Abstract: A personal climbing apparatus formed of a hanger having a blade extended from a shank and forming a gap therebetween; a foot-support platform that is oriented transversely to the shank of the hanger and coupled thereto and having a foot retainer; and a brace coupled between the foot-support platform and the shank of the hanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: A method of customizing a golf club, wherein the method includes generating operating data representative of a user operating a mechanical device. The operating data is generated by a first sensor sized and configured to be removably positioned in a mounting port formed on the mechanical device during operation of the mechanical device. The sensor is interchangeably positionable in the mounting port with at least one mass insert, the at least one mass insert being adapted to be interchangeably positioned in the mounting to provide at least two different mass configurations. The method further includes determining a recommended configuration of the at least one mass insert specific to the user based on the operating data generated by the sensor, and transmitting information representative of the recommended mass insert.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head includes a face portion, and a sole portion including a toe-side thick walled portion formed on a toe-side thereof, a heel-side thick walled portion formed on a heel-side thereof, and a middle thin walled portion formed between the toe-side thick walled portion and the heel-side thick walled portion. At least a part of the toe-side thick walled portion and at least a part of the heel-side thick walled portion are located on the face portion to a club head center of gravity. The middle thin walled portion having a smaller thickness than the toe-side thick walled portion and the heel-side thick walled portion. The sole portion is provided with a toe-side through hole between the toe-side thick walled portion and the middle thin walled portion and a heel-side through hole between the heel-side thick walled portion and the middle thin walled portion.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a club body having a crown opposite a sole, a toe end opposite a heel end, a back end, and a hosel. The golf club head also includes an adjustable weighting system positioned on the club body, the adjustable weighting system includes a single channel and a member that is received by the single channel and fastened to the club body, where a plurality of weights are coupled to the member. The golf club head can additionally or alternatively include a face angle adjustment system positioned on the sole, the face angle adjustment system includes a member that is removably received by the single channel and fastened to the sole, the member includes a first end member and a second end member, wherein the member is configured to be repositioned within the channel to adjust a resting face angle of the golf club head.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head for a golf club includes a body and a face joined to the body. The face includes a front surface including a ball striking surface, and a rear surface facing an interior surface of the body. Multiple independent depressions are formed in the rear surface toward the front surface. Each of the independent depressions is at least partially filled with a non-metallic material.

Abstract: A golf club head including a club head body including a back portion and a striking face, wherein the striking face comprises a front surface configured to strike a golf ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the back portion is spaced from the rear surface, a first deformable member residing between the back portion and the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the first deformable member comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, and a second deformable member residing between the back portion and the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the second deformable member comprises a front surface in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the first deformable member has a greater Shore A durometer than the second deformable member.

Abstract: An embodiment of a putter type golf club head with an upper and lower portion, made from two different materials, is enclosed herein. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a club body and a resting face angle adjuster. The club body includes a crown opposite a sole, a toe end opposite a heel end, a back end opposite a face, and a hosel. The sole includes a sole surface. The resting face angle adjuster includes an adjustment member having a keel surface, and a recess formed in the sole such that a portion of the sole surface at least partially bounds the recess. The adjustment member is disposed in the recess and positionable between a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position. In the first adjustment position, the keel surface is at a first distance relative to the portion of the sole surface. In the second adjustment position, the keel surface is at a second distance relative to the portion of the sole surface not equal to the first distance in the direction.

Abstract: A hockey stick with a co-molded structure and method where the blade member is formed by a molding process onto a preformed shaft member, where the preformed shaft member has a contoured tip at the blade end. The contoured tip helps to secure the blade member to the shaft member in conjunction with the molded composite layers, and in one example, the contoured tip has a width that is greater than the width of the shaft member at the blade-starting region.

Abstract: A base for use in athletic base running games includes a ground anchor assembly that includes: a post for insertion into a ground playing surface, and a base portion disposed along a top of the post. The base also includes a reinforcement plate, such as an X-plate, coupled to a top surface of the base portion. The X-plate has four arms arranged in an X orientation for providing increased stiffness in the four corners of the base. The arms extend radially outward from the base portion. A cover is disposed over and is coupled to the X-plate and can be formed as part of an overmold process.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a swing training system are described that include a shoulder harness system having a wrist attachment and at least one coupling member having a first end configured to couple to the wrist attachment and a second end configured to couple to one of a shoulder portion of a chest portion of the shoulder harness system, where the shoulder harness system is configured to maintain a chest-to-arm position of an operator and detach from one of the shoulder portion or the chest portion of the shoulder harness system in response to a predefined amount of force being exerted by the operator during a swing motion using a swinging device; and at least one of: a light system and a stride training system.

Abstract: Training equipment is described, and in particular training equipment that can be punched for exercise or for training, e.g., by boxers. The training equipment includes an outer ring-shaped punchbag and an inner punchball positioned within an inner opening of the punchbag. The punchball is connected to the punchbag by a pair of flexible elongate members that can be elasticated cords, for example.

Abstract: Measurement accuracy in sports is improved. A wrist terminal includes a measurement information acquiring unit, a reference atmospheric pressure setting unit, and a state determining unit. The reference atmospheric pressure setting unit sets a reference atmospheric pressure. The state determining unit determines that the wrist terminal is located over water when a difference between the reference atmospheric pressure and a current atmospheric pressure after starting sports is within a predetermined atmospheric pressure range and the wrist terminal is located under water when the difference is outside the predetermined atmospheric pressure range. The measurement information acquiring unit 51 performs predetermined measurement on the basis of the determination result from the state determining unit 54.

Abstract: A support stand including a base; a first post secured to the flat base; a second post telescopically connected to the first post; a holder pivotably connected to the second post; a first arm slidable mounted on the second post and having a first telescopic section extending away from the second post, the first arm is connected to the second post via a first swivel mount connector that allows the vertical, rotational, and pivoting movements of the first arm regarding the second post; a second arm slidable mounted on the second post, the second arm is connected to the second post via a second swivel mount connector that allows the vertical, rotational, and pivoting movements of the second arm regarding the second post; a first adjustable fastening device located at a distal end of the first telescopic section; a second adjustable fastening device located at a distal end of the second telescopic section; the first arm slides independently from the second arm on the second post; the support stand is adapted to b

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed. A gripping glove comprises a wrist band which can be secured with hook and loop fastener patches, and a palm strip with finger loops. The palm strip may be divided into three different strips and allows a comfortable grip during sport activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-country or ski touring binding for connecting a boot to a ski in an articulated manner, comprising a binding base body with a standing surface for a sole of the boot and a ski contact surface for at least indirect contact with the ski. The binding has a holding device comprising a receiving element which allows the boot to and a holding element for holding the boot on the receiving element. The holding element moves between a closed position holding the boot on the receiving element and an open position releasing the boot. The binding also has an actuating element with a rotating handle for switching the holding element from the closed to the open position, comprising a substantially disk-shaped, eccentrically mounted force-transmission element received in a recess of the holding element.

Abstract: The present steerable wheel assembly incorporates a lean-to-steer mechanism into an inner race of a roller bearing, while a wheel is mounted to an outer race of the roller bearing. A shaft extending from the mechanism is attached to a body, and the mechanism acts to steer the outer race and the wheel about a vertical steering axis when the shaft is tilted about a horizontal axis. The mechanism can be a pivot joint, providing a linear steering response, or can be a lean-to-steer mechanism that provides a non-linear response where the steering action is not consistently responsive to tilting over the expected range of tilting. The present non-linear lean-to-steer mechanisms can also be incorporated into alternative lean-to-steer devices, and alternative mechanisms can employ tracking structures to coordinate tilting motion of a first moving element with steering motion of a second moving element to provide a non-linear lean-to-steer response.

Abstract: A modifiable pinball machine includes a processing device, a memory storing instructions executable by the processing device, a communications interface coupled to the processing device for receiving new music data from a source external to the pinball machine for storage in the memory, and a speaker coupled to the processing device for playing music retrieved from the memory. The new music data is provided with data useable by the instructions to cause the processing device to automatically retrieve from the memory the new music data in lieu of originally provisioned music data, for playing via use of the speaker, when the pinball machine is caused to operate in a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: Acquiring an interactive digital content item including a plurality of content portions includes receiving a first set of the content portions that is less than an entirety of the content portions. A partial functionality version of the interactive digital content item is presented using the first set of content portions. A second set of the content portions is received while the partial functionality version of the interactive digital content item is presented. Functionality is added to the partial functionality version of the interactive digital content item using the second set of content portions without interrupting presentation of the partial functionality version of the interactive digital content item.

Abstract: A system and method for interaction with a user are provided. The system may include a head-mounted display device, at least one sensor implemented on the head-mounted display device, at least one storage medium including a set of instructions, and at least one processor configured to communicate with the at least one storage medium. When executing the set of instructions, the system may be configured to: acquire, by the at least one sensor, a first facial image of a user; and determine, by the at least one processor, an expression of the user at least based on the first facial image of the user.

Abstract: A tactile simulation system according to the present invention configured to be used by a subject watching a motion picture. The tactile simulation system comprises a handgrip section, a recoil section, and a controller. The handgrip section configured to generate one or more vibration experienced by the subject holding the handgrip section. The recoil section generates one or more recoil simulation. The recoil section is removably attached to the handgrip section. Further, the controller is operably connected to the handgrip section and the recoil section. The controller is configured to operate the handgrip section and the recoil section based on the motion picture.

Abstract: A system comprises a database stored on a server and a processing device of the server. The processing device is in communication with a user device accessible to a user. The processing device includes a hosting unit, a communications unit, an image processing unit, and a validation unit. The hosting unit is configured to generate and display a web-based application on a user device. The communications unit is configured to enable the user to access and interact with the web-based application on the user device and receive at least one user-submitted image and a plurality of user-submitted data from the user. The image processing unit is configured to process the at least one user-submitted image to retrieve game data. The validation unit is configured to compare the plurality of user-submitted data with the game data and validate the game data.

Abstract: A video game test system can determine an objective measure of elapsed time between interaction with a video game controller and the occurrence of a particular event within the video game. This objective measure enables a tester to determine whether a video game is objectively operating slowly or just feels slow to the tester, and may indicate the existence of coding errors that may affect execution speed, but not cause visible errors. The system may obtain the objective measure of elapsed time by simulating a user's interaction with the video game. Further, the system may identify data embedded into a frame of an animation by the video game source code to identify the occurrence of a corresponding event. The system can then measure the elapsed time between the simulated user interaction and the occurrence or triggering of the corresponding event.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium including program instructions, a method of controlling a game, and an information processing device make a game more amusing.

Abstract: An online gaming service is provided, having two or more servers, the two or more servers being located in two or more data centers, including: a transaction layer implemented across the two or more servers, for handling synchronization between different sessions of a video game that are respectively executed by the two or more servers; wherein the different sessions of the video game are respectively configured to provide viewing of a virtual space through respective client devices; wherein the transaction layer is configured to identify sessions providing viewing of proximate regions of the virtual space, and effect transactional memory synchronization for the identified sessions, such that events in the virtual space generated by the identified sessions are synchronized across each of the identified sessions.

Abstract: A method of cloud gaming is disclosed. The method including receiving an encoded video frame at a client, wherein a server executes an application to generate a rendered video frame which is then encoded at an encoder at the server as the encoded video frame, wherein the encoded video frame includes one or more encoded slices that are compressed. The method including decoding the one or more encoded slices at a decoder of the client to generate one or more decoded slices. The method including rendering the one or more decoded slices for display at the client. The method including begin displaying the one or more decoded slices that are rendered before fully receiving the one or more encoded slices at the client.

Abstract: A rendering system includes a command server and a plurality of rendering servers. The command server receives a screen transmission request from the client terminal. The command server evaluates, for each of the plurality of rendering servers, at least one of a number of connected terminals, an average transmission rate, a GPU operation rate, a congestion status, and a length of a transfer path to the client terminal. The command server specifies, based on evaluation results, at least one of the plurality of rendering servers to render a screen to be transmitted to the client terminal.

Abstract: A system obtains game medium information associated with a game medium in a virtual space. When a predetermined event occurs, the system determines a generation condition for an image of the virtual space based on the game medium information. The system generates an image including the game medium based on the generation condition.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a virtual resource of a virtual object is described. Circuitry of an apparatus identifies the virtual object that is currently operated in a virtual domain accessed by executing a target application, where the target application is installed on a user device. The circuitry determines a resource assisting manner of the virtual object, and determines, according to the determined resource assisting manner, at least one virtual resource that meets an assisting condition. The circuitry further displays an icon corresponding to the resource assisting manner and an icon corresponding to the at least one virtual resource that meets the assisting condition on an application interface of the user device, where the at least one virtual resource that meets the assisting condition is obtainable by the virtual object through the application interface.

Abstract: An information processing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device is provided. The method includes: a custom model editing control in a graphical user interface is provided; in response to a first touch operation acting on the custom model editing control, a first virtual character is controlled to build a custom model building in at least one first building area in a first game scene; and in response to a trigger event indicating the end of custom model editing, the custom model building is saved as a custom model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prioritizing content packets based on a dynamically updated list of content filtering rules are described. A system is configured to identify an application executing on a client device to which to transmit content, the application associated with an account and determine that the application is configured with a configuration setting to apply a content filtering policy corresponding to a list of players including one or more players included in one or more lineups associated with the account. The system can receive a content item from a content source and determine one or more player tags associated with the content item. The system can determine that the content item includes a player tag corresponding to a player included in the list of players and transmit the content item to the client device for insertion in a content feed provided by the application responsive to the determination.

Abstract: A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques including data collection, organization and usage are provided, including in connection with computer-based gaming. Methods and systems are provided for establishing a set of data chronicling at least a portion of a duration of a computer-based gaming event that includes at least one user engaging in gaming using a computer or a computer-based device. Event data is obtained for chronicling chronologically ordered in-game events. Hardware and software related data is obtained that relates to the computer or the computer-based device and is relevant to the chronicling of the portion of the gaming event. Utilizing a distributed ledger technology or blockchain, the event data and the hardware and software related data are recorded in establishing the set of data chronicling at least a portion of the duration of the gaming event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, apparatus, and system of authenticating a mobile server may have at least one mobile server configured to execute games of chance on a plurality of mobile gaming devices and an authentication server configured to: determine a location of the at least one mobile server; determine a wireless communication means to communicate with the at least one mobile server based on the location of the at least one mobile server; communicate with the at least one mobile server via the determined wireless communication means; and initiate authentication, by an authentication server, of the at least one mobile server.

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

Abstract: Session participation in online content streams or activities like multiplayer games is enhanced through management of session tracking and automated queuing of players via a central system between host/streamer client device and guest player client devices. Spectators viewing a content stream or waiting to join a multiplayer activity over a network via a game/streaming service request to be placed in a queue to participate in a session of the content stream or activity as guest players with the host/streaming user. Sessions are tracked to determine start and end events. Sets of prior guest players are removed from sessions when the sessions end, and sets of queued spectators are automatically added to the start of a new session of the content stream or activity as guest players. Queuing may be automatically prioritized for users based on user characteristics, and guest players removed at the end of sessions may be automatically re-queued.

Abstract: A game system has one or more network-connected servers executing system software (SSW) on one or more processors from a non-transitory medium, providing virtual reality games for players logged in to the system to select and play, and a plurality of mobile digital devices in use by players logged in to the system, associated by the system with individual player identity, executing a mobile application (MA) enabled to interact with the SSW, and equipped with GPS tracking. The MA reports GPS coordinates for individual ones of the plurality of players to the SSW periodically, and the SSW identifies clusters of players based on pre-programmed geography limitations, and uses cluster data for various interactions between players and the system, and between players and other players.

Abstract: User-involved battle development with strategic or tactical elements in a game is enabled. A method, implemented in a computer including a control unit, for providing a battle game in which a user repeatedly attacks and defends against an opponent using a plurality of objects placed in a plurality of areas arranged in a matrix, includes: a selection step of causing the user to select an area from the plurality of areas, and holding the area which has been already selected as a selected area; a first execution step of causing an object placed in the selected area, to execute a first action; a determination step of determining whether or not a combination of an already selected area and the currently selected area matches at least one line which is any of a row, a column, and a diagonal of the matrix; and a second execution step of causing an object to execute a second action, in the case where the determination step determines that the combination matches the at least one line.

Abstract: An information processing device running a game program which improves the strategic characteristics of a game in which one or more players participate. The device may perform a step of initiating a game part in which one or more players participate; a step of providing an action opportunity to each of the one or more players; a determination step of determining a first parameter and a second parameter so that a total value of the first parameter and the second parameter which are correlated with the player becomes constant at a predetermined value when the action opportunity is given to the player; and a step of executing action processing of the player. The first parameter may be used in processing when a subsequent action opportunity is given to the player. The second parameter may be used in processing before the subsequent action opportunity is given to the player.

Abstract: A first game played by at least one user belonging to a team is executed, and a second game influenced by a result of the first game is executed. Then, at least before the first game is started, when the first game is suspended, or after the first game is ended, a first notification and a second notification for urging the user of the team to perform an operation of moving an entirety of a controller are given, and when the operation of moving the entirety of the controller is performed using the at least one controller operated by the users belonging to the team, and a success condition is satisfied, a game parameter used in the second game is increased or decreased so as to obtain an advantageous effect for the team or the user belonging to the team.

Abstract: A backbone rail for a roller coaster, comprising two rail pipes designed for vehicles to travel upon, and at least one, particularly main load-bearing backbone pipe not designed for vehicles to travel on, whose second moment of area is greater than the second moment of area of the rail pipes, wherein rail pipes and backbone pipe are connected to each other section-by-section by stiffening bulkheads, whereby at least one bulkhead has the following features: A transverse cross member, which extends in the orthogonal direction and connects the rail pipes with each other, and bulkhead plates, connecting at least one rail pipe with the backbone pipe, wherein at least one bulkhead plate is designed as a longitudinal bulkhead plate, whose main plane of extension extends perpendicular to the bulkhead plane, and which is attached to the backbone pipe in such a way that it runs tangentially into the backbone pipe. In addition, the invention relates to a roller coaster arrangement with such a backbone rail.

Abstract: An amusement park system in accordance with present embodiments includes a tower having a central passage disposed therethrough, a ride vehicle disposed within the central passage, and a drive system coupled to the ride vehicle. The drive system is configured to displace the ride vehicle vertically within the central passage of the tower, and the tower is configured to rotate about the drive system.

Abstract: A simulated living entity (SLE) HAS a body formed of cushioned material, a contact area on an surface of the body, a heating panel under the contact area, a microphone positioned proximate one end of the exposed surface, a speaker positioned proximate the microphone, a heartbeat simulator, a breath simulator proximate the microphone and speaker, and a control system within the body comprising a microprocessor, a coupled data repository, a power supply, wireless communication circuitry, and a digital bus. The heating panel heats the contact area, the heartbeat simulator provides feeling and sound of a beating heart, the breath simulator provides air intake and exhaust, and the speaker provides sounds of a person sleeping, synchronized with the breath simulator.

Abstract: A mechanical toy incorporating structures that coordinate the positioning and movement of specific body parts for rotating, flipping and grasping movements with programmable systems, methods, and devices within toy structures. Extensions connected to opposite sides of a motive body or head assembly including grasping members and support structures for rotating and/or turning actions about a central body portion including grasping appendages. The toy apparatus may also interact with accessory items to enhance play value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toy, and methodologies and infrastructures for provision, operation, and utilization thereof, implementable in any configuration (plush, stuffed, doll, character, vehicle, etc.) that is operable to: (a) receive an electronic message (optionally inclusive of media and/or interactive content) from an authorized party, (b) provide at least one visual (and/or audio) indicator to a recipient (e.g., a child) that a message is present (e.g., a toy element or region may light up, flash, emit an audio signal), and (c) vocalize the electronic message to the recipient in response to at least one of: (1) one or more specific actions of the recipient (e.g., moving the toy, picking it up, touching the active indicator, a verbal utterance, etc.), and/or (2) detection of proximal presence of a recipient ready for receipt thereof. The inventive toy and related data processing infrastructures may comprise many additional capabilities and functions.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a foldable play structure comprising a plurality of panels each connected to another by at least one hinge to provide an accordion fold structure, wherein the accordion fold play structure comprises two configurations, in a first configuration, the plurality of panels are folded to be stacked in substantially parallel planes, and in a second configuration, the plurality of panels are unfolded forming a play structure. A method for assembling a foldable structure may comprise providing a playhouse with an accordion fold structure, wherein in a first configuration of the accordion fold structure, the plurality of panels are folded to be stacked in substantially parallel planes, and in a second configuration of the accordion fold structure, the plurality of panels are unfolded forming a play structure; and unfolding the playhouse from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A base member configured for use with a windowed magnetic tile, the base member including a tile portion having three or more outer edges configured with respective protrusions for fitting engagement with respective notches on corresponding three or more inner edges of the windowed magnetic tile; a first projection extending outwardly from a first surface of the tile portion formed by the three or more outer edges; and a first opening disposed on the first projection.

Abstract: A building block includes at least one of a plug portion and a socket portion. The plug portion has two cantilevered tongues deflectable toward each other. Each cantilevered tongue includes a first engaging portion. The socket portion defines a chamber and has two second engaging portions. The plug portion and the socket portion are configured in such a way that the plug portion of one building block is insertable into the chamber of the socket portion of another building block, and the two cantilevered tongues of the building block deflect toward each other after insertion of the plug portion of the building block into the chamber of the socket portion of the other building block, which allows the first engaging portions of the building block to be engaged with the second engaging portions of the other building block, thereby connecting the two building blocks together.

Abstract: A haze-filled bubble device and method for producing haze-filled bubbles are provided that encapsulates a haze inside a rapidly emitted, continuous flow of bubbles, without permitting significant amounts of the haze to escape the device outside of the bubbles. Bubble solution is pumped into a bubble wand and a wiper cycles across its face to form a meniscus of bubble solution over the bubble wand's outer face. Additionally, a haze generating assembly can selectively pump fog fluid to a heater and a resultantly generated haze is provided to an enclosed chamber. A fan in the enclosed chamber forces the haze from the chamber into a conduit that channels the haze into the bubble wand and to the miniscus, where the air flow created by the fan is used to form haze-filled bubbles.