Abstract: A game machine input device mounted on a game machine provided with a playfield; the game machine input device includes: an input unit provided toward the front of the playfield and configured to accept input; and a projection part configured to radiate light toward the playfield to project a first image in a region within the visual field of a player viewing the playfield.

Abstract: An avatar-incentive healthcare therapy system has a physiological monitor for generating a physiological parameter indicative of physical health. An academic test for generating a test score is indicative of mental acuity. The avatar has outward characteristics and game play capabilities proportional to the physiological health and the mental acuity so as to incentivize improved physical health and academic performance.

Abstract: A control method performed by a computer including a storage module and configured to control progress of a game played by a user registered in an application, includes storing, in the storage module, identification information of each of a plurality of users in association with registration information indicating whether the user is registered in the application, retrieving a game progress request including identification information of a first user from a first terminal device of the first user, determining whether or not the first user is registered in the application, transmitting display data for displaying a game screen used in the game to the first terminal device when the first user is registered in the application, and transmitting display data for displaying a registration screen for registering the first user in the application to the first terminal device, when the first user is not registered in the application.

Abstract: On a play field 20 set in real space, a target region 102 having the play field 20 as a bottom surface and having a predetermined height h is set virtually. A target region image that expresses a distance of the target region 102 from an imaging surface as a pixel value on an image plane is generated, and compared with a depth image corresponding to an actual captured image 100; thus, only images of blocks 3c and 3b inside the target region 102 are extracted as detection and tracking targets.

Abstract: A game controller for controlling electronic games comprising: a controller chassis and an actuator system including: an actuator body; an actuator mechanism chassis; a detent chassis comprising at least one detent for arresting movement of the actuator body to create an end stop to limit the actuator movement; wherein the detent chassis is rotationally mounted within the actuator body such that the detent chassis can be rotated between at least a first position in which said at least one detent is in a stowed condition and at least a second position in which one of said at least one detent is in a deployed condition.

Abstract: A system includes a host computer, a processor, and a haptic peripheral. The haptic peripheral includes a manipulandum movable in at least one degree of freedom, an inertial haptic output device, and a haptic output device. The inertial haptic output device is coupled to the manipulandum, and is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a transient haptic effect to the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor. The haptic output device is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and modify the stiffness of the manipulandum in response to the control signal from the processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for executing multiple video games, or other sources of video, include a cloud game execution environment in which each game application is executed on the same operating system but within a virtual I/O shell. The virtual I/O shell includes virtual video, audio and input channels that allow each game application to operate as if it had dedicated drivers. In some embodiments, the systems and methods of the invention are used to provide video streams to a plurality of clients over the internet.

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: Methods, systems and computer programs for determining the location in a field of play of a game controller are provided. A ball section is attached to the game controller to locate the controller using visual information. The method obtains an image of the field of play where the game controller is present, and then finds pixels in the image associated with the ball section. The method further establishes an area encompassing the found pixels and determines a geometric shape based on the area associated with the ball. The location of the controller is calculated based on the geometric shape, with the center of the geometric shape indicating the horizontal and vertical location of the controller, and the size of the geometric shape determining the depth of the controller within the field of play. The location is stored in memory, which is used to drive an action by the computer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a position of a mobile device with an integrated display as an input to a video game or other presentation are presented. Embodiments include rendering an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world. Using the mobile device's position, view direction, and the other user's mobile device position, an avatar (or vehicle, etc.) is depicted at an apparently inertially stabilized location of the other user's mobile device or body. Some embodiments may estimate the other user's head and body positions and angles and reflect them in the avatar's gestures.

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

Abstract: A narrative includes a number of serially connected narrative segments combined by a director or editor in a defined sequence to tell a story. A number of different narrative segments are available to the director or editor. A content delivery editor provides editors and directors with the ability to augment a narrative with additional narrative segments that provide alternate perspectives, views, or insights to the consumer. Such allows conveyance of the same narrative to the consumer using a number of plots or perspectives. Branch points in the narrative provide the consumer the opportunity to follow a storyline they find interesting. Each consumer follows a “personalized” path through the narrative. The director or editor may influence selection at branch points by providing priming stimuli prior to presentation of a prompt to select a branch and by optionally providing target stimuli during presentation of the prompt to select a branch.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to facilitating presentation of a combination of virtual units as a single entity during a battle in an online game. A user may be in control of and/or be associated with a first set of virtual units in the game space of the online game. Some of the virtual units of the user may be involved in a battle facilitated in the game space. A plurality of the virtual units controlled by and/or associated with the user may be combined as a single virtual entity, such that the plurality of virtual units is portrayed in the view of the game space of the online game as the single virtual entity. The attributes of the single virtual entity in the game space may be dictated by the collective set of attributes of the respective virtual units of the plurality of virtual units combined as the single virtual entity.

Abstract: A method and device for generating and uploading game data are disclosed, which relate to the technical field of Internet. The method for generating game data comprises: obtaining a scene template of a target game scene from a preset scene template database; obtaining a scene object of the target game scene from a preset scene object database; determining the location of the scene object; obtaining display effect of the scene object from a preset scene object display effect database, and displaying the scene object in the scene template of the target game scene; determining illumination effect of the scene object according to the determined location of the scene object and illumination parameters of a game engine, and rendering the scene object in the target game scene and generating the target game scene.

Abstract: The systems and methods are directed towards cut-scene gameplay. Cut-scene gameplay refers to implementation of gameplay within different portions of a movie. The gameplay elements invite viewers to provide input that influences how the movie progresses. The movie may include many different branching storylines. In this way, different viewers are provided different experiences even though they may all be viewing the same general movie. Furthermore, subsequent viewing of the same movie may provide different experiences or at least encourage viewers to view the movie again in order to provide different inputs in hopes of obtaining different branches/or endings of the movie.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.

Abstract: In a communication system including a server and a plurality of communication terminals capable of communication with the server, based on a variety of parameters indicating the status of a space formed within a game playable by the user of each communication terminal over the communication system, the server transmits advisory information, which suggests the next action for the space, to the communication terminal. The communication terminal displays a screen including the received advisory information.

Abstract: A game delivery device and so on are implemented which enable an operable object to be operated with increased ease, in the case where game images designed to be executed in a dedicated game device are delivered to a terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a tutorial system that can aid a user in performing various game commands in response to different game states in a virtual game environment. As the user plays the game, various game states may be encountered. A tutorial engine may, based on a current game state, determine one or more game commands to be recommended to the user, based on historical information of the user and a game state model, wherein the game state model maintains associations between game states and different segments of users. The user is recommended relevant game commands during the normal course of gameplay, based on their own gameplay history and on game commands commonly performed by other users of the game application.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method for monitoring game activity of a game system. A non-limiting example of the method includes monitoring, by a processing device, game activity of the game system. The processing device determines characteristics of the game activity, along with expected characteristics of the game activity. The processing device analyzes the characteristics of the game activity and the expected characteristics of the game activity. Based at least in part on analyzing the characteristics of the game activity and the expected characteristics of the game activity, an entity that is controlling the game system is determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method for monitoring game activity of a game system. A non-limiting example of the method includes monitoring, by a processing device, game activity of the game system. The processing device determines characteristics of the game activity, along with expected characteristics of the game activity. The processing device analyzes the characteristics of the game activity and the expected characteristics of the game activity. Based at least in part on analyzing the characteristics of the game activity and the expected characteristics of the game activity, an entity that is controlling the game system is determined.

Abstract: A video gaming system includes a motherboard with video display output, a USB and video switching board and a single board computer. The single board computer connects to the front panel power and reset switches, the switching board and the motherboard power switch input. Upon user input to the software program running on the single board computer, a limitations database is accessed. If time is allowed, the program powers the motherboard and switches the USB keyboard and video outputs to the motherboard. During the last minutes of allowed time, the program periodically flashes the display warning the user and, through power and reset switch presses, a time extension can be requested. If allowed, according to the database, use time is extended by the predefined setting. Otherwise time runs out normally and the motherboard is powered off and the USB and video circuits switched back to the single board computer.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.

Abstract: An automated fantasy sports system is rule driven. Rules provide for substitution of players during play. Substitution is allowed only at discrete time periods which are defined for each sport. Rules govern the accumulation of points. When a player is substitute out, the player continues to accumulate points until the end of the discrete time period. The player that is substituted in does not accrue points until the beginning of the next discrete time period.

Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to perform an operation comprising defining a plurality of associations between each of a plurality of triggers and a respective event, of a plurality of events, monitoring a communication in a virtual environment between a first user represented by a first avatar and a second user represented by a second avatar, the communication having an explicit meaning to the first and second users, determining that the communication has a predefined meaning between the first user and the second user, determining that the communication is defined as a first trigger, of the plurality of triggers, based on the communication having the predefined meaning, identifying a first association, of the plurality of associations, between the first trigger and a first event, of the plurality of events, and triggering the first event in the virtual environment based on the first association.

Abstract: A trading card includes a main portion having any character of a plurality of characters represented on at least one surface and an electronic component for contactless communication, which is contained in the main portion. The electronic component includes a storage portion which stores data related to the character represented on the main portion and a circuit which writes data received from an external apparatus through contactless communication into the storage portion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a ride system includes a turntable, a multi-axis motion device, and a control system. The multi-axis motion device may be mounted in a fixed position on the turntable. The control system may be configured to manipulate the turntable and the multi-axis motion device in synchronization with an environment of the ride system. In various embodiments, the control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the memory is configured to store a ride experience command sequence. The processor may be configured to use a turntable motor controller to manipulate a turntable to execute a ride experience command sequence and use the motion device controller to manipulate a multi-axis motion device to execute the ride experience command sequence.

Abstract: A delayed gratification encouragement toy, provided in a housing having a reservoir for holding a plurality of snack items, a receiving cup having a transparent door, and an activity device. The child engages with the activity device until a milestone is reached. A reward of at least one snack item is dispensed to the child. If the child continues to engage with the activity device without retrieving the reward, additional rewards are dispensed and will increase significantly according to how long the child is willing to delay receiving the rewards.

Abstract: The system is a type of gliding device capable of gliding through different mediums, such as water. The body of the gliding device is comprised of buoyant material and is ideally chosen based on the best material to utilize the hydrographic printing process. The body encourages the system to rise in water and wings extend from the body and resist vertical motion providing little resistance to forward motion. A third wing may extend from the distal end of the body and have a rudder pivotably connected thereto, allowing a user to manipulate the flight path of the system through the water while the system slowly rises to the surface.

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

Abstract: A fusible toy bead scraper set includes: a main body; a spatula portion formed on a front side of the main body; and guide portions. The guide portions extend from left and right end surface of the main body to define a space between left and right end portions of the main body, have lower surfaces, and are disposed on left and right sides of the main body, for guiding forward and rearward movement of the spatula portion. The set also includes fusible toy beads and a rectangular holding tray.

Abstract: A system produces bubbles. The system may be used as a children's toy, a special effects machine, an art performance prop, a party entertainment item, or a similar object for entertaining users. The system is designed to produce bubbles regardless of the orientation of the system. The system includes a reservoir, a pump, a swiping mechanism, and a fan. The reservoir receives and stores fluid, and the pump provides pressure on the stored fluid such that the fluid travels through the reservoir and exits the reservoir. The swiping mechanism spreads across the exited fluid to create a fluid sheet, and the fan blows on the fluid sheet, transforming it into a bubble. The pump enables the stored fluid to be available for bubble production at any orientation of the system. The system may be moved, rotated, thrown, bounced, swung, etc. by a user and produce bubbles during its motion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene is provided, along with an absorber apparatus. The process comprises: supplying a gas composition to an absorber comprising a column of vertically stacked trays, wherein each of the vertically stacked trays comprises: a perforated gas-liquid contacting member or members, a liquid inlet area, an outlet weir extending vertically above a surface of the tray at an opposite end of the tray from the liquid inlet area and having a height of at least 200 mm and at most 1500 mm, and a downcomer element which, in cooperation with an inner surface of a wall of the column, forms a downcomer for the passage of liquid downwardly to the liquid inlet area of an adjacent vertically stacked tray below, and allowing the gas composition to pass upwards through the alkylene oxide absorber.

Abstract: A distillation head with fraction collector is disclosed. In embodiments thereof, the fraction collector has a bottom portal which is raised up from the floor or bottom thereof. Fractions which condense fall to the floor and a lip of the bottom portal, raised from the floor of the fraction collector, prevents condensed fractions from falling downwards through a path of entry. Rather, condensed fractions exit in liquid form out a side portal. The fraction collector further has side walls which are, in embodiments, partially vertical and/or partially curvilinear and/or partially bulbous. The distillation head also can have a top portal through which a vacuum can be applied.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a process for producing an organic acid, comprising: providing an incoming stream containing an organic acid and impurities; subjecting said incoming stream to a step of chromatographic separation, using a solution of mineral acid as an eluent, so as to collect an extract and a raffinate, the organic acid being recovered in the extract; and subjecting the raffinate to an electrodialysis step, so as to collect a diluate and a concentrate, the mineral acid being concentrated in the concentrate. The invention also provides an installation for implementing this process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a porous monolith polymeric composition having utility in catalysis, chromatography, filtration, and electro-kinetic pumps, devices incorporating such composition and methods or making and using such monoliths. The monoliths are characterized by a substantially homogeneous skeletal core with little shrinkage, few voids and few channels.

Abstract: A waste water separation vessel is provided having a wedge shaped body with an internal water containing volume. The body is configured to trap FOG and wastes within the body allowing water to pass through the body. At least one top facing access port to allow access to the internal volume of the body is provided and the wedge shaped body tapers outwardly from top to bottom to define a larger bottom area than a top area. The side walls include vertically oriented strengthening ribs which define intervening indentations, and each lower end of the vertically oriented ribs is connected to a generally horizontal beam which defines closed bottom ends on the indentations. When the vessel is buried in the ground the wedge shaped body and the closed bottom indentations interact with the ground to help oppose any buoyancy forces acting on the buried body.

Abstract: A profiled strainer bar has a base region and a head region. A straining slot or a straining gap is produced between flanks of the straining slot at the head region. Each flank at the head region has a radius with a common center on the upstream and downstream side. A strainer, preferably in the shape of a strainer basket, has straining slots or straining gaps formed between profiled strainer bars. The strainer bars have a geometry at the strainer bar base region with the geometry being adapted to receiving recesses of support elements and being received in the receiving recesses. The strainer bars are permanently secured to the receiving recesses. The strainer bars are profiled such that each flank on the head region of the strainer bar has a radius with a common center on the upstream and downstream side.

Abstract: A vacuum belt filter device includes an endless moving filter belt, a vacuum arrangement having a vacuum box having suction openings, and a guide part on opposite sides of the suction openings. Each guide part is arranged between the vacuum box and the endless moving filter belt. Each guide part has a first groove, and an endless seal belt configured to run in the first groove in contact with the low pressure side. A detachable wear strip is arranged in the first groove of each guide part between the endless seal belt and the guide part.

Abstract: Prevention of contamination of a dried product, deformation of particles, and a change of particle size distribution. The system includes: a solid-liquid separator in which a processing material is supplied between a pair of endless separation filter cloths wound around an outer periphery of a separation roll, and is dehydrated by being squeezed therebetween and also by ventilation gas passing from a ventilation port formed in an outer peripheral surface of the separation roll; and a horizontal rotary dryer provided on a subsequent stage of the solid-liquid separator, wherein carrier gas is made to flow in a rotating shell of the dryer in a cocurrent manner in the same direction as a conveyance direction of the processing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule apparatus having a filter housing defining a filter chamber with a top cap having a plurality of ports extending substantially laterally from a top end of the top cap. The lateral and substantially uniform orientation of the ports facilitates connection to panel mount assemblies and improves filter maintenance processes. A transfer tube extending the length of the capsule allows the introduction of heated fluids from a top mounted inlet port to a bottom of the capsule chamber to allow or a substantially uniform heat gradient in the capsule filter chamber. A dispersion ring or dispersion plate may be secured to a distal end of the transfer tube to promote uniform dispersion of liquids and/or gases introduced into the capsule apparatus.

Abstract: A filter device may include a ring filter element arranged in a filter housing in an upright manner. The ring filter element may have an upper end disc, a lower end disc, a filter material arranged therebetween, and a dirt pot provided on the lower end disc. The dirt pot may have a water separator arranged therein and provided on the lower end disc, a protruding pin, and an opening on a base side of the dirt pot. The filter device may include a functional element having a channel configured to receive the protruding pin. A portion of the functional element may be configured to penetrate the opening of the dirt pot such that the ring filter element is sealed at the opening. The portion of the functional element may have at least one water discharge opening. The filter device may be operational when the pin engages into the channel.

Abstract: A method for improving air filtration efficiency of a fibrous nonwoven media and a fibrous non-woven air filtration media having improved filtration efficiency. The method includes applying to fibrous material at least about 0.05 wt. % based on a total weight of the fibrous material of chemical treatment comprising an alkoxylated silicone copolymer. The chemical treatment is effective to provide an improvement in an E3 filtration efficiency value of the filtration media as tested according to ASHRAE 52.2 of about 20% or more compared to an E3 filtration efficiency value of fibrous material devoid of any chemical treatment.

Abstract: Fiber webs that may be used as filter media are provided. In some embodiments, the filter media may include multiple layers. Each layer may be designed to have separate functions in the filter media. For example, a first layer may be provided for improving dust holding capacity, a second layer for improving efficiency, and a third layer for providing support and strength to the media. By designing the layers to have separate functions, each layer may be optimized to enhance its function without negatively impacting the performance of another layer of the media.

Abstract: A solid particulate capturing device comprises a first plate (2) having at least one inlet section (6) for an exhaust gas flow, a second plate (3), parallel to the first (2), having at least one outlet section (7) for the exhaust gas flow. The first (2) and the second plate (3) are axially spaced apart and form, with an annular lateral wall (4), interposed between the first (2) and the second plate (3), an entrapment chamber (5) for solid particulate conveyed in suspension in the exhaust gas flow produced by a battery. The outlet section (7) present on the second plate (3) is axially out of alignment with the inlet section (6) present on the first plate (2), in such a way that the inlet section (6) faces a solid portion (8) of the second plate (3) which acts as an obstructing surface for the solid particulate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cascade impactor having a first stage comprising a plate (2) with fixed bores as gas inlet and at least a first impact wall (4) with a variable distance from the plate (2) as well as at least a second stage having a fixed second impact wall (5), which is arranged in the flow direction downstream of the first impact wall (4).

Abstract: An apparatus, process, and system are disclosed that effectively provide separation of a combined gas/liquid flow stream into its separated gas and liquid factions. The invention is primarily directed to the fields of preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), but will have other utilization and applicability where phases of dramatically different density, viscosity and volumetric flow require separation.

Abstract: A device for filtering a gas stream, having a vessel partitioned into a first stage and a second stage, with an opening between stages. A filter element is positioned in the opening, with ends of the filter element extending into the first and second stages. The first member is removable from the second member while the filter element is positioned in the opening, to allow for replacement with a new clean member.