A learning tool for identifying and memorizing fractional indicia on measuring devices including tape measures, rulers, other lined media, and the like, including incorporated into a fun to play game that emphasizes the above skills development while additionally utilizing and improving tactile feel, dexterity, eye-hand coordination and speed to accomplish work tasks by requiring picking up and properly manipulating small objects analogous to handling and placement of nails for hammering and screws for inserting them into specified holes. The tool can additionally incorporate measureable metrics for determining progress and identifying areas requiring additional practice.

A method of determining duration of a play session is described herein using a ball saver. An elapsed game time is tracked and a current round of play identified. Using the current round of play and the elapsed game time, a save time is determined. Finally, an autosave for a duration equal to the save time is activated using mechanical stop, flippers, or programmatic solutions.

Disclosed are a smart spindle with a replaceable battery, and a smart Rubik's cube. The smart spindle comprises a core (100), a sensor (200) and a main control module (310), wherein the core (100) comprises a housing (110) with a cavity (111); the main control module (310) is mounted inside the cavity (111); the sensor (200) is electrically connected to the main control module (310); the sensor (200) is mounted at the core (100); the cavity (111) is also used for mounting a battery (400), the housing (110) is provided with a notch (112) for having access to the battery (400), and the notch (112) is in communication with the cavity (111); or, the exterior of the housing (110) is used for mounting the battery (400), and the housing (110) is provided with a through hole (113), such that the cavity (111) is in communication with the exterior of the housing (110) via the through hole (113). When the power for the smart Rubik's cube is insufficient, a player can remove the used battery and replace same with a fresh battery, such that the smart Rubik's cube can continue to be used immediately, without the need to perform charging and the need to stop use for a period of time, thereby facilitating the use by the player.

A smart center shaft, a smart Rubik's Cube, and a timing method therefor. The smart center shaft comprises a core, a sensor, and a master control module. The core comprises a housing having a cavity. The sensor is mounted on the core. The sensor comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is fixed on the housing. The rotor is configured to be connected and rotate simultaneously with a Rubik's Cube layer of the smart Rubik's Cube, thus allowing the rotor to rotate with the Rubik's Cube layer relative to the stator. The master control module is mounted within the cavity. The master control module is electrically connected to the sensor. The master control module acquires a rotation signal of the Rubik's Cube layer on the basis of the relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. The sensor and the core form one integral body, the degree of integration is high, and the consideration of complex assembly relations between the stator and a center block or an intermediate connecting block is avoided.

A handheld pool game clock apparatus suited for timekeeping pool/billiard games is presented. The handheld pool game clock apparatus contains a clock body, at least one display, a processing unit, at least one switch, and a control panel. The at least one display is distributed around the clock body. The processing unit and the at least one switch are connected within the clock body. The control panel is connected adjacent to the clock body. The at least one display, the control panel, and the at least one switch are electronically connected to the processing unit.

A toy or game apparatus including a figure or character member and a trigger means. User actuation of the trigger means causes at least part of the figure or character member to vibrate and/or shake. The vibrating or shaking occurring occasionally and/or after a period of time has elapsed.

An intelligent magic cube, and a sensing shaft center structure and a timing method used thereby. The sensing shaft center structure comprises a main body; the main body comprises a core (1) having an internal cavity, and several tubular shafts (2) communicated with the core (1). An internal central control module (3) is provided inside the cavity, and comprises a state obtaining unit. Each tubular shaft (2) is provided with a state signal sending set (4). The state signal sending set (4) comprises a signal selector and multiple signal exciters. The signal selector may be paired with any signal exciter, and generate a corresponding state signal. The state obtaining unit is configured to be able to receive the state signal sent from the state signal sending set (4).

An interactive game code apparatus resembles a battle rifle of the type used in video game depictions of combat and is able to receive a game code when the battle rifle has been successfully field stripped in a game play scenario which the battle rifle is initially assembled, followed by a first timer start input, and disassembled, followed by a first timer stop input establishing a first time interval. A second timer start input begins a second time interval during which the battle rifle is reassembled and a second timer stop input occurs marking a second time interval. If the first and second time intervals are less than a pre-determined maximum time interval, access to the game code is given.

A word-forming game and methods to play the game are disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes obtaining a plurality of game pieces amongst which at least one game piece bears a rotatable indicia on a face thereof, wherein the rotatable indicia depicts a different set of one or more letters when viewed from different viewing orientations. The method further includes linearly arranging the game pieces on a gaming surface to form a first word, wherein the first word includes a first set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a first viewing orientation, and rotating the at least one game piece bearing the rotatable indicia to form a second word different from the first word, wherein the second word includes a second set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a second viewing orientation.

A computer implemented method for modifying a limit value determining the number of moves available to a player in a level of a computer implemented game and maintaining this setting for subsequent play of the level. The method comprises using a counter to change a move count in response to a user input defining a move in the game, wherein no additional moves can be made if the number of moves made reaches a first limit value; responsive to further user input, providing a first set of further moves; and storing information associated with said first set of further moves such that when said game is played again, a number of possible moves comprises the first limit value of moves and said first set of further moves.