2893results about "Indoor games" patented technology

Three-dimensional position information is used to identify the gesture created by a body part of interest. At one or more instances of an interval, the posture of a body part is recognized, based on the shape of the body part and its position and orientation. The posture of the body part over each of the one or more instances in the interval are recognized as a combined gesture. The gesture is classified for determining an input into a related electronic device.

A device allows easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and a computer display system using the person's (or another object's) movement and position as input to the computer. In some configurations, the display can be projected around the user so that that the person's actions are displayed around them. The video camera and projector operate on different wavelengths so that they do not interfere with each other. Uses for such a device include, but are not limited to, interactive lighting effects for people at clubs or events, interactive advertising displays, etc. Computer-generated characters and virtual objects can be made to react to the movements of passers-by, generate interactive ambient lighting for social spaces such as restaurants, lobbies and parks, video game systems and create interactive information spaces and art installations. Patterned illumination and brightness and gradient processing can be used to improve the ability to detect an object against a background of video images.

A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.

The present invention teaches a method of creating and presenting a user interface comprising a Dynamic Mosaic Extended Electronic Programming Guide (DMXEPG) using video, audio, special applications, and service dynamic metadata. The system enables television or digital radio service subscribers to select and display of various programs including video, interactive TV applications, or any combination of audio or visual components grouped and presented in accordance with the dynamic program/show metadata, business rules and objectives of service providers, broadcasters, and/or personal subscriber choices, collectively referred to as mosaic element presentation criteria.

A sensor is disposed in proximity to the gaming table. The sensor is adapted to sense an occurrence of an event on a surface of the gaming table and to output a change-of-state signal. The video camera or video cameras that are disposed in proximity to the gaming table are configured and positioned to be activated to collect the video information relating to activities on the gaming table, and circuitry is adapted to detect the change-of-state signal from the sensor. The circuitry further is adapted to activate the video camera or video cameras to automatically collect the video information upon the detection by the circuitry of the change-of-state signal from the sensor.

A text processing system for processing multi-lingual text for a speech synthesizer includes a first language dependent module for performing at least one of text and prosody analysis on a portion of input text comprising a first language. A second language dependent module performs at least one of text and prosody analysis on a second portion of input text comprising a second language. A third module is adapted to receive outputs from the first and second dependent module and performs prosodic and phonetic context abstraction over the outputs based on multi-lingual text.

A combination of sensors, including solid-state gyros and force-sensitive resistors, are mounted in an insole suitable for insertion into a shoe. Data from the sensors is recorded by an in situ Programmable Interface Controller (PIC), logged into on-board EEPROM/Flash memory and relayed to a base station computer via a miniature telemetry transmitter triggered by RFID tagging. Software then uses this data to compute the cadence and ankle power of the subject, as well as other parameters, in order to analyze and assess the gait and activity of the subject.

A capture system captures detectable attributes of a user. A differential system compares the detectable attributes with a normalized model of attributes, wherein the normalized model of attributes characterize normal representative attribute values across a sample of a plurality of users and generates differential attributes representing the differences between the detectable attributes and the normalized model of attributes. Multiple separate avatar creator systems receive the differential attributes and each apply the differential attributes to different base avatars to create custom avatars which reflect a selection of the detectable attributes of the user which are distinguishable from the normalized model of attributes.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an audio-conference bridging system and method are provided. The present invention discards the traditional notion of a single mixing function for a conference. Instead, the novel, flexible design of the present invention provides a separate mixing function for each participant in the conference. This new architecture is described generally herein as “EdgePoint mixing.” EdgePoint mixing overcomes limitations of traditional conferencing systems by providing each participant control over his/her conference experience. EdgePoint mixing also allows, when desired, the simulation of a “real-life” conference by permitting each participant to receive a distinctly mixed audio signal from the conference depending on the speaker's “position” within a virtual conference world. The present invention also preferably accommodates participants of different qualities of service. Each participant, thus, is able to enjoy the highest-level conferencing experience that his/her own connection and equipment will permit.

A light-emitting device which is manufactured by a simple manufacturing method and which efficiently extracts light emitted from an emissive layer outward to improve the light extraction efficiency. The light-emitting device comprises a first electrode, a second electrode and an emissive layer disposed between them and extracts a part of light emitted from the emissive layer as radiated light. In this light-emitting device, the first electrode, the nano-structure layer for extracting the radiated light, and a gap having a refractive index lower than an average refractive index of the emissive layer and a nano-structure layer, are arranged in that order in a direction in which the radiated light is extracted.

A system and method for directing the improvisational behavior of a computer-controlled character which enables the character to reflect personality, mood, and other life-like qualities. The method includes the step of storing in the system a set of possible behaviors for the character and state data representative of a current state of the character. The possible behaviors include both physical and verbal behaviors. The current state includes the character's current mood, directional state, activity state, and location in a virtual world. The method also includes the step of identifying from the set of possible behaviors a subset of feasible behaviors for the character in the current state. Each of the feasible behaviors is evaluated to determine a respective desirability rating of the feasible behavior in the current state. The method further includes the step of selecting a behavior to be executed by the character from the subset of feasible behaviors. The behavior to be executed is selected in dependence upon its desirability rating.

A document categorization system, including a clusterer for generating clusters of related electronic documents based on features extracted from the documents, and a filter module for generating a filter on the basis of the clusters to categorize further documents received by the system. The system may include an editor for manually browsing and modifying the clusters. The categorization of the documents is based on n-grams, which are used to determine significant features of the documents. The system includes a trend analyzer for determining trends of changing document categories over time, and for identifying novel clusters. The system may be implemented as a plug-in module for a spreadsheet application for permitting one-off or ongoing analysis of text entries in a worksheet.

The present invention discloses a computer system within a computer network having multiple computers connected together using telecommunications mechanisms for graphically interacting within immersive online communities. A user selects a set of desired characteristics associated with a personality for creation of a first intelligent virtual object. The first intelligent virtual object interacts with other intelligent virtual objects within the immersive online community utilizing predetermined interface tools such that said other intelligent virtual objects receive real-time responses to stimuli initiated by said other intelligent virtual objects. The first intelligent virtual object interactively passes user generated content between said other intelligent virtual objects and said user under administrative controls.

A noise-free portable EEG system is provided. The system has hardware and software and can evaluate mental state quantitatively. The quantitative data of mental states and their levels can be applied to various areas of brain-machine interface including consumer products, video game, toys, military and aerospace as well as biofeedback or neurofeedback.

A user interface apparatus has a flexible part including a one-dimensional analog sensor for sensing distortion of the flexible part, and a processor unit for detecting one of input states based on a value of the detected distortion and having a task run. The task relates to a selected input state. The input states are related to dynamic or static positive/negative distortion of the flexible part. The user interacts with the apparatus by physically manipulating a body of the apparatus.

A touchpad input controller receives user input relating to a display. The input controller includes a facing surface that faces a user when the controller is held in the user's hand or hands during use, and one or more non-facing surfaces that each faces away from the user when the controller is held the user's hand or hands during use. At least one non-facing surface includes a touchpad input area that is positioned to be accessed by at least one user finger for receiving user input. The facing surface including a display on which the results of user input received at the touchpad input area is displayed. The touchpad input area includes a mapping to a virtual keyboard layout for receiving keyboard-equivalent input from the user at the touchpad input area.

The invention discloses tile feeding driving mechanisms, tile feeding assemblies and a mahjong machine. Each tile feeding driving mechanism of the mahjong machine comprises a tile feeding support, a tile storage groove, a tile feeding guide rail, a tile feeding pushing head and a steel wire rope, rolling parts are arranged at the position, close to the corresponding tile feeding guide rail and/or the corresponding tile storage groove, of each steel wire rope, each rolling part is installed on the corresponding tile feeding guide rail or the corresponding tile feeding support in a rotatable mode, the part, located in the corresponding tile storage groove, of each steel wire rope are in rolling contact with the multiple rolling parts, and a gap is maintained between the part, located in the corresponding tile storage groove, of each steel wire rope and the corresponding tile feeding guide rail and/or the side wall of the corresponding tile storage groove. According to the scheme, sliding friction of steel wire ropes in the prior art is replaced with rolling friction of the steel wire ropes, friction resistance in the operation process of the steel wire ropes is greatly decreased, and the situation that the service life and operation stability of the steel wire ropes are influenced due to sliding friction contact between the part, located in the corresponding tile storage groove, of each steel wire rope and the corresponding tile feeding guide rail and/or the arc-shaped bent side wall of the corresponding tile storage groove is avoided.

An AR system both identifies and visually tracks parts for a user by maintaining spatial awareness of the user's pose and provides instructions to the user for the use of those parts. Tracking the identified parts, both inside and outside the current Field of View (FOV), and any missing parts for use with the current instruction improves the effectiveness and efficiency of both novice and experienced user alike.

An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.

Interfacing application programs and motion sensors of a device. In one aspect, a high-level command is received from an application program running on a motion sensing device, where the application program implements one of multiple different types of applications available for use on the device. The high-level command requests high-level information derived from the output of motion sensors of the device that include rotational motion sensors and linear motion sensors. The command is translated to cause low-level processing of motion sensor data output by the motion sensors, the low-level processing following requirements of the type of application and determining the high-level information in response to the command. The application program is ignorant of the low-level processing, and the high-level information is provided to the application program.

A closed-loop control system that remotely controls a device over a distributed communications system includes a device that is connected to the distributed communications system and that generates super-media feedback signals. A computer is connected to the distributed communications system and includes a controller that provides super-media feedback. The computer generates and transmits command signals using the controller to the device and outputs the super-media feedback signals to the controller. The closed-loop control system is event-based to ensure stability and synchronization of the closed-loop system.

Systems, methods and structures for combining virtual reality and real-time environment by combining captured real-time video data and real-time 3D environment renderings to create a fused, that is, combined environment, including capturing video imagery in RGB or HSV/HSV color coordinate systems and processing it to determine which areas should be made transparent, or have other color modifications made, based on sensed cultural features, electromagnetic spectrum values, and/or sensor line-of-sight, wherein the sensed features can also include electromagnetic radiation characteristics such as color, infra-red, ultra-violet light values, cultural features can include patterns of these characteristics, such as object recognition using edge detection, and whereby the processed image is then overlaid on, and fused into a 3D environment to combine the two data sources into a single scene to thereby create an effect whereby a user can look through predesignated areas or “windows” in the video image to see into a 3D simulated world, and/or see other enhanced or reprocessed features of the captured image.

A golf club head is formed by integrally welding a face portion and a back portion with each other. The face portion has a circumferential edge portion in its back surface. The circumferential edge portion is made of a flat surface all over its circumference. In the rear surface of the face portion, the part other than the circumferential edge portion is formed as a recess portion. In the bottom surface of the recess portion, a first bottom surface which is the deepest, a second bottom surface which is the second deepest, a third bottom surface which is the third deepest, and a fourth bottom surface which is the shallowest are formed in descending order. Three ribs are provided vertically to extend through the recess portion.

Individual or multiple-unit vending systems/kiosks with the ability to create highly customized products at the time of sale, with audio-visual features, handicap access and additional abilities and/or components; with multiple delivery abilities of tangible and/or intangible product(s); new real estate opportunities and business models, including business opportunities and/or jobs for disadvantaged people. This invention provides products for humans, animals and plants, and takes in one or more of the following product categories, without limitation: water, beverages, foodstuffs, toys, games contests, greeting cards, photography/video, audio/music, personal care products; using converging technologies such as, but not limited to: telecommunications, wireless data transmission, smart cards, etc. Benefits include, without limitation: test marketing, focus groups, and new product introductions using consumer interaction; education, entertainment, rewards, promotions, advertising, contests, charitable support, etc.

A system and method tracks the movements of a driver or passenger in a vehicle (ground, water, air, or other) and controls devices in accordance with position, motion, and/or body or hand gestures or movements. According to one embodiment, an operator or passenger uses the invention to control comfort or entertainment features such the heater, air conditioner, lights, mirror positions or the radio/CD player using hand gestures. An alternative embodiment facilitates the automatic adjustment of car seating restraints based on head position. Yet another embodiment is used to determine when to fire an airbag (and at what velocity or orientation) based on the position of a person in a vehicle seat. The invention may also be used to control systems outside of the vehicle. The on-board sensor system would be used to track the driver or passenger, but when the algorithms produce a command for a desired response, that response (or just position and gesture information) could be transmitted via various methods (wireless, light, whatever) to other systems outside the vehicle to control devices located outside the vehicle. For example, this would allow a person to use gestures inside the car to interact with a kiosk located outside of the car.

A system and methodology for creating, compiling, managing and distributing works of multimedia within a virtual space (environment) or virtual meeting space. The system consists of a server and client architecture. Within this architecture, the server or controller plays a “master” role, pulling, storing, and delivering media content from a plurality of client sources. The master server or controller manipulates the storage and delivery of these streams through an intelligent database and programming architecture. These streams are encoded to a specific format and delivered through a server to single or multiple recipients as a vital component of a complete virtual meeting experience. The result is a complete and organized virtual meeting room experience from attendee invitation though follow-up and record meeting dispersal.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for determining when an athlete is in possession of a ball by analyzing image data are provided. A camera is worn by an athlete and is turned on when the athlete is in proximity of a ball. The camera is used to generate an image of a ball. The size of the ball is determined and compared to a threshold. The athlete is considered to be in possession of the ball when the size of the image exceeds the threshold.

Integrated wired and wireless wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (WDM PON) apparatus using a light source mode-locked to fed incoherent light includes: a fed light generator for providing fed light for up/downstream signals via a broadband light source emitting an incoherent optical signal; a central office (CO) for receiving, mode-locking, and downstream-optical-transmitting the incoherent optical signal generated by the fed light generator and receiving and optical-detecting an upstream optical signal transmitted from a subscriber unit; and the subscriber unit for receiving, mode-locking, and upstream-optical-transmitting the incoherent optical signal generated by the fed light generator and receiving and optical-detecting a downstream optical signal transmitted from the CO, wherein a wired optical transmitter for transmitting a baseband wired signal and a wireless optical transmitter for transmitting a high frequency radio frequency (RF) signal are comprised for up/downstream optical transmission of the CO and the subscriber unit.

A DTV signal includes frames, and the frames include data segments. Data segments are replaced by codewords which represent digital data. The DTV signals are broadcast and received by receivers. The receivers recover the digital data from the codewords in the DTV signals, for example by using matched filtering. By using long codewords, the digital data can be broadcast over a longer range and recovered by simpler circuitry in comparison to the television programming contained in the DTV signal. In one implementation, the DTV signal is an American Television Standards Committee (ATSC) DTV signal.

Enables recognition of events within motion data including but not limited to motion capture data obtained from portable wireless motion capture elements such as visual markers and sensors, radio frequency identification tags and motion sensors within mobile device computer systems, or calculated based on analyzed movement associated with the same user, other user, historical user or group of users. Provides low power transmission of events. Greatly reduces storage for events such as a shot, move or swing of a player, a concussion of a player, boxer, rider or driver, or a heat stroke, hypothermia, seizure, asthma attack, epileptic attack. Events may be correlated with image(s) as captured from internal/external camera(s) or nanny cam, for example to enable saving video of the event, such as the first steps of a child, violent shaking events, sporting, military or other motion events including concussions, or falling events associated with an elderly person.