Abstract: A system/method is provided for guiding a user in utilizing functions of a computer-based device. The computer-based method includes operating a software application that interfaces with one or more applications on one or more remote computing devices. The computed-based method includes rendering a first screen having a plurality of display elements that are linked to a plurality of activities including a first activity and a second activity. The computer-based method includes receiving a selection of a display element of the plurality of display elements that is linked to the first activity. The computer-based method includes obtaining first activity information that includes first ancillary information. The computer-based method includes generating an inference of an interest or preference of a user based on the first ancillary information and outputting or performing a suggestion or recommendation to the user based on the inference of the interest or preference of the user.

Abstract: A system/method is provided for guiding a user in utilizing functions of a computer-based device. The computer-based method includes operating a software application that interfaces with one or more applications on one or more remote computing devices. The computed-based method includes rendering a first screen having a plurality of display elements that are linked to a plurality of activities including a first activity and a second activity. The computer-based method includes receiving a selection of a display element of the plurality of display elements that is linked to the first activity. The computer-based method includes obtaining first activity information that includes first ancillary information. The computer-based method includes generating an inference of an interest or preference of a user based on the first ancillary information and outputting or performing a suggestion or recommendation to the user based on the inference of the interest or preference of the user.

Abstract: A system/method is provided for guiding a user in utilizing functions of a computer-based device. The computer-based method includes operating a software application that interfaces with one or more applications on one or more remote computing devices. The computed-based method includes rendering a first screen having a plurality of display elements that are linked to a plurality of activities including a first activity and a second activity. The computer-based method includes receiving a selection of a display element of the plurality of display elements that is linked to the first activity. The computer-based method includes obtaining first activity information that includes first ancillary information. The computer-based method includes generating an inference of an interest or preference of a user based on the first ancillary information and outputting or performing a suggestion or recommendation to the user based on the inference of the interest or preference of the user.

Abstract: A system/method is provided for guiding a user in utilizing functions of a computer-based device. A memory of the device stores non-user data and/or user data that includes inputs of the user using the computer-based device and/or inputs provided by a helper of the user using a remotely located computer-based device. A processor of the device is configured to operate a software application having instructions for interacting with an operating system or software code using an application programming interface. A display is provided for displaying dialogs for guiding the user. A speaker is provided for outputting audio information helpful to the user. The processor is configured to dynamically determine the dialog and audio information based on the user and non-use data, and modify displayed elements. Requests for inputs to be provided by the user are simplified and presented step-by-step in an intuitive manner.

Abstract: A fishing-rod assembly is provided for real-time observation of under-water fish behavior while fishing. The fishing-rod assembly includes a fishing rod or pole which supports a fishing line having a fish hook, a video camera, and a monitor for displaying video images of fish behavior in proximity to the fish hook. Also provided is a method for observing underwater fish activity while fishing. The method comprises focusing an underwater camera on an end of a fishing line, and displaying video images of fish activity at the end of the fishing line.

Abstract: A device or machine for producing smoke-filled soap bubbles is provided. The device includes an air pumping mechanism such as an air bellows and a smoke-generating mechanism such as conventionally found in toy trains. The air pumping mechanism and the smoke-generating mechanism are connected to a tube or conduit having an open aperture. A soapy liquid film is provided on the aperture. Then the soap-generating mechanism and the air pump mechanism are simultaneously activated to pump smoke-filled air through the conduit to inflate the soap film into a soap bubble. The resulting soap bubble is thereby filled with smoke, thus producing a desirable effect. The device is preferably configured in the shape of a toy airplane such that the smoke-filled bubbles, when produced, appear as bombs dropped from the airplane.

Abstract: An improved toy drawing assembly is provided by a light table assembly, a pair of indexing systems along two perpendicular axes in the table assembly, a pair of selector elements and arm elements for transferring a preselected sequence of two-dimensional coordinates from a code book onto a writing material placed on the light table.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided that can be manually activated to store kinetic energy. The rear wheels of the vehicle can be positioned so that upon tilting and movement of the vehicle, a gear assembly provides a high gear ratio to rotate a flywheel held off of the support surface. Subsequently, upon release of the toy vehicle, the contact of the flywheel with a support surface drives the car with the rear wheels held off of the support surface.

Abstract: The computer robot arm chess game assembly is provided with a chess board, magnetized chess pieces, auxiliary parking locations for the chess pieces, and an articulated radially moving robot arm. The robot arm can perform all the functions of an opponent including setting up the chess board, captures, promotions, castling, etc. The chess board and parking locations include magnetic members to not only activate resilient switches but further to spatially position the chess pieces for accurate location to assist the robot arm. Among the other interesting features, the robot arm can show emotional characteristics which can be accompanied by appropriate sounds and lights contemporaneous with a significant occurrence during the progress of the chess game.

Abstract: A voice discriminating system is disclosed which includes input circuitry for a pair of microphones, circuitry for detecting the presence of voiced sounds inputted to the microphones, selectively enabled circuitry for detecting the presence of unvoiced sounds inputted to the microphones, and a microcontroller which executes functions under the control of the presence or absence of voiced or non-voiced sounds inputted to the microphones. The disclosed system further includes a display circuit and a sound circuit that are controlled by the microcontroller for the purpose of playing games wherein the players provide spoken commands to the microphones.

Abstract: A toy car adapted to travel on a track assembly is disclosed. The toy car includes a motor coupled to a drive train which drives the car forwards regardless of a direction of rotation of an output shaft of the motor. The drive train includes a first set of gears coupled with a first one-way clutch to drive an axle of the car when the output shaft of the motor rotates in a first direction. The drive train also includes a second set of gears coupled with a second one-way clutch to drive the axle when the output shaft rotates in a second direction. The first set of gears represent a higher gear reduction ratio from the output shaft to the axle than the second set of gears whereby a speed of the forward motion of the car may be altered by reversing the direction of rotation of the motor. The motor of the car draws electric power from the track assembly.

Abstract: A toy configured to simulate an insect with wings is disclosed. The toy has a main body section to which a tail and a head section are attached to form an insect body. Two wings are rotatably mounted for disposition on both lateral sides of the main body section. A mechanism is provided to cause simultaneous flapping of all the wings. A cavity having a pivotable cover plate is provided in the head section. Various toy appendages such as a toy doll may be placed in the cavity.

Abstract: A toy oven assembly having a light bulb acting as a light and a heat source, is disclosed. The toy oven includes two identical component parts which are assembled to one another. In their assembled form they incorporate a substantially circular opening on a substantially horizontal top surface of the assembly. The circular opening is surrounded by a rim. A translucent or transparent dome shaped member is disposed above a heating chamber of the toy oven assembly and is held by the rim so that during operation of the toy oven assembly the dome shines with light giving the toy an interesting science fiction like appearance.

Abstract: A toy having an upper and a lower body section is disclosed. The lower body section is operatively attachable to the upper body section in a plurality of configurations. A container capable of holding a liquid is included in the upper body section. A compressable bellow, and a nozzle is operatively connected to the container whereby the liquid may be squirted out from the toy at the option of a player. The lower body section includes an electric motor and a track assembly which is capable of locomoting the toy in any of the possible configurations assembled at the option of the player.