Abstract: A system for timing a basketball match includes a timing device linked to an optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball in a basketball hoop. The optical ball detector includes an optical sensor positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual detector includes at least one kinetic camera for detecting the motion of the ball in the basketball hoop with processing of the signal. A method for timing the basketball match, using the system, includes starting to count game time by activating the timing device, capturing, using the optical sensor and/or the kinetic camera, the passage of the basketball ball into a rim of the basketball hoop, and transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop to the timing device in order to stop game time.

Abstract: An open field game arrangement includes glowing targets and provides responses, such as lights and sounds, when the targets are hit.

Abstract: A ball game including a vertically disposed rod, a holder for holding a handheld device, the holder being rotatably mounted on the rod such that the holder can be rotated about an axis of said rod; and a ball coupled to the holder by a string and configured such that rotation of the ball about the rod urges the rotation of the holder about the axis of the rod.

Abstract: The invention includes a throwing motion training system and device configured to track arm motion and provide predictive ball motion data without the athlete ever having to release the device is provided. The device is configured with a plurality of sensors configured to transmit motion data to data analysis software internal to the device or configured on an external computing system. The data analysis software is configured to prepare and share motion tracking data and predictive ball motion data.

Abstract: A training device for use with a bicycle includes a shuttle guide member including a lower end and an upper end that define an axis therebetween. A shuttle is operably coupleable to a front end of the bicycle and translatable along the axis by a drive coupled to the shuttle. When coupled to the front end of the bicycle, translation of the shuttle along the axis by the drive results in each of a rotation of the shuttle guide member about a pivot and a change in elevation of the front end of the bicycle.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring and displaying the speed, force, rate and/or frequency that an object or a body part strikes a target. The present invention includes an impact sensor, transmitter, computer and display. The sensor includes layers of alternating conductive and non-conductive material that are wrapped around the target. The conductive layers of fabric generate electrical impulses when struck and serve as data points that are interpreted by the computer to derive statistics about a strike against the target.

Abstract: A sports training safety system and method of operation thereof includes: a training dummy; a release attached to the training dummy; a delivery carriage mounted to the release; a delivery rail for supporting the delivery carriage; a transport system, attached to the delivery rail, for moving the delivery carriage and the training dummy along the delivery rail; and a controller.

Abstract: A golf training aid helps train a correct golf swing path where for a short period of time, the club is swung straight through the ball and down the target-line for a period of 12 inches, 6 inches before and 6 inches after impact. The golf training aid golfers achieve this flat with all golf clubs. Four six-inch angled polymer poles attach to a base made for driver and wood shots off a tee, and iron and wood-shots off the ground. Feedback is provided when a player hits or misses the poles. Angled poles are fixed to the base's external driver and iron lines for use with the various clubs, and the ball is aligned with one of two center lines, one line being for tee-shots and the other being for shots hit from the ground.

Abstract: A golf training assembly has a plate structure configured for placement on a golf surface, such as a putting green. The training assembly has a mouth for receiving a rolling golf ball. The mouth guides the golf ball against a stop member for stopping and holding the golf ball in place allowing a golfer to practice putting.

Abstract: A putting training aid includes a weighted roller assembly. The weighted roller assembly includes a bracket member and a weighted roller mounted relative to the bracket member such that the roller is rotatable about a central axis relative to the bracket member. The roller has a weight of at least 18 ounces. A connection is configured for connection of a putter shaft to the bracket member. The connection may be through a direct connection to the bracket member. The connection may be through a support tray connected to the bracket member.

Abstract: A method for ball game training, the method comprising steps executed by at least one computer, the steps comprising: receiving image data of a player and a ball, the image data being captured using at least two cameras, using the received image data, tracking motion of the player and motion of the ball in three dimensions, based on the tracked motions, predicting a position of the player and a trajectory of the ball, and based on the predicted position and trajectory, generating a control command for at least one ball throwing machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for grounds monitoring may include recreational grounds monitoring robots that move about a recreational ground measuring soil moisture at various selectable locations, performing security monitoring and/or identifying and tracking objects on the recreational ground, such as players, golf carts and golf balls. The recreational grounds monitoring robots may also monitor the recreational ground while at charging or docking stations along the boundaries or edges of the recreational ground. Data collected from such monitoring may be used to reduce water usage and enhance games played on the recreational ground by providing the player with the ability to easily locate, and thus track, the location and movement of the ball, while also to facilitating providing game statistics, leaderboard information, other game variations, interactive games and augmented games.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile transponder (12) for timing and position tracking, including: a reception unit (26) for receiving a message (50) when a measuring point (18) is passed; a processor (28) for evaluating the message to activate a tracking mode if the message includes activation information (54), and to determine a passing time at which the measuring point is passed if the message includes timing information (52); and a transmission unit (30) for periodically transmitting a tracking packet (56) with identity information (58) for reception by a tracking station (20) having a known position within communication range (22) if the tracking mode is activated, and for forwarding the passing time to the measuring point. The present invention further relates to a system and a method for timing and position tracking as well as to a use of the transponder and of the system for timing and position tracking of participants at a sports event.

Abstract: A sports accessory is provided to be worn by a user during a sport activity. The accessory includes a flexure system. The flexure system includes a support structure including a plurality of intersecting grooves disposed along a surface of the support structure, where a plurality of segments are defined along the surface of the support structure between the intersecting grooves such that the support structure is configured to flex along the grooves with segments moving in relation to other segments during use of the sports accessory.

Abstract: Protection device (1) for sports activities, analysis and monitoring system (14) of data sent by a protection device and method for processing and calculating the data sent by a protection device where the protection device (1) comprises a localization unit (2) adapted to detect the positioning data (P) of the user, a detection unit (3) adapted to detect the movement data (A, M, W) of the user; at least a communication unit (6), operatively connected to the localization unit (2) and to the detection unit (3) and adapted to send/receive said positioning data (P) and movement data (A, M, W) to/from at least an external module (7).

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is a sliding apparatus. In some aspects, the sliding apparatus may comprise an elongated body containing magnets. The elongated body may comprise a toe end, a tail end, a top surface, and a slide surface. In one aspect, the magnets may be located between the toe and tail ends of the elongated body, spaced apart from one another in the elongated body, and polarized to define top poles oriented toward the top surface of the elongated body and bottom poles oriented toward the slide surface of the elongated body. For example, the magnets may be arranged so the bottom poles have alternating polarities in a direction relative to the elongated body. Related apparatus and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus for use in snow is provided. The gliding apparatus may include a riding platform, the riding platform having a top surface to support a rider's feet and a bottom surface. The gliding apparatus may also include a snow ski, a first mounting device and a second mounting device, each positioned between the riding platform and the snow ski and each having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled about a first axis to the snow ski and the bottom portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled about a second axis to the snow ski. The top portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a third axis and the top portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a fourth axis.

Abstract: A novel double-kingpin skateboard truck is disclosed herein. The novel truck comprises, generally, an intermediary member with a keyway slot that receives an L-shaped keyway bolt. A plurality of risers may be installed on the keyway bolt to raise or lower the overall height of the truck and, thus, the height of an attached skateboard above the ground. The design of the truck allows for increased lateral articulation of the truck when its height is maximized, thus allowing for tighter leaning and turning of the skateboard, while limiting lateral articulation in its lowest height articulation, resulting in increased lateral stability and the ability to operate the skateboard more safely at higher speeds.

Abstract: A truck for a riding device with three primary motions of leaning, steering, and floating, comprising three rigid bodies, a baseplate, a revolute floating kingpin, and a hanger. A revolute joint moveably connects the kingpin and baseplate, an upper spherical joint moveably connects the baseplate and hanger, and a lower spherical joint moveably connects the hanger and kingpin. The upper and lower spherical joints define a hanger pivot axis, with a virtual pivot point at the intersection of the hanger pivot axis and a line vertically projected from the axle axis. A longitudinal roll axis is coincident with the axis of rotation of the revolute joint. In a riding device, a virtual pivot point roll axis is coincident with a virtual line between a virtual pivot point of the front truck and a virtual pivot point of the rear truck.

Abstract: When an electric vehicle is traveling downhill, experiencing regenerative braking, or otherwise forcing the vehicle motor to turn faster than the commanded motor torque, the vehicle motor produces electrical energy that can be used to recharge a vehicle battery. However, if the vehicle battery is already nearly or fully charged, the excess electrical energy produced may damage the battery. Control systems described herein may reduce and/or dispose of the excess energy by manipulating the motor flux (i.e., direct) current and quadrature current independently.

Abstract: A locomotion apparatus that has a base that secures a skateboard platform to a snow ski as a combination. The base is secured into position by bindings of a ski. A brake mechanism is provided that has a brake seat, a lever arm and a spring arm that cooperate with each other to enable the brake mechanism to move between a deployed brake position, at which the combination brakes to prevent its locomotion, and a non-deployed brake position, at which the locomotion is enabled.

Abstract: The educational and socially interactive learning game includes a plurality of game boards, each game board having different uniquely identifiable indicia; a plurality of sets of game pieces, each game board having a corresponding set in which each game piece has the same identifiable indicia as the corresponding game board; a die having indicia on its faces, each game board having a face of the die bearing its corresponding identifiable indicia; and a plurality of game cards. Each player begins with a game board and corresponding of game pieces. Once the die is cast, the player who cast the die must ask a question eliciting personal information from the player whose game board corresponds to the indicia on the die, or play an educational game with that player. The players then exchange game pieces. The game ends when one player obtains a game piece from each of the other players.

Abstract: A puzzle set comprises a plurality of cubes, each configured with a drawing at one or more of its facets; and an interface configured to cause the cubes to be positioned one adjacent to the other while permitting a change in disposition and rotational state of any of the cubes. The drawings are designed to allow continuation of one another, by which viewable contiguous facets define together a composite symbol, upon positioning the cubes in accordance with a predetermined arrangement. At least one of the facets is rotatable in relation to other facets when the cubes are positioned one adjacent to the other, allowing rotation of its drawing without separating the cubes. In a method for generating a viewable object, a facet is displaced and rotated until the drawing on each of the viewable contiguous facets are in continuation of one another to define together the viewable object.

Abstract: A toy top includes a body portion having a component movably connected to an outer peripheral portion thereof. The component is movable within a predetermined range along a circumferential direction of the body around a rotational center of the toy top.

Abstract: A game control device comprising at least one processor configured to: receive direction input by determining which region, among a plurality of regions set so as to respectively correspond to a plurality of directions, a touch position detected by a touch panel is included in; determine whether or not the touch position has changed from being in one region to being in another region among the plurality of regions; and cause the touch panel to vibrate if the touch position has changed from being in the one region to being in the another region.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a location-based game performed by a first device, including: performing authentication between the first device and a second device; connecting the first device with the second device; receiving location information of the second device from the connected second device; setting the received location information of the second device as location information of the first device; transmitting the set location information of the first device to a game server; and receiving a game based on the location information of the first device from the game server, and the first device is a device without a GPS (Global Positioning System) function and the second device is a device with the GPS function.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods may provide for audio processing of received user audio input from a microphone that may optionally be a tissue conducting microphone. Audio processing may be further conducted on received ambient audio from one or more additional microphones. A translator may translate the ambient audio into content to be output to a user. In an embodiment, ambient audio is translated into visual content to be displayed on a virtual reality device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a processor to detect a gaming accessory stimulation associated with a programmable layer of a number of programmable layers. The processor identifies a substitute gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer of the number of programmable layers of the gaming accessory. The substitute gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer is associated with the gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer of the number of programmable layers, according to a user profile of a number of user profiles associated with a user account. Other predetermined associations of stimulations of the gaming accessory with other substitute accessory stimulations are recorded in other user profiles of the number of user profiles, and the substitute gaming accessory stimulation is provided to a computing device to manage a gaming software application. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: recording gameplay metadata generated from execution of a first session of a video game, the execution of the first session being driven by interactive gameplay of the video game by a first user using a first head-mounted display (HMD), wherein the execution of the first session renders a first view of a virtual environment from a first location determined by the interactive gameplay, and based on tracked movement of the first HMD; transmitting the gameplay metadata to a client device; tracking movement of a second HMD; executing, by the client device, a second session of the video game using the gameplay metadata to recreate gameplay events, wherein the execution of the second session renders a second view of the virtual environment from a second location that is determined based on the first location, and based on the tracked movement of the second HMD.

Abstract: A game processing device controls a first mounted display worn by a first player to display a virtual space in association with a first virtual position in the virtual space, and controls a second mounted display worn by a second player to display the virtual space in association with a second virtual position in the virtual space. The device also determines a position of the first player in a real space based on an output of a first sensor, moves the first virtual position in accordance with the position of the first player, determines a position of the second player in the real space based on an output of a second sensor, and moves the second virtual position in accordance with the position of the second player. The device produces a game special effect when a distance between the first and second virtual positions is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A wearable or mountable visor or display apparatus capable of presenting augmented reality (AR) content. The primary intent of the AR visor is to parse and selectively display desired heads up display (HUD) content from a video stream or video game such as a map, timer or clock, speedometer/tachometer, instrumentation panels, or similar context-sensitive information relevant to a video game or stream. The AR visor allows a user to configure and display various content on one or more designated sections of the AR visor/display.

Abstract: A gaming unit and producing a game-audio output of a varying volume level and a chat-voice output is connected to headphones adapted to be worn by a player of the unit and connected to the gaming unit for making the chat-voice output and the game-audio output audible to the player. A circuit or software associated with the headphones can increase the chat-voice volume level generally proportionately to the game-audio volume level.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an enclosure including a controller, a display, an operation unit, and a riding part, wherein the game apparatus further includes at least one of an actuator for causing a user to perceive shaking or vibration and a supply unit for causing the user to perceive at least one of wind, water, smell, heat, a cooling sensation, and a tactile sensation, and wherein the controller controls content displayed on the display depending on a situation in a game and a change in a user's visual point, and the controller controls the actuator or the supply unit according to the situation in the game.

Abstract: A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing and managing multiuser sessions is provided. A plurality of interactive content titles and at least one activity template associated with each of the interactive content titles are stored in memory. A processor executes instructions stored in memory, wherein execution of the instructions by the processor receives input regarding a selected activity associated with one of the interactive content titles stored in memory, retrieves an activity template associated with the selected activity from memory, establishes a session based at least on the activity properties, assigns a user as a leader of the established session, adds each of a plurality of peers to an available participant slot in accordance with leader input, and automatically initiates the selected activity within the established session.

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

Abstract: The system is directed towards an interactive events platform. The interactive events platform may discover current in-game events associated with different video games currently available (or active). The platform may further notify a user of the discovered in-game events associated with different video games and facilitate the user joining a particular in-game event. The interactive events platform may also discover and notify the user of future in-game events associated with different video games. In some embodiments, the discovery and notification of any in-game events are based on games currently being played (or registered) with the user.

Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus, a storage medium and an electronic device are provided. The method includes that: a first touch control region is provided on a graphical user interface, and a virtual character is configured to move in a game scene according to a first touch operation received in the first touch control region; a second touch control region is provided on the graphical user interface, and when a second touch operation in the second touch control region is detected, a presented vision of the game scene on the graphical user interface is changed; and when a preset operation of the second touch operation is detected, a prompt signal selection control configured to send a prompt signal is provided, and the prompt signal includes position indication information of the game scene.

Abstract: A system and method for creation of interactive user interfaces without software code authoring knowledge. The method involves recording of an author's input to a physical input device during, and in synchronization with, video content, which may be displayed to the author, or may be recorded or streamed. The timing, nature, and sequence of the user inputs define time-specific target inputs for a player during a gameplay session. During a gameplay/interaction session, the same video content is displayed to the player, and the player receives prompts to provide physical inputs to the player's device that match the physical inputs provided by the author to the author's device during the game creation session. The prompts may include a modified view of the video content in which the video content is displayed misaligned with a display screen of the player's device, or with a display surface of a display environment.

Abstract: An example of an information processing device generates a game field for each of a plurality of game stages. The information processing device executes a game process of controlling a player object in response to an operation by a user in a game stage for which the game field has been generated. The information processing device determines whether the user has cleared or failed to clear the game stage. In response to a determination that the user has cleared the game stage, the information processing device starts the game process for a next game stage while maintaining a state of the player object at the time of clearing. On the other hand, in response to a determination that the user has failed to clear the game stage, the information processing device starts the game process for a next game stage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for a game application host system and game application that can determine the hardware characteristics of a user computing system for use during online matchmaking in a multiplayer game application. The game application can include a hardware analysis module that can evaluate the user computing system to determine the speed and operational characteristics of the hardware. The hardware characteristics can be used for matchmaking by a matchmaking module of the host application system to select hosts and users for a game match. The hardware analysis module that can run tests, such as a data throughput analysis and a processing analysis, to evaluate and rate the user computing system. The ratings can be incorporated into the matchmaking analysis along with other matchmaking characteristics, such as latency, player skill level, geographical location, and other existing matchmaking characteristics, in order to selects users for game matches.

Abstract: A computerized method and system of facilitating state-based participation in calling plays in a football game thereby allowing fans to proactively participate in real-time in the game. A computing device receives a user profile corresponding to a user registered to vote in a real-time football game. A sequence of states is initiated in response to start of a play during the real-time football game. The sequence of states includes receiving a set of plays from a coach, sending the set of plays to a user, and receiving a vote from the user. A result of a real-time play based on the winning play is received and the coach is score updated. The computerized method and system is not limited to football, and may also be applied to other live events such as soccer, baseball, golf, hockey, basketball, movie screenings, game shows, award shows, sales meetings, political events, and business conferences.

Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and apparatus for providing various movements as input to a video game. The method and apparatus may detect the body movements of a video game player and interpret those movements as inputs to the video game. The video game may then compare the movements of the user to expected movements to determine if the correct movement was performed by the user. The video game may also display a video game environment that instructs and interacts with the user to perform several movements of the video game. In this manner, the method and apparatus may provide a move realistic and dynamic video game experience than previous video games that only allowed the player to press buttons as inputs to the game.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for allowing a custom version of video session to be created for presentation on at least one viewer device. Game metadata generated from a live or recorded video feed is received. The game metadata includes three-dimensional modeling data associated with the live or recorded video feed. Viewer metadata collected from a plurality of viewer devices is received. The viewer metadata includes information pertaining to a plurality of responses of a plurality of viewers to a presentation of the video session on a plurality of viewer devices. Additional game metadata is created based on the game metadata and the viewer metadata. The additional game metadata includes camera data based on the three-dimensional modeling data. The additional game metadata is integrated into the game metadata for at least near-real-time presentation of the custom version of the video session.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for unlocking game play data on Near Field Communications (NFC) chips to allow for game play using the game play data on the NFC chips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated dynamic adaptive control are disclosed herein. The system can include a simulation vehicle that can transit at least one participant through an entertainment experience from a starting positon to a terminating position. The simulation vehicle can include a plurality of user controls. The system can include a processor that can: provide content to the at least one participant; receive user inputs via the plurality of controls of the simulation vehicle. The processor can: affect the entertainment experience based on the received user inputs; identify an intervention based on a determined discrepancy between received user inputs and expected user inputs; and modify an effect of the user inputs on the entertainment experience according to the identified intervention.

Abstract: An action character assembly includes a torso having a first magnet disposed therein, the torso bounding a first passage extending from an exterior surface of the torso toward the first magnet, the first passage having a non-circular transverse cross sectional configuration. A first appendage has a first connector attached thereto, a portion of the first connector being received within first passage so that the first connector is magnetically coupled to the first magnet, the first connector being movably coupled to the first appendage.

Abstract: An articulating object is provided, including first and second body portions, a first cable segment and a cable drive system. The second body portion has a neutral axis and is articulatable. The first cable segment is of a push-pull cable type and extends along the second body portion on a first side of the neutral axis. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a first direction so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a first moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a first articulation direction. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a second direction for the first cable segment so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a second moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a second articulation direction.

Abstract: A toy is disclosed for a segmented tube track kit. The toy comprises a tube, comprised of reversibly attachable tubes. In one embodiment, the tube segments are held together frictionally. In another embodiment, tube segments are held together by locking mechanisms consisting of projections and cutouts. The toy vehicle in the kit has a drive wheel which is forced up away from the body of the car and against the inner walls of the tube by resilient members. In another embodiment, the vehicle has a tumbler wheel at the front of the car.