Abstract: The present invention consists of means for adding educational enhancements to computer games. One embodiment of the invention consists of a software module that can be incorporated into a game program's code or that can be loaded separately into a computer's memory. This module periodically suspends a game's play by popping up a "flash card" on the computer's display screen asking a question that must be answered correctly before play can be resumed. Questions may be asked at a level that adapts itself to the ability demonstrated by the player. If the player is unable to answer the question within a predetermined period, a hint is flashed on the screen. If the player is still unable to answer the question after a second predetermined period, the answer and an explanation of the answer are displayed on the screen. The player is then be able to resume play by entering the answer. The faster the player is able to enter the correct answer, the faster the player is able to resume play.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an overlay for the front surfaces of credit, debit, ATM and similar transaction cards. The overlay is designed in such a manner that it allows the cardholder to customize the appearance of the front surface of the cardholder's cards without affecting the operability of the card. The overlay of the present invention may be easily fabricated with a number of designs, ranging from artistic designs, to personal photographs, to political, religious, humorous, or other messages. As such, the present invention allows a cardholder to customize and personalize the appearance of the cardholder's cards as well as to use the cards as a means to communicate ideas and messages in addition to acting as a means of payment whenever a card is used.

Abstract: The present invention comprises means for the instantaneous review of photographs as they are taken by a regular film camera. It comprises four basic components: 1) an image sensor means, preferably comprising a charge-coupled device ("CCD"), that produces a signal corresponding to the image sensed, disposed such that it senses an image corresponding to the image seen by a camera's objective lens; 2) a shutter release sensor means, preferably incorporated it the camera's shutter release, that indicates when a photograph is being taken; 3) an image processor means that processes the signal produced by the image sensor means; and 4) a display means, preferably a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), that displays the image seen by the image sensor means at the time the shutter release sensor means indicated that a photograph was being taken.

Abstract: Means for attaching personal stereo headphones to eyeglass frames. Eyeglasses incorporating personal stereo headphones attached to the eyeglass temples with the headphones leads contained in a neckstrap.