Abstract: A portable curling-broom includes a handle having a first-end, a second-end, and an inner-volume. The handle includes a curling-broom head, and a first-section and a second-section being removably coupled. The portable curling-broom is useful for providing a curling-broom that may easily be transported when folded. A kit may be included.

Abstract: A training aid for use in developing putting mechanics is disclosed. The aid comprises a base that is placed on a practice putting surface. The base includes a guide rail shaped to describe two superimposed arcs that define the optimal 3-dimensional path for a putting stroke. The training aid includes a practice putter that has a notch in the base of the putter head that fits over the guide rail. The notch causes the putter head follow the path defined by the guide rail. Deviation from the optimal path results in friction between the notch and guide rail, which in turn provides tactile feedback to the user that they are off the optimal path. The device also includes features that allow for optimal placement of the golf ball relative to the intended line of the putt and marking to assist in gauging the distance the golf ball will travel.

Abstract: Systems and methods to practice putting are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a framework, actuators mounted to the framework, a control system, a computing device, and an artificial green. The control system is coupled to the actuators and controls actuation of the actuators. The computing device includes a display for viewing mapped green profiles and is configured to communicate with the control system. The artificial green includes a putting surface with a cup defined therein, wherein the artificial green is positioned over the actuators. With this arrangement, a user can select a putting region, after which, the computing device can translate and transfer the mapped data of the putting region to the controllers to actuate the actuators to, therefore, adjust the putting surface of the artificial green to correspond to the mapped green profile of an actual green.

Abstract: We generally describe an audio-based line fault detection system for a sports game. The audio-based line fault detection system comprises one or more audio sensors (102) for sensing an audio signal generated by a sports gaming device bouncing off a sports field. The sports field comprises surface modifications applied to a line and/or an area adjacent to the line on the sports field such that the generated audio signal is dependent on whether or not the sports gaming device bounces off the sports field where the surface modifications are applied. The detection system is configured to generate a sound profile from the audio signal sensed by the one or more audio sensors (102). The detection system is further configured to identify a bounce type based on the sound profile, wherein the bounce type is defined by whether or not the sports gaming device has bounced off the sports field where the surface modifications are applied.

Abstract: Protective headgear includes, for example, a headgear body that is wearable on a head of a baseball umpire. At least one sensor is configured to generate imaging data that includes a batter in proximity to home plate. A processor analyzes the imaging data to determine a strike zone of the batter and to generate augmented reality data in response thereto. A display device generates a heads up display of the strike zone that is viewable to the baseball umpire during a pitch to the batter, based on the augmented reality data. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for planning, managing, and analyzing sports teams and events. The system may include a content management function for storing data. The data can pertain to a plurality of sports-related statistics and a variety of identifying data. The system and method can also include an event management function for planning and evaluating sports-related events such as practices and games. The system and method can also include a report function which can provide a variety of statistical analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basketball shooting game played using smart glasses, and more specifically, to a real-time basketball shooting game that enables at least two players at basketball courts at remote locations anywhere in the world to play a real basketball shooting game with one another using smart glasses.

Abstract: An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.

Abstract: A score keeper and display device, and methods of making and using such a score keeper and display device, whereby the score keeper and display device includes a panel having opposing panel front and rear faces, first interconnected slots disposed within the panel to communicate between the panel front and rear faces, a first marker configured to travel between the first interconnected slots, second interconnected slots disposed within the panel to communicate between the panel front and rear faces, and a second marker configured to travel between the second interconnected slots.

Abstract: A guard arrangement includes a sleeve with a pocket defining an adjustable opening that has a nominal width, and a pad element having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be removably positioned inside the pocket, and the first portion has a width at a widest part of the first portion that is greater than the nominal width of the opening.

Abstract: Provided are a skateboard track with which it is possible to improve trackability with respect to force applied to wheels in an up-down direction, and a skateboard fitted with the same. The skateboard track 3 is provided with a base 31 attached to a deck 2, and a hanger 32 attached to the base 31 by means of a king pin 38. The hanger 32 supports a pair of wheels 4 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis extending in a left-right direction. The hanger 32 includes a pivot shaft 342 which is inclined with respect to the king pin 38, when viewed in the left-right direction. The pivot shaft 342 is attached to the base 31 so as to be movable along the axial direction of the pivot shaft 342.

Abstract: A system is disclosed to identify shuffled playing cards used at the time of the occurrence of a problem in a card shoe apparatus. A card shoe apparatus of the system includes a reader configured to read a shuffled card ID that uniquely identifies the shuffled playing card. A control unit is configured to identify a cut card by a card reading unit and store information associated with the cut card. The information is at least used to identify an end of the current game using the shuffled playing cards set in the card shoe apparatus. The control unit is further configured to store event information to identify specified events that occur during the use of set of the shuffled playing cards and to report an occurrence of a specified event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a hide-and-seek game, of which the apparatus includes a housing, a gameplay status indicator coupled to the housing, interface elements coupled to the housing and configured to receive input from a user or provide output to the user, and a processor configured to execute operations. The operations include initiating a timer in response to a first player selecting to play a hide-and-seek game and entering a first input using the interface elements, the first input indicating that the apparatus is hidden, receiving a second input from a second player prior to the completion of the timer, the second input indicating that the second player has located the apparatus that was hidden, and executing a predetermined number of challenges, in response to receiving the second input from the second player, using the gameplay status indicator and the interface elements.

Abstract: In The Bag (Tabletop Game Piece Collection and Storage) is a removable device for collecting and removing tiles or other game pieces directly from a playing surface tabletop into a detachable bag for continued play or storage. The invention slides onto the edge of a tabletop or other playing surface. A retaining arm engages the underside of the playing surface. Two adjustable arms extend onto the playing surface creating a channel through which the playing pieces can be gathered. After entering the channel, the pieces fall into a chute to which a removable bag is attached. Once all of the playing pieces are gathered into the bag, the bag is removed from the collection chute assembly and passed to the players to select their game pieces. The collection device may be removed from the table between rounds of play or for storage of the device and playing pieces.

Abstract: The subject disclosure provides for obtaining marker data representing marker movement with reduced displacement from game rig joint centers using a motion capture compression suit deployed and form-fitted onto target participants in order to reduce excess marker movement during a motion capture shooting cycle. The motion capture suit includes a first layer having a first type of material with seams defining one or more predetermined regions on the first layer. In some aspects, the first layer applies an amount of compression onto a surface of a subject when the motion capture suit is worn by the subject. The motion capture suit includes a second layer having a second type of material for non-permanent fastening of one or more marker elements on a surface of the second layer. In some aspects, the second layer is arranged on the first layer within the one or more predetermined regions of the first layer.

Abstract: An environment includes one or more clients, a game mediator server, and a game server connected by a network. The clients include a game mediator and a game. The game server executes game playing sessions of the games. The game mediator server and the game mediators form a game mediation infrastructure to mediate game playing sessions. For example, the game mediation infrastructure creates “lobbies” for game playing sessions and enables clients connected to lobbies to communicate with one another. The games receive interactions at the client and communicate with the game server to impact execution of game playing sessions. The game mediator server sends deep links to clients, e.g., to initiate game installation, or to start the game at a particular portion of the game. The game mediation infrastructure may also enrich gameplay by customizing gameplay and/or the lobby, e.g. based on events that occur during execution of the game playing session, or locations of the clients.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for storing data specifying an association between the real world object associated virtual object, wherein the association utilizes geolocation or place or geofence information and the object criteria. In the event of conducting scanning or taking a photograph of a real world object, detecting that a client device of the server has conducted scanning or augmented reality (AR) scanning or taken a photograph or provided a raw photo or scanned data from particular real world object geolocation. Identifying or recognizing an object in the received photograph or scanned data and based on the identified object satisfying within a defined geographic area surrounding the identified geolocation or the identified geolocation associated place or geofence associated object criteria in the stored data, displaying or providing the associated virtual object including virtual money to the client device.

Abstract: Buttons on the add-on may be mapped to controller buttons using customized button mapping pre-sets. A button mapping may indicate that a selected preset is to be hidden during a switching operation Upon receiving a switching operation input, the selected pre-set is skipped during the switching operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved controller (110) for a games console. The invention is a games controller (110) that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1). The controller of the invention (110) may comprise a plurality of controls (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107A, 107B, 107C, 108, 109) on the front and top of the controller (110). The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises at least one additional controls (120, 122 located on the side walls of the controller (110) in a position to be operated by the index fingers of a user (12).

Abstract: An external control device for a game controller is provided, including a casing, a second adapter, a mode selector, a memory, and a conversion circuit. The second adapter is provided for being connected to the first adapter of the game controller. The mode selector is provided for outputting one of selection signals. The memory stores different encode data. The conversion circuit selects encode data according to the selection signals output from the mode selector, and encodes and converts the button signal into a pre-formatted wireless signal according to the selected encode data, and then sends the pre-formatted wireless signal through a wireless signal transmitting circuit. Thus, the button signal of the game controller is converted into a wireless signal corresponding to another game console providing another game control device integrating the game controller with the external control device, which has the same effect.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus having an integrated circuit made of substrate, at least three light emitters arranged on the substrate, and driver circuitry located on the integrated circuit, the driver circuitry to drive an ultra low persistence display to remove ghosting and nausea.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating lighting of objects during interactive gameplay by users on client computing platforms distinguishes activities performed prior to interactive gameplay and during interactive gameplay. Different client computing platforms may have different levels of graphics performance. Lighting may be defined by characteristics of one or more light sources that illuminate one or more objects in a multi-dimensional volume in a virtual space. Different lighting techniques or lighting features may be combined to create lighting during interactive gameplay. Some lighting techniques or lighting features may only be available and/or supported on high-performance computing platforms, whereas other lighting features may be available even on low-performance computing platforms.

Abstract: A computer game program obtains data input by a player. Puzzle display information is output to cause number of puzzle elements forming part of a puzzle to be displayed in a game field so that at least one puzzle element among the number of puzzle elements is selectable. Outputting object display information causes an object to be displayed on a screen on which the number of puzzle elements are displayed. Puzzle attribute information and/or puzzle arrangement information associated with the selected puzzle element may be updated and a determination is made as to whether or not the updated puzzle attribute information and/or the puzzle arrangement information satisfies a predetermined condition. An object displayed on or around the puzzle element associated with the puzzle attribute information and/or the puzzle arrangement information may be moved to produce a predetermined effect in a game when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, methods, and computer-readable medium for saving and restoring physical hardware states and virtual machine (VM) states for an application actively being executed on a virtual machine by a user on a computer device. The devices, methods, and computer-readable medium may allow a user to suspend a current state of an application session and save the VM and memory state to persistent storage, and later resume the execution of the saved application session by reading the state back into memory and restoring the VM state.

Abstract: A controller receives a message from a first user terminal of user terminals belonging to a chat group. In a case where the type of the message is of a normal message, the controller transmits the message to each of the user terminals. In a case where the type of the message is selection of the game icon, the controller generates a game message according to logic corresponding to the game icon and transmits the game message to each of the user terminals.

Abstract: A method for generating broadcasts including receiving game state data and user data of players participating in a gaming session of a video game. A spectator zone-of-interest in the gaming session is identified having a scene of a virtual gaming world that is viewable from camera perspectives in the virtual gaming world. Statistics and facts are generated for the gaming session based on the game state data and the user data using a first AI model trained to isolate game state data and user data that are of interest by spectators. Narration is generated for the scene using a second AI model configured to select statistics and facts from the statistics and facts generated using the first AI model, the selected statistics and facts having a highest potential spectator interest as determined by the second AI model configured to generate the narration using the selected statistics and facts.

Abstract: A sports simulation system comprises a projectile tracking apparatus configured to detect a projectile traveling through a projectile tracking region towards a display surface, a controller comprising one or more actuatable buttons, each actuatable button configured to communicate one or more control signals in response to actuation thereof, and at least one processing stage configured to receive data from the projectile tracking apparatus and determine three-dimensional positions, velocity and acceleration of a detected launched projectile traveling through said projectile tracking region, the three-dimensional positions, velocity and acceleration used by said at least one processing stage to calculate a trajectory of said launched projectile into a three-dimensional sports scene, receive one or more control signals from the controller and determine one or more control commands of one or more animated objects based on the one or more control signals, and use said calculated trajectory and said one or more co

Abstract: A non-limiting example system includes a computer to execute: setting, for each of a plurality of in-game options, a value for a parameter that indicates possession of at least one of a plurality of game objects; selecting at least one of the plurality of game objects that is indicated as being possessed from the plurality of in-game options; based on the selection of at least one of the game objects, enabling occurrence of a first in-game effect based on a type of the selected object; based on occurrence of the first in-game effect, changing a value set for the parameter of the in-game option that corresponds to the selected object; and based on determination that at least two of the values set for the parameters of the plurality of in-game options satisfy a combinational condition, enabling occurrence of a second in-game effect different from the first in-game effect.

Abstract: A location-based game system is provided. Such a system may take the form of any device (e.g., a wireless telephone) that includes a locating device (e.g., a GPS system). One such location-based game may operate such that the actual, physical location of a user on a physical playfield corresponds to the location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Such location based games are referred to herein as actuality games. In one multiplayer actuality embodiment, two game devices may communicate location, and other, information to a remote database such that the two user's may interact on different physical playfields, but play on the same virtual playfield. A number of wireless communications protocols, self-configuration, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.

Abstract: A toy, for use with a viewing device, may include a plurality of component parts at least two of which include at least one augmented reality marker of a plurality of augmented reality markers enabling digital content associated with the at least one augmented reality marker to be unlocked and influencing at least one of an appearance and function of the toy on the viewing device. The plurality of augmented reality markers, each of which may be a physically independent augmented reality image marker, may be combined and converted into a composite augmented reality marker to produce a single, unique physical item and a composite digital representation.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving an ordered set of images and analyzing the images to determine at least one position in space and at least one motion vector in space and time for at least one object represented in the images is disclosed. Using these vectors, a four dimensional model of at least a portion of the information represented in the images is formulated. This model generally obeys the laws of physics, though aberrations may be imposed. The model is then exercised with an input parameter, which, for example, may represent a different perspective than the original set of images. The four dimensional model is then used to produce a modified set of ordered images in dependence on the input parameter and optionally the set of images, e.g., if only a portion of the data represented in the images is modeled. The set of images may then be rendered on a display device.

Abstract: A matchmaking system matches players for online gaming, when some of the players may be streaming players and other players may be non-streaming players. The streaming players, due to receiving content of the online game via computer networks from a streaming system, may experience a relatively greater network latency for game events relative to non-streaming players. When matching streaming players and non-streaming players for online game play, the relative competitive disadvantage for streaming players due to network latency may be compensated. Additionally, streaming players using input devices that may be more difficult to use and/or may be less responsive during game play, such as a touch screen, may also have their input device disadvantage compensated during matchmaking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer implemented method of controlling a display on a first computer device connected via a communication network to a plurality of other computer devices, the method comprising: receiving user inputs from the first and other computer devices during interaction with a game rendered on the display of each computer device, the game being played by users of the computer devices over the communication network; storing the user inputs in computer storage and generating user behaviour data based on the user inputs; accessing computer storage holding a plurality of contact identifiers of the users and controlling the display of the first computer device to display only a selected set of the stored contact identifiers, wherein the set of contact identifiers is selected to be displayed based on the user behaviour data.

Abstract: The present application discloses a game picture display method and apparatus and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: displaying a picture in a target game in a client of the target game in a first display mode in response to that the client runs the target game, the client being installed on a mobile device; acquiring first state information of the mobile device; and switching a display mode of the client from the first display mode to a second display mode in a case that the first state information does not match the first display mode, and continuing to display the picture in the target game in the client in the second display mode, the target game in the client being kept in a running state in a process of switching the display mode. The present application solves the technical problem that a game cannot run smoothly in the related art.

Abstract: A game includes player characters in a virtual space. The game is progressed in accordance with game progress information, which is useable for generating a game screen. The game screen is configured to be displayed on a display device. An instruction for registering a player character, which is manipulated in the game by a first player, is received, and the player character of the first player is registered as a copy non-player character. The copy non-player character is configured to be manipulated in the game by a second player. The game progress information is updated, and data of the player character of the first player is updated in accordance with a manipulation of the copy non-player character by the second player during a period in which the first player is in an off-line state.

Abstract: Competitions involving video game players may include competitions subsidiary to a purpose of video game play, and may be bounded in time, either across play of multiple video games or within play of a particular video game.

Abstract: A content providing method includes providing a same content to a plurality of users each being included in one of a first team and a second team, determining whether a condition for a strategic timeout is satisfied during a progress of the content, providing the strategic timeout to the users by suspending the content when the condition is satisfied, providing at least one function for the strategic timeout to each of users in the first team and users in the second team, and resuming the content when the strategic timeout ends.

Abstract: A spectator of a computer simulation who is not playing the computer simulation and is associated with a spectator device for viewing the simulation without controlling it is identified. An indication can be received from the spectator that a portion of the computer simulation contains an error. The indication is transmitted to a computer network, from whence is received a corrected version of the computer simulation that does not contain the error. The corrected version of the computer simulation can then be presented. The spectator may be awarded for reporting the error.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a method for presenting a conversation interface in a messaging application to enable a plurality of participants in a conversation to exchange messages with each other. A request from a participant of the plurality of participants to view a list of gaming applications is received. In response to receiving the request, a size of a display region in which to present the list of gaming applications to the participant is determined. Based on the determined size of the display region, a presentation format is selected for displaying the list of gaining applications.

Abstract: Modular security bracket methods and apparatus for use with video game controllers and other relatively small and light electronic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the modular security bracket apparatus comprises two security brackets that are designed and shaped to fit snugly around the video game controller or other electronic device during assembly. Each embodiment of the modular security bracket apparatus is specifically designed and shaped to accommodate a video game controller or other electronic device for which it is made to secure. In some embodiments, a tethered security cable is fitted within the modular security bracket apparatus during assembly thereof. In some embodiments, the security cable is tethered to a fixed surface, such as a security wall, floor, or relatively immovable furniture or appliance, thereby preventing the video game controller, electronic device, and the modular security bracket apparatus itself from theft or loss.

Abstract: A control system includes a ride controller configured to maintain a plurality of rules indicative of permitted states of the free-roaming ride vehicle within a game area and including gameplay rules. The ride controller is configured to receive monitoring data indicative of a current state of a free-roaming ride vehicle, receive a signal indicative of a user request to perform a requested action with the free-roaming ride vehicle, model performance of the requested action from the current state to determine a modeled state of the free-roaming ride vehicle, and determine whether the modeled state complies with the plurality of rules. In response to determining the modeled state does not comply with the plurality of rules, the ride controller is configured to determine a proximate action that complies with the plurality of rules and provide a control signal to instruct the free-roaming ride vehicle to perform the proximate action.

Abstract: An attraction system includes a fluid source configured to emit a fluid stream with a geometry that facilitates internal reflection, a transmitter configured to transmit a signal through the fluid stream such that the signal is enclosed in the fluid stream via internal reflection and the signal comprises a parameter, a sensor configured to receive the signal via the fluid stream and provide data indicative of the parameter, and a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor. The control system includes a processor and a memory, and the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to receive the data indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and operate the attraction system based on the parameter.

Abstract: A posable toy figure is disclosed. The posable toy figure includes: a limb structure comprising a flexible support member at least partially enclosed in a pliable material member that is physically distinct from the flexible support member; a first rigid body member that encloses a first portion of the limb structure, the first rigid body member comprising a connection interface that extends from an exterior of the first rigid body member; and a second rigid body member that encloses a second portion of the limb structure, the second rigid body member and the first rigid body member being spatially separated such that the limb structure is exposed between the first body member and the second body member.

Abstract: A toy robot doll having upper and lower body portions and wheels that may be controlled by an operator with a remote smart device. A lower platform is connected to the lower body portion and an upper platform is connected to the upper body portion. A set of springs is mounted between the upper and lower platforms for biasing the platforms apart, and three cams and six cam followers move the platforms toward one another, move the doll's arms forward and outward, and move a head right and left. Another two cams pivot the head up, where all of the movements simulate dance steps and body movements that an operator may program using the smart device.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for desubliming, condensing or evaporating a fluid. The apparatus includes a chamber and at least one tubular member for desubliming, condensing or evaporating the fluid on the outer surface of the at least one tubular member. The chamber is provided with at least one inlet for the fluid and at least one outlet for the condensate and/or evaporate, and at least one supply and at least one discharge for a cooling and/or heating fluid. The tubular member includes an outer member and an inner member enclosed within the outer member. The inner member is in communication with the supply at a first end. The outer member is in communication with the discharge at a first end. The outer member is closed at a second end. The inner member is open and mouths into the outer member at a second end.

Abstract: A distillation device including: a first distillation column having first top, bottom and upper outlets and first upper and lower inlets; a second distillation column equipped with a top condenser and a bottom reboiler, and having second top, bottom and upper outlets and second upper and lower inlets; a vapor recompressor; a heat exchanger; a first supply line supplying a feedstock to the first lower inlet; a first connection line transferring a first bottom flow to the second lower inlet via the heat exchanger; and a second connection line transferring a second top flow to the top condenser via the heat exchanger after passing through the vapor recompressor. The first bottom flow flowing through the first connection line and the second top flow flowing through the second connection line are heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger. A distillation method of a feedstock using the distillation device.

Abstract: A separation system includes a column including a stripping section proximal to a lower end of the column, a rectifying section proximal to an upper end of the column, and an intermediate section disposed between the stripping section and the rectifying section. The intermediate section includes first and second vertical sides separated by a vertical wall. The column includes a feed port to receive a material stream to be separated. The separation system further includes a reboiler in fluid communication with the column. The reboiler provides vapor to the stripping section. The separation system also includes a condenser in fluid communication with the column. The condenser provides liquid to the rectifying section, the condenser to provide a distillate effluent stream. The separation system further includes an active vapor control to control the relative vapor flow rate to the first and second sections.

Abstract: A system and method for removing undesirable organic compounds so that the desirable cannabinoids, terpenes, and any other beneficial organic compounds can be easily and effectively captured is provided herein. The system and method makes use of bentonite clay, silica gel and magnesium silicate filters through which a solution containing the organic compounds is rinsed with liquid non-polar solvent. The undesirable components remain in the bentonite clay, silica gel and magnesium silicate while the beneficial organic compounds pass through and are collected in a liquid solution.

Abstract: In a preparative separation-purification system for passing a solution containing a target component through a trap column 21 to capture the target component in the column 21, and for subsequently passing an eluting solvent through the column 21 to elute the captured component and collect it in a container, an outlet aperture 27 of the column 21 has a tapered shape whose sectional area is largest on a plane facing an inner space of the column 21 and decreases in the flowing direction of the liquid. A filter 26 for preventing deposition of the target component is also provided at the boundary between the inner space of the column 21 and a passage for discharging liquid from the inner space. By this configuration, clogging of the passage at the outlet end of the column 21 due to deposition of the target component is prevented.