Abstract: Sports apparatus include a frame, a plurality of connectors, and a net. Each connector may include one or two connection posts coupled to the frame, with the connection posts extending away from the frame at an angle of at least 15° from a vertically extending plane. The net may be coupled to the plurality of connectors. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A portable, configurable obstacle course game is provided for creating an interactive, entertaining game in a small space. The game is arranged along or above a path for a rolling ball, and obstacles move into and out of the ball's path, creating challenges for the players to roll or hit the ball through the path. Players can interact with each other and set difficulty levels in various play modes. The game is portable and configurable, so that it can be arranged on different playing surfaces, with different obstacles and even environmental interactions. The game can also communicate with wireless devices such as an application on a user's mobile phone, for additional game features.

Abstract: Disclosed is an augmented learning system for tai-chi chuan, including a head-mounted display put on a head of a learner, and a plurality of action sensors worn on the head or a body of the learner. The action of the learner is sensed by the action sensors, which generate and wireless transfer corresponding sensing signals to the head-mounted display. Based on the sensing signals, the head-mounted display constructs and shows images of the learner as well as a virtual coach demonstrating tai-chi chuan in front of the learner. Also, virtual assistants at different positions demonstrate the same tai-chi chuan such that the learner clearly watches each detailed move of tai-chi chuan at various views. Therefore, the present invention helps the learner effectively self-examining and self-correcting every move by means of video and audio so as to overcome learning obstacles and speed up learning progress for tai-chi chuan.

Abstract: An improved tee for ball sports has a base member for supporting an elongated tubular stem extending perpendicularly from the base member, a receptacle for a ball located at an end of the stem distal to the base member, and a protective sleeve placed over the length of the stem for protecting the stem and a racquet or bat of a user.

Abstract: A method for performing different balancing and squatting exercises that uses a kit includes a clip that attaches to the front edge of the brim on a hat or visor worn by the exerciser. Attached to the clip is a length adjustable string that attaches to a weight, such as a golf ball. The clip attaches to the brim and the length of the string is adjusted so the weight hangs freely just above the ground when standing and when lowering to a squat position while standing on one leg or two legs. During use, exerciser stands upright with his arms extended outward and then bends his knees to a squatting position while keep the back straight without bending the waist. The user then identifies a point on the ground and squats to position the weight over the spot. As the exerciser becomes more flexible, the length of the string is shortened. The kit may also include an optional elongated stick that extends longitudinally over the exerciser's two shoulders as the exerciser squats.

Abstract: A free weight organization system is described that prevents misplacement of the free weight plates on the weight rack. The system may include weight plates with recesses and keyed weight rack posts with corresponding projections. The placement of the recesses varies from one size of weight plate to another, preventing a weight plate of the wrong size being placed on a rack post of the weight rack. The weight plates may also include a loading rest recess, with the keyed rack posts having a loading rest rod to assist in the correct placement of the plates on the rack. The organization system also includes a support which is modular and has slots to accommodate varying projections for holding various weights and for attaching other additions.

Abstract: A retractable sport screen is described. The sport screen includes a head roll mountable to a structure and a screen couplable to the head roll tube being movable between a first position and a second position. The screen is rolled up around the head roll tube when in the first position and extended towards a ground when in the second position. The screen further includes a middle bar received in a first pocket of the screen and spaced from the head roll when the screen is in the second position, a bottom bar received in a second pocket of the screen and spaced from the middle bar in a direction away from the head roll when the screen is in the second position, the bottom bar being weighted to provide tension to the screen to inhibit a launched projectile striking the screen from contacting the structure when the screen is in the second position, and a mounting assembly for mounting the head roll to the structure.

Abstract: A personal signal device can be worn on an arm of a water sport participant and includes a signal flag that is stowed in a pouch of the device and can be removed from the pouch and manually waved by the water sport participant when the water sport participant is in the water.

Abstract: A system for fitness training in a virtual environment. The system includes a cardiovascular training equipment, a head mounted device for presenting a video content associated with the virtual environment, and at least one computing device communicably coupled to the cardiovascular training equipment and the head mounted device. The at least one computing device is operable to provide the video content to the head mounted device, and modify at least one setting of the cardiovascular training equipment based on a metadata associated with the video content.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a processor, a display, a deck, and a belt rotatable about the deck. The machine also includes a sensor operably connected to the processor and configured to detect a performance parameter associated with a belt of the exercise machine. In implementations described herein, the performance parameter may be disregarded when it is determined that a user is not on the belt.

Abstract: A deck for a treadmill includes a continuous track, and a plurality of slats connected to the track. The track and the plurality of slats at least partly define an inner space of the deck, and are rotatable about the inner space. The deck also includes a first motor configured to modify a speed of rotation of the track, and a second motor configured to modify a position of the deck relative to a support surface on which the deck is supported. The first motor and the second motor are disposed within the inner space.

Abstract: The present document describes a blade sharpening system comprising a blade sharpening device, a blade holding apparatus and a controller operatively coupled to the blade sharpening device and said blade holding apparatus to control sharpening of said blade, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to the technical field of martial arts, and more particularly to a ring which is laterally surrounded by a rigid and transparent material. The proposed design aims to improve viewing for spectators and television viewers by allowing viewing, filming and photography from any angle without any obstructions, such as fencing, ropes or nets, which impede a clear view of a martial arts event. The present solution is also intended to benefit the dynamics of a fight by reducing clinch time and preventing a fighter from holding onto the fencing that currently surrounds a ring. In addition, there is the possibility of projecting images onto the outer side of the ring. In this case, spectators and television viewers will be able to view information such as, inter alia, competitor profiles, replays of fights, and sponsorship advertisements.

Abstract: A card game includes a deck of cards used, for example, to play craps, poker, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A poker-incorporated sports game is provided. The sports game includes elements each bearing indicia, or marking, of a playing card, such as playing cards used in a poker card game. The participants of the sports game have to perform and meet one or more predetermined challenges or tasks to achieve a poker hand from the elements. The participants strive to meet the challenges in the shorted time possible. An algorithm is then used to calculate the score of each participant, based on the value of the poker hand of and time used by the participant to achieve the poker hand.

Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating cameras, non-imaging sensors, embedded systems and/or micro-vision systems for detecting anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards. Combinations of cameras, non-imaging sensors, embedded systems and/or micro-vision systems integrated in or proximate to automatic playing cards shufflers collect images and card information for analysis to determine if anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards are indicative of a scam or worn cards, or provide skilled players with an advantage to determine if anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards are indicative of a scam, unintentional, or the result of normal manufacturing variances, which could provide skilled players with an advantage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional alignment board game includes four substantially aligned, spaced vertical levels of playing boards. Each level includes a grid forming a “5×5” planar matrix defining twenty-five placement areas for a total of one-hundred placement areas. At least two sets of playing pieces are distinguishable from each other and assigned to players of the game. Each piece can be placed and rest upon any of the one-hundred placement areas. A scorekeeping system keeps score by tracking points of the players. The game is completed when a player is first to accumulate a predetermined total number of points. The players take turns between/among themselves. Each player scores a first predetermined number of points by placing four pieces on four open vertically aligned placement areas of four levels, four pieces on four open diagonally aligned placement areas of four levels, or four pieces on four open horizontally aligned placement areas of any level.

Abstract: A circular checkered game board which can support a set of eighteen pieces controlled by opposing players on boards consisting of eight rings intersected by seven columns having a plurality of 56 multi-colored playing spaces per player which provides two battlefronts, and is based on an infinite modular formula with a minimum of fourteen columns to support two players, which can be increased to an unlimited number of players by adding a group of fourteen columns for every two additional players as such that four players require a board with 28 columns, and six players require a board of 42 columns; this formula can be replicated to accommodate an infinite number of players.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for playing screen baseball and, more specifically, to a method for playing screen baseball which can be played in a manner similar to a real baseball game by further using a catching position, a ball speed, and a batter level while using a strike zone and a mitt zone along with a pitching mode in calculating the results of pitching.

Abstract: A ticket redemption game having an upright cabinet. The upright cabinet houses a cylindrical drum which may be rotated through the use of a control by at least one electric motor. In the interior of the cylindrical drum are a plurality of balls. When the drum is rotated, the plurality of balls is moved from a low point to an apex of the cylindrical drum along an interior circumference of the cylindrical drum by the aid of traction elements.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for operating a laser attraction. Aspects include instructing a plurality of laser transmitters to each emit a laser beam, each of the emitted laser beams being detected by a particular receiver device. In addition, a signal may be received that indicates that one of the laser beams has been broken. In an aspect, the signal may be received from a receiver device that is associated with the broken laser beam. Further, the receiver device may be instructed to illuminate a light source when the laser beam is broken, the light source being part of the receiver device.

Abstract: An educational picture game is played through responses to questions provided at points in the picture game and enhances factual assimilation and retention for the user. The user selects or generates responses to progress through the game and correct responses lead to the emergence of a picture or image, i.e. providing a visual, motivating indicator of progress towards completion. Various indications can be provided to inform the user about the correctness of responses and their extent of progress towards completing the learning activity. The indications may be completion of parts of an image, audio or visual cues, suggested reference materials or other information that tends to boost learning and assist the user in assimilating and applying facts in different knowledge domains. The user may receive a reward for providing correct responses or successfully completing the picture.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for communicating with a first peripheral device, of a plurality of peripheral devices, using a touch-sensitive system that has a processor and a touch surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method includes detecting, using the processor, a plurality of touches on the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system that are made by the first peripheral device. The method further includes identifying, using the processor, the first peripheral device based on the plurality of touches on the touch surface of the touch-sensitive system that are made by the first peripheral device. The method additionally includes communicating data, using the processor, to a receptive circuit of the first peripheral device in response to the identifying of the first peripheral device.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an operation apparatus and a main body apparatus which is capable of communicating with the operation apparatus. The operation apparatus includes a first transceiver which transmits operation data to the main body apparatus. The main body apparatus includes a memory in which an operation scheme of the operation apparatus is registered, a second transceiver which receives the operation data, and a controller. The controller registers the operation scheme of the operation apparatus in the memory as a first operation scheme when the operation data received by the second transceiver indicates a first operation and registers the operation scheme of the operation apparatus in the memory as a second operation scheme when the operation data received by the second transceiver indicates a second operation, and performs processing based on the operation scheme registered in the memory onto the operation data received by the second transceiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular sensory immersion system including one or more panels that introduce the tactile component of audio vibration from multi-media formats into the various surface areas of the human body, while synchronized with audio to the ears. In certain embodiments, the modular sensory immersion system also delivers a range of additional haptic and multi-sensory stimuli synchronized to audio and audio-visual content. In one embodiment, each panel houses vibrating transducers and associated electronics to deliver the audio synchronized force feedback vibrations, as well as the mechanical components associated with the delivery air busts of ambient or heated/cooled variety, water streams and mists, fragrances, and solid or semi solid projectiles. The system can be used as a single interactive panel, as a multi-panel platform, or a multi-panel platform with attached paneled walls that deliver all of the above mentioned sensory stimuli.

Abstract: A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.

Abstract: A haptic peripheral includes a housing, a deformable substrate coupled to the housing to be moveable thereto, and a smart material actuator coupled to a surface of the deformable substrate. The smart material actuator produces a force that deforms the deformable substrate relative to the housing in response to the control signal from a processor to thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the haptic peripheral. The deformable substrate includes at least one user contact portion configured to contact the user and two opposing hinges. The deformable substrate also includes at least two stiff arms, each stiff arm extending between the user contact portion and one of the two opposing hinges. The stiff arms are relatively stiffer than the user contact portion and the hinges such that the deformable substrate is configured to increase the deformation of the deformable substrate relative to the housing.

Abstract: Tutorial assets may be dynamically integrated into a mobile application at different locations in game play in a staged manner such that individual tutorial assets can be integrated into the mobile application without requiring a wholesale update of the mobile application. The staged updating may be effected without requiring users to access an updated version of the application from an “app store” or other similar online marketplace for mobile applications. This may be accomplished by implementing the mobile application as an “app” including compiled code that implements game assets and tutorial assets to provide a view of the game to the user. The game assets and tutorial assets may be non-compiled information objects, such as images, scripts, and/or other non-compiled information.

Abstract: A computer processor of the mobile device may transmit a request to a server for other mobile devices present on one or more of the plurality of courts. The request may include a location of the mobile device. The computer processor may receive from the server on a display of the mobile device a graphical representation of a plurality of courts used in a court game that are within a predetermined radius of the location of the mobile device. The computer processor may receive from the server a listing of locations of one or more other mobile devices present on one or more of the plurality of courts. The listing may include one or more mobile devices having active user accounts associated with the court game. The computer processor may plot pins on the one or more of the plurality of courts on the display of the mobile device, the pins indicating the locations of the one or more mobile devices.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Virtual Reality Engine that generates first object data based on a first physical gesture applied to a first object presented in a mobile device view displayed at a first mobile device. The Virtual Reality (“VR”) Engine generates second object data based on a second physical gesture applied to a second object presented in a second mobile device view displayed at a second mobile device. The VR Engine concurrently causes display of the first object and the second object in the respective mobile device views and in a virtual reality view at a virtual reality device. The VR Engine concurrently causes display of the first object data and the second object data in the respective mobile device views and the virtual reality view.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for promoting a social gaming environment including instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to change point calculations for selections of a dynamic bracket gaming environment.

Abstract: A social game capable of informing a player of the attractiveness of a group fighting event is disclosed herein. A server device comprises: an information storage unit that stores information on the game; and a control unit that executes an arithmetic operation relating to the game and performs processing to display an image of the game at the terminal devices. The information storage unit stores, as a part of the information on the game, information on a fighting event, and the control unit performs processing to, in accordance with an instruction from a player, display the information on the fighting event at a terminal device operated by the player.

Abstract: A method for directing people in a space which is represented by a spatial network is disclosed. The spatial network is color-coded and movement is restricted to the space which this network represents. The method allows people to find paths and move in the space by matching a sequence of colors to the colors of graphical elements which they see in the space. Also disclosed are various methods and devices for a wayfinding system that helps people to orient themselves and navigate to various locations in a space. Finally disclosed is a game that allows random movement of playing tokens in a playing space where movement is restricted to a color-coded spatial network.

Abstract: A virtual-reality providing system disclosed herein includes a terminal apparatus and a server apparatus. The terminal apparatus generates a first content based on an instruction that is based on a user operation, the first content being obtained by rendering one or more objects belonging to a first category among a plurality of objects. The server apparatus generates a second content based on the instruction received from the terminal apparatus to transmit the generated second content to the terminal apparatus, the second content being obtained by rendering one or more objects belonging to a second category among the plurality of objects, wherein the terminal apparatus synthesizes the first and second contents to generate a third content.

Abstract: A system for promoting medication adherence is provided. The system may receive medical information and medication access information via a medication adherence device, the medication adherence device having a housing configured to be removably coupled to a medicine container top and an access switch, the access switch generating medication access information when the housing is uncoupled from the medicine container top. The information may be used to form one or more blind spots which may be representative of symptoms of glaucoma and which may be produced on the display screen of a patient's client device. The system may use Gamblification and/or Gamification in which a blind spot obscures portions of a game of chance program and/or novelty game type program, respectively, from being observed on the display screen of the client device.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating battle-attribute-based arrangement of map areas is provided. Battle-related records that indicate battle attribute values associated with users of a game space may be maintained. Responsive to the battle attribute values associated with individual ones of the users corresponding to the battle attribute values associated with other ones of the users, generation of one or more secondary maps having secondary areas associated with the individual users that are arranged together with secondary areas associated with the other users may be initiated. For example, the secondary area associated with a first user and the secondary area associated with a second user may be arranged together in one of the secondary maps responsive to a first battle attribute value associated with the first user corresponding to a second battle attribute value associated with the second user.

Abstract: A method of runtime animation substitution may include detecting, by a processing device of a video game console, an interaction scenario in an instance of an interactive video game, wherein the interaction scenario comprises a target animation associated with a game character. The method may further include identifying, by the processing device, a valid transitional animation. The method may further include causing, by the processing device, the valid transitional animation to be performed by the game character in the instance of the interactive video game.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for video game development. The system may include a level editor that configures a level of a video game in response to user input, where the level represents a physical space comprising game objects, a character is moveable within the physical space in response to input received from the game controller when the video game is played, and the level has an objective for the character to complete. The system may include a word-free code editor with which any item of the level is programmable with software code. When the video game is played, a game engine may control the programmed items according to the software code and move the character within the level in response to the user input received from the game controller.

Abstract: A videogame may make use of real world imagery for play of a video game utilizing a real world vehicle. Items may be identified in the real world imagery, and the identified items may become gameplay elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: communicating in respective paired relationships between a network interface and one or more controller devices operated by one or more users, respectively, via wired communication or wireless communication selected by the one or more users; and outputting light emission controls to the paired one or more controller devices, wherein the one or more controller devices each include at least one light emitter that responds to the light emission controls by emitting a selected one of a plurality of colors, outputting a first light emission control to a first of the one or more controller devices that first achieves the paired relationship, and wherein the first light emission control operates to cause a particular first color among the plurality of colors to emit, and outputting a second light emission control to a second of the one or more controller devices that next achieves the paired relationship after the first of the one or more controller devices, and wherein the second

Abstract: Systems and methods for time-segmented multimedia game playing and authoring to create promotional videos and games, for creating games that provide brand advertising, and for gathering player data and analytics are described.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating multigame currencies in multiple online games and security therewith is disclosed. The multigame currencies may be “spent” and/or “earned” by the players in the individual ones of the multiple online games. A request to use the multigame currencies in a given player account in a given online game may be authenticated through a third party identity that has been associated with the given player for the given online game. In situations where such an association does not exist, a third party identity associated with the given player for any other online game may be used to authenticate the request. In situations where no third party identity is associated with the given player for any one of the online games, an association of a third party identity and the given player for the given online game may be facilitated for subsequent authentication of requests.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In a preferred embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes a user matching system configured to match users for a game session, wherein the user matching system is enabled to match a first user with another user based at least in part on behavior data in the first user's profile.

Abstract: An arbitration system is configured to receive, as a set of results data, separate instances of results data from corresponding client computing devices being used to participate in a multiplayer game session. In some examples, an instance of results data comprises input representing an indication or a selection of an identity associated with an outcome of the multiplayer game session. For instance, the input can indicate a participant identity that won the multiplayer game session. In some examples, an instance of results data comprises game data describing the overall activity in a multiplayer game session from a perspective of a player's client computing device, the game data indicating a particular participant identity as a winner of the multiplayer game session. The arbitration system is configured to use the set of results data to determine an arbitrated outcome for the multiplayer game session.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer-implemented method for executing a multi-player card game on a single display, including generating playing cards corresponding to each player in a plurality of players, transmitting a plurality of images to a plurality of regions of a single display, each region corresponding to a player in the plurality of players, each region being located at a position on the single display which is closer to a physical location reserved for the corresponding player than to any other physical location reserved for any other player, and the plurality of images including a representation of the playing cards corresponding to each player, receiving one or more inputs from one or more players in the plurality of players, and transmitting one or more new images to the single display in response to the one or more inputs.

Abstract: The present invention is an amusement park game system and gaming method thereof, mainly applied for digital pet raising simulation game, comprising a mobile device application, a wearable device, field system, and a cloud system. After a parent downloaded the application in his/her smart mobile device, it can connect the wearable device of the child, such that the parent can use the mobile device application to assign task to the wearable device for the child to perform the task and obtain game points. Therefore, the child can use the game points on taking care of the digital pet, so as to raise his/her own digital pet. The data can be store in the mobile device application of the parent and the cloud system. The cloud system can also be utilized to update the content of the game for the wearable device, so as to enrich the overall content and enhance the variety thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming architecture apparatus, system and method suitable for providing fantasy sports play. The apparatus, system and method may provide for accessing, from at least one network-accessible remote memory store, a plurality of outcome data indicative of player performance of real world sports play correspondent to the fantasy sports play, wherein the plurality of outcome data accessed at least partially comprises historical player performance data. Further provided may be a transforming of the plurality of outcome data to fantasy sports play data agnostically to an active or inactive status of the real world sports play, and a determination of an outcome of the fantasy sports play at least partially in accordance with the fantasy sports play data.

Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame.

Abstract: A rail coaster operates as a cross between a roller coaster and a zip line. A rail may be suspended under a frame by flexible cables or solid brackets. The rail may turn, incline, decline, or twist, but need not twist to still provide a “rolling” degree of freedom for a rider. An eddy current brake provides proportional braking as a function of speed. A cam-adjustment-axle (eccentric) carries certain wheels to provide finely divided, discrete, but incrementally small adjustments of idler wheel clearances to accommodate variations in the rail, wheel wear, and onsite adjustment of tolerances for curvature, unevenness, and friction. A “static universal” bracket provides adjustment in four degrees of freedom, three of translation and one of rotation in securing a rail to a supporting frame.

Abstract: The New Improved Sports and Entertainment Action Figure Doll that is wave-able and motion-able and has a body that is made flat like a trading card and made flat for security reasons due to high security risks at sport and event venues and complexes. The action figure doll can be made with trading card attached or with trading card features like stats card and picture graphics printed on doll and doll is made of flexible material that uses one or more folds and one or more items that can be used as a weight or weights such as game gear or equipment that allow movement when doll is waved and action figure doll can be made to use one or more flexible supports that help provide structure to doll and gives support against wear and tear of doll due to motion. The action figure doll makes controlled motions when waved or shaken or moved about in the air to make it appear as if the action figure doll is performing one or more tasks while user is cheering or jeering.