Abstract: A trampoline securing system includes a trampoline that has a plurality of legs and each of the legs abuts ground. A plurality of first braces is provided and each of the first braces is selectively positioned on an associated one of the legs. Each of the first braces abuts the ground. A plurality of stakes is provided and each of the stakes is selectively extended through an associated one of the first braces to engage the ground thereby retaining the trampoline on the ground. A plurality of second braces is provided and each of the second braces is selectively positioned on an associated one of the legs. Each of the second braces is aligned with a seam on the associated leg. A plurality of fasteners is provided and each of the fasteners is selectively coupled between associated ones of the second braces to retain the second braces on the associated leg.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competition groups to join. After joining the desired groups, users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: A method for sports communication and collaboration using client devices engaging a network, and an administrative memory with processor, the memory having individual user information profiles; an authentication component; a tournament database model; a registration and ranking component; a financial component; an automatic team creation component; and an operational management component that automatically; creates a tournament play sequence, tracks and calculate results, and a ranking for each individual user information profile.

Abstract: A training system for athletes may include at least one signaling unit, at least one lane management unit and a facility management unit. The at least one signaling unit may include a mounting device attachable to a surface of a training facility, an indicators carrier, attachable to the mounting device. The mounting device may be configured to receive and retain at least two strips of indicators each strip comprising a plurality of light indicators. The at least one lane management unit may include an input device, an output device, a processor and a communication unit in active communication with the signaling unit. The facility management unit may include a communication channel configured to communicate with the at least one lane management unit and with a remote server computer and at least one processor. The light indicators, may be adapted to present a progressing light indication.

Abstract: A fitness training system discloses a process or method capable of providing interactive physical exercise using one or more smart fitness equipment (“SFE”). The process, in one aspect, is able to receive an authentication request from an SFE initiated by a user via an authenticator. After retrieving a profile representing a set of predefined information relating to the user from a user profile storage in accordance with the authentication request, an interactive fitness plan is generated based on the profile and a predefined set of datasets produced by one or more fitness machine learning modules using big data. Upon activating a set of sensors capable of monitoring the user in accordance with the interactive fitness plan, various movements associated with the user are detected and/or sensed by the sensors. The process is configured to provide interactive feedback to the user during the workout in response to detected movements.

Abstract: A method transmits audio signals to exercise machines of a training class including providing a control unit accessible to a trainer user managing a training class. Exercise machines operatively connect to the control unit by a data communication network. The exercise machines include a first group of exercise machines used in the training class. The control unit and each exercise machine of the first group establish a data communication channel for transmitting audio signals between the control unit and the first group of exercise machines. The control unit receives a first audio signal representative of a voice control by the trainer user and a second audio signal representative of a piece of music selected by the trainer user. The control unit sends the encoded first and second audio signals to all exercise machines of the first group of exercise machines by the communication channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping a glove. The apparatus broadly includes an elongated shaping portion and a handle portion. The elongated shaping portion is made of a deformable material that holds its shape when bent without the use of heat and that is configured to be inserted into a single slot of the glove where a user's digit is positioned during use. The handle portion is connected to the shaping portion and is made of at least one of plastic, tape, and rubber.

Abstract: A skateboard axle assembly is described, having a connection plate for mounting the axle assembly to a skateboard deck and a wheel axle. The wheel axle has two ends, to each of which a wheel can be mounted. The wheel axle is movably coupled to the connection plate by two articulated arms. In addition, a skateboard having at least one skateboard axle assembly is described.

Abstract: Provided is a ball skate sole structure which can be customized for each individual or each sport. This ball skate sole structure includes: a base plate having a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes; at least one ball roller member, the at least one ball roller member being disposed in the first hole selected from among the plurality of first holes; and at least one brake member, the at least one brake member being disposed in the second hole selected from among the plurality of second holes.

Abstract: A card collection may include a box-shaped card storing portion having an open top, in which the collected cards are stacked. The the card storing portion may include a front portion configuring, a rear portion configuring, two side portions, and a plate-shaped placement board having a placement surface on which the cards are to be placed. The placement surface is inclined upward toward a front side. A rear end of the placement board is connected to the rear portion, a front end of the placement board is separated from the front portion and at least front portions at the left and right ends of the placement board are separated from the side portions, and the placement board, the front side of which moves in the top-bottom direction, can be elastically deformed.

Abstract: A shuffling system of the present invention includes multiple shuffling devices which are connected in series to one another, and multiple CPUs which are independent from one another, and are connected with the respective multiple shuffling devices, in which each of the multiple CPUs is used to shuffle the cards across the multiple shuffling devices, so that the cards are arranged randomly, and further, even if the information about the shuffle in each shuffling device is stolen due to an unauthorized access to the multiple CPUs, or the like, it becomes difficult to identify shuffled cards to which the stolen information is allocated in all the shuffling devices, and therefore the possibility that the arrangement of the shuffled cards is recognized is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling cards has a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a base plate for supporting cards being manually removed. An upper plate with a U-shaped opening is spaced above the base plate and defines a slot for cards to pass. First and second spaced apart card guides define side edges of the slot. The first card guide is shorter than the second card guide, creating an offset in a first direction of travel of cards being removed. A method of removing cards is also disclosed, enabling movement of cards in at least two directions due to the presence of a card guide offset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game board (1) for a board game, having a flat bottom part (2), which can be rolled up corresponding to a roll axis (A) into a transport position and has at least one first edge side (2.1) as well as a second edge side (2.2) opposite the latter, which extend skew to the roll axis (A), a first side part (3) connected along the first edge side (2.1) to the bottom part (2) as well as a second side part (4) connected along the second edge side (2.2) to the bottom part (2), which are designed strip-like and can be adjusted between a use position raised relative to the bottom part (2) and an intermediate position parallel to the latter and can be rolled up from the intermediate position together with the bottom part (2).

Abstract: A sports agility game for training hand eye coordination includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. A box is pivotally coupled to the base such that the box is selectively positioned at a selected angle. A plurality of pegs is provided and each of the pegs is selectively inserted into a selected one of the apertures in the box. A ball is provided and the ball is selectively thrown against the box. The ball is comprised of a resiliently compressible material such that the ball bounces from the box. The ball randomly strikes the pegs that are positioned on the box thereby altering an angle of deflection of the ball with respect to the box. In this way the pegs inhibit the user from guessing the angle of deflection of the ball thereby enhancing hand eye coordination.

Abstract: Handheld location based games are provided in which a user's physical location correlates to the virtual location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Augmented Reality (AR) systems are provided in which video game indicia are overlaid onto .a user's physical environment. A landscape detector is provided that may obtain information about the user's landscape, in addition to the user's location, in order to provide overlaying information to an AR head-mounted display and control information to non-user controlled video game characters.

Abstract: In a fantasy sports team league, a player salary cap is established and a draft is conducted by enabling players to select teams or team characteristics from a list of game matchups. Each team or team characteristic is assigned a cost and a point value based on each team's chance of winning. The players are required to keep a total cost of the selected teams below the player salary cap. After the game matchups have been played, the point value for each winning team or team characteristic selected by each of the players is awarded.

Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device are provided. The method includes that: a motion control is provided in a graphical user interface, a first touch operation acting on the motion control is detected, and a virtual character is controlled to move in a game scene according to a movement of a touch point of the first touch operation; an orientation control area is provided, a second touch operation acting on the orientation control area is detected, and an orientation of the virtual character in the game scene is adjusted according to a movement of a touch point of the second touch operation; and a perspective control is provided, a third touch operation acting on the perspective control is detected, and a presentation perspective of the game scene is adjusted according to the third touch operation.

Abstract: A hand-held video game controller includes a controller body having a front and a back, with at least one front control on the front of the controller body. A removable and resilient unitary back shell is removably attached to the back of the controller body. At least one back control button underlies the unitary back shell, and is depressible by flexing of the unitary back shell into contact with that back control button. At least one battery compartment may underlie the unitary back shell, and may be accessible by removal of the removable unitary back shell.

Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a controller body having a front and a back, with at least one thumb control on the front of the controller body. A back shell on the back of the controller body has left and right portions, each having top and bottom regions. A first force sensitive resistor (FSR) underlies the top region of the left portion of the back shell. A second FSR underlies the bottom region of the left portion of the back shell. A third FSR underlies the top region of the right portion of the back shell. A fourth FSR underlies the bottom region of the right portion of the back shell.

Abstract: Videogame controllers with smart trigger stops may include: a housing including A trigger, the trigger movable along a path of travel; a sensor configured to detect the position of the trigger and to generate a signal representing trigger position; a processor configured to interpret signals generated by the sensor and cause an output signal to be transmitted to a gaming console; a trigger-stop that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the trigger-stop in the disengaged position allowing the trigger to move along the entire path of travel, the trigger-stop in the engaged position blocking the trigger from moving along the entire path of travel; and a switch coupled with the housing and the trigger-stop, wherein movement of the trigger-stop from the disengaged position to the engaged position flips the switch and causes the processor to map received signals to generated signals in a different manner.

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, and a touch sensitive input module. 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. The retention mechanism adaptively secures the structural bridge such that the pair of control modules snugly accommodate the length of the computing device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for hosting online video games are provided. One method includes generating a plurality of video frames. The method includes initiating a sending of each one of the plurality of video frames to a client. Each of the video frames that is sent is compressed. The method includes stopping the compression and sending of video frames when one of the plurality of video frames is taking longer than a frame time to compress and send. A frame time is defined as one over a frame rate, and wherein stopping the compression of video frames includes ignoring said video frames by an encoder. The method includes continuing to compress and send audio data to the client when one or more of said plurality of video frames are not sent to the client.

Abstract: Systems for managing latency in networked competitive multiplayer gaming may include a latency management server that coordinates communications between game clients and game servers that enable a player to engage in a competitive multiplayer game, as well as other systems that balance the playing field, such as handicapping systems. Exemplary games may include, for example, first-person shooter games, real-time strategy games, fighting games, multiplayer online battle arena games, and the like. The latency management server may analyze network characteristics of the clients and servers and determine an appropriate server for each client or sets of clients. In some embodiments, the latency management server may add latency to particular communications to balance response times between all clients, provide a latency advantage to one or more clients, and the like. Scoring systems may implemented based on in-game actions, and scoring may be weighted based on latencies. Other implementations also are described.

Abstract: A data processing method includes obtaining sample data of event execution of a game client, and performing preprocessing on the sample data to obtain a plurality of layers of data combinations. Each layer of the plurality of layers of data combinations corresponds to a target event object in a same target event, different layers correspond to different target event objects in the target event, and the target event objects are event objects on the game client to be executed concurrently. The method also includes performing processing on each layer of data combinations according to a preset processing algorithm, to obtain a processing result of each layer of data combinations, and performing consolidation processing on the processing result to obtain a target instruction. The target instruction is used for instructing the game client to concurrently execute the different target event objects corresponding to the different layers of data combinations.

Abstract: A method of managing a live broadcast of multiplayer video game activity operates a multiplayer game server system to provide game data to a plurality of client devices, the game data defining a multiplayer video game environment that includes a plurality of game characters. The game server system receives a character identifier corresponding to a targeted game character, determines that a currently active altercation in the multiplayer video game environment involves the targeted game character and an opponent game character, and communicates altercation data to a client device operating in a spectator mode. The altercation data includes first gameplay attributes to display with a first user interface (UI) element associated with the targeted game character, and second gameplay attributes to display with a second UI element associated with the opponent game character.

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

Abstract: User input devices, such as gaming controllers, are provided herein. In one example, a user input device includes a control mechanism configured to receive user manipulation in one or more axes. The user input device includes a movement calibration system that monitors movement data representative of user manipulation of a control mechanism, and determines calibrated movement data based at least in part on a movement space normalized using at least qualification zones that qualify peak excursions of the control mechanism in one or more axes. Responsive to the movement data, the movement calibration system establishes updates to the qualification zones that bias drift of the qualification zones outward in the one or more axes, and provides the calibrated movement data for use in controlling one or more user interface elements with the control mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an information processing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method includes: providing a crosshair for aiming at a virtual target and a crosshair control region on a graphical user interface, the crosshair control region being configured to control a movement of the crosshair according to a detected sliding touch event; when it is detected that a preset trigger condition is satisfied, determining whether the sliding touch event occurs in the crosshair control region; when the sliding touch event occurs in the crosshair control region, controlling the movement of the crosshair according to the detected sliding touch event; and when the sliding touch event does not occur in the crosshair control region, controlling the movement of the crosshair according to the deflection angle of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for management and assembly of interdependent content narratives are provided. A narrative map may be stored in memory, which identifies a plurality of decision outcomes available at a decision point within an interactive content title where each decision outcome is associated with a set of narrative elements of an interdependent content title. Tracked data regarding interaction by a player with the interactive content title may identify when the decision point has been reached in a session, as well as a selected decision outcome. The narrative elements of the interdependent content title may be filtered based on the selected decision outcome and the stored narrative map. An episode of the interdependent content title may be assembled based on the filtered set of narrative elements associated with the selected decision outcome as indicated by the stored narrative map. The player may then be provided with access to the assembled episode.

Abstract: A robot, including: a controller that communicates with a computing device, wherein the computing device executes a video game and renders a primary video feed of the video game to a display device, the primary video feed providing a first view into a virtual space that is defined by the executing video game; a camera that captures images of a local environment in which the robot is disposed; a projector; wherein the controller processes the images of the local environment to identify a projection surface in the local environment; wherein the computing device generates a secondary video feed of the video game and transmits the secondary video feed of the video game to the robot, the secondary video feed providing a second view into the virtual space; wherein the controller of the robot activates the projector to project the secondary video feed onto the projection surface in the local environment.

Abstract: An example of an information processing system manages placement states of a plurality of objects in a virtual space, and manages a parameter that is changed in accordance with an instruction given by a player. The information processing system receives a change instruction to change the placement state of a selection object among the plurality of objects selected by the player. When the change instruction is given and under the condition that a parameter condition is satisfied, the parameter is changed. The information processing system executes a first change process for changing the placement state of at least one change target object in the virtual space in accordance with time, and a second change process for, when the change instruction is given and under the condition that a first parameter satisfies a first parameter condition, changing the placement state of the selection object in the virtual space.

Abstract: An example of an information processing system manages a character-associated parameter associated with each of a plurality of character objects, and a player-associated parameter associated with a player. Further, the information processing system stores an appearance condition associated with each of the plurality of character objects. The information processing system specifies at least one target character object among the plurality of character objects. When the player-associated parameter and the character-associated parameter associated with a target character object satisfy the appearance condition associated with the target character object, the information processing system permits the target character object to appear in a predetermined region in a virtual space.

Abstract: A block chain system allows mining for new valid values in a system such as a computer game or computer-based trading card system. Instead of each new value being added to the block chain being equivalent, each new value is one of a plurality of possible choices.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for sharing electronic media are disclosed herein. According to particular embodiments, the system enables a user to select media (e.g., an image, a video, a gif, etc.) and compose a phrase to be associated with the media. In some embodiments, the system creates a post from the media and the phrase and enables the user to transmit the post to one or more other users to play (e.g., guess the phrase).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a music game apparatus and a recording medium therefor and, more specifically, provides an operation guide note consisting of a start note, a cadence note, and a path indicated line connecting the same, and determines the success of the operation of a corresponding note only by the time interval and direction of moving the operation along the path indicated line, thereby enabling the playing of a game in accordance with a tempo of a music, and improving the interest for the game.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relating to dynamic requirement variation for asset acquisition in an online game are presented. In an example online game for multiple players, a plurality of parameters employed to identify players who qualify for a reward provided by the online game are accessed continually. A current acquisition requirement for the reward based on the plurality of parameters is updated continually. The reward is provided to at least one of the players responsive to satisfaction of the current acquisition requirement by the at least one of the players.

Abstract: A broadcast computing device broadcasts an audiovisual stream via a computer network to a plurality of viewing computers. The broadcast computing device stores production information according to a hybrid data type. The broadcasting program receives a request to update the stored production information from a viewing computer, and updates the production information.

Abstract: A method comprises electronically communicating with a game program executing on a broadcaster computer configured to stream a broadcast of the game program, the game program supporting a set of game program methods and not a set of viewer program methods. The method further comprises electronically communicating with a viewer program executing on an audience computer configured to remotely present the broadcast, the viewer program supporting the set of viewer program methods and not the set of game program methods. The method further comprises receiving, from the viewer program, an indication of an invoked viewer program method. The method further comprises translating the indication into a corresponding indication of a game program method, and electronically communicating the indication of the game program method to the game program to effectuate output of the game program corresponding to the indicated game program method.

Abstract: A swing may include a ring. In one implementation, the swing may include a first handle projecting from an inner side of the ring on a first side of the ring and a second handle projecting from the inner side of the ring on a second side of the ring.

Abstract: An obstacle course has an elevated obstacle and a cushioned landing area located beneath the obstacle. The cushioned landing area has a mass of balls. The balls are at least translucent so as to transmit light. Lighting is located in the cushioned landing area and adjacent to the mass of balls so as to illuminate the mass of balls.

Abstract: A system for a tilting amusement ride installed in a supporting structure and intended to bring a rider from a standing vertical position, to a tilted position while the rider remains prone, the ride comprising: a tilting platform comprising at least one cell to accommodate a rider; at least one actuator attached at its extending end to the platform by a pivoting attachment, wherein the actuator extends to tilt the platform and retracts to retract the platform; at least one back post attached to the at least one actuator at its fixed end by a pivoting attachment and securely attached to the structure; and a supporting frame attached to the platform by a rotational pivot, wherein the platform tilts about the pivot and wherein the frame is securely attached to the structure; wherein the platform has an angle of tilt between 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent plush toy, which relates to a hand warming function and includes a toy body, wherein the toy body includes a heat storage body, an interlayer outer package, an electric heating electrode and a heating electrode contact. A box is installed in a plush layer of the plush toy. An upper surface of the box is an electronic ink bottle. Character and scene pictures are disposed in the box. The electronic ink bottle is connected with a variable-speed motion device and a motor. A sound player is also installed in the box. The variable-speed motion device, the motor and the sound player are in communication connection with a single chip microcomputer which is disposed inside the box. The electronic ink bottle, the variable-speed motion device, the motor, the single chip microcomputer and the sound player are connected with a battery inside the box.

Abstract: A smart toy platform including a plush character configured to receive a computing device having a display screen, such as a tablet computer or smartphone. The plush includes a pocket configured to receive the computing device. The plush can also include one or more display openings associated with the pocket such that, when the computing device is properly positioned within the pocket, at least a portion of the display screen of the computing device is visible from an exterior of the plush through the display opening(s). The plush can include one or more limbs or other appendages (e.g., arm or leg). One or more of the appendages can include one or more sensors that can communicate with the computing device to allow interaction between the user and the plush/computing device.

Abstract: An interactive robotic toy including: a body section and a head section rotatably coupled with the body section. The head section includes a fixed jaw. A motor operates to rotate the head section relative to the body section. At least one touch sensor is provided for detecting touch. A processor is coupled with the motor and the touch sensor. The processor controls the motor to rotate the head section relative to the body section in response to the actuation of the touch sensor. A jaw is pivotally mounted to the head section and moveable between an open position remote from the fixed jaw and a closed position proximate the fixed jaw as the head section is rotated relative the body section by the motor.

Abstract: A transformable robot that can take a vehicle form and a humanoid form. In the vehicle form, the robot has a front side section located on the side of a front center section, a cockpit in which a seat is arranged, a door section located on the side of the cockpit, and a rear upper section and rear lower section located behind the cockpit respectively upward and downward. In the humanoid form, the front center section constitutes a head, the front side section constitutes a chest, the door section constitutes an arm, the rear upper section constitutes a lower back, and the rear lower section constitutes right and left legs and feet. The seat surface of the seat of the cockpit are kept at a same slope angle in both the vehicle form and the humanoid form.

Abstract: The plastic toy building block is provided with electrical contacts to determine its position. The block has a basic body having recesses extending from top to bottom in its interior. In these are each inserted, combined into packets, several discrete elastically resilient conductor wires clamped between plastic strips. Elastically resilient conductor wires protrude downward into the recess. Contact points protrude from the plastic strips at the top. Several electrical cables are led from each nub to the underside of a nub plate to discrete contact points. Except for the nub surfaces, the nub plate can be covered by a cover plate and hereafter can be placed with the nub plate on the basic body of the toy building block. The lower contact points on the film then make electrical contact with the upper stubs and thus with contact points of the conductor wires.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a toy construction element having an outer shell and moving members that can extend from and retract into openings in a face of the outer shell. The toy construction element may have a plurality of pegs for attaching to other engagement elements (e.g., blocks or figurines) and the openings may each be centered with respect to a 2×2 arrangement of pegs on the face. The moving members may be in contact with an actuating member, e.g., opposing arms of a rocking member. As one moving member is pushed down the rocking member may lift the other moving member. Upon attaching an engagement element to the toy construction element, one moving member can be pushed down to force up the other moving member so that the engagement element is released. Other actuating members may be used, such as push-rods or camshafts.

Abstract: A constructional toy comprising a plurality of elements which can be assembled together to form a variety of three dimensional structures. The elements include a triangular prism shaped brick element comprising a plurality of walls. The walls define a male mating side having a male engagement feature which extends from the brick. The walls also define a female mating side which defines a cavity configured for receiving an engagement feature of the same configuration as provided on the male mating side.

Abstract: An interlocking toy building block has a block body, projector assembly and film. The block is formed within interconnecting building elements thereon for connection with other toy blocks, and a projector opening is defined in a side of the block body. The projector assembly includes a lens arranged in the projector opening, a light source arranged in the block body to direct light outside the block body through the lens and projector opening, and a power assembly supplying electrical power to the light source. The film having an image thereon, the film arranged in the block body between the light source and the lens, such that the image on the film is projected externally from the projector opening by the light from the light source passing through the film and the lens. The film can be in a removable cartridge and the lens can be included in a focusable assembly.

Abstract: A tool for writing with flowable sand includes a tube of flexible plastic that may be filled with a mixture of sand and water (the consistency, controlled by the user, sufficient to allow the sand to flow, such as when making a drip castle at the beach). A writing tip is attached to one end of the tube, where the user provides sufficient pressure to the tube so that the flowable sand exits through a properly-sized aperture formed in the writing tip. An end cap may be attached to the opposing end of the tube. Either the writing tip or end cap are removable (or both are removable) to allow for re-filling of the tube with flowable sand.