Abstract: A keyboard is especially configured for ease of use by inexperienced typists, or by the visually impaired, so that these people can more easily use computers and other devices using a keyboard. The improved keyboard includes a display which shows at least the last character typed. Thus, the inexperienced or visually impaired typist, who must look at the keys in a “hunt-and-peck” fashion, also sees in visual unity with the keys the most recently typed character. Importantly, the display is located immediately adjacent to and in visual unity with the most frequently used keys, so that the characters and words that have been most recently typed by the user are in the same visual field and are seen at the same time as the keys which the user is hunting for while typing.

Abstract: A simulation system provides a simulated environment to at least one user in a simulation area. The simulation system includes a video system configured to provide high definition video of the simulated environment across a field of view of the user. The video system provides high definition live action video. The simulation system also includes an audio system configured to provide high definition audio related to the provided high definition video of the simulated environment and a motion system configured to move the at least one user on x, y, and z axes to simulate movement in the simulated environment.

Abstract: A decorative, disguised “mirror” interface apparatus appears to the uninformed as merely a decorative mirror, but includes an audio/visual output, the video display device of which is concealed behind a two-way mirror. So, when the video display is emitting light users of the apparatus can see the images provided by the display device through a two-way mirror material. Also, a transparent touch screen input device is associated with and overlays the two-way mirror material so that users of the interface apparatus may make inputs by simply making touches to selected locations of the “mirror.

Abstract: A home entertainment system or home theater includes an audio/visual program source with a stereo or surround sound system. An apparatus and method according to the present invention adds supplemental audio content to live or pre-recorded events, such as football games, baseball games, and other sporting events in a spontaneous dynamic environment promoting group participation and enthusiasm. Random access to the supplemental audio content instantaneously and by remote control affords a user of the apparatus an opportunity to creatively add to the viewing experience at home. Additional treatment of the supplemental audio content is effected so that home viewers of the event perceive a seamless audio content including the supplemental audio. Audio effects, such as a simulation of the reverberation of a stadium or large hall, can also be added to further increase the sensation of attending a live sporting event.

Abstract: A communication system comprises an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly includes a random access digital visual and audible data storage and playback device, a visual display and an audio amplifier coupled to the data storage and playback device, a local display speaker coupled to the audio amplifier, a programable logic device coupled to the data storage and playback device and adapted to select and play the appropriate visual and audible data, based upon the status of a plurality of outside world devices coupled to the logic device. Also provided is a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes an enclosure. The enclosure receives the visual display and the local display speaker. The housing assembly also includes a two-way mirror/one-way glass. The glass has a semi-reflective surface mounted in the enclosure. In this manner the semi-reflective surface faces exteriorly away from the visual display. In this manner the semi-reflective surface conceals the visual display until it produces light.

Abstract: A home entertainment system or home theatre includes an audio/visual program source with a stereo or surround sound system. An apparatus and method according to the present invention adds supplemental audio content to live or pre-recorded events, such as football games, baseball games, and other sporting events in a spontaneous dynamic environment promoting group participation and enthusiasm. Random access to the supplemental audio content instantaneously and by remote control affords a user of the apparatus an opportunity to creatively add to the viewing experience at home. Additional treatment of the supplemental audio content is effected so that home viewers of the event perceive a seamless audio content including the supplemental audio. Audio effects, such as a simulation of the reverberation of a stadium or large hall, can also be added to further increase the sensation of attending a live sporting event.

Abstract: A decorative, disguised “mirror” interface apparatus appears to the uninformed as merely a decorative mirror, but includes an audio/visual output, the video display device of which is concealed behind a two-way mirror. So, when the video display is emitting light users of the apparatus can see the images provided by the display device through a two-way mirror material. Also, a transparent touch screen input device is associated with and overlays the two-way mirror material so that users of the interface apparatus may make inputs by simply making touches to selected locations of the “mirror.

Abstract: An interface assembly with an animated character/prop has at least one speaker for generating language and mechanisms for generating correlated movement. A logic controlling device has a plurality of inputs and outputs and is adapted to configure and synchronize message request signals from the various sensors, relays, thermostats, user controls and the like, with the appropriate audible words and movement commands from the generating devices as required to convey messages relating to the environment to the user. The interface assembly provides an audio component adapted to receive output signals from the logic controlling device to actuate the speaker. The interface assembly provides a movement component adapted to receive output signals from the logic controlling device to actuate the mechanisms for generating movement. The interface assembly provides a drive converter assembly operatively coupled to and adapted to convert and transfer signals between the movement component and the character/prop.