having a duration before the crossing of the start line, the method including a first step intended to permit the creation and storage of the start line in virtual form, and the determination of the instantaneous speed of the boat and its position with respect to the start line, in order to provide at least one indication on how to proceed in the pre-race.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a snowboard comprising a first splitboard ski detachably coupled to a second splitboard ski by a splitlock connection system. In various embodiments, the splitlock connection system comprising at least one of an edge connection, and at least one shear tab connection, wherein at least one of the edge connection and the shear tab connection is configured to prevent at least one of shear and relative perpendicular flexion of the first splitboard ski and the second splitboard ski.

Abstract: An undercarriage of a person powered wheeled vehicle and, more particularly, to a cantilevered spring for absorbing shock and vibration is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable ice rink includes a wall formed of multiple wall members linearly disposed adjacent to one another to form a piecewise continuous wall that encloses a desired area, and also includes a chain of links disposed on the outside of the wall members for reinforcement. The rink may further include a waterproof tarp extending underneath the wall members and folded upwards along the outer side of the wall, with its edge tied to the change of links. The tarp can contain water which then freezes to form a skating surface. Curved wall members are provided to form a rink with round corners. Each wall member is a discrete unit, made of molded plastic, and having a hollow interior which can be filled with water (or other ballast). Each wall member is designed with stiffening features to maintain the flatness of its inner surface after filling.

Abstract: A card dealing system incorporating playing cards with rank and suit information encoded thereon via micro-dots, and a shoe capable of reading such micro dots as a playing card is drawn from the shoe. A game controller unit determines the location of the micro-dots on the playing card, and determines the rank and suit information therefrom. The game controller thereby monitors the progress and status of a card game.

Abstract: A bingo game system provides for new features and functionality for a bingo game platform, including a dynamically resizable wheel segment for a wheel-based game.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to multi-dimensional puzzles for teaching, entertainment, and construction. One embodiment of the invention comprises two forms, one planar and one non-planar, which comprise a plurality of protrusions and recesses. These forms may be assembled by selectively interconnecting the various protrusions and recesses to create multi-dimensional shapes such as a cube, cylinder, and sphere among many other possibilities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sport and game simulation systems, and methods of use thereof. One exemplary method is performed at an electronic device and includes: identifying a current topography of a putting green and a current position of a first user's ball on the putting green. The method also includes: determining, based on the current topography, a best path from the current position of the first user's ball to a target on the putting green. The method additionally includes: sending, to a projecting device that is distinct from the electronic device, instructions to render a representation of the best path on the putting green. In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a backswing distance and/or speed and a corresponding follow-through distance and/or speed that allows the first user to hit the ball along the best path and providing instructions to render the backswing and follow-through distances on the putting green.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a virtual player interface such as button deck for a gaming device. The interface includes a touch screen display which displays one or more button icons. The size, shape and location of the button icons may be reconfigured based upon player interaction or selection. Button functions or selections may be combined into a single button. The button reconfiguration may be saved to a player account to be applied when the player uses the gaming device or other applicable device. Haptic or audible feedback may be applied to the button icon based upon the location of the player's touch relative to a target position on the icon.

Abstract: Techniques for coordination of content presentation operations are described herein. In some cases, a client may generate client metadata associated with client event data. The client metadata may include, for example, an indication of any one or more of a time, a frame, a location, an angle, a direction, a speed, a force, or other information associated with the client event data. Also, in some cases, the content provider may generate content provider metadata associated with image data. For example, the content provider metadata may indicate a location of a virtual camera associated with the respective image data and/or a location of one or more objects represented within the respective image data.

Abstract: A system has a server coupled to a data repository and software executing from a non-transitory medium on the processor, the software providing a site serving games to players connected to the server, and providing discovering instances of interaction with the server by first-time players, serving links to a first percentage of the first-time players for games having known high retention value, defined as a characteristic that first-time players who play the game return to the site within a specified period of time, serving links to a remaining percentage of the first-time players for games having no well-developed retention value, marking selection by first-time players of games having no well-developed retention value, monitoring the site for return time of players having selected games having no well-developed retention value, providing a return time period, and using the return time period, assigning or amending a retention value for the game.

Abstract: Depth-image analysis is performed with a device that analyzes a human target within an observed scene by capturing depth-images that include depth information from the observed scene. The human target is modeled with a virtual skeleton including a plurality of joints. The virtual skeleton is used as an input for controlling a driving simulation.

Abstract: Provided is a game machine that can expand the range of play actions demanded of a player. The game machine is provided with an input apparatus including four play operation units, and provides a music game that demands of the player a predetermined operation of each play operation unit. The game machine is provided with: a vibration sensor that detects a predetermined operation of each play operation unit; and an optical sensor that detects player actions during play of the music game. Also, the game machine evaluates the predetermined operation of the player on the basis of the detection results of the vibration sensor and evaluates player actions that are correlated with the predetermined operation on the basis of the detection results of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An image such as a depth image of a scene may be received, observed, or captured by a device. A grid of voxels may then be generated based on the depth image such that the depth image may be downsampled. A background included in the grid of voxels may also be removed to isolate one or more voxels associated with a foreground object such as a human target. A location or position of one or more extremities of the isolated human target may be determined and a model may be adjusted based on the location or position of the one or more extremities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method for controlling the display of a tile image on a display of the computer device, the method comprising: storing in a computer memory at the computer device, image texture data comprising a plurality of sets of predefined masks, each set of predefined masks for forming a respective tile image; selecting at random a tile image for display from a plurality of tile images; determining a location of each mask in the set of predefined masks for forming the selected tile image, in the image texture data; and supplying an indication of said location to a shader program executed on the computer device to control the shader program to use the set of predefined masks to form the selected tile image on said display.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relate to playing a multi-player video game in which multiple players each supply inputs to a respective input device to control a corresponding game character in a game world displayed on a display screen. Movements of each game character in the game world are controlled in accordance with respective first game character control operations during the playing of the multi-player video game. In response to satisfaction of one or more conditions, one player's game character is protected from harm in the game world, wherein one of the one or more conditions is a condition triggered voluntarily by the one player. Movements of the protected game character in the game world are controlled based on a position of another, unprotected game character.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a game program that processes progress of a game using a plurality of game mediums. The game program causes a computer to execute functions including: moving each of the game mediums along a predetermined path in a game field that includes a plurality of regions; displaying a selection object configured to select at least one of the plurality of regions so that the selection object flies out according to an operation detected by a certain input unit; receiving, via the certain input unit, an indication of at least one region among the plurality of regions selected by the selection object; and changing, responsive to the received indication of the selected at least one region, an attribute set in the selected at least one region to change the predetermined path where the respective game medium moves.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to provide and implement a state machine in a display software user interface environment, and used to handle events and actions associated with the state machine. In one example embodiment, a virtual display environment provided by an engine is interfaced with a state machine that is configured to interpret various state machine definitions corresponding to states occurring in the virtual display environment. The state machine definitions may be used to determine how a particular state of a virtual item in the display environment may be represented, interacted with, and transitioned into another state. Use of the state machine definitions may enable representation of complex scenarios for virtual objects and events in the display environment in a unified definition format, without requiring specialized programming or scripting commands to implement the scenarios.

Abstract: A computer executing a game program performs operations such as providing a game space shared by at least a first user and a second user through a network; arranging at least a first object associated with the first user and a second object and a third object associated with the second user in the game space; operating a first character having a first number associated with the first object to advance from the first object toward the second object and displaying the first character; operating a second character having a second number associated with the third object to advance toward the first character, and reducing the first number on the basis of the second number according to the advance of the second character; and operating the first character having the reduced first number to reach the second object and displaying the first character.

Abstract: Embodiments for fostering integration of a user in a multi-player gaming environment by a processor. Each of a plurality of user bioanalytics is recorded over a period of time as the user interacts in the multi-player gaming environment. The recorded bioanalytics are compared against a plurality of game analytics corresponding to aspects of game play in the multi-player gaming environment over the period of time. Based on the bioanalytics and game analytics, an avatar representation of the user is constructed for the multi-player gaming environment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for updating game participants. In some embodiments, the participants receive game control information via a one-way broadcast. The method selects a set of sampling participants from the set of all participants of a game. In some embodiments, the selection occurs prior to the start of the game. The method of some embodiments establishes a two-way connection between a server and each of the sampling participants. For some embodiments, the two-way connection is realtime. The method continuously maintains the two-way connection throughout the game. During each discrete game period, the method receives from a sampling participant, data for the sampling participant's game period performance. Based on the received data, the method determines the performance for the game period and broadcasts this information to a non-sampling participant. A non-sampling participant is a participant who was not selected for the set of sampling participants.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle and a target. The vehicle includes a platform, a passenger seat supported above the platform, a pair of drive tires positioned on the platform, a pair of independent drive motors respectively connected to the pair of drive tires, and a laser gun mounted on the passenger seat. The target is targetable by the laser gun.

Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower defining a plurality of human-habitable spaces; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; and one or more bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the tower.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling at least one force-feedback device associated with at least a part of the body of a user. As to control the user's experience of motion and movements induced by the displacement(s) of the force feedback device(s) following operations are performed: [a] determining a speed value of a movement of the at least a part of the body according to at least a parameter representative of the displacement of the at least one force-feedback device, the movement of the at least a part of the body being induced by the displacement of the at least one force-feedback device; [b] comparing the determined speed value with a threshold speed value as to determine whether the displacement of the at least one force-feedback device is perceived by the user; and [c] controlling the at least one parameter according to the comparison result.

Abstract: Character-based electronic devices, systems, and methods of using the same are described. More particularly, character-based electronic devices having an actuator are described. An exemplary character-based electronic device comprises a housing, an actuator, a communication bus (e.g., USB hub), a component, and a light source. The component is attached to the communication bus and the actuator such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing alters a condition of the component.

Abstract: The present invention is a bubble generating pool toy that generates air bubbles in a swimming pool in response to movement of levers provided on the toy. The toy is used by positioning it behind a user's back and grasping two levers which extend from each side of the toy. By repeated pushing the levers sideward away from each other in front of the user's chest and then allowing the levers to once again come together in front of the user's chest under the power of bellows that are outwardly biased, the bellows provided on the toy are alternately expanded and compressed. Expansion and compression of the bellows causes air to be pulled downward through tubes fitted with one-way valves and forces the air to exit the toy via bubble stones located under the surface of the water in the swimming pool, creating air bubbles in the water.

Abstract: A pitching arrangement for a model helicopter includes a securing base, a plurality of servers supported by the securing base, a main connecting shaft linked to the servers, a supporting ring, a control device operatively provided between the servers and axially mounted to the main connecting shaft, and a plurality of connecting rods connecting the servers and the control device through the main connecting shaft, wherein the supporting ring is mounted on the main connecting shaft, wherein the connecting rods are connected to the supporting ring of the main connecting shaft.

Abstract: A toy bar for placement over or in front of a child to provide entertainment. The toy bar includes a tube component and first and second support members. The tube component generally includes a first end and a second end, and the first and second support members are generally removably attached to the tube component. Optionally, an LED light component fitted within the tube component. Optionally, at least one of the support members includes an electronic module, and wherein the electronic module can be programmed to activate one or more of a plurality of entertainment or soothing features including playing sounds, the LED light component, or a vibration unit. Optionally, one or more toys, loops or fasteners are coupled to the tube component.

Abstract: A construction kit of modular components including rigid and flexible foam bars with endcaps designed to be joined together by snap-fit connections to define three-dimensional, adult-sized playing fields which float in aquatic settings such as swimming pools. The connectivity of the modular components is characterized by manual assembly, a high resistance to separation during active play by teams of adults participating in vigorous athletic activities, and tool-assisted disassembly.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a set of toy construction elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements; and a data processing system comprising image capturing means, processing means, and display means, wherein the data processing system is adapted to capture an image of a partial toy construction model constructed from a subset of the toy construction elements; process the captured image to detect at least a position and an orientation of the partial toy construction model; identify a user selection indicative of a user selection of at least one of a set of subsequent construction elements, each subsequent construction element being connectable to the partial toy construction model; responsive to the detected position and orientation of the partial toy construction model, display on said display means a composite image comprising the captured image having superimposed an image of at least the selected subsequent construction element.

Abstract: The invention relates to producing kits for games and souvenirs. The invention consists in a node for connecting moving elements thereof in order to perform a connecting action using two groups of components. A first group of components and a second group of components are connected by means of inserting protrusions, which are positioned along opposing edges of at least two individual components of the second group, in at least two rectangular connecting apertures of one of the individual components of the first group, and which are disposed symmetrically relative to a central aperture on each of the individual components of the first group. The second group of components contains at least two individual components which are made in the form of symmetrical pairs. The result consists in the fastest and most-reliable assembly of the node.

Abstract: A magnetic wooden block toy configured to provide improved magnetic force between magnetic wooden blocks is provided. The magnetic wooden block toy includes a wooden body and at least one magnet casing embedded therein. The magnet casing includes a casing body, a flange having a sloped inner surface, and a top opening defined by the sloped inner surface. The magnet casing contains at least one magnet.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising at least two toy building elements of which the one toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of first type, and the second toy building element is provided with one or more coupling means of second type that is/are configured to be complementary to said coupling means of first type to the effect that they can be interconnected to form a structure, wherein the second toy building element comprises a flywheel (10) which is rotatably mounted on the toy building element, wherein the flywheel comprises one or more actuator mechanisms (21); and wherein the coupling means and the complementarily configured coupling means are configured such that the second toy building element can be mounted on the first toy building element in two or more different positions.

Abstract: A play center including a number of frames secured to each other to at least partially define substantially vertical walls of the outdoor play center, each frame having two or more openings, and a number of panels, each panel having a body thereof, the panels being receivable in selected ones of the openings. Each of the openings is partially defined by one or more elongate side walls of each frame. Each panel includes one or more flanges extending from the body over at least a receiving portion of the side wall. The play center also includes a number of fasteners for fastening the flanges to the receiving portions.

Abstract: A book having a plurality of pages bound together to form the book. At least one page of a spread of the book has a flap movable with respect to the page. The flap has a flap recess. The page has a page recess. In a closed position, the flap is positioned within the page recess. A structural element, such as a pop-up element, is housed within the flap recess and/or the page recess. As the flap moves from the closed position to an open position, the structural element moves or raises above the page surface to move the structural element into an activated position. In the closed position, the structural element is hidden from view when looking at the page.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a liquid from a porous solid phase is described. The method comprises forming a liquid seal at a first end of a porous solid phase to which a liquid is bound, wherein liquid of the liquid seal is immiscible with the liquid bound to the solid phase, and applying a pressure differential across the porous solid phase to cause the immiscible liquid to move through the porous solid phase towards a second end of the porous solid phase, thereby displacing the liquid bound to the porous solid phase towards the second end and releasing this liquid from the second end. Recovery of liquid from the solid phase using such methods is increased compared with corresponding methods in which no liquid seal is formed. In preferred embodiments, the liquid used to form the liquid seal is a mineral oil. The methods have particular application in nucleic acid extractions which utilize capture of nucleic acid to a solid phase. Kits and apparatus for performing the methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for separating or extracting proteins from a low grade mixture of a protein of interest, other proteins, impurities, and salts in a continuous simulated moving bed separation process. The invention provides for direct extraction of heme protein and plant protein from a crude mixture of such proteins, other proteins, impurities and salts using the chromatographic technique of simulated moving bed (SMB) continuous chromatography. The SMB process combines the steps of feed loading, adsorbent washing, product elution, adsorbent regeneration, and adsorbent equilibration. The novel strong anion exchange resin adsorbent is a quaternary amine cross-linked microcellulose wherein the microcellulose is cross-linked with epichlorohydrin and the quaternary amine is 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride which exhibits selective adsorption of proteins and complete regeneration.

Abstract: In a preparative separation-purification system for passing a solution containing a target component through a trap column to capture the target component in the column, and for subsequently passing an eluting solvent through the column to elute the captured component and collect it in a container, a dilution passage is merged with a collection passage for sending an eluate from the outlet end of the trap column to the collection container, and a diluting liquid is intermittently introduced through the dilution passage into the collection passage. The diluting liquid lowers the concentration of the target component in the eluate and impedes the deposition of the target component. Thus, clogging of the passage due to the deposition of the target component eluted from the trap column is effectively prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a external-perfusion hollow-fiber membrane module containing a hollow-fiber membrane bundle including a plurality of hollow-fiber membranes; and a casing that houses the hollow-fiber membrane bundle, wherein the hollow-fiber membrane bundle has one end that is fixed to an inside of the casing by a potting portion in an open state, and the external-perfusion hollow-fiber membrane module is configured to perform degassing on a gas contained in a liquid inside the casing, the gas being introduced into an inside from an outer surface of the hollow-fiber membrane.

Abstract: A system including a vessel with at least two fluid inlets and a fluid outlet wherein one fluid inlet is positioned higher in the vessel than the other fluid inlet is provided. The fluid inlets may be connected to a polymerization reactor and each fluid inlet may be configured to deliver fluid to the vessel from a different zone of the polymerization reactor. During shut-down of a polymerization reactor, reaction mixture is discharged to a separation system where polymer particles are removed from the mixture prior to being released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel filter, including: a housing, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The housing includes: a first axially disposed side wall forming a radially outermost portion of a circumference for the housing; a second axially disposed side wall located radially inward of the first axially disposed wall; a first radially disposed end wall connected to a first axial edge of the first axially disposed wall; and a second radially disposed end wall connected to a first axial edge of the second axially disposed side wall. The outlet port extends from the second radially disposed end wall and is radially aligned with the second axially disposed side wall. The inlet port extends from the first radially disposed end wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for engine oil storage and filtration in an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one oil storage device as part of an engine oil circuit, at least one filtration device, and at least one oil delivery pump, wherein the system is characterized in that the filtration device is connected upstream of the oil delivery pump in relation to the delivery direction of the oil, with only suction filtration being provided.

Abstract: A screen element for a fuel system includes a first screen and a second screen. The first screen defines a first aperture and the second screen defines a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture are arranged out of circumferential alignment with one another such that a torturous flow path is defined through the apertures for capturing particles smaller than the apertures in a collection cavity defined between the screens.

Abstract: An apparatus having a threaded bottom assembly for interfacing to connect the bottom assembly to a second structure with threads, having a deformable element that, when sufficient force is applied via the process of threading the bottom assembly to the second structure, and at an appropriate value of axial compression or pressure, passes from a stable state, through a rapid shape transformation to a second state via a regime of reduced resistance to deformation, creating a tactile or audible indication that the apparatus has been properly installed. The deformable element may be joined to the apparatus using a circumferential ring by friction fit or spring fit, and may adhere magnetically to the second structure to facilitation installation.