Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a stiffening structure is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown section, and defines a hollow interior. The stiffening structure extends within the hollow interior from the crown section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The stiffening structure is entirely located within 0.500 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and within 1 inch of the center of the face section along a horizontal axis parallel to the face section, and comprises heel and toe connectors connected to one another by a middle connector, such that the stiffening structure has an approximately X- or H- overall shape.

Abstract: A two-player versus game system which can be completely disassembled and stored for easy storage and transport, and which can quickly be assembled into a functioning game system. The system includes a central tower from which a ring or a ball on a string hangs over the playing area. A scoring element is extended vertically on either side of the player area, one for each player. The base of the container can include score-keeping devices attached thereto, such as sliding beads on a rod for quickly tabulating when a player scores a hook on a ring or a ball in a basket. The scoring elements and the central tower both can all be removed from their respective receivers within the base of the container and laid flat within the container, and the lid can close the container.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a portable and easy to set up retractable cord system with means to allow athletes to move along specified routes and to form space indicators that show zone areas.

Abstract: A training apparatus and method of use for guiding and improving the forehand, backhand and other strokes of a table tennis player by forcing the hand travel in the correct trajectory to strike the ball. The apparatus includes a waist and a chest belt, or a wide belt, to position a vertical rigid rod support to which the training guide is mounted. The training guide includes a plate that can be adjusted in 6 degrees of freedom via a universal joint. There are two universal joints between the plate and the vertical rod support strapped to the player's torso. The position, orientation and the angle of the plate can be adjusted by the player via the two universal joints as required. The training apparatus improves the paddle stroke trajectory by guiding the hand such that the ball is returned to the opposing player bouncing off the table.

Abstract: A punching ball is spherical and specifically designed for striking against a wall for power and precision training. The punching ball can have varied weight, size, rebound characteristics and density parameters while maintaining a multilayer configuration in which there are two layers of foam around a dense core. The outer-most foam layer is covered by an outer shell material. By using different densities in the foam layers and for the core, the punching ball can deform around the fist of a person punching the punching ball. As such, the punching ball can be directed to a desired location during a punch. This provides a method of training in power and precision, as the punching ball can be repeatably punched towards a wall, the person training having to follow-through on every rebound.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary ball pod for holding and transporting balls, such as tennis balls, baseballs, etc. is presented. The ball pod is useful for allowing easy access to the balls and refreshments while playing or practicing a game. The ball pod is easy to transport the balls from one location to another location and is efficient in use and accessibility. Furthermore, the ball pod is useful for securely holding refreshments for the player in order to refresh or hydrate the player during the game or the practice. The ball pod may also hold other items such as various player's garments (warm-up tops, bottoms, etc.), towels, personal items (smart phones, keys, wallet), etc. The ball pod has further uses such as, but not limited to, poolside holding refreshments, personal items, towels, street clothes), bar-b-que (holding utensils, condiments, aprons, towels, items to be grilled etc.

Abstract: A light field (LF) display system for displaying holographic content (e.g., a holographic sporting event or holographic content to augment a holographic sporting event) to viewers in an arena. The LF display system in the arena includes LF display modules tiled together to form an array of LF modules. The array of LF modules create a holographic object volume for displaying the holographic content in the arena. The array of LF modules displays the holographic content to viewers in the viewing volumes. The LF display system can be included in a LF sporting event network. The LF sporting event network allows holographic content to be created at one location and presented at another location. The LF sporting event network includes a network system to manage the digital rights of the holographic sporting event content.

Abstract: A smart mirror can show live or recorded streaming video of an instructor performing a workout in a package that is attractive and unobtrusive enough to hang in a living room. The smart mirror includes a mirror surface with a fully reflecting section and a partially reflecting section. A display behind the partially reflecting section shows the video when the smart mirror is on and is almost invisible when the smart mirror is off. The smart mirror also has a speaker, a microphone, and a camera to enable a user to view the video content and interact with the instructor. The smart mirror may connect to the user's smart phone, a peripheral device (e.g., a Bluetooth speaker) to augment user experience, a biometric sensor to provide biometric data to assess user performance, and/or a network router to connect the smart mirror to a content provider, an instructor, and/or other users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are discussed for an electric-powered personal transportation vehicle with a composite board to support a weight of a user, one or more wheels driven by one or more electric motors, where the electric motors are powered by one or more batteries. The composite board includes a heterogeneous mix of individual components making up the composite board. The composite board includes i) a spine of the composite board made of a hardwood material connected to ii) sides of the composite board made of a vibration-dampening, high-density, foam.

Abstract: A board game featuring a board having a removable rotatable tower having an arm extending away from it and a hook for receiving a ring hung from a string from the arm. Players move their pieces about the board. Cards may be drawn at random intervals. The player may be required to toss the ring towards the hook located on the tower. Successfully hooking the ring to the tower may affect the outcome of the player's turn. The tower may be rotated on the board, so that each player can swing the ring, depending on outcomes from the various features of the game, including the cards, dice rolls, and space locations on the game board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart magic cube providing a cube game by changing lights of respective cells constituting a magic cube while the cells are fixed, and an operation method thereof. A smart magic cube of the present invention includes: a cube housing in which each surface is divided by N×N cells; a light emitting part formed inside each cell and emitting at least one type of light externally through a surface of the cell; six rotation means formed in a rotatable manner; a rotation sensing part sensing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of the rotation means; and a control part controlling the light emitting part to change and emit lights such that border cells of a surface where the rotated rotation means is formed, and cells of four different surfaces adjacent to the border cells output lights changed according to a preset rule.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present specification provide systems and methods for operating game controllers. Microprocessor-controlled game controllers enable recreation of identical gaming scenarios with precision and accuracy. At least one microprocessor is connected to one or more game controllers. The microprocessor is programmed to synchronize the game controllers externally. Additionally, the microprocessor is programmed to modify one or more game controls that are provided by the game controllers. In embodiments of the present specification, game controllers are embedded with a wireless microcontroller that allow for remote feeding of commands to the microcontrollers.

Abstract: A game processing system for processing of a game that provides interaction with a virtual character according to one embodiment includes a storage that stores action data for specifying one or more actions of the virtual character and one or more computer processors. The one or more processors execute computer readable instructions to determine an action of a player performed toward the virtual character based on detection information obtained by a head mounted display attached to a head of the player, cause the virtual character to perform a first action based on the action of the player and first action data among the action data for specifying the one or more actions of the virtual character, and suspend execution of the first action when a suspension condition is satisfied during the execution of the first action.

Abstract: This vibration control apparatus receives a vibration instruction for vibrating a vibration device and vibrates the vibration device according to contents in which contents of the received vibration instruction are corrected in accordance with information regarding an operating condition of the vibration device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed towards employing one or more physical sensors arranged on or in proximity to a video game player to obtain biofeedback measures that are then usable to dynamically modify a state of play of a video game. The sensors may be connected or even unconnected to the game player, replace, or otherwise augment traditional physical game controllers. The sensors gather various biofeedback measures and provide such measures to a biofeedback application programming interface (API). Before and/or during video game play, the video game queries the biofeedback API to request inferences about the game player's state of arousal. The response to the query is then used to modify the state of the video game play. Where the video game is a multi-player video game, biofeedback measures from other game players may also be obtained and used to further modify the state of the video game play.

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

Abstract: Example methods and systems for computing a reaction time from an indexed event occurring in an indexed recording to a reaction signal are described. An example method includes receiving a sample of ambient content of a computing device, determining a position identification of the sample of ambient content into an indexed recording to which the sample of ambient content matches, based on the position identification, synchronizing display of content on a user interface of the computing device to the indexed recording, and computing the reaction time. The reaction signal is generated by the computing device and is indicative of a user's response to the indexed event.

Abstract: An example information processing apparatus executes a setting process of setting a content set including a plurality of game contents for a player of the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus executes a selection process of selecting at least one game content from the content set. A game content is chosen, according to a predetermine rule, from a game content group including a plurality of game contents selected by performing the selection process on each of content sets that have been set for a plurality of players. A game process based on the chosen game content is executed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method comprises display of a navigable image on a display. The navigable image comprises a plurality of game objects. Game resources are associated with at least one of said game objects. A given amount of game resources are provided in a respective time period. The providing of the game resources can be speeded up if a computer game is played and an objective associated with the game achieved.

Abstract: A method for executing a game by a computing system that uses a central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) for generating video frames. A draw call is generated for a video frame by the CPU. At bind time, i.e. writing of the GPU commands by the CPU using a GPU API, asset aware data (AAD) is written to the command buffer, and loading of one or more level of detail (LOD) data from an asset store to system memory is requested. The GPU executes the draw call for the frame using LOD data written to the system memory, the GPU using at least a minimum of LOD data based on the AAD. Additionally, the GPU uses information regarding the LOD load state when executing the draw call, in order to avoid access to LODs not yet loaded.

Abstract: A virtual reality system comprising a headset, a primary battery, a secondary battery (provides backup power), an output device which displays a 3-D virtual world (VW) based on the orientation and position of the headset. Swapping of the primary battery with a physical battery is viewed in the (VW) using virtual counterparts of the primary battery and the secondary battery in an output device in the headset. A user physically swaps the batteries while “seeing” the swapping taking place in the VW. The locations the user sees (through the headset) the primary battery and secondary battery correspond to their locations in the real world relative to the headset so that while the user physically feels (with his/her hands) the primary battery and the secondary battery the locations of the primary battery and the secondary battery in the VW correspond to what the user feels so that the swapping feels “real.

Abstract: A method for providing information in an HMD. The method includes defining an active zone in a virtual reality (VR) viewing environment of a user as presented through a 3D display of the HMD. The method includes placing main content in the active zone of the VR viewing environment. The method includes defining one or more peripheral zones outside of the active zone. The method includes placing secondary content in the first peripheral zone of the VR viewing environment. The method includes displaying an attractor within the active zone in conjunction with the entry of new data in the secondary content, wherein the attractor brings attention of the user to the first peripheral zone. The method includes detecting rotation of the HMD from the first orientation directed to the active zone towards a second orientation directed to the first peripheral zone. The method includes pausing the main content.

Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays an interaction region that includes one or more objects; while displaying the interaction region, the device displays an effect selection panel that includes effect selection affordances that correspond to different predefined effects, and detects a sequence of one or more inputs, including detecting a first contact and movement of the first contact; and when the sequence of one or more inputs meets effect selection criteria with respect to a first effect selection affordance, the device displays a first visual indication that indicates selection of the first effect selection affordance; and when effect adjustment criteria are met with respect to a first effect corresponding to the first effect selection affordance, the device displays a second visual indication to indicate adjustment of an effect position corresponding to the first effect in accordance with the movement of the first contact.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus stores music information indicating music, the music being constructed by a plurality of tracks, the music being reproduced with plural kinds of reproducing styles by reproducing an arbitrary combination of one or two or more tracks; stores music reproducing style information, the music reproducing style information indicating a reproducing style of music according to a game point value; starts reproduction with a reproducing style according to the game point value; reproduces the music indicated by the music information; updates the game point value in accordance with a progress status of the video game; refers to the updated game point value and the music reproducing style information to determine whether the reproducing style of the reproduced music is to be updated or not; and updates the reproducing style of the reproduced music to a reproducing style according to the updated game point value.

Abstract: A game system provides a virtual game space in which plural players play a game. In the virtual game space, if a player object performs a first action on an item appearance area, the game system determines whether a right state of the player object is a first state or a second state. If the right state of the player object is the first state, the game system determines that an item appearance condition is satisfied. If the right state of the player object is the second state, the game system determines that the item appearance condition is not satisfied. If it is determined that the item appearance condition is satisfied, the game system causes a game item to appear in the virtual game space, and changes the right state of the player object to the second state.

Abstract: An example of an information processing apparatus places an object in a virtual space. The information processing apparatus counts, for at least one type of the object, a placement number of the objects placed in the virtual space. The information processing apparatus presents candidates of a clear condition including a condition relating to the object, on the basis of the counted placement number, in a selectable manner for a user. The clear condition is used for determining that a game using the virtual space has been cleared. The information processing apparatus sets a candidate selected by the user, as the clear condition.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for valuing third-party generated content within a video game environment. Third-party generated content (e.g., a persona item for a virtual character) for a video game comprising file(s) is received. The file(s) are analyzed to detect more predefined objective property(ies) of the received third-party generated content. A rarity score for the third-party generated content is calculated based, at least in part, upon the detected one or more predefined objective properties and, optionally, a weight assigned to each predefined objective property. A rarity level for the third-party generated content is assigned based, at least in part, on the calculated score. Information regarding the assigned rarity level of the third-party generated content is provided (e.g., to a user of the video game and/or a creator of the third-party generated content).

Abstract: A game processing system for processing a game having a first mode and a second mode according to an aspect includes one or more computer processors. The one or more computer processors are configured to provide, in the first mode, an interaction with a virtual character in accordance with first detection information obtained by an information processing device not mounted on a head of a player. The one or more computer processors also performs a switch process from the first mode to the second mode and provide, in the second mode after the switch process, an interaction with the virtual character in accordance with second detection information obtained by a head mounted display mounted on the head of the player.

Abstract: A plurality of game apparatuses function as a master, a client, and an audience. The master and the client register each other by performing therebetween an authentication process. The authentication process is not performed between the master and the audience. The audience receives a beacon from the master and registers the master in an own apparatus while the audience is not registered in the master. The master and the client execute a predetermined program, exchanging data by communicating with each other. The audience receives the data exchanged between the master and the client, and executes the predetermined program using the received data, thereby watches a game which is progressed between the master and the client, as a spectator.

Abstract: A server computer is connected to a plurality of client computers through a network, and controls objects in a Metaverse accessed by the client computers. The server computer includes a storage unit for storing an object ID specifying an object accessible in the Metaverse by the plurality of client computers and authenticity information associated with the object ID. The authenticity information indicates that the object is genuine. The server computer also includes a communication unit for communicating with each of the client computers. The server computer also includes an enquiry unit for causing the communication unit to transmit the authenticity information corresponding to the object ID to at least one of the plurality of client computers upon receipt of an enquiry request to enquire about the object ID of the object from one of the plurality of client computers.

Abstract: A service may be provided to a set of people when the people satisfy a proximity criterion. In one example, that set of people comprises users of a particular application and/or registrants with a particular system. A location monitor may determine people's location based on position data received from those people's devices (which may be obtained pursuant to appropriate permission in order to respect the device owners' interest in privacy). When the location monitor determines, based on people's positions, that a proximity criterion has been satisfied, the location monitor may cause a service to be provided that would not otherwise have been provided if the proximity criterion had not been satisfied. By providing additional service when a proximity criterion is satisfied, a reward in the virtual world is used to encourage people to gather in the physical world.

Abstract: A motion platform apparatus has a fixed base and a track that extends in a forward-rearward direction. A motion platform is movably mounted on the track and extends between a platform front end and a platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction. A seating assembly is mounted on the motion platform. The seating assembly has at least one user seat that includes a seat base. The motion platform is movable along the track to position the seating assembly in a load position and in an in-use position. The load position of the seating assembly is rearward of the in-use position. The seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform underneath the seat base. The front end of each seat base may be positioned forward of the platform front end. The seating assembly can be tilted as it moves between the load position and the in-use position.

Abstract: A motion simulator system includes a display screen and multiple rider motion apparatuses. Each rider motion apparatus supports at least one rider accommodation and is positionable in a ride position facing the display screen. The motion simulator system includes multiple motion bays with an open front end facing the display screen. Each motion bay encloses at least one of the rider motion apparatuses. Multiple motion bays can be stacked facing the same display screen. A subset of the rider motion apparatuses may be activated, even when one or more rider motion apparatuses are in an inactive state. A visual display can be provided on the display screen that is synchronized with motion of the active rider motion apparatuses.

Abstract: Techniques for randomized device interaction are provided. A first communication pattern is selected, with at least a degree of randomness, from a plurality of communication patterns, where each of the plurality of communication patterns specifies one or more audio profiles. A first audio profile specified in the first communication pattern is identified. A first portion of audio is extracted from a first audio file with at least a degree of randomness, and the first portion of audio is modified based on the first audio profile. Finally, the first modified portion of audio is outputted by a first device.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to dolls and action figures that are capable of lifelike movement via a manual controller. In some embodiments, only the movement of the arms or legs is manually controlled. In another embodiment, the movement of both the arms and legs is manually controlled. In some embodiments, the actuator gearing system includes a clutch to help prevent the gears from stripping. In other embodiments, the controller is removable.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a model car racing track, having at least two tracks for model cars, wherein a positive busbar and a negative busbar are in each case assigned to each track, and a first driving speed controller is connected between a positive supply terminal and the positive busbar of the first track and a second driving speed controller is connected between a negative supply terminal and the negative busbar of the second track.

Abstract: An infant play mat with a flexible central mat portion having a fabric surface that forms a first infant play area including multiple flexible flaps. The infant play mat has a polygonal perimeter with multiple straight edges, with two of the edges defining a corner therebetween. Multiple flexible flaps extend from a respective one of the perimeter edges and define a fold line. Each flap has an upper flap surface exposed when the flap is extended, and hidden when the play mat is folded at the fold line to cover a region of the central mat portion. The central mat portion and lower surfaces of the flaps together form a second infant play area when the play mat is folded at all of the fold lines.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that create the perception for an audience that an actor is being transported from one location to another during a stage performance. Also disclosed are methods for entrance onto/exit from a stage platform by an actor, or entrance onto/exit from a stage backdrop by a precision image that represents an actor. The disclosed methods involve interaction of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop, and/or involve interaction of an image of an actor with an object/prop or image of an object/prop during a stage performance.

Abstract: A fog machine supplies air to a fog liquid reservoir to force the fog liquid into a heater, wherein the fog liquid vaporizes to produce fog. The fog liquid supply to the heater can be halted, and the air supply can then be used to purge the heater of residual fog liquid. Within the heater, the fog liquid travels from outer passages further from the heating element(s) to inner passages closer to the heating element(s), whereby the fog liquid is preheated prior to vaporization, resulting in a higher degree of vaporization and “drier” fog with finer vapor particles. The fog machine may draw fog liquid from an “offboard” fog liquid reservoir, such as an off-the-shelf jug of liquid, and is preferably remote-controllable via a user's smartphone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat transfer tube (9) for falling film evaporation having a heating medium surface (21) to be heated by a heating medium, a falling film surface (20) to have spent liquor passing over it, and being made from an iron based high alloy stainless steel material with an alloy content above 16.00% for Chromium and above 1% for Nickel. The falling film surface of the heat transfer tube is equipped with one or several protrusions/indentations forming a multitude of stamped bumps (SB) on the envelope surface of a heat transfer tube such that the distance between adjacent stamped bumps (SB) along a line on the envelope surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heat transfer tube is within the range of 3 to 250 mm, said stamped bumps (SB) having a height (hp) in the range 0.3 to 5.0 mm, a width (wp) in the range 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distillation apparatus and, more particularly, to a distillation apparatus for recovering a high purity product through fractionation of volatile components from a material to be distilled, by using thermal energy and centrifugal force. The distillation apparatus can recover a high purity product from the material to be distilled without significant damage by reducing a pressure drop according to driving of the apparatus and thereby minimizing the temperature difference in the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to humidification-dehumidification desalination systems, including apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), mobile humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems (e.g., systems having a relatively low height and/or a relatively small footprint), and associated systems and methods. Certain embodiments generally relate to methods of operating, controlling, and/or cleaning desalination systems comprising a plurality of desalination units (e.g., HDH desalination units).

Abstract: A process for fractionating a plant material to provide isolated extractives, the process includes pretreating the plant material to provide a fluidized plant material, subjecting the pretreated fluidized plant material to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing bioactive aspects of one or more components of the plant material to provide a first liquid fraction having extractives to be isolated and a first fractionated plant material, separating the first liquid fraction having extractives from the first fractionated plant material, and isolating extractives from the first liquid fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coconut water as extraction solvent, to extraction methods using coconut water and extracts obtained by extraction with coconut water.

Abstract: A reaction assembly separating plant material from water includes a first annular filter element defining an axis. The first annular filter element is defined by an outer annular coil of flat wire and an optional second filter element is defined by an inner annular coil of flat wire, being generally helical in the axial direction. A cylindrically or frustoconical filter membrane is concentrically disposed between the first and second annular filter element. The filter membrane is porous having aperture size of less than a nano-particulate size of the plant material, but greater than a nano-particulate size of the water molecule. The second annular filter includes adjustable porosity for selectively preventing particles from reaching the filter membrane and selectively cleaning the membrane by reversed flow of water through the membrane. The assembly generates radial and distal flows and differential pressure forces, for use in high throughput industrial, agricultural and municipal facilities.

Abstract: The invention provides a purification column that contains an adsorbent and shows excellent adsorptivity. Specifically, this purification column is provided with an adsorbent and a case that contains the adsorbent and has a tubular housing and treatment fluid supply port and discharge port at both ends of the housing. The purification column is characterized in that: a distribution plate is disposed at least on one end face side of the adsorbent; the distribution plate has a plurality of openings that allow communication of the treatment fluid, a support body, and a protrusion extending from the supporting body to the adsorbent side; and at least part of the protrusion is inserted into the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method of recovering an extraction aid from distillers corn oil, by directing stillage containing distillers oil and an extraction aid to a centrifugal separator, recovering a light phase from the centrifugal separator, the light phase containing at least a portion of the distillers oil and at least a portion of the extraction aid, cooling the light phase and causing a precipitate to form, and recovering a precipitate from the cooled light phase containing at least a portion of the extraction aid. A method of recovering distillers oil.

Abstract: A collection and concentration system including a separation tank having a plurality of distribution arms configured to separate and recover oil, water, and sediment or sand from an inflowing mixture of the same. The distribution arms are connected to and in fluid communication with a downcomer section of a center column that is vertically arranged in the separation tank. The distribution arms extend radially toward a sidewall of the tank and include tangential discharge nozzles that are tangentially directed toward the sidewall. Inflowing mixture directed tangentially against the sidewall is directed in a downward, helical manner that assists in the separation and recovery of oil, water, and sediment from the inflowing mixture.

Abstract: An underdrain apparatus and a method for manufacturing such apparatus are provided. The underdrain apparatus can be extruded in long sections as a unitary part. The underdrain apparatus may be extruded in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Further, the underdrain apparatus may include a passageway for transporting water to and from the filter media and/or air to the filter media. In some embodiments, apertures are formed in the underdrain apparatus during an extrusion process to provide a path between the passageway and the filter media.