Patents Issued in February 20, 2024
  • Patent number: 11904203
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a stationary foot platform, a slidable foot platform including a foot block having an inclined surface for engagement with a user's active foot, at least one resistance member selectively couplable to the slidable foot platform to selectively adjust a resistance to movement of the slidable foot platform, and a lip extending upwardly from the stationary foot platform to brace a user's stationary foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Aspen Integrative Kinetics, LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Holman
  • Patent number: 11904204
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a foot support portion pivotably connected to a leg support portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The support portion is configured to rotate about the neutral pivot axis in a first direction away from the neutral position and in a second direction away from the neutral position. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The exercise device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the foot support portion about the pivot axis opposite to the respective first and second directions of rotation of the foot support portion about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TS MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Mary Anne Tarkington, Peter-Christoph Tarkington Schmidt, David G. Matsuura, Jacob A. Moebius
  • Patent number: 11904205
    Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation of a limb is provided. The device provides a board with an ability to magnetically levitate a movement base above the board to allow for controlled movement of a limb or other body part of a user needing training and rehabilitation in various directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MY TOTAL SHOULDER, INC.
    Inventors: Micolene Boddie, Blake Sama
  • Patent number: 11904206
    Abstract: A system for providing exercise incentives and/or providing massage is disclosed herein. The system includes a pair of shoes to be worn by a user during exercise; a software application downloadable to an electronic device and configured to wirelessly communicate with the pair of shoes; and a server in communication with the software application. In some embodiments, the pair of shoes includes massage pads and cooling/warming elements. The system is primarily useful for providing a monetary incentive to exercise and secondarily useful for providing relief to a user's feet via massage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Raheem J. Nixon
  • Patent number: 11904207
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an artificial intelligence engine to present a user interface capable of presenting the progress of a user in domains. The method includes generating, by the artificial intelligence engine, a machine learning model trained to receive measurements as input, and outputting, based on the measurements, a user interface that causes icons to dynamically change position on the user interface. While a user performs an exercise using the exercise device, the method includes receiving the measurements from sensors associated with the exercise device. The method includes presenting, on a computing device associated with the exercise device, sections of the user interface, wherein the sections are each related to a separate domain comprising the domains and wherein, based on the measurements, each section includes the icons placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: REHAB2FIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bissonnette, Luis Berga, Steven Mason, Philip Powers, James D. Steidl
  • Patent number: 11904208
    Abstract: Climate control room includes systems and sensors associated therewith. A further aspect includes programmed software instructions which include obtaining data of a user of the climate control room from the one or more sensors, raising a core body temperature of the user by a predetermined threshold based on the obtained data; and determining whether the core body temperature of the user has been raised by the predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period. The programmed software instructions may also set an ultraviolet light intensity level based on the obtained data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Corey Washington
  • Patent number: 11904209
    Abstract: A climbing cam can include a stem forming the main body of the climbing cam. A moveable latch can be disposed on the stem and operable to tether the steam to a climbing harness of a climber. A spring-loaded cam lobe can be disposed on a first end of the stem. A trigger can be connected to the cam lobe so that the trigger is actuatable to retract the cam lobe from an expanded position to a retracted position and to open the moveable latch, allowing the stem to untether from the climbing harness when the cam lobe is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventor: Baylee Anne Vogler
  • Patent number: 11904210
    Abstract: Golf ball having a generally spherical surface and comprising a plurality of dimples separated by a land area formed on the ball surface, wherein the plurality of dimples includes at least one non-spherical dimple having a non-axially symmetric plan shape and a defined point of maximum dimple depth, wherein: (i) each dimple cross-section of the non-spherical dimple consists of two arcs, each arc extending from the defined point of maximum dimple depth to a point at the land area of the golf ball; and (ii) every point on the perimeter of the non-spherical dimple is located at a radial angle, ?, about a unit circle, where 0???2?, and the edge angle value of the non-spherical dimple at any given point on the perimeter is defined by the solution of an edge angle function f(?), wherein f(?) is a non-periodic, continuous, differentiable function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 11904211
    Abstract: A golf ball material contains (i) fine particles that have an average particle size of less than 300 ?m and are composed of a crosslinked multi-component copolymer having conjugated diene units, non-conjugated olefin units and aromatic vinyl units; and (ii) a thermoplastic resin. The conjugated diene units include butadiene units, the non-conjugated olefin units include units selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and 1-butene units, the aromatic vinyl units include styrene units, and the content of the conjugated diene units in the multi-component copolymer is 5 wt % or more. This golf ball material is soft, has an excellent rebound resilience and also has a good processability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuki Mizuno, Atsushi Namba
  • Patent number: 11904212
    Abstract: A sports ball comprises a bladder and a contouring layer surrounding the bladder. The contouring layer includes at least one panel defining a repeating pattern of perforations configured to lower a Poisson's ratio of the contouring layer. Each of said perforations defines a reentrant shape and a constant cross-sectional width in a radial direction of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Campbell
  • Patent number: 11904213
    Abstract: A basketball that comprises a carcass and a cover assembly. The carcass includes a plurality of recess disposed between a plurality of grooves. The cover assembly includes a plurality of cover panels positioned within the recesses. Each of the plurality of grooves comprises a central channel. The central channel is defined by a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls are substantially planar. The central channel defines a channel depth of between about 3 mm and about 4 mm, and each of the plurality of grooves defines a ridge distance of between about 10 mm and about 12 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Kristafer Wilkes
  • Patent number: 11904214
    Abstract: A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
    Inventors: Julie Caterina, Megan Ilnicky
  • Patent number: 11904215
    Abstract: Athletic, and more particularly gymnastic, training apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a pommel portion of a pommel horse training apparatus, the pommel portion including a plurality of elongate pommel segments. A first pommel segment from the plurality of elongate pommel segments is coupled to a second pommel segment from the plurality of elongate pommel segments. A centerline of the first pommel segment is non-parallel to a centerline of the second pommel segment. The centerline of the first pommel segment is coplanar with the centerline of the second pommel segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Max Hayden Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Hayden, Tamas Reszeli
  • Patent number: 11904216
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a front portion, a rear portion, an interior region, and a crown portion. The crown portion may have a first opening and a second opening. The crown portion may have a reinforcement portion extending between and separating the first opening and the second opening. The golf club head may include a cover portion attached to the crown portion. The cover portion may cover the first opening, the second opening, and the reinforcement portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 11904217
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a crown surface having an apex at a highest point and extending between the face, the rear, the heel and the toe of the golf club head. The golf club head also includes a plurality of crown turbulators projecting from the surface of the crown and located between the face and the apex, wherein each adjacent pair of crown turbulators is separate and spaced apart to define a space between the adjacent pair of crown turbulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Erik M. Henrikson, Paul D. Wood, John Hart, Marty R. Jertson, Ryan M. Stokke, Xiaojian Chen, Matthew W. Simone, Yujen Huang
  • Patent number: 11904218
    Abstract: A method for improving a player's performance, such as reaction time or swing time by measuring the time it takes a player to change from a load position to a swing position where the player's bat makes contact with the ball when presented with a stimulus emitted from a timer. This method measures the time elapsed by utilizing a timer that configured to emit a stimulus, such as an audible sound, receive an external stimulus, such as the sound of the player's bat making contact with the ball, record the time elapsed, and present the time on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Joshua Mickles
  • Patent number: 11904219
    Abstract: The basketball rebounding apparatus includes a first frame having a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms lead to a second frame. The second frame may be hingedly coupled to the first and second arms, thereby the second frame may descend away from the first and second arms. The basketball rebounding apparatus may have a spring that controls the second frame. When a basketball passes through a basketball hoop and the basketball rebounding apparatus, it will travel towards the second frame via the first and second arms. Once the basketball contacts the second frame, it will be in a stationary position until removed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Greg Hillary
  • Patent number: 11904220
    Abstract: Systems and methods providing statistical analytics of golf performance for coaching including text, tabular, graphic, and image-based outputs that include trends information for the golfer, all based upon actual golf play on course situations, wherein the golfer inputs shot data during play, without interrupting the flow of the game, and uploads the shot data for analytics and review online, and wherein all information related to a given user are reviewable by an authorized coach user through a web-based coach access account. The system is further operable to provide the coach user rights for providing corrective or instructive feedback to the user, including visual recommendations such as modified target areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Doherty, James F. Doherty, III, William G. Moore
  • Patent number: 11904221
    Abstract: A football snap receiving training device for training a player to receive snaps from center includes a base, which is positionable upon a substantially horizontal surface for a user to stand upon. A bracket is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. A swing arm, which is spring loaded, is rotationally attached to the bracket. A gripping element, which is attached to the swing arm distal from the bracket, selectively grips a football that is positioned on the base. An actuator is attached to the base and is operationally engaged to the gripping element to retain the swing arm in a tensioned configuration. A trigger is attached to the base and is operationally engaged to the actuator. Triggering of the trigger by a foot of the user releases the swing arm, which swings so that the football is snapped to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: John Nee
  • Patent number: 11904222
    Abstract: An adjustable resistance apparatus includes features that protect a user from harmful heat generated during use while offering a wide range of resistances. The apparatus may be combined with a variety of accessories, such as a load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Logan Paulsen
  • Patent number: 11904223
    Abstract: Sensor data is collected from a sensor monitoring a tension generating device of an exercise machine. The sensor data is analyzed to determine whether the sensor data is within a specification. In an event the sensor data is not within the specification, an error stop mode is entered for the tension generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Aly E. Orady, Bret G. Stott
  • Patent number: 11904224
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system for providing client-side physiological condition estimations during a live video session. In some embodiments, the system includes a first client computer system that is caused to: (i) store a neural network on one or more computer-readable storage media of the first client computer system, (ii) obtain a live video stream of an individual via a camera of the first client computer system during a video streaming session between the first client computer system and a second client computer system, (iii) provide, during the video streaming session, video data of the live video stream as input to the neural network to obtain physiological condition information from the neural network, and (iv) provide, during the video streaming session, the physiological condition information for presentation at the second client computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Louis Nicolas Atallah, Joseph James Frassica, Minnan Xu
  • Patent number: 11904225
    Abstract: The score activated cornhole light insert is a lighting accessory that can be built into an originally manufactured cornhole board, or retrofitted into existing cornhole boards. The scoring hole with the insert in place will maintain the regulation six-inch inner diameter. The insert has adjustable mounting brackets to position the top of the insert flush with the cornhole board to prevent interference with game play or cornhole rule and regulations. The insert detects when a media filled bag has passed through the scoring hole, triggering a distinctive light pattern. In addition, the insert will indicate the battery level with a series of different blinking speeds during the first few moments of operation. The insert is watertight and designed to prevent false positives when a media filled bag lies partly on the cornhole board and partly over the scoring hole by lowering an infrared break beam below the board top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Sefton Buckland Theobald
  • Patent number: 11904226
    Abstract: An open field game arrangement includes glowing targets and provides responses, such as lights and sounds, when the targets are hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Off Course Productions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Glen Peterson, Stephen W. Brewer
  • Patent number: 11904227
    Abstract: An exercise information management system and a method of controlling the exercise information management system are provided. The exercise information management system includes a plurality of smart mirrors and a server that communicates with at least one smart mirror. Exercise-related information of an exercise performed by a user in the at least one smart mirror among the plurality of smart mirrors is stored in the server and remaining smart mirrors among the plurality of smart mirrors is configured to share the exercise-related information stored in the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Un Kim, Jeongwoo Nahm
  • Patent number: 11904228
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing a golf game are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for playing a golf game within limited confines includes a wall unit, a floor unit, and a control unit. The wall unit is configured to display a virtual portion of the golf game. The floor unit is configured to enable a physical portion of the golf game. The control unit is programmed to use first data related the virtual portion and second data related to the physical portion to enable a golfer to play a full golf hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph F. Arand
  • Patent number: 11904229
    Abstract: A suspension for a skateboard, comprising a pair of steering knuckles on opposite sides of a chassis frame of the skateboard, a pair of upper control arms connected between the pair of steering knuckles and the chassis frame, a pair of lower control arms connected between the pair of steering knuckles and the chassis frame, and a first spring damper connected between the pair of upper control arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Bajaboard International Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Alessandro Noccioli, Zi Ping Li
  • Patent number: 11904230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for inputting and controlling driving state information of a billiard ball for playing a billiard game in cyberspace and, more specifically, to a device for inputting and controlling driving state information of a billiard ball, in which an actual billiard ball is fixedly mounted on a standard table, wherein the billiard ball is mounted to be freely rotatable, and is hit by an actual billiard cue stick to receive the billiard ball's effecto information, rotation speed, and rotation direction, as well as driving state information for hitting strength and movement direction, and the received information is processed through driving state information processing software to display an image result reflecting the billiard ball's movement direction and movement amount on the actual billiard table, thereby making it possible to enjoy a billiard game in cyberspace as though a real game were being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: GO CUE INC.
    Inventors: Chul Hoon Park, Ji Hoon Na
  • Patent number: 11904232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game table system for modular and adjustable configuration by a user. The game table system comprises an auxiliary member chosen by the user to be optionally adjoined to different areas of a table top or at least one leg of the game table system. The auxiliary member aiding in ease of access to various articles that may aid the user in conducting the game played upon the game table system. The auxiliary members may be removably adjoined so that one or more auxiliary members can be removed before storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Jim Gordon
  • Patent number: 11904233
    Abstract: In methods and apparatuses for reducing latency in graphics processing inputs are received and a first set of frames is generated and stored. Once all of the frames in the first set of frames have been produced, they may be delivered to a GPU thread. Each frame is then rendered by the GPU. Starting processing of frames after one or more of the frames have been stored increases a likelihood that the GPU thread will produce rendered frames without stalling. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob P. Stine, Victor Octav Suba Miura
  • Patent number: 11904234
    Abstract: A wearable sensor apparatus includes a band shaped and sized to be worn on a finger or limb of a user, a plurality of sensor coils configured to detect a magnetic field. A processor configured to calculate a position of the wearable sensor apparatus based upon signals from the plurality of sensor coils, and a communication module configured to transmit the position of the wearable sensor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Muratov, Da-shan Shiu, Yungszu Tu
  • Patent number: 11904235
    Abstract: A video gaming system that preferable includes computing device interacting electronically with a video game controller, the video game controller in electronic communication with the computing device. Preferably, the computing device includes an electronic video game loaded on to a processor of the computing device when the video gaming system is configured to play a video game. Input signals, generated by the video game controller in response to an input action provided by a user of the video gaming system, cause a visual or audio response by the electronic video game, which is displayed on a display associated with the computing device or delivered by way of a speaker associated with the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: T2M, INC.
    Inventors: Fraser Townley, Lee Chin Feng, Daniel Paul Dooley
  • Patent number: 11904236
    Abstract: An electronic device for discharging a pulse of current includes an energy storage medium for receiving and storing electric energy supplied from a power source, a solenoid and a control switch connectable with the energy storage medium and the power source and configured to discharge a pulse of current for energising the solenoid when the control switch is activated, whereby the solenoid moves from a first position when the solenoid is not energised, into a second position when the solenoid is energised, and the energised solenoid generates and supplies a current back to the energy storage medium, a processor configured to process the time taken to energise the solenoid, monitor the current drawn by the solenoid from the energy storage medium, and control at least one parameter of a discharged pulse; and an output module to control the discharge of the current from the energy storage medium to the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SINDEN TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Garry Brown, Andrew James Sinden
  • Patent number: 11904237
    Abstract: A online gaming system provides for presentation on a user device of actionable game-related push notifications. The push notification is presented outside of a game interface and includes both contextual information about a particular game event and one or more action elements. Responsive to selection of a particular action element, a corresponding game-related action is performed with launching or switching to a game application for the game on the user device. Thus, the push notification mechanism provides for performance of a game-related action without receiving user input via a game-specific user interface provided by a corresponding game application executed by the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bucher, Troy Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 11904238
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Richard Phaneuf, James Nunn Hejl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11904239
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided, the method including: a client calculating a game score in real time according to an operation of a user, recording the operation and an operation time corresponding to the operation for generation of an operation sequence, and reporting the operation sequence and a score calculation result to a server after a game is over; the server starting a game loop, and performing the operation during the game loop according to the operation sequence, so as to calculate a real score of the user; comparing the real score with the score calculation result to verify whether the user cheats, and feeding back a verification result to the client; and the client receiving the verification result and performing a processing corresponding to the verification result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI HODE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Biao Yan, Haofeng Li
  • Patent number: 11904240
    Abstract: An online gaming system for providing online game content to users based presentation control device. The system may comprise one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules including: a game module configured to execute an instance of an online game and to implement the instance of the online game to facilitate participation of users in the online game via presentation control devices; a user module configured to manage content sets corresponding to the individual users; a presentation control device module configured to manage game content sets corresponding to presentation control devices; a detection module configured to detect users physically present at the presentation control devices; and a content module configure to: determine appropriate content sets which are to be made available for participation by the users, and effectuate presentation of the game content to facilitate participation of the users in the determined appropriate game content sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Harrington, Kent Wakeford
  • Patent number: 11904241
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure disclose a virtual item control method and apparatus, a terminal, and a non-transitory storage medium, and belong to the field of computer technologies. The method includes: displaying a plurality of item icons after a press operation on a throw button is detected; controlling, in response to the press operation moving to the target item icon and a duration reaches a target duration, a virtual object to hold a target virtual item corresponding to the target item icon; controlling, in response to a movement of the press operation, the virtual object to aim at a target position; and controlling, in response to a release of the press operation, the virtual object to throw the target virtual item to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Shengyu Wu, Cong Tian, Meng Qiu, Jingjing He, Dancheng Zou, Boyi Liu, Weijian Cui, Yi Li
  • Patent number: 11904242
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pathfinding method, and the method includes: determining a starting point and a target point of a target object; determining a distance range between the starting point and the target point on a grid map; selecting a pathfinding strategy corresponding to the distance range according to the distance range, wherein different pathfinding strategies are adopted for different distance ranges. The present invention further relates to a pathfinding apparatus and device, and a recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LILITH TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhiyi Wen, Huan Jin
  • Patent number: 11904243
    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-configurations, and auto-download software applications are also provided to optimize integration with, for example, a wireless telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Mullen
  • Patent number: 11904244
    Abstract: A multidimensional sports system for playing a multidimensional sports game having a physical component played by physical players manipulating a movable game object within a physical playing area, and a virtual component played by virtual game users within a virtual game space inside a virtual competitive game. The multidimensional sports system comprises an interactive game portal with a physical portal boundary and a sensor, a game host device for implementing the virtual competitive game, and a game object projector. A physical to virtual game transition occurs upon the sensor detecting the movable game object crossing the physical portal boundary, suspending the physical component and initiating the virtual component. The virtual component is played until a virtual game object crosses a virtual portal boundary, causing a virtual to physical transition suspending the virtual component and causing the game object projector to launch the movable game object onto the physical playing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Carrick J. Pierce
  • Patent number: 11904245
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for assessing performance of a player of a game. An embodiment operates by monitoring for an input from the player of the game, receiving the input from the player of the game, and determining a characteristic of the game resulting from the input from the player. Based on the input from the player, a performance of the player is assessed. The performance of the player relating to one or more metrics of the game is monitored, and is assessed by comparing the input from the player during the period of time to an optimal input during the period of time in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: State Space Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Fuller, David J. Heeger, Wayne E. Mackey
  • Patent number: 11904246
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating intra-game communication in video game environments featuring first-person or third-person perspectives by generating an on-screen graphic that includes the communication and a pointer towards a location of another user within the video game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11904247
    Abstract: A content image display section displays a content image. A system image display section superimposes a system image on the content image and displays the images in response to a user operation. The system image display section is provided with a chat information display section for displaying information related to a voice chat. A member display section displays members of one voice chat room in which the user stays. A chat list display section displays a list of a plurality of voice chat rooms in which the user stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Shogo Suzuki, Takuma Oiwa, Masashi Takeuchi, Hiroki Hirakawa, Steven Trombetta
  • Patent number: 11904248
    Abstract: A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 11904249
    Abstract: A portable, folding dog agility teeter is disclosed. The teeter has two boards which are connected by a hinge. A pair of legs are also hinged. Each board can be reversibly fixed in relation to the hinge so the longitudinal axis of each board is parallel to the other. A fulcrum is formed where the legs attach to the hinge. One of the boards is heavier than the other so the heavier board is touching the ground when no additional load is on the other board. As a dog crosses from one board to the other, the teeter moves so the lighter board touches the ground. When the dog leaves the teeter the heavier board moves to touch the ground, thereby resetting the teeter for repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Hoffco International Imports, LLC
    Inventors: Stacey Ann Hoffman, Andrew Ryan Hoffman, Chad Eugene Spangler
  • Patent number: 11904250
    Abstract: A free-fall apparatus comprising a vertical structure that houses and supports a lifting assembly that includes a wearable harness, a support member, anchored pulleys, a lifting cable, and a lifting device. The vertical structure also houses and supports a braking assembly that includes a pair of cylinders, pistons, anchored pulleys, and braking cables. The amusement ride's unique design provides end-users with selective control of their entertainment experience by allowing each end-user the ability to decide when to engage the release mechanism that induces the safe yet exhilarating free-fall experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Jimmy Doyle Mosley
  • Patent number: 11904251
    Abstract: A top toy includes a first shaft side component and a trunk part. The trunk part includes a trunk body, a moving body being rotatably configured with respect to the trunk body, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to lock releasably the moving member at a first position. The first shaft side component is rotatably configured with respect to the trunk part between first and second rotation positions. The trunk part is rotatably configured with respect to the first shaft side component when an external force is applied to the trunk part. The first shaft side component includes is a first projecting part. When the first projecting part is in contact with the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism is configured to release the moving member from the first position. The first and second shaft side components are interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Muraki, Yohei Bando, Takeaki Maeda
  • Patent number: 11904252
    Abstract: A therapeutic device shaped like a stuffed animal device that generally includes an outer casing and an inner casing. The outer casing defines an external structure configured to resemble an animal, such as a body having a head, a torso, and at least one pair of limbs each having a leg and a foot. The inner casing is located in the torso. The inner casing is configured with multiple contiguous weighted chambers each holding a collection of micro-glass beads. An audio playback device is disposed in the head. Each foot includes a weighted container carrying a portion of micro-glass beads. A fill material or stuffing is disposed in the head and in the torso about the inner casing. The fill material is also disposed in the leg and in the foot about the weighted container. Textured features are applied to the ears and to the bottom side of the feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Savanna Palafox
  • Patent number: 11904253
    Abstract: A fidget toy has a set of three gimbals, wherein two of the gimbals may be in a parallel configuration, while an intermediate gimbal is mounted with an orthogonal pivot axis compared to the other gimbals. The fidget toy may have a spherical core, two successive rings, and a hemispherical outer shell wherein the three gimbals are at the interface of these four objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Kahn Creatives LLC
    Inventor: Jason Kahn