Abstract: A sports training system includes an array of break beam sensors. Each sensor is configured to detect a passage of an object, such as a hockey puck, between adjacent posts and provide information for the passage to a controller communicatively attached to the array of sensors. A mobile application is configured to receive information from the controller and provide, for presentation to a user, passage statistics for the passages completed by one or more players. Servers are located in at least one data center. The servers are configured to receive and store the passage statistics and to provide access to the passage statistics.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for practicing a golf swing in either an indoor or outdoor environment. The apparatus includes a frame with a leg portion, a rebounding surface, an arm with a cord that is secured to golf ball, and a mat. A golfer can practice a golf swing by striking the ball secured to the cord, and receives instantaneous feedback based on the ball's trajectory, sound produced when the ball hits the rebounding surface, and divot markings imprinted on the mat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improve the body alignment in the water of a swimmer. The head band sits on the back of the head allowing the rod to extend down the back to between the shoulder blades. This limits two motions that are undesirable for efficient swimming of the crawl stroke: inappropriate lifting of the head from the neck and over rotating the neck. This lowered neck position and limited neck rotation forces the swimmer to rotate more from the torso in order to clear the water with their mouth and breath and keep the swimmer in an improved body position.

Abstract: A tackle shield is provided having a body defining a front contact surface and a rear holding surface. The shield includes one or two or more of the following features of: two opposing lugs laterally disposed on the body; the body having an angled or curved profile such that the front contact surface has an upper forward projection and a lower forward projection and a recess therebetween; or the body has a central portion which has at the rear surface of the central portion, a holding zone in which gripping or holding members are disposed.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing statistical analytics of golf performance for coaching including text, tabular, graphic, and image-based outputs that include trends information for the golfer, all based upon actual golf play on course situations, wherein the golfer inputs shot data during play, without interrupting the flow of the game, and uploads the shot data for analytics and review online, and wherein all information related to a given user are reviewable by an authorized coach user through a web-based coach access account. The system is further operable to provide the coach user rights for providing corrective or instructive feedback to the user, including visual recommendations such as modified target areas.

Abstract: A golf swing practice mat assembly and method of use for practicing a golf swing with minimal friction between a golf ball and a ground surface includes a mat that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge that is attached to and extends between the top side and the bottom side. The bottom side of the mat is abuttable against a ground surface. The mat has a plurality of apertures that extend through the top side and the bottom side. A plurality of eyelets is attached to the mat such that each of the eyelets bounds and reinforces one of the apertures. A plurality of securing members is attached to the mat. Each of the securing members secures the mat to the ground surface wherein each of the securing members extends through one of the apertures.

Abstract: A golf mat that has a natural feel and mitigates injury during mat striking includes: a base, the base including a main structure with an upper surface and an open topped cavity in the upper surface; and an insert sized to be accommodated in the cavity, the insert including a layer of solid polymeric material selected to have shock absorption properties greater than the main structure; and artificial turf installed on the base and overlying at least a portion of the main structure and the insert.

Abstract: A sports projectile delivery system may control the operation of a launcher to cause an American football or other sports projectile to be delivered to a target location on a field. In some aspects, the system can track player movements on the field, e.g., through the use of a tracking device mounted on the player, enabling the ball etc. to be launched to a player in anticipation of where the player will go. The system may include additional customization and/or logging options, e.g., permitting a player to designate a body position (e.g., above the head or near the knees) for delivery of the ball, designate a speed or hang time for delivery, or provide player data and analytics to an online or otherwise connected database.

Abstract: A sporting display device comprising circuitry configured to control a plurality of electronic display elements to display one or more electronic images in response to a detection by detector circuitry of an occurrence of a predetermined event associated with a sport, the plurality of electronic display elements being attachable to a sports net associated with the sport in a configuration such that the one or more electronic images are displayed on the sports net.

Abstract: A device for generating a projected image based on an activity related parameter includes a first sensor for detecting the activity related parameter, a second sensor for detecting an orientation of the device, a processor coupled to the first sensor for creating information from the detected activity related parameter, a light source for emitting a light beam from the device to project the created information as an image onto a surface outside the device and at least a first actuator for adjusting a relative direction of the light beam with respect to the detected orientation of the device. The surface outside the device is a ground surface and a distance between the device and the projected image is a function of the detected activity related parameter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise device that is used to perform squat exercise. The device comprises a support bar, a height-adjustable support tube or column, a base, an electronic unit, and a seat. The support bar is positioned on a top portion of the support tube via a set of springs. The sprigs are configured to reposition the support bar to a horizontal position after the user leaves the seat and rises back into the upright body position. The electronic unit is configured to receive a set threshold value on maximum squat count from a user. The electronic unit records the squat count and provide an alert when the squat count exceeds the set threshold value on maximum squat count to be performed by the user, thereby it prevents injuries caused due to over enthusiastic during the exercise session.

Abstract: An apparatus having an elongate body made of a piece of webbing having a plurality of different colored segments. The device provides a golf training aid that assists users in developing distance control and strengthening their chipping and putting game. The apparatus for use as a golf training aid includes a piece of webbing; the piece of webbing may have an elongate body with a first end and a second end. A plurality of grommets may be included.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio. The golf GPS device further includes one or more processors configured to repeatedly determine in which one of the plurality of holes the device is located, to repeatedly compute a distance between the device and a feature of the determined hole, and to cause to display the hole number of the determined hole and the computed distance on the display screen.

Abstract: An pressurized injectable mouthpiece for athletes in contact sports and other activities. The present invention is configured to be used at an pressurized fashion and is able to be injected with an gel-like supplement. The pressurized injectable mouthpiece comprises of an tab at the front base of the mouthpiece. Further, the present invention comprises suction vents throughout the outer base portion of the mouthpiece. The pressurized injectable mouthpiece further comprises air pockets coupled throughout the inner portion of the mouthpiece allowing the present invention to be used at an pressurized fashion.

Abstract: A skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck, with a hanger with a wheel axle configured to hold skateboard truck wheels; a suspension system with a flex member configured to attach the hanger resiliently to a skateboard deck; a rolling contact bearing connecting the hanger with the flex member such that the rolling contact bearing allows rotation of the hanger with respect to the flex member by a steering angle around a steering axis extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle; and a spring mechanism attached to or integrally formed with the flex member biasing the hanger to the neutral position where the steering angle is zero.

Abstract: A gameboard assembly includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall. The top wall has a plurality of elongated slots extending therethrough. The slots form a continuous pattern of interconnected lines and the slots form a plurality of independent sections of the top wall completely removed from other sections of the top wall and from the perimeter wall. A plurality of game pieces is provided and each is moveable along the slots. The game pieces each include an upper member positioned above the top wall, a lower member positioned within the interior and a connection member extending between associated ones of the upper and lower member. Each of the upper and lower members has a size greater than a width of the slots such that the upper and lower members are inhibited from extending through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board game system in which an electrostatic-capacitance-based touchscreen that is capable of detecting a plurality of touched positions by detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance is used as a board. The board game system includes an electronic device equipped with the touchscreen; and game pieces that are used while being placed on the touchscreen and that are constituted at least partially of a conductive section. The conductive section is laid out so as to be intervened by a non-conductive section or gaps on the contact face. In the case where the game piece is placed on the touchscreen, the conductive section causes the predetermined or greater amount of change in the electrostatic capacitance at the contact positions of the conductive section on the contact face in the case where the conductive section is touched by the user. The electronic device recognizes the game piece.

Abstract: A computer device has a display which display game elements. A first type of game elements is associated with a matching characteristics of an ordered set of matching characteristics. At least one processor is configured to determine that at least three game elements have at least one common matching characteristic to satisfy a match condition and at least one of said game elements satisfying said match condition is of the first type. The first type of game elements in the match are removed if a current matching characteristic is a last matching characteristic of the respective ordered set or changed a next characteristic of the set.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that enable advanced gaming and virtual reality control using radar. These techniques enable small motions and displacements to be tracked, even in the millimeter or submillimeter scale, for user control actions even when those actions are optically occluded or obscured.

Abstract: An example method includes obtaining, obtaining, from one or more sensors of a computing device, data relating to a feature in an environment. Following, the method includes analyzing the data to identify one or more details of the feature in the environment and determining, based on a comparison of the data to a stored dataset in a database, that the details includes a detail that the stored dataset lacks. The method includes providing one or more game elements for gameplay on an interface of the computing device based on the details including the detail that the stored dataset lacks.

Abstract: An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, a gaming controller for a mobile device is provided. The gaming controller can include a first hardware gaming controller including a first programmable controller and at least one input switch, the at least one input switch of the first hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's left thumb and/or fingers to generate a left controller input with the first programmable controller. The gaming controller can include a second hardware gaming controller including a second programmable controller and at least one input switch, the at least one input switch of the second hardware gaming controller configured to be manipulated by a user's right thumb and/or fingers to generate a right controller input with the second programmable controller.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic system includes a tracking member fixed to a controller body. The controller body has a head that adjoins a handle at a neck region, and that includes at least one thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer that in a closed position is configured to physically bias the user's palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer towards an open position. The resilient member is attached to an anchor that is attached to the head by an adjustment mechanism that permits the resilient member to be moved towards or away from the user's purlicue. The tracking member includes transducers that are coupled to the electronic system by electromagnetic radiation. Proximity sensors, spatially distributed on the handle, are responsive to a proximity of the user's fingers to the outer surface of the handle.

Abstract: A computing system that includes wearable computing components may be provided that creates an interactive game for at least two players. Finite state machines may be provided with a range of states that correspond to an array of possible states of a player of the game. Each player is assigned a client device, which preferably may be embedded in wearable computing components. The client device uses software to execute a first instance of a finite state machine. The client deceives are connected in a network with server devices. The state machines transition states based upon player interaction with other players and objects. When the state machines transition states, the players are notified and their respective states within the game also change. A programmable game server can be used to process rules of interactive game and to enable a user to specify rules for other or new interactive games.

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: An online game is provided to users via client computing devices. Gameplay metrics are determined for users of the online game based on actions taken by the users in the online game. Secondary games are provided, where the potential awards provided by the secondary games are determined based on the gameplay metrics of the users.

Abstract: Client machines are configured to compile shaders during execution of a program (e.g., a video game) that renders graphics on a display. These client machines may upload information—including a hardware configuration of the client machine, an application identifier (ID) of the program, and a set of shader IDs for compiled shaders—to a remote computing system, which catalogues the shader IDs, selectively requests compiled shader code from one or more of the client machines, and selectively prepares the compiled shader code for redistribution. Thereafter, a requesting client machine with a matching hardware configuration may receive compiled shader code from the remote system for a particular program, and may precache the compiled shader code for use during program execution.

Abstract: A method of providing a virtual space. The method includes defining a virtual space by a processor. The method further includes displaying a field of view of the virtual space on a head mounted display device. The method further includes detecting, by the processor, a motion of the user wearing the head mounted display device. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a flying direction for an object in the virtual space in response to the detected motion. The method further includes flying, by the processor, the object within the virtual space in accordance with the flying direction. The method further includes moving, by the processor, the field of view in the flying direction.

Abstract: A user device provides a computer implemented game with different levels. The device has a user interface. A player selects a level via the user interface. When a level is selected, the associated game board in displayed. Information about the difficulty of at least one of the levels is displayed.

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: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards a dynamic allocation of contextual assistance during gameplay. By analyzing user gameplay and reactions of a user while the user is participating in a video game, appropriate gameplay assistance can be assigned. The different assistance information can be offered and/or provided to the user based on a current state of the user performance within the game. The system and methods allow for customization of what type of gameplay assistance can be provided to each user and when the assistance should be provided. In this way there is a balance between assisting the user to minimize the level of frustration and letting the user experience the video game to minimize spoilers.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards assignment of contextual gameplay assistance to player reaction. By analyzing user gameplay and reactions of a user, appropriate gameplay assistance (such as hints, advice, or walk-through information) can be assigned for different thresholds associated with levels of frustration that users can obtain regarding different obstacles found within the video games. The system and methods allow for customization of what type of gameplay assistance can be provided to each user as each user may have different thresholds of frustration or preferences regarding the types of assistance they would like to receive within the video game.

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 gaming headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, determines an identity and/or an age of a gamer that is wearing the gaming headset, and configures operation of the gaming headset based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer. The gaming headset logs into the particular game using credentials associated with the determined identity and/or age, and selects settings based on the determined identity and/or age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. One or more sensors communicatively coupled to the gaming headset may be activated and information received from the sensors is utilized to determine the identity and/or the age of the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset. The sensors determine, for example, the head size, ear size, voice characteristics and/or biometric information for the gamer that is wearing the gaming headset.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed performs transactions of a virtual game item that transfer the virtual game item between user accounts of a gaming platform. The method and system generate entries in a ledger to record the transactions of the virtual game item. The entries are linked to a preceding entry using one or more hash values. The method and system receive a claim from a first user account of the user accounts to dispute a first transaction of the transactions. Responsive to the claim, the method and system perform an account restore operation based on the ledger that retrieves the virtual game item from another user account identified as a last entry in the ledger and restores the virtual game item to the first user account.

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: 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: First, an indication sign displayed on a display screen is moved so as to reach a first position at a predetermined timing. Next, when an operation input to an input section is performed at the predetermined timing, a parameter related to the indication sign is changed. Furthermore, when the parameter related to the indication sign does not satisfy a first condition after the parameter is changed, the indication sign is moved to a position different from the first position, and then is moved toward the first position again.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a board game or an electronic version of the same, including a match-3 component and a strategy game piece component. The game may be implemented as a physical board game or as a computer-executed application. Matches of three or more tokens or icons result in an effect that is applied to game pieces of the player who made the match and/or an opponent of the player who made the match.

Abstract: A ride system for an amusement park includes a plurality of rooms stacked atop one another and a ride vehicle. A method to transport the ride vehicle from a first room to a second room includes withdrawing the ride vehicle from the first room, changing the vertical height of the ride vehicle, rotating the ride vehicle, and inserting the ride vehicle into the second room.

Abstract: A waterslide feature comprises a channel having a sliding surface and walls. The walls define a plurality of recesses. A nozzle extends through each of the recesses angled to spray water over the sliding surface. The nozzles are positioned to provide a flow of water to impact a vehicle sliding on the sliding surface. The nozzles are sized to provide a flow of water sufficient to affect motion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include an attachment to enhance the effectiveness of the flow of water.

Abstract: Described herein is an assembly and methods of use thereof for controlling or governing the relative speed of motion between the assembly parts via eddy current formation. The assembly and methods also may minimize the number of parts required and may minimize the number of moving parts thereby increasing the mechanical durability of the assembly compared to art designs that may have more moving parts and greater part complexity.

Abstract: A publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex is disclosed, with a man-made tropical, pristine-clear lagoon as the centerpiece of the complex. The lagoon includes a surf feature and surrounding the lagoon are entertainment, educational, sports, and commercial facilities. The complex has a controlled public access and provides the look and feel of a tropical beach with clear waters and sandy beaches. In addition a method for efficiently utilizing facilities and land that are vacant, underutilized, have limited uses, or that are contiguous to or nearby recreational, educational, sports, or commercial venues is disclosed. The method providing a publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex with a centerpiece man-made tropical-style pristine-clear lagoon having a surf feature.

Abstract: A system for use with an analog DC model train, the system includes a base unit to electronically communicate with a track of the analog DC model train, the base unit having a receiver; one or more microcontrollers; a potentiometer; a digital stepper motor connected to the digital stepper motor and to provide torque to turn the potentiometer; a controller to communicate wirelessly with the receiver, the controller having a control to send a command the base unit to set a first numerical value associated with a position of the digital stepper motor; the first numerical value can be retrieved by the base unit based on commands from the controller to set the position of the digital stepper motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of containers with a fluid. The apparatus including a connector configured to removably couple the apparatus to a fluid source, a plurality of conduits, and a flow path providing fluid communication between the fluid source and each of the plurality of containers, each container being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of conduits via a knot formed from material forming a neck of the container, the knot being configured to releasably couple the container to the respective conduit and automatically seal the container when the container is decoupled from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a continuous extendable light saber toy whose blade, when fully extended, is rigid and firm enough to use as a sword, but, when not in use, is able to be rolled up into a small compact form factor.

Abstract: A modular electronics system including at least one node including a plurality of interconnected modules. The modules are physically and electrically interconnected, with different modules providing respective functionality, typically including communications, sensing of conditions and performing actions. A hub is provided that communicates with the nodes, determines at least one action to be performed at least partially in accordance with the sensed conditions causes the at least one action to be performed.

Abstract: An electrical building block includes docking structures, a first electrical connection mechanism, a second electrical connection mechanism and a circuit board. The docking structures are located at a top side of the electrical building block. The first electrical connection mechanism and the second electrical connection mechanism are electrically connected with the circuit board and disposed within the electrical building block. The first electrical connection mechanism is penetrated through the top side and elastically protruded out of the docking structures. The second electrical connection mechanism is located at a bottom side of the electrical building block. The second electrical connection mechanism of the electrical building block is docked with the first electrical connection mechanism of an adjacent electrical building block.

Abstract: A building block assembly (50) comprises a first module (50A) and a second module (50B) which are in detachable engagement, wherein the first module (50A) and the second module (50B) are mechanically connected and relatively rotatable about a rotation axis. The first module (50A) is a building block module comprising a first building block and a second building block which are snap fastened or press fastened to form a building block stack. The second module (50B) is mechanically retained by the first module (50A) in a retention state upon snap fastening of the first building block and the second building block in a connection direction defined by a connection axis which is coaxial with the rotation axis to form the building block stack.

Abstract: A sand molding kit for molding sand to the shape of a human body includes a plurality of molds. Each of the molds includes an inner surface, an outer surface and a perimeter edge. The inner surface is concavely shaped and the outer surface is convexly shaped. Each of the molds is fillable with sand such that the sand retains a shape of a corresponding one of the molds. A plurality of adornments is included wherein each of the adornments is positionable on sand molded with the plurality of molds.