Abstract: A messaging gamification device. A messaging gamification device can include a customizable message provisioning system and a customizable display system. A method of operating a messaging gamification device can include controlling reproduction of content on a customizable display system of the gamification device according to how a user interacts with the gamification device and content presentation rules.

Abstract: A messaging gamification device. A messaging gamification device can include a customizable message provisioning system and a customizable display system. A method of operating a messaging gamification device can include controlling reproduction of content on a customizable display system of the gamification device according to how a user interacts with the gamification device and content presentation rules.

Abstract: A messaging gamification device. A messaging gamification device can include a customizable message provisioning system and a customizable display system. A method of operating a messaging gamification device can include controlling reproduction of content on a customizable display system of the gamification device according to how a user interacts with the gamification device and content presentation rules.

Abstract: In various embodiments, online discussions in connection with an educational resource are improved by analyzing annotations made by students assigned to a discussion group to identify high-quality annotations likely to generate responses and stimulate discussion threads and by making the identified annotations visible to students not assigned to the discussion group.

Abstract: An electronic, automated fortune telling device utilizing celebrity personalities to entertain users. A portable standalone unit including a cabinet housing a video display, bill validator, debit/credit card reader, user interface, processor, memory and speakers. The memory maintains one or more databases of celebrity video and audio files which are used to present the fortune telling routines to the user via the video display. A user is able to select a celebrity to present the fortune telling routine. The fortune telling device may also be configured to perform mock celebrity weddings after which the fortune telling device prints a wedding certificate and/or dispenses a pair of wedding bands and/or transmits a digital wedding photo.

Abstract: An animatronic doll having a motor, a head frame pivotally mounted to a neck carrier, a bevel gear and a pinion gear connected to a head shaft, a first gear, and a second gear. The pinion gear is engaged with a rack of the head frame. The first gear is configured to be driven by the bevel gear and is rotatable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first gear does not drive the second gear when the first gear is rotated between the first position and the second position. The first gear drives the second gear when the first gear is rotated between the second position and the third position. Rotation of the head shaft rotates the pinion gear and pivots the head frame. Rotation of the second gear may rotate arms of the doll. The arms may include friction clutches.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing content recommendations by maintaining preference values indicative of a user's preference (e.g., degree of like or dislike) for different assets and updating these preference values based on observed events and known relationships between events and content elements. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing content recommendations using polarity scores, which represent how much user preferences for certain content differ from the average user preference for that content.

Abstract: Novelty device for communication between a human being and universal consciousness (Universal Mind) is a mechanical device with a Central body, suspended on several substantially upright supports, so that the Central body can move (swing) in horizontal plane. The upright supports are attached to a stationary frame. A diagram is attached to the same stationary frame. The diagram displays symbols, numbers, pictures and the like. A clear transparent surface with a colored dot indicator is attached to the moving Central body. In communication, the user holds the frame in his or her hands, observes the movements of the dot indicator over the diagram and interprets the dialog.

Abstract: A touch position determining apparatus and method thereof are provided. The touch position determining apparatus is adapted to a sphere. The touch position determining apparatus includes a pressure sensing array and a processing unit. The pressure sensing array is coupled below the sphere and includes a plurality of pressure sensing nodes. The pressure sensing array generates a pressure deformation area in response to a touch operation performed on a surface of the sphere, and generates a pressure signal set by the pressure sensing nodes corresponding to the pressure deformation area. The processing unit is connected to the pressure sensing array and determines a touch position of the touch operation performed on the surface of the sphere according to the pressure signal set.

Abstract: A method for predicting constellations includes the steps of: providing probability data of correlations between constellations and combined fingerprint types and blood types, and constellation fortune-telling data; detecting and classifying a fingerprint image; inputting a personal blood type; calculating probabilities of correlations between the constellations and the combined fingerprint types and blood types; and correspondingly outputting the constellation fortune-telling data according to the calculated probability. A constellation-predicting system of a preferred embodiment includes a fingerprint-image-detecting device, a blood-type-inputting unit, a calculating unit, a memory unit and a terminal unit which are connected to form the system.

Abstract: Novelty device for communication between a human being and universal consciousness (Universal Mind) is a mechanical device with a Central body, suspended on several substantially upright supports, so that the Central body can move (swing) in horizontal plane. The upright supports are attached to a stationary frame. A diagram is attached to the same stationary frame. The diagram displays symbols, numbers, pictures and the like. A clear transparent surface with a colored dot indicator is attached to the moving Central body. In communication, the user holds the frame in his or her hands, observes the movements of the dot indicator over the diagram and interprets the dialog.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spiritual talking board having a half-moon design and a plurality of indicia thereon for providing guidance on specific questions or issues. The board is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a suspended pendulum, which is positioned over a compass rose origin of the half-moon shape. Moving radially outward from the origin is a plurality of numbers, month indicators, and finally letters of the alphabet. On a first half of the board there are shown symbols for positive, female and the sun, while a second half shows negative, male and the moon. Positioned orthogonally from one another are the answers no/yes/no and finally a symbol showing prosperity is provided. A pendulum is suspended over the compass rose by a user, whereafter a question is posed. Movement of the pendulum over the board surface is provides insight into the question and a possible answer thereto.

Abstract: A collectable card game of strategy and skill that includes a plurality of collectable cards, each of which preferably comprise a character-specific collectable card. Each collectable card corresponds to a character and contains character specific information regarding the character, including attributes and capabilities of the character such as offensive and defensive characteristics and assigned values. Each collectable card is adaptable from a generally flat configuration to a folded configuration generally in the form of a “fortune teller” novelty piece that functions during play as a functional game piece. Once each player has configured his collectable card into the game piece configuration, the players engage in a battle that consists of a series of rounds. During each round, the players engage in a series of alternating offensive strikes and mitigating defensive plays, the combined net score of which is then deducted from a predetermined “life force” value assigned with each character card.

Abstract: The Poker Magic Ace Ball is a magic answer ball novelty item specifically designed for card-game usage (i.e. poker). It has a card-suit/character logo on the exterior (i.e. Ace of Spades, Joker) and card-game related text on the inside floating die (i.e. Hold, Raise, Fold).

Abstract: A device and method for determining the personality type of a person or a group of persons in the tradition of the Enneagram. The device includes a number of cards and each of the cards has at least a color band, an image and a group of words, which collectively identifies an ego type.

Abstract: A kit for promoting social interaction includes a plurality of containers in the form of boxes held by a larger vessel. Each of the containers encloses a message designed for stimulating conversation and includes an instruction that the container is to be used for purposes of stimulating conversation. The instruction may be carried on the substrate together with the message. Alternatively or additionally, the messages may be provided on inside surfaces of the containers while the instruction may be printed on the outside of the individual containers.

Abstract: The Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique fortune-telling game which incorporates the ancient Chinese philosophy of the I Ching with concepts of the Tarot. The game consists of sixteen sets of eight different I Ching trigram cards, in which two sets or sixteen trigrams are randomly selected and then placed, by eight randomly picked Chosun Prophecy Coins, into eight specific prognosticative sites, filling both the upper and lower sections of each, forming a pattern of eight hexagrams on the game board. A psychic reading is formulated by relating the I Ching context of the eight unified hexagrams with specific line analysis to their game board inscriptions as this data applies to the query.

Abstract: A bouncing ball type of amusement device has a buoyant die floating in a water-filled, transparent rubber ball. The die has a plurality of faces with written material thereon. When bounced after asking a yes or no type of question, the die will float to the top of the ball and one of its faces will contact the inside surface of the ball and be viewable by a user.

Abstract: The Prophesy Coins Game is a unique fortune telling game consisting of eight numbered Prophesy Coins that are obtained randomly from a unique Prophesy Coins Container/Dispenser and used as positional and rotational identifiers to place and orient eight randomly selected tarot cards, from a standard 78 card tarot deck, into eight prognosticative data location sites on a game board. A psychic reading is formulated from the context of each of the eight selected tarot cards relating their meaning and orientation with their positional game-board-data inscriptions with reference to the query.

Abstract: A game is provided. Such game includes a generally flat playing board manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. Such playing board has predetermined indicia disposed thereon at a plurality of predetermined locations. A pointing device is included for traveling across such playing board and indicating at least one predetermined member of such predetermined indicia. Such pointing device has a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size.

Abstract: A Ba-Gua game tower includes a main disk and at least one secondary disk attached to the bottom of the main disk. The main disk has a disk body with a top face divided into eight divinatory sections respectively designated with a Chinese character. The secondary disk has a secondary disk body with a top face divided into portions respectively designated with a numeral from 1-6 such that there are multiple sets of numerals on the top face of the secondary disk body. A first ball is able to roll on the top face of the disk body and a second ball is able to roll on the top face of the secondary disk body to respectively indicate where a player should look up in a reference book.

Abstract: A game based method and system is provided for personal actualization in the context of fortune telling or as a means of centering oneself. The game employs a method of personal actualization whereby a user selects a plurality of random words, phrases or numbers and then evaluates the randomly selected information to find patterns within the word combinations that are relevant to them. In one embodiment, a container holds a plurality of cards, wherein each of the cards contains predetermined words, phrases, numbers, figures of speech and blanks. During game play, the user draws cards from the container at random and then intuitively interprets the meaning of the card that is drawn within the context and order that the cards are drawn. Further embodiments are disclosed for implementation of an electronic version of the method and system.

Abstract: A fortune telling device is disclosed that may be consulted while playing poker. The device is hollow, and simulates a stack of poker chips. A cube with alternate, distinct betting choices on each side floats within a liquid medium within the hollow wall. When playing poker, the player may consults the device by shaking, and allowing the floating cube to rise to the surface, when a betting choice must be made. In this manner, the pleasure of playing the game of chance is enhanced without the need of high-stakes gambling.

Abstract: A Ba-Gua game tower includes a main disk and at least one secondary disk attached to the bottom of the main disk. The main disk has a disk body with a top face divided into eight divinatory sections respectively designated with a Chinese character. The secondary disk has a secondary disk body with a top face divided into portions respectively designated with a numeral from 1-6 such that there are multiple sets of numerals on the top face of the secondary disk body. A first ball is able to roll on the top face of the disk body and a second ball is able to roll on the top face of the secondary disk body to respectively indicate where a player should look up in a reference book.

Abstract: A game of cards utilizing predetermined hands of cards embedded in a fortune cookie is disclosed. The invention can be used by as few as one sole player or by as many as many players as the card game itself permits to play the game. Each hand can contain as few cards as one sole card, or as many cards as is required to play any card game. In one preferred embodiment provides for the ability to discard cards, and thus the invention enables users to play card games requiring cards to be discarded or exchanged with other players. The invention discloses alternative use for the traditional fortune cookie, and provides a unique and valuable opportunity for persons to interact in light-hearted games of chance at the conclusion of a meal.

Abstract: A system for determining selections that a user is likely to be interested in. The determination is made based on the user's prior indicated preferences. The user designates his or her preferred selections as entries in a user's preference list. Entries in the user's list are compared with entries in the other users' lists. When a significant number of matches have been found between two lists, the unmatched entries of the other user's preference list are extracted. The unmatched entries are further processed. Those unmatched entries with a high correlation to the user's preference list are presented to the user as selections in which the user is likely to be interested.

Abstract: An Entertaining Growth System that utilizes the growth of a seedling within its design to create an entertaining and interesting device of chance. In its simplest form it allows the user to ask a “question” of the Entertaining Growth System and receive an “Answer” by observing the Dynamic Growth of a plant, in this case as seedling, through labeled holes in a lid.

Abstract: An Entertaining Growth System that utilizes the growth of a seedling within its design to create an entertaining and interesting device of chance. In its simplest form it allows the user to ask a “question” of the Entertaining Growth System and receive an “Answer” by observing the Dynamic Growth of a plant, in this case as seedling, through labeled holes in a lid.

Abstract: The invention—Ayurvedic Scale—is a machine that physically represents or models the philosophical essence of the ancient science and philosophy of Ayurveda in the form of a tri-armed scale. The Ayurvedic Scale's primary function is to assist users in determining and visually representing their current spiritual state as well as their underlying Ayurvedic body type, which are both helpful in evaluating immediate choices using Ayurvedic philosophy. It also serves to act as a visual model in helping users to more clearly understand the complexities of Ayurveda, to provide a physical reminder of Ayurveda's suggested foci in the user's life, and to act as a decorative model, which reflects the owner's interest in Ayurveda. The invention is meant to embody two of Ayurveda's core foci—simplicity and balance.

Abstract: A die-rolling device for directing game play. The die-rolling device may include an integral timing mechanism that distinctly signals an endpoint of a measured time interval. Furthermore, the die-rolling device may include a die bearing two distinct visual indicators on individual faces of the die. The two distinct visual indicators may correspond to a member of a set of opposites and a distinct output, such as a numerical response.

Abstract: This invention describes a puzzle comprising at least one fundamental unit. The fundamental unit comprises a cube with six faces. Each of the faces has two raised quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants and two open quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants. Each raised quadrant houses a bonding member. Each open quadrant houses a bonding member that will mate with and interlock with the bonding member of the raised quadrants such that the bonding member will hold a fundamental unit to another fundamental unit. This invention describes a magnetic puzzle comprising at least one fundamental unit. The fundamental unit comprises a cube with six faces and a center. Each of the faces has two raised quadrants on diagonally opposite quadrants and two open quadrants wherein the face of the cube is exposed. Each quadrant houses a recessed magnet having a south and north pole.

Abstract: A compatibility-testing amusement device with an electrical circuit comprises a heart-shaped housing, which comprises an exterior surface and interior area formed therein. The interior area comprises a power source, a substantially low voltage incomplete power circuit, a central processing unit, and a speaker. A left side of the heart-shaped housing comprises a metal contact upon the exterior surface thereof, and a right side of the heart-shaped housing comprising a metal contact upon the exterior surface thereof. A center portion of the heart-shaped housing comprises an aperture thereon, through which a speaker protrudes from the interior area. Touching of the left side metal contact by a first person, touching of the right side metal contact by a second person, and subsequent touching of the first person and second person to each other via kissing causes the substantially low voltage power circuit to become complete.

Abstract: A puzzle piece and puzzle made from the pieces is disclosed. The puzzle piece has a center member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface have four long edges and four short edges. Each of the edges has a first end and a second end, and wherein a first two of the long edges meet to form an angle at one of their ends and at the other end of each of the long edges each edge meets and forms an angle with a short edge. A second two of the long edges meet to form an angle at one of their ends and at the other end of each of the long edges each edge meets and forms an angle with a short edge. Each of the short edges have a first and second end and two of the short edges meet to form an angle and the remaining two of the short edges meet to form an angle. The central member has four legs extending from each of the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: An improved folding fortune telling toy that is made to be held in the hands of a player for manipulation into specific positions. The toy is comprised of a body portion formed by folding and reinforcing a sheet of flexible material. The body is comprised of an inner surface and an outer surface. When folded and reinforced in the specified format, flexible outer flaps are integrally formed and allow the players fingers and thumb to slide under said flaps to manipulate the body portion between specific positions. The folding of the sheet also produces a plurality of flexible inner flaps that are integrally formed with the body portion and hingeably secured thereto and adapted to be disposed in a closed position in overlapping relationship with the body portion to an open position extending upwardly from the body portion, with each inner flap having a viewable outer surface marked with indicia and an inner surface.

Abstract: A board game having a future-predicting theme. The game includes a rectangular board having a sinuous path printed thereon. Along the path are a number of future-predicting stations illustrated as circles with numbered segments each of which defining a future event like: marriage age, career choice, and place of residence. The numbers of the segments correspond to the numbers that may be selected by a chance device. Players, in turn, proceed along the path making predictions about their lives by choosing a number at a station and, then, rotating the spinner. The difference, if any, between the predicted number and the one found by the spinner is tallied. The player with the lowest cumulative tally after traversing the path is declared the winner.

Abstract: A self-contained fortune telling entertainment device includes an electronic library of human speech and sound effects, to be selected and enunciated in apparent response to a user's question. User intent to use the device is detected, whereupon a pre-answer initiation mode is entered during which sound effects and/or speech is selected from the library and enunciated. After this period ends, a circuit then selects at least one sound, e.g., sound effect and/or vocalized speech, from the library for enunciation as the answer to a user's question, propounded before or during the pre-answer period. Selection of an answer or response may be random, quasi-random, or other, and may be influenced by detected ambient or environment conditions, and may be influenced by at least one user control. LEDs may be activated while the device is in use to provide visual as well as audible entertainment. The device may be handholdable in size, and can function without reliance upon ambient light.

Abstract: An amusement device for providing a printout to a user after the user throws a coin or token into the amusement device. The amusement device includes a base having an interior, a top, a bottom. The top of the base has depression extending towards the bottom of the base. The depression has an opening into the interior of the base. A computer is provided for generating a message. A printer is provided for printing a printout of the message generated by the computer. A switch is provided for selectively activating the computer to generate the message. The switch has an actuator provided in the base which is positioned adjacent the opening of the depression such that passage of an item through the opening of the depression actuates the actuator.

Abstract: The invention uses dice-like polyhedral solids (30) (32) (44) to generate randomly the lines of I Ching hexagrams. It produces outcomes according to a traditional and theoretically important frequency distribution. That distribution requires that the four line types of the I Ching system (36) (42) (38) (40) occur in a relative frequency of 1:3:5:7. The invention accomplishes this through a specific arrangement of indicia (26) (28) (46) (48) (50) on the dice. The dice are so constructed and the indicia so disposed that any roll shall yield one of the numerical results 6, 7, 8, or 9. These values correlate with the four line types, and the statistical likelihood of each possible result conforms to the theoretically ideal frequency distribution of all such results. Three dice are used in the preferred embodiment, each of a rounded, substantially tetrahedral form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fortune telling game which through intuitive and interpretive input of the player, is utilized to attain personal answers to his or her fortune for the future year, week, and/or answers to involving marriage, success, wealth, love, career and/or happiness. More particularly, the present invention relates to one player attaining these answers for another player. The present invention is directed to a fortune telling game which, through the intuitive and interpretive input of the player, can be used to attain personal answers to his or her fortune for the coming year, coming week or answers to questions. One player can also attain these answers for another player. The invention includes a deck of fortune telling cards alone or in a combination with two game board apparatus and also the methods of playing the game. The present invention includes a deck of fortune telling cards used for dividing the coming year or the coming week for the querist.

Abstract: There is provided an entertainment method of evaluating a degree of astrological attractiveness between a requesting player and one of a plurality of subject players. In one aspect of the preferred embodiment, the method includes storing sets of information corresponding respectively with astrological profiles of the plurality of subject players, and providing a set of information corresponding to an astrological profile of the requesting player. In operation, the set of information corresponding with the requesting player is compared to one of the sets of information of the plurality of subject players for determining the degree of astrological attractiveness between the requesting player and the one of the subject players. If the degree of astrological compatability between the requesting player and the one of the subject players exceeds a preselected threshold, personal information about the one of the subject players is provided to the requesting player.

Abstract: A card game which includes a set of cards, each having on one side solid color areas, dual color areas, or symbols, to provide a method for producing a hypothetical personality profile by sequentially arranging a specific number of the cards in a predetermined layout. Each card of the layout represents a personality trait according to the game instructions and each location of the layout represents a context, defined in the game instructions, for interpreting the personality trait definition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for consulting and contemplating the ancient Chinese Book of Changes. The invention provides six rectangular sticks having indicia on the four sides. Two of the indicia represents the changing Yang line and the Yin line and are located on two of the sides opposite from one another, and the other two indicia represent the changing Yin line and the Yang line and are located on the other two sides opposite from one another. The sticks are tossed in order to arrive at a first hexagram. In the event that there are any changing lines appearing in the first hexagram, the sticks having the changing lines are turned over to construct a second hexagram.

Abstract: An occult device that includes an open-top hollow rectangular box, a light source, a first light transmitting sheet, a second light transmitting sheet, and an indicator. The open-top hollow rectangular box has a pair of long sides, a pair of short sides, a closed bottom, and an open top. The light source is disposed in the open-top hollow rectangular box. The first light transmitting sheet is disposed on the open top of the open-top hollow rectangular box, so that light from the light source can be transmitted therethrough. The second light transmitting sheet is disposed on the open top of the open-top hollow rectangular box and supported by the first light transmitting sheet, so that light from the light source can be transmitted therethrough. The first light transmitting sheet and the second light transmitting sheet close the open top of the open-top hollow rectangular box. And, the indicator is movable on the second light transmitting sheet by the hands of a user.

Abstract: An interactive control unit for determining inquiries to each of participants by images on the basis of inputted personal information of each of the participants, determining a next inquiry to each of the participants on the basis of a response of each of the participants inputted from an input unit and repeating inquiry/response relating to the attraction by an interactive method is provided for a host computer. A sensor for detecting whether or not a portable device placed in a receiving portion is touched is provided for the input unit so that input of a response from each participant is performed by touching/releasing the hand from the portable device.

Abstract: A deck of fortune telling cards and method of playing a fortune telling game includes multiple people cards which depict people of different genders and age ranges. A person whose fortune is to be told is identified with one of the cards by writing the person's name on the card. The deck includes internal condition cards which depict different human conditions including emotions and attitudes. Quantity cards which indicate measurements of time and distance are included as are relationship cards which depict different human relationships. External influence cards depict different external influences such as good or bad news. Action cards such as advice, help/assistance, review carefully, talking it over, fixing it, and the like and result cards such as recognition/success/reward, good legal and the like, are also present.

Abstract: A pyramid game with a glass pyramid portion having a top portion, an open bottom, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A hook piece is secured to the inner surface of the top portion. A base portion is hingedly secured to the open bottom of the glass pyramid portion. The base portion has a game board integral therewith. The game board includes a plurality of letters and numbers thereon. Included in the invention is a crystal piece having a clamp secured to a portion thereof. The clamp has a chain thereattached. The chain is removably coupled with the hook piece of the glass pyramid portion. The crystal piece serves for pointing to the game board as it moves under forces of anyone of a plurality of types.

Abstract: An astrological comparison device for providing an astrological analysis of the relationship between two people based on the specific birth information of each person. The invention includes an assembly pair of rotatably interconnected wheels including a large diameter base wheel and a smaller diameter top wheel. Each wheel is divided into twelve equal segments which are individually provided with identical astrological indicia representing the ten planets of Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and the two angles of Midheaven and the Ascendant. In addition, for each wheel, indicia is provided to indicate the zodiac sign and/or house position and house rulerships of each of the ten planets as well as the zodiac sign of the Ascendant and Midheaven based on the birth information of each person. Each wheel refers to one person only. Code indicia is provided in the various segments of the base wheel.

Abstract: A mystical astrological predictive-type board game including a deck of teliotarotarcane cards including a first sub-deck of minor tarot cards, a second sub-deck of minor shustah cards, a third sub-deck of major tarot cards, a fourth sub-deck of premium cards, and a fifth sub-deck of maximum mystique cards and with each card having a point value; and a game board bearing indicia of a cross, a star with a first rectangle therearound, a second rectangle with a distinctive word thereon, a circle with a distinctive symbol thereon, an ankh, an encircled eye, an encircled triangle, an encircled star, and an answer area formed of an upper circle with an affirmative symbol disposed thereon, a lower circle with a negative symbol disposed thereon, and a segment interconnecting the upper circle with the lower circle; and a rule book providing the rules of play.

Abstract: A Talking Crystal Ball Toy operatively electrically effective to respond to a previously asked question in which the battery-operated circuit providing this operating mode is completed through the body of the user which significantly enhances the play value of the toy.

Abstract: A character and fortune telling apparatus for hobby use comprises an input unit for generating a two-dimensional image based on a person's face, a feature extraction unit for extracting the coordinates and distances expressing the shapes and positions of the features of the face, from the two-dimensional image, and an output unit for producing personal information about a person from the extracted features, and for outputting the information on an appropriate output device.