Abstract: A method is provided for decoding an image of a pattern on an object to determine a digital identifier. An image of a pattern on the object is received. The image includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels having an optical attribute with a corresponding value. The image is divided into a plurality of tiles, each of the tiles containing a contiguous plurality of the pixels of the image. A digital bit is assigned to each of the tiles based on the values of the optical attribute of the pixels in the tile. A digital identifier is determined based on the digital bits assigned to the tiles.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering information content relating to an object. A first image of a pattern on the object is received. An outer border of the first image is detected, and a second image framed by the outer border is located. The second image is decoded to determine a digital identifier. Information content relating to the digital identifier is delivered.

Abstract: A computer enhanced play set. Computer enhanced play set incorporates a structure and display screen images retrieved from a CD-ROM, Internet, or other source. Structure and display screen images and/or sounds portray various play set scenes or themes. Movements within the play set may be tracked with sensors. Movement data is provided to computer data inputs of a computer system. Based on movement data, different images, scenes, or scripts may be generated. Users interact with the attached structure and display screen images. User interaction is realized based on the configuration and content of structure and images in display screen. Interaction with the enhanced computer play set may occur between a user and display screen, between a figure and display screen, between a user and structure, between a figure or object and structure, between a user and both structure and display screen, and between a figure or object and both structure and display screen.

Abstract: A computer enhanced play set. Computer enhanced play set incorporates a structure and display screen images retrieved from a CD-ROM, Internet, or other source. Structure and display screen images and/or sounds portray various play set scenes or themes. Movements within the play set may be tracked with sensors. Movement data is provided to computer data inputs of a computer system. Based on movement data, different images, scenes, or scripts may be generated. Users interact with the attached structure and display screen images. User interaction is realized based on the configuration and content of structure and images in display screen. Interaction with the enhanced computer play set may occur between a user and display screen, between a figure and display screen, between a user and structure, between a figure or object and structure, between a user and both structure and display screen, and between a figure or object and both structure and display screen.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing electronic tokens to increase broadcasting tokens is disclosed. Electronic tokens comprise encoded data that are embedded within broadcasting content and radiated from broadcast appliances, such as in the inaudible ranges of an acoustic spectrum or in an electromagnetic spectrum. The radiated tokens are then captured by a token capture device (TCD) possessed by a consumer. Upon receipt of the token from the broadcast, the TCD processes the token and becomes of value to the consumer. For example, the token may cause the TCD to light up, indicating that the consumer has won a prize. A TCD having indication of token receipt thereon may then be redeemed by the consumer for a prize, thus generating incentive for viewing the broadcast and using the TCD to capture the tokens embedded therein.

Abstract: A system for producing a visual effect at a surface of apparel worn by a performer including: a latent image projector which projects light comprising polarizer-encoded latent visual information, such as a color and/or an image, enabling the visual effect, the light being projected along a light path onto the apparel and reflected therefrom toward a viewer along the light path; an analyzer positioned so as to impinge upon the light path and be intercepted by the projected light no sooner in the travel of the light along the light path than substantially at the surface of the apparel; and a polarization maintaining reflective material positioned substantially at the surface of the apparel, whereby the polarizer-encoded latent visual information is resolved by the analyzer no earlier than substantially at the surface of apparel worn by the performer, so that the visual effect is perceived by the viewer at the surface of the apparel but not on other surfaces which do not comprise polarization maintaining reflect