Abstract: A photo subject station used to capture information regarding a subject suitable for integration into a personalized, printed product and method of using same with children so that a personal identification of a child need not be saved to deliver a customized product to the child when the child takes part of a session, for example, at a school. The station uses a stool, a color background device, preferably two digital cameras and lights located at fixed positions in the station and a computer. The computer creates and stores a subject file for each subject that contains photographs of the subject (e.g., three frontal and three profile photographs with three different facial expressions, plus a rear photograph), an image data file associated with the photographs (which contains x-y coordinates used for scaling the photographs), a data file containing an identification related to the subject and a bit map skin file (derived from one of the photographs for use in fixing personalized skin color).

Abstract: An interactive game is disclosed which may take the form of a board game, a hand held game or a yard game. It includes a series of printed circuits or devices which may be concealed within a playing surface and an electronic detector for the circuits. Easily as many as 8 or 16 different discrete device may be detected and distinguished. Stored messages associated with each device or combinations of devices is displayed or audibly reproduce the messages.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for capturing, editing, storing, and reproducing multiple graphic image components for the production of personalized printing materials. From data entered in the computer, personal characteristics of the customer are selected and the image of the customer is integrated into a pre-printed background. Both method and apparatus allow for controlled additive coloration to a basic background to incorporate shading, contour, fine detail, and variation in skin tone and hair color in the finished drawing of the customer.

Abstract: A manually operated maze puzzle including a hollow body having a recess lined with a maze pattern on a cylindrical inner surface. An operator which matches the shape of the recess includes a maze follower such as a pin. The maze is totally concealed. It includes a starting groove at an innermost position with maximum nesting of the operator within the body. A plurality of incorrect channel paths are included extending toward the mouth of the recess. One correct path is included. All incorrect exit paths include one way traps that require a return to the original start path. Matching indicia indicate a correct solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating and combining for reproduction on a single format, standardized text, standardized graphics, personalized text and personalized graphics. The apparatus employs a computer into which personalized text and personalized graphics information is introduced. A variety of graphics are stored in the computer and compared with the personalized graphics information introduced into the computer. The apparatus combines the standardized text and graphics with the personalized text and graphics to provide a personalized text and graphics output.