Abstract: Golf regulations have recently changed so that the golf flagstick or flag no longer is required to be removed during play. It is important to be able to retrieve the ball, and this device, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the golf club hole will be placed on the lower end of the golf flag stick. The device will be hidden from view when the flagstick is in the golf hole. The golfer retrieves the ball by pulling up on the flagstick until the ball rolls out of the cup. This device to retrieve the ball will prevent damage to the putting surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cleaning materials are provided. The device may include a cloth having a first textured surface and a second textured surface with the second textured surface being coarser than the first textured surface, and a compartment housed in the cloth having an opening on the outside of the cloth. The compartment is configured to enclose a hand of a user, and wherein the second surface is positioned on the outside of the cloth over portions of the compartment configured to house a thumb and at least one finger of the hand of the user.

Abstract: A lacrosse head configured to form a pocket channel, the lacrosse head having a stop member, first and second sidewalls extending from the stop member in a forward direction, and a scoop connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member, with the scoop having a forward edge and a rearward edge, with the rearward edge of the scoop defining generally an arc shape except for a recessed portion disposed at a longitudinal centerline of the lacrosse head, and with the scoop defining at least one stringing hole disposed forward of the recessed portion. Alternatively, a lacrosse head may have a scoop that defines a plurality of lateral stringing holes disposed generally along an arc, and that defines a forwardly offset stringing hole disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the lacrosse head and forward of the arc.

Abstract: A golf club head, including a body including a striking face and a perimeter portion extending aft from the striking face, a badge affixed to a rear surface of the striking face, wherein the badge comprises a first layer aft of the striking face, the first layer including a first density, a second layer aft of the first layer, the second layer including a second density, and a third layer aft of the first layer, wherein the third layer comprises a third layer front surface located adjacent the second layer, the third layer font surface including a third layer cavity, wherein the second layer resides within the third layer cavity, wherein the first density is less than 2.0 g/cm3, wherein the second density is greater than 2.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: A sports practice tool 1 comprising a grip 20 on a proximal end side of a practice tool main body 10, wherein the practice tool main body 10 comprises a first flexible part 12 and a second flexible part 14 extending in mutually different directions along a first imaginary plane P1, the first flexible part 12 and the second flexible part 14 are connected to each other in a bent manner, the first flexible part 12 is formed such that primary deflective deformation occurs along the first imaginary plane P1, and the second flexible part 14 is formed such that primary deflective deformation occurs along a second imaginary plane P2 that intersects the first imaginary plane P1.

Abstract: The technology provides practice aids for developing croquet skills and on-mallet playing aids for improving croquet play. The practice aids are used while practicing croquet and offer benefits such as immediate feedback and practice shot repeatability. The practice aids may include a swing trainer, a single ball shot trainer, a croquet shot maker, a cannon shot maker, a mallet alignment tool, a take-off trainer, a hoop maker, and a wiring trainer. The on-mallet playing aids are used while practicing and during croquet games since the rules of croquet allow a player to mark a mallet. The on-mallet playing aids offer benefits such as improved in-game shot setup and improved shot precision. The on-mallet playing aids may include a single ball shot playing facilitator, a take-off playing facilitator, and a croquet-shot playing facilitator. The practice aids and the on-mallet playing aids may offer different ways of achieving a same result.

Abstract: A training device comprising a track having one or more channels extending along part of the length of the track, and one or more skates comprising bearings that can spin freely and are positioned to engage the one or more channels of the track. One or more foot blocks are affixed to the top surface of the one or more skates, wherein the skates can move along the length of the channels in the track.

Abstract: A replaceable wear insert assembly for playing surfaces in pitching areas and other high-wear areas of baseball and softball fields and other playing fields. A recess member is permanently or semi-permanently installable in a selected area of the field, such as a pitching lane. The recess member accommodates a replaceable insert member having an upper surface with a layer of synthetic turf or track material, mounted to rigid panel. The insert member is removable from the recess member so as to replaceable when worn.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus including a flexible bistable spring band, wherein the flexible bistable spring band may have two stable mechanical states. The sports training apparatus may further include an elastic band including a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of the elastic band may be configured to be removeably attached to the flexible bistable spring band. The flexible bistable spring band may transition from a first stable mechanical state to a second stable mechanical state by wrapping around a cylindrical object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.

Abstract: A batting tee comprises a base for supporting the batting tee during use, a ball support column extending up from the base, and an extra ball holder for holding one or more extra balls before use. In some embodiments, the ball support column comprises one or more rigid sections and one or more flexible sections. The ball support column is adjustable to a desired height. In some embodiments, the extra ball holder surrounds the ball support column. In some embodiments, the extra ball holder is in the shape of a bucket.

Abstract: A swing practice apparatus has an upper horizontal bar, a lower horizontal bar that is positioned directly under the upper horizontal bar and runs parallel with the upper horizontal bar, an upper slide ring capable of sliding along the upper horizontal bar, a lower slide ring capable of sliding along the lower horizontal bar, and a spring that exserts force to the ball toward a catcher side. A ball is supported from the upper and the lower slide rings via support springs, and positioned between the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar. A stopper is mounted at a pitcher side of the upper horizontal bar to stop the upper slide ring, and a release mechanism releases the stopper to release the upper slide ring from the stopper and the upper slide ring and the ball move toward the catcher side due to the spring.

Abstract: A system for coordinating radar data and image data to track a flight of a projectile includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager provides an image of an area into which a projectile is to be launched. The controller receives the image and an identification of a target within the image and identifies a target line connecting the target and a launch position of the projectile. The controller also receives data from the radar relative to at least a portion of a trajectory of the projectile, generates image based trajectory data by correlating the radar data and the image, and alters the image to include the image based trajectory data within the image and the target line within the image.

Abstract: A golf putting training device with a base and a plurality of posts extending upwardly from the base is provided. The plurality of posts may be positioned on a diameter of a circle and the diameter may be generally equal to a golf hole diameter. A distance between at least two of the plurality of posts is less than the golf hole diameter and thereby provides a narrow opening for a golf ball to roll through. A pair of sleeves may be positioned on a pair of adjacent posts such that the narrow opening for the golf ball to roll through is reduced. Also, an elastic member may extend between two posts and across the narrow opening for the golf ball to roll through such that a golf ball putted towards the narrow opening is redirected when it is rolls into the elastic member.

Abstract: A computer-controlled pitching machine in an operative connection with a controller interface controlled by the user, wherein the controller interface can connect with a variety of ball pitching machines and display pitch selection interfaces unique for the particular ball pitching machine. Based on the machine capability and the pitch selected by the user on the controller display, the computer-controller machine automatically pitches a ball according to control parameters determined in the controller. The controller may also include or be linked to a pitcher database wherein a user selection retrieves a saved pitch set for a particular pitcher and the system subsequently provides unique control parameters based on the attributes of the selected pitcher and throw parameters for a particular pitch. Further, the system described provides multiple methods of user input into the system for selecting, creating and saving pitches and pitchers.

Abstract: A pacing system for pacing an activity receives a desired pace that includes a timing interval and generates a first pace signal based on the desired pace and corresponding to the timing interval. The system receives feedback on an actual pace of the activity and determines if the actual pace is different than the desired pace. When the actual pace is different, the system generates a second pace signal having a timing that is different than the timing interval. When the actual pace is not different, the system generates the second pace signal in accordance with the timing interval.

Abstract: A ski binding rescue device having an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to a pair of skis to form a sled. The device attaches to the bindings of a pair of skis and serves to maintain the skis in a parallel orientation. The device has an attachment mechanism for attaching to the toe portion of a ski binding and to the heel portion of a ski binding. The device has one or more rigid lengths that span between the ski binding attachments to serve to connect and maintain the skis in a parallel orientation and potentially to provide an area to place a person to be moved on the sled or other goods.

Abstract: A component of a sports board may be controlled to configure the sports board. The component may be coupled with at least one layer of the sports board.

Abstract: A ski shoe harness includes a sole, a receiver, and a heel strap. The sole includes a binding mechanism adapted to engage a binding system of a ski. The sole and the receiver are attached and define a space to receive the front portion of a shoe. The heel strap, attached to the receiver, wraps around the rear portion of the shoe, interlocking the ski shoe harness with the shoe. Further, the heel strap includes an adjustment mechanism. Using the ski shoe harness of the present invention, non-ski shoes and boots of a various designs and sizes may be used to share and utilize skis having common cross-country binding systems.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fairing apparatus for a snowboard comprising a raised structure that may be positioned adjacent to the user's binding, having a geometry that deflects snow or ice away from the user's bindings and boots. In various exemplary embodiments, the raised structure may comprise two forward extending ridges located near the edges of the snowboard. In various exemplary embodiments, the forward extending ridges may extend laterally beyond the edges of the snowboard and may generate lift as the apparatus moves through snow or ice.

Abstract: A skate with a stowable and/or removable roller, blade, ski, or track assembly. A skate has: a shoe; a guiding part mounted to the shoe; a roller, blade, ski, or track assembly mounted to move along the guiding part between a deployed position and a stowed position adjacent a calf or ankle part of the shoe; and a handle connected to move the roller, blade, ski, or track assembly between the deployed position and the stowed position. Related methods include moving the roller, blade, ski, or track assembly between the positions, and locking or unlocking the assembly in either position, for example using a handle.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: This invention is a novel word forming board game that uses a unique combination of features that enables and rewards large word formation. In addition, chance is used to make the outcome less predictable and more fun for players of all skill levels. The game apparatus includes a larger number of board spaces, a large number of letter tiles, and chance components (multiplier, bonus word, swap card and swap tiles chance types). The method of play uses a large number of letter tiles per player hand, and the ability to exchange letter tiles at the end of each turn. The basis of the word points is the word length which rewards large word formation. The multiplier chance types amplify the impact of forming large words on the player score, with multiplier values as high as 10 and as low as ?10, distributed so lesser skilled players can win more often.

Abstract: The puzzle with attachable and releasable pieces includes shaped puzzle pieces and a two-part base, which includes a front base section and a back baseplate. The puzzle pieces have rear-facing engaging mechanisms that are attachable to forward-facing male studs carried by the back baseplate. The puzzle pieces each have a particular outer shape determining placement. The puzzle may be stored with the puzzle pieces engaged to the back baseplate, but the puzzle pieces may be later released for repeat play by using a provided puzzle release mechanism.

Abstract: A game that dispenses water onto a user is described, as well as methods of play and apparatuses for same. In some embodiments, water is dispensed from headgear after receiving a wireless transmission from a transmitter located on a gun, console or other device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enabling a user to access a game without registering for a platform account. In implementations, if an unregistered user attempts to access a game supported by a gaming platform, a guest account may be automatically created for the user in response to receiving a request for the user to access the game. The guest account may enable the user to access the game without first registering with the gaming platform.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for capturing data from a plurality of users for providing online gameplay based on captured user sensor data. User sensor data is captured from a plurality of sensor capture devices relative to an associated user so as to be transmitted to a gameplay server. The gameplay server executes instructions to generate a user interface on a user's client computing device for providing gameplay on each user client portable computing device utilizing, and pertinent to, the captured sensor data.

Abstract: A block set assembled by a user and an information processing device communicate with each other. The information processing device thereby obtains information on the structure of the block set. In addition, an object of a crane truck corresponding to the block set is displayed on a display device. Correspondences between joints and wheels and correspondences between movements are set. Thereby, when the block set is moved, the movement of the block set is reflected in the object on display. When the object is moved, the movement of the object is reflected in the block set by transmitting a control signal from the information processing device.

Abstract: A manipulating device includes an analog manipulator tiltable or slidable in a first direction perpendicular to a central line along a second direction, and a plurality of manipulating buttons disposed in surrounding relation to the analog manipulator. The manipulating buttons include a first manipulating button positioned off the central line in the first direction. The analog manipulator is tilted or slid in the first direction, a position of an upper end of the first manipulating button along the second direction is higher than a position of an outer edge of the analog manipulator which is closer to the first manipulating button, along the second direction.

Abstract: A gaming controller includes a handgrip, an elongated portion, a pedal system, and a communications interface. The handgrip has a forward facing surface that defines an aperture. The handgrip defines a pivot point along the aperture. The elongated portion extends from the handgrip, forward of the forward facing surface. The pedal system is disposed within the aperture of the handgrip. The pedal system includes a pedal disposed along the forward facing surface of the handgrip. The pedal has a first end proximate the elongated portion and an opposing second end spaced from the elongated portion. The pedal is coupled to the pivot point of the handgrip such that the pedal is selectively pivotable between a nominal position, a first position, and a second position. The communications interface is configured to facilitate transmitting inputs to the portable gaming device based on a current position of the pedal.

Abstract: Provided is an example system in which a player character provided in a virtual space is caused to perform a motion including a first state and a second state, by a user operating a left controller and a right controller. When the player character is in the first state, the left controller vibrates more strongly than the right controller. When the player character is in the second state, the right controller vibrates more strongly than the left controller.

Abstract: A non-limiting example of a first information processing apparatus controls a first object in a virtual space according to an input by a user of the first information processing apparatus, and sends object information about the first object to a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus receives the object information from the first information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus calculates a predicted position that is taken later than a current position of the first object in the first information processing apparatus, based on the received object information, and a delay time in communication between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus executes a game process based on the predicted position.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks is provided.

Abstract: A system (information processing device) is caused to determine at least one game medium from among a plurality of game media to be provided to a communication terminal, cause the communication terminal to display the at least one game medium, provide the communication terminal with a game environment to test the at least one game medium; and store the at least one game medium in association with an identifier of the communication terminal upon receiving a notification from the communication terminal indicating that the at least one game medium has been selected for possession.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for initiating direct-connection multiplayer game sessions and for resuming a previously-adjourned multiplayer game session using a stored game object representing a state of the game session. In one exemplary method, a multiplayer gaming application may be executed on a first terminal, which may be associated with a first user. The first terminal may access a game object stored on a content management server that contains data representing a state of a previously adjourned session of the multiplayer gaming application. Further, the first terminal may determine, from the game object, a second terminal associated with a second user. The first terminal may host a session between the first terminal and the second terminal. Finally, an updated game object reflecting an updated state of the session may be stored on the content management system.

Abstract: Techniques for distributed determination of scene information are described herein. Scene information may include, for example, information associated with geometries, lighting, colors, texture, shading, shadows, audio, camera attributes, and other information associated with a scene. A first portion of scene information may, for example, be determined by one or more first components, while a second portion of scene information may, for example, be determined by one or more second components. In some cases, at least part of the first portion of scene information may be provided from the one or more first components to the one or more second components. The one or more second components may use the at least part of the first portion of scene information in combination with at least part of the second portion of scene information to generate at least part of a resulting image and/or resulting audio associated with the scene.

Abstract: A game processing method that causes a computer to execute a game program includes displaying, with a touchscreen of the computer, a reference operation to a user, receiving, with the touchscreen, an input operation from a user, determining, with a processor of the computer, a matching degree between the input operation and the reference operation, outputting, from the processor to a memory of the computer, a level of the matching degree between the input operation and the reference operations based on the determination, counting, with the processor, the number of consecutive times that the level continuously exceeds a predetermined threshold level, and outputting, from the processor to the memory, information to award a bonus at a predetermined winning probability for an achieved number of consecutive times when the number of consecutive times reaches the achieved number of consecutive times.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting an image of a user interacting with a video game includes providing images of a virtual reality (VR) scene of the video game for rendering on a display screen of a head mounted display (HMD). The images of the VR scene are generated as part of game play of the video game. An input provided at a user interface on the HMD received during game play is used to initiate a signal to pause the video game and to generate an activation signal to activate an image capturing device. The activation signal causes the image capturing device to capture an image of the user interacting in a physical space. The image of the user captured by the image capturing device during game play is associated with a portion of the video game that corresponds with a time when the image of the user was captured. The association causes the image of the user to be transmitted to the HMD for rendering on the display screen of the HMD.

Abstract: In a game system, a game managing server includes: a game controlling unit that controls a game; a game player instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction from a game player and forwards the instruction to the game controlling unit; and a watching point setting unit that sets a viewpoint position for generating a watching screen for viewing the game, the watching screen being offered to a plurality of watching players different from the game player.

Abstract: A more effective image is presented to a third person in accordance with the progress of a prescribed story of a game in which a virtual object is generated. An MR game device (3) includes a spectator-viewing-intended image synthesis unit (353) that generates a spectator viewpoint image of a virtual space containing an image of the virtual object and an image of a competitor as viewed from a virtual space viewpoint of a spectator in accordance with the progress of the prescribed story.

Abstract: From a stored panorama moving image, panorama images are read and sequentially acquired every predetermined time for reproduction on a display device, each of the panorama images being a frame of the panorama moving image. A range to be displayed in a first display area is set in each of the acquired panorama images. A range to be displayed in a second display area is set in each of the acquired panorama images. The respective ranges of the acquired panorama images which are set to be displayed in the first display area are displayed in the first display area. The respective ranges of the acquired panorama images which are set to be displayed in the second display area are displayed in the second display area.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to interactive computer systems and more particularly to systems and methods for simulating a particular user's behavior in an interactive computer system. In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events. The simulator is further configured to record one or more user inputs in response to the occurrence of the one or more events, store the one or more user inputs in one or more data fields, and associate the one or more data fields with the one or more events and the one or more current circumstances.

Abstract: A parallel reality game has a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world. A captured region is identified within the virtual world that is associated with a team within the parallel reality game. A geographic region is identified within the real world corresponding to the captured region within the virtual world. Data associated with population density for at least a portion of the geographic region is accessed. A score is assigned for the captured region based on the population density.

Abstract: A system and method for a fantasy game are provided. In particular, the system and method enables one or more users to draft fantasy players based on any qualifying real-life person, object, or thing onto a roster, create a lineup based on the roster, and use the lineup to compete against other users. The system and method may utilize a deep learning algorithm that may update in real time to award points. At the conclusion of a season, the present invention may provide for two rounds of playoffs, after which the present invention may declare an overall winner and a winner for a particular category.

Abstract: A multi-user system hosts a game session over a communication network. The game session includes a plurality of media streams that show one or more views of live game play for the game session. The multi-user system further assigns a spectator value to each media stream, updates one or more spectator values based on user inputs received during the game session, selects, for one or more time periods of the game session, one media stream to broadcast based on the spectator value assigned to the one media stream for the one or more time periods, and broadcasts the one media stream over the communication network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sharing a live video with at least two computers on a network. The method comprises: Determining, by a sharing system, the identity of each player in a set of at least two players, of at least one game between the at least two players; associating at least one first player with at least one second player; and receiving, of a video file, by one or more of the at least two computers sent by the at least one first player using one of the at least two computers. The video file includes a performance of a first player, permitting the performance of the first player to be judged by the other at least one second players or more players in the set.

Abstract: A tower ride is disclosed with suspended cars mounted on rails that that forms track that is a complete double helix path for the car without having to turn the car or switch tracks. The car is suspended from a four truss track, riding on the two bottom rails for stability. Another embodiment is a roller coaster track mounted on a tower.

Abstract: This mechanism for driving motions of a surface of spherical, ellipsoidal, plane, or other shape comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted on a freely pivoting frame, each wheel being driven by its own bidirectional motor. The motors and the active electronics of an angle encoder are mounted in an associated fixed frame, so no slip rings or other rotating connections are needed for motor power and control, or for determining the rotation angle of the pivoting frame. Control of the motors provides differential rotation of the two wheels to effect controlled rotation of the pivoting frame, and therefore of wheel direction. This avoids the use of a separate motor for changing the direction of motion of the surface. All parts of the mechanism driving wheel rotation are enclosed by the pivoting frame or the fixed frame.

Abstract: A train track of embodiments of the disclosed technology is bendable in a vertical and/or horizontal plane. This is accomplished by having connectors on either side of two rails which can change in length. The rail, between the connectors, is bendable. Further, a hinged top of a block is used to attach the track to the block when the angle of the lower side changes in combination with an elevation change.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle assembly includes a vehicle that may have a child seated therein. The vehicle has a pair of rear and front wheels. A drive unit is coupled to the vehicle and the drive unit is mechanically coupled to each of the rear wheels. In this way the drive unit selectively urges the vehicle along the support surface. A steering unit is coupled to the vehicle and the steering unit is mechanically coupled to each of the front wheels. In this way the steering unit steers the vehicle on the support surface. A remote control unit is provided and the remote control is manipulated by a caregiver. The remote control is in electrical communication with each of the drive unit and the steering unit. In this way the remote control unit facilitates the caregiver to control motion of the vehicle.