Abstract: Embodiments relate to simulating the movements of three or more bodies connected on a cord for use in real-time videogame applications. The state of the bodies such as position, velocity, and orientation of the bodies connected by a cord are determined in single pass without iteration. For a given time step and the state of the bodies in the time step, the Jacobian matrix for the connected bodies is calculated. The, the tension in the cord is calculated based on the Jacobian matrix. From the tension, the state of the bodies for the next time step is obtained.

Abstract: A method for managing multi-player interactivity with an interactive application is provided, including the following operations: determining locations of a first controller, a second controller, a first user, and a second user; pairing the first controller to the first user based on the location of the first controller and the location of the first user; pairing the second controller to the second user based on the location of the second controller and the location of the second user; presenting a split-screen view of the interactive application, wherein presenting the split-screen view includes setting positions of a first view and a second view within the split-screen view based on one or more of the locations of the first user, the second user, the first controller, or the second controller.

Abstract: At least one processor of a game control device is configured to: display an object on a display region, in a game in which the object is moved in accordance with an operation of a user on a touch panel; set a first region of the display region as an operation region; move the object based on the operation of the user on the operation region; and change the operation region to a second region, in which the object is prevented from being arranged at an edge portion of the second region, in a predetermined game situation, which is one of a situation in which at least a part of the object is outside the first region and a situation in which the object is arranged at an edge portion of the first region.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes two or more user control devices, each user control device having an inertial detector having a wireless communications module to communicate inertial detection results, and an illuminated portion; and a housing to house the two or more control devices so that the two or more control devices are constrained to move with one another but having an obscured portion so as to obscure all but one of the illuminated portions of the two or more control devices.

Abstract: An example of a game controller is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute game processes. The game controller includes: an operation section; and a controller-side slide member configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in the slide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member from the first end. The controller-side slide member includes: a fixed portion that protrudes from a surface of the game controller and is fixed to the surface; and a pivoting portion that is connected to the fixed portion and is configured to pivot relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer game controller stand, comprising: a frame (10), a controller support (15, 20), connected to the frame, said controller support being configured to support at least one computer game controller, such as a steering wheel module, a joystick module or a pedal module, and a chair connector (122, 132), configured for preventing horizontal relative movement between the frame and a chair (4). The chair connector is adapted to allow the frame and the chair to pivot relative each other about a vertical axis. The disclosure also provides a computer gaming unit and a method of making such a computer gaming unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for dynamic segment generation and distribution. The method and system includes receiving a content feed including videogame gameplay, the content feed including at least one of an audio feed and a video feed. The method and system includes monitoring the content feed to detect a clip trigger, the clip trigger indicating generation of a segment, wherein the segment is a portion of the content feed. Upon clip trigger detection, the method and system includes generating a segment from the content feed by clipping a portion of the content feed in reference to the clip trigger. The method and system then includes formatting the segment and electronically distributing, to a content distribution system, either a location identifier identifying the segment or the segment itself.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems directed towards providing scaled engagement and views of an e-sports event. Instead of providing the same distribution of live e-sport event data to all remote viewers of a live e-sports event, features associated with e-sports gaming network could be used to customize the distribution of live e-sport event data to promote immersive viewer experience. The enhanced immersion can also be carried out in a virtual reality or augmented reality setting. The features would be capable of providing additional information, different views, and a variety of different commentators for the e-sports event so that the viewer can be more engaged when viewing the particular e-sports event. With the increased engagement from remote viewers, the distribution of live e-sports event data can also be further modified for monetization by incorporating advertisements as well.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to the de-interleaving of captured game data for the creation of separate video data and statistical metadata repositories. In some aspects, a process of the disclosed technology includes steps for capturing gameplay data based on live gameplay in a game environment, the gameplay data comprising video data and statistical metadata based on player interactions with the game environment, de-interleaving the video data and the statistical metadata, storing the video data to a first database, and storing the statistical metadata to a second database, the first database being different from the second database. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A method or system for building a network between a plurality of portable computing devices to facilitate a multiplayer game includes each portable computing device: receiving an audio signal at a microphone at the device; matching the audio signal to one of a plurality of pre-stored games, each game associated with a game network identifier; creating a new network identifier utilising the matched game network identifier; and creating a network using the new network identifier if the network does not exist or joining the network using the new network identifier if the network does exist.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cloud gaming. One system includes a plurality of computing resources in one or more data centers. The plurality of computing resources is configured to execute instances of games for client devices that are remote from the one or more data centers. Each instance for an executable game is associated with a processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), and memory. Memory is used for storing video frames generated for the executable game. The video frames are compressed for video game streaming to one or more client devices. The executable game is associated with video, audio and input channels for said one or more client devices to control interactivity of operation of the executable game during said video game streaming. The cloud gaming system implements at least one channel driver to facilitate I/O processing for the one or more client devices when executed by the computing resources of the one or more data centers.

Abstract: At least one processor of a game control device is configured to: acquire a movement direction of the touch position, when a touch position moves under a state in which a touch panel is being touched; execute first game processing based on the movement direction; detect that the movement direction has changed to any movement direction having an angle of a predetermined angle or more with respect to a movement direction acquired at a predetermined timing; and execute second game processing based on one of the movement direction before the change and the movement direction after the change, when the change in the movement direction is detected.

Abstract: Provided is a method and an apparatus for replaying a video of playing a game. A video of playing a game already played in a terminal executing an online game is stored and replayed by executing the online game; storing the gaming video according to progress of the online game; detecting occurrence of a pre-configured event during progress of the online game; acquiring information about other character associated with a game character of the user after occurrence of the event; generating a replay video by combining the gaming video and the additional content; and outputting the replay video, wherein the additional content includes first additional content including information related to a game character of a user, second additional content including information about other character associated with a game character of the user, and third additional content including information related to an event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes running a game application on one or more servers of a hosting service center. The game application is for a game and wherein the game application is played by a first user of a first client device remote to the hosting service center via compressed streaming interactive video transmitted over the Internet. The method includes storing a recording of the game played by the first user. The method includes storing application state information for the recording of the game played by the first user. The method includes using the application state information, by a second user, to generate one or more additional views of the recording of the game played by the first user. The one or more additional views include generation of video using the application state information, and the generated video is different than video of the recording.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to the creation of channels providing customizable video feeds in an online gaming platform. In some aspects, a process of the disclosed technology can include steps for receiving a first set of event attributes from a first user, the first set of event attributes comprising information identifying a first game title and a first game-play event associated with the first game title, monitoring play of the first game title by a second user to detect occurrence of the game-play event, and in response to a detected occurrence of the first game-play event, automatically providing a video stream of the first game title to the first user. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for incentivizing completive gameplay include measuring metrics for a plurality of players (e.g., ranked players and non-ranked players) that engage in gameplay, and generating ranked profiles for the ranked players and a non-ranked profile for the non-ranked player based on the metrics. The techniques further include mapping the ranked profiles and the non-ranked profile in a vector-space, where one metric corresponds to one dimension in the vector-space, and presenting a notification to the non-ranked player based on a distance in the vector-space between the non-ranked profile and at least one ranked profile. The notification provides an incentive for the non-ranked player to engage in competitive gameplay.

Abstract: The game system includes a storage unit and a control unit. The control unit includes: a virtual space generating unit that generates a virtual space; a first character control unit that controls action of a first character moving in the virtual space; a second character control unit that controls action of a second character moving in the virtual space; a trace position storing unit that sequentially stores, in the storage unit, positions of the first character in the virtual space as trace positions at predetermined time intervals; and a chase processing unit that executes chasing of the first character by the second character based on the trace positions stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: First, a first content selected from among owned contents owned by a user on the basis of an operation of the user is added to a group as a member of the group. Next, if it is possible to add a further member to the group as a result of adding the first content, a second content is added to the group from among unowned contents different from the owned contents. Then, a game in which the members of the group are used is executed.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing players pricing of in-game virtual items associated with their experience and their progress in the game. For example, the first player and the second player may have similar triggers, similar in-game events, and actually have different prices and currencies inside each story depending on each player's progress in the game, thus creating an individualized experience that may alter from player to player.

Abstract: A plurality of game titles each associated with at least one tournament may be hosted on a gaming network platform. Real-time gameplay data in matches involving the plurality of game titles may be tracked. Each match may be associated with a stream. Memory may store stream parameters and metrics associated with the at least one tournament. A predefined achievement may be identified for the at least one tournament when the tracked gameplay data for a match meets the stored metrics. The identified achievement may be determined to meet the stream parameters. A notification may be provided to the user device that includes a link to a stream of the match.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems presented herein may identify users to play a multiplayer video game together using a mapping system and machine learning algorithms to create sets of matchmaking plans for the multiplayer video game that increases player or user retention. Embodiments of systems presented herein can determine the predicted churn rate, or conversely retention rate, of a user waiting to play a video game if the user is matched with one or more additional users in a multiplayer instance of the video game.

Abstract: A method for user matching is provided. A matching request is received from a client. The matching request includes an application identifier and a user identifier. When the application identifier indicates that a matching mode for the matching request is an asynchronous mode, a matching queue identifier is obtained based on the matching request, the user identifier is added to a matching queue corresponding to the matching queue identifier, a predetermined number of user identifiers is selected from the matching queue, a matching result is generated that includes an identifier of a matching group of the selected predetermined number of user identifiers, and the matching result is sent to the client. The predetermined number of user identifiers includes the user identifier in the matching request.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for ranking video game players based on performance statistics recorded during game-play. In some aspects, a process of the subject technology can include operations for receiving a first set of game-play attributes including two or more game-play statistics for measuring a first player's performance relative to a first game and a second game, receiving a second set of game-play attributes including two or more game-play statistics for measuring a second player's performance relative to the first game and the second game, and automatically ranking the first player and the second player based on the first set of game-play attributes and the second set of game-play attributes. Systems and computer-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing content items identifying recommendations includes identifying for a first user profile at least one active fantasy sports lineup including a list of players and one or more previous fantasy sports lineups, and generating, for a user, a recommendation profile including a plurality of relevance scores. The method further includes identifying a plurality of candidate recommendations, and determining, for each of the plurality of candidate recommendations, a match score indicating a level of relevance between the candidate recommendation and the recommendation profile. The method further includes prioritizing the plurality of candidate recommendations based on the relevance scores, and providing to a device associated with the first user profile, a content item identifying a selected candidate content management of the plurality of candidate recommendations based on the relevance score between the selected candidate recommendation and the recommendation profile.

Abstract: A system may enable at least one user to engage with at least two devices, which operate on a respective platform of a plurality of different platforms, in a time dependent manner. The system may include a data management apparatus configured to receive and collate a plurality of data inputs from the at least two devices, generate and relay a merged standardized data output to the at least one user and the at least two devices. The merged standardized data output may be demerged and provide the at least two devices access to the plurality of experiences for which each of the at least two devices is enabled. The system may continuously monitor and determine if the at least two devices and the respective platform are supported by the system, and will only attempt to read the plurality of data inputs from devices and platforms supported by the system.

Abstract: A video game has at least one player client with control over an aspect of a shared virtual environment. The video game also has at least one spectator client with limited to no control over the shared virtual environment. For example, the spectator client's control may be limited to the game server generating audience cheers or boos in response to spectator input during gameplay. In response to detection of a trigger event by a game server, the player and spectator may switch roles. The client switching from spectator to player experiences an increase in network transfer quality from the game server to help provide smooth gameplay. The client switching from player to spectator faces a decrease in network transfer properties to compensate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for discovery and detection of events in interactive digital content are provided. A plurality of game titles may be hosted on a gaming network platform, and gameplay data in sessions involving the plurality of game titles may be tracked in real-time. Each session may be associated with a stream. One or more event criteria may be stored for each of a plurality of predefined events of interest. An event of interest may be identified when the tracked gameplay data for a session meets the stored criteria. A list of available streams identified as including the identified event may be sorted, and a subset of the available streams may be identified as being at a top of the list. A notification may be provided to a spectator device, the notification including a link to one of the streams in the subset. The criteria for the event of interest may also be updated based on subsequent game data and feedback (e.g., use of the link).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: recording a sequence of video images output by a videogame, recording a sequence of depth buffer values for a depth buffer used by the videogame, recording a sequence of in-game virtual camera positions used to generate the video images, recording one or more in-game events and their respective in-game positions, associating the depth buffer value sequence, the in-game virtual camera position sequence, and an identifier for the videogame, with the video image sequence, and associating the one or more in-game events and their respective in-game positions with the identifier for the videogame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: recording a first sequence of video images output by a videogame, recording a sequence of depth buffer values for a depth buffer used by the videogame, recording a sequence of in-game virtual camera positions used to generate the video images, recording one or more in-game events and their respective in-game positions, generating a second sequence of video images encoding the depth buffer value sequence, and associating the in-game virtual camera position sequence, with at least one of the first and second sequence of video images.

Abstract: A multi-user platform provides an immersive digital (including virtual reality (VR)) environment to solicit and broadcast commentary related to gameplay. The multi-user platform receives gameplay content, which includes a plurality of media streams that show one or more views. The multi-user platform generates a graphical representation for each media stream in the VR environment, receives commentary content corresponding to one or more media streams in the VR environment, and determines one graphical representation for one media stream is an active representation in the VR environment for a time period. The multi-user platform further synchronizes a portion of the commentary content received in the time period with the one media stream associated with the active representation to create synchronized content and broadcast gameplay channel(s) that includes the synchronized content to one or more subscribers connected to the multi-user platform.

Abstract: A water ride adapted for stopping and launching boats. The ride includes a flume containing flowing water and first and second sidewalls define the flume. The ride includes a boat in the flume with an interaction member extending outward from its hull. The ride includes a boat capture and launch assembly provided on the second wall, and this assembly includes: (a) a body; (b) a drive mechanism rotating the body; (c) a capture arm with a first contact surface on the body; and (d) a launch arm with a second contact surface on the body. When the body is rotated into a first position, the capture arm extends outward into the flume to catch the interaction member and stop the boat. When the body is rotated through a range of second positions, the interaction member abuts the second contact surface and a launch force is applied to accelerate the boat.

Abstract: A spinning top toy is configured to spin in a first direction, where the spinning top toy comprising includes a shaft part, a main body part, and a mounting member. The main body part is detachably configured to the shaft part. The main body is arranged to be detached from the shaft body when receiving a first amount of impact in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The mounting member is detachably configured on an outer periphery of the main body part. The mounting member is arranged to be detached from the main body when receiving an second amount of the impact in the second direction. The first amount being larger than the second amount.

Abstract: A toy figurine comprising a body, one or more appendages movably connected to the body, and a selector attached to the body. The selector is configurable between a disengaged setting and an engaged setting. Setting the selector to the disengaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in a default configuration and limited to movement within a first range of motion. Setting the selector to the engaged setting causes the one or more appendages to be positioned in an engaged configuration and limited to movement within a second range of motion.

Abstract: An invertible interactive toy structure comprising a series of adjacent foldable segments that can be assembled by folding in either of two different directions and joined at its outer edges to form a self-standing toy structure. When folded in one direction, the assemble structure displays its outside features. When folded in the opposite direction, the assembled structure displays its inside features. Figures which correspond to the indicia on the walls of the structure are provided. The figures are removably affixed to corresponding indicia on the walls of the toy structure. In a particular embodiment, the structure is a barn and the inside features represent various items or scenes associated with farming.

Abstract: A toy includes a noise emitting mechanism sealed within a hollow chamber of a water-impenetrable body and methods of making the same. The toy advantageously retains the functionality and appeal of a squeaky toy, but reduces the risk associated with air, moisture, saliva, bacteria, and/or water being drawn into the toy during play and providing an environment for mold and bacteria to grow within the toy.

Abstract: A form changing toy includes a power source, a power transmission mechanism, an operation part, a switch, a movable part, a locking mechanism, and a connecting part. The operation part is configured to perform a predetermined operation by the power. The switch is configured to be moved between a first position to a second position, and being urged to the second position. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the movable part at the first position when the movable part is manually moved from the second position to the first position, and is configured to release locking by the power when the predetermined operation continues. The connecting mechanism is configured to operate the movable part by connecting the movable part and either one of the power transmission mechanism and the operation part when the movable part moves to the second position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher comprising a housing defining multiple inlets and an outlet. The housing further defines a cavity in which a resilient rotating member is located. The resilient member is positioned to engage an upper surface of a toy vehicle passing through the housing. A crank arm is coupled to the housing and movable by a user to rotate the resilient rotating member to propel the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A form changing toy includes a power source, an operation part, a movable part, a switch, and an operation mechanism. The operation part is connected to the power source to perform a predetermined movement by power from the power source. The switch is configured to be reversibly moved between a first position and a second position manually. The operation mechanism is configured to move, by the power, the movable part by making the movable part abut the power source or by making the movable part abut the operation part when the switch is at the second position, and is configured to separate the movable part from the power source or the movable part from the operation part when the switch is at the first position.

Abstract: A form changing toy is provided with a power source being configured to provide power, a first power transmission mechanism, a second power transmission mechanism, a third power transmission mechanism, a connection switching mechanism, and a form switching mechanism. The connection switching mechanism is configured to alternatively switch between a first connection and a second connection. The first connection is between the first power transmission mechanism and the second power transmission mechanism. The second connection is between the first power transmission mechanism and the third power transmission mechanism. The form switching mechanism is configured to switch between a first form and a second form of the form changing toy. The second power transmission mechanism is configured to perform a first operation when the form switching mechanism switches. The third power transmission mechanism is configured to perform a second operation when the form switching mechanism switches.

Abstract: A magnetic toy block and a kit suitable for the composition of toy assemblies. The magnetic block comprises a hollow body consisting of a first and a second shell member, identically configured with peripheral contact surfaces to contact with peripheral surfaces of other magnetic blocks of an assembly; each shell member is provided with male and female junction elements, which may be press-fitted into the female junction elements respectively into the male junction elements of another shell member in an assembled condition of the block. The junction elements extend inside the hollow body of the block in a direction parallel to a reference axis, at magnetic contact zones of the peripheral contact surface of the block; permanent magnets or ferromagnetic connection elements are housed in the female junction elements of one or both shell members of the toy block.

Abstract: A hollow rigidly deformable geometric toy with a flat side and a mating joint construction. The toy has a plurality of faces which form a geometric cage and a plurality of apertures, and can contain an interior toy. The geometric toy is stably constructed such that it is safe for babies and children and suitable for teething and play.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a method of dispersing scents in congruity with entertainment. Multiple scents are dispersed into the environment surrounding a participant at various points in congruity with visual entertainment. The scents are selectively provided at various times to coincide with the display of one or more elements in the entertainment experience such as a location or character. One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a system for blending scents. The system includes an airflow source, a plurality of scent distributors, and a controller operably coupled to the airflow source and plurality of scent distributors to selectively control delivery of the scents from the plurality of scent distributors to bulk airflow delivered to a participant environment.

Abstract: A system and method to vaporize a process or feed water stream does so in a liquid pool zone of a vessel as the stream comes into contact with a heating medium that is less volatile than the process stream. To keep the pool hot, the heating medium can be recirculated through a heater of a pump-around loop or a heater can be placed in the liquid pool. As the process stream is vaporized, any solids present in the process stream come out of the process stream and move into the heating medium. These solids may be further removed from the heating medium in the pool or in the pump-around loop. The vaporized process stream can be further condensed. Any heat recovered can be used to pre-heat the process stream or used in the pump around loop's heater in case of mechanical vapor recovery.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a member in a vessel comprises a clip comprising an arm with a first end attached to a panel and a second end opposed to the panel. The panel is secured in the vessel. The assembly also comprises a plate slidably disposed between the second end of the arm and the panel. The subject matter also pertains to the clip itself and the method of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an olefinic monomer recovery device capable of suppressing fouling and pressure drop in the recovery device in a process of separating and recovering unreacted monomers after production of a polyolefin resin. The olefinic monomer recovery device is used for separating and recovering unreacted olefinic monomers after production of a polyolefin resin, the apparatus comprising a vertical-type heat exchange unit, and a knock-out drum unit.

Abstract: A portable supercritical fluid extraction apparatus, comprising: (i) a pressure vessel for generating a supercritical fluid therein; (ii) a liquid solvent supply tank; (iii) a means for interconnecting said pressure vessel and said liquid solvent supply tank at a predetermined angle for delivery therethrough of a liquid solvent from the liquid storage tank to the pressure vessel; and (iv) a heating component for heating contents of the pressure vessel to produce a supercritical fluid therein. The apparatus may additionally comprise a sample in fluid communication with the pressure vessel, and a receiving vessel in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel may have a heating means for heating fluid contents therein, for example a heating wrap, a heating block, or a heating jacket.

Abstract: A method for the extraction, purification, and concentration of targeted constituents from a liquid or gas assembled configurable unit operations comprising of an in-situ generation of seeding material for removal of impurities; an extraction process using equipment of predetermined physical geometry; and a membrane concentration method for the recovery of dilute solutions for recycle.

Abstract: Liquid chromatography techniques are disclosed. Specifically, the liquid chromatography technique includes providing a liquid chromatography system having a coated metallic fluid-contacting element, and transporting a fluid to contact the coated metallic fluid-contacting element. Conditions for the transporting of the fluid are selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the fluid being greater than 150° C., pressure urging the fluid being greater than 60 MPa, the fluid having a protein-containing analyte incompatible with one or both of titanium and polyether ether ketone, the fluid having a chelating agent incompatible with the one or both of the titanium or the polyether ether ketone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fuel pre-filtering element may comprise a casing provided with a fuel outlet, an internal tube, an upper annular element, a lower annular element, a filtering element and a cover. The filtering element may be arranged around the internal tube The upper and lower annular elements may be respectively fixed to the upper and lower ends of the filtering element The filtering element may be arranged inside the casing such that the internal tube establishes a contact with the fuel outlet, the upper annular element is arranged around the fuel outlet and in contact with an upper surface of the casing, and the upper annular element is deformed and forms an annular projection. The annular projection may establish a seal between the internal tube, the fuel outlet and the casing. The arrangement of the filtering element may be inside the casing and further form a region of unfiltered fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water purifying system, including: a raw water tank configured to store raw water; a filter unit configured to include a plurality of filtration modules for purifying the raw water and a plurality of valves for feeding or cutting off the raw water; a raw water pump configured to feed the raw water from the raw water tank to the filter unit; and a backwash module configured to feed backwash water to the filter unit, in which some of permeate water permeated by the filter unit is fed to the backwash module to be used as the backwash water and a feed pressure of the backwash water is fed by the raw water pump.