Abstract: A method of obtaining advice pertaining to a fitness-related activity performed by a user is provided. A user accesses a central site via a network, such as the Internet, then visits a physical location associated with a fitness-related activity. Information identifying the location is provided to the central site. The user then receives live advice pertaining to the fitness-related activity from a personal advisor, via the network from the central site. Fitness-related activities for which advice is provided include, for example, use of exercise equipment, consumption of foods or beverages, and engagement in other activities having an impact on a user's physical, mental or spiritual well-being.

Abstract: In a method of co-ordinated on-line data file viewing, a user selects an on-line video or other data file, selects a companion viewer, and views the on-line file simultaneously with the selected companion viewer.

Abstract: A ride system includes a guide, a carriage adapted to travel along the guide, and a data source adapted to provide a video stream to the display device simulating the appearance of motion of the carriage relative to guide. The carriage includes a seat and a display device adapted to receive and display a video transmission to a passenger seated in the seat.

Abstract: A method of establishing personal contact between an inquiring individual and a target individual, the inquiring and target individuals being members of an organization, includes the steps of identifying a target individual of interest to an inquiring individual, determining the location of the target individual and providing the location of the target individual to a central location, providing the target individual with a message that the inquiring individual is interested in establishing personal contact with the target individual, and providing the inquiring individual with authorization to establish personal contact with the target individual when the target individual provides a positive response to the central location.

Abstract: A method of producing a performance, the performance being transmitted over a network, the performance being subject to a record-keeping requirement, includes the steps of: providing information pertaining to a performance in accordance with a record-keeping requirement; associating the information with the performance; providing the associated information to a custodian; and transmitting the performance over a network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a data management system, apparatus and process for uniquely identifying and protecting data. In preferred embodiments, the data management system comprises a data management server, a key generator, a source print generator and a source print detector. In some preferred embodiments, the data management system further comprises a data embedding system. Keys are created by the data management system for application to source files to create a fingerprint for the source file. The fingerprint is compared to unknown files to identify uses of the source file.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing an efficient means for qualifying a petition, referendum or initiative on a ballot on a network. Users on the network access the petition qualifying system via a user interface and requests petitions or initiatives in the user's relevant voting area. After the user has reviewed the petition, the user can endorse the petition by providing the petition qualifying system endorsement indicia. The petition qualifying system verifies the eligibility of the user. The petition qualifying system compiles the received endorsement indicia, and presents such indicia to the relevant agency to secure placement of the initiative on the appropriate ballot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ornamental system, apparatus and method that is dynamically modifiable. Embodiments of the ornament system comprise a processor, at least one ornamental member and a data controller. The processor is a computer which stores user input data for transmission and transmits a request for the transmission of data files. The ornamental member is configured to receive and display image data stored in a database, wherein the stored data can be changed at any time. Embodiments of the present invention can be coupled to other ornamental systems across a wide area network, wherein users can share data files for display.

Abstract: A method of producing a personalized data file includes the steps of providing a message comprising at least one word to a person present at a site on a network and specifying a first data file, and producing a personalized data file by digitally combining the first data file and the message. The message is prepared by the person to whom the message was provided prior to being digitally combined with the first data file.

Abstract: A method of location-based gaming includes the steps of engaging a program to play a game, determining the location of a target object, providing the location of the target object to a central location, obtaining a data file pertaining to an object at the location of the target object, and generating gaming object data relative to the location of the target object.

Abstract: A method of obtaining video information pertaining to an event includes the steps of obtaining the location of an event, transmitting the location of the event to members of an organization, receiving a video transmission of the event from a cellular telephone operated by at least one member of the organization, and posting at least a portion of the video transmission on a site on a network

Abstract: A method of providing visual information to a human viewer includes the steps of defining a range of distances from a surface and a range of viewing angles with respect to the surface, determining the location and viewing angle of a human viewer with respect to the surface, and providing a virtual image to the human viewer via a visual display device worn by the human viewer when the location and viewing angle of the human viewer with respect to the surface is determined to be within the defined range of distances and viewing angles, such that the virtual image is perceived to be defined on the surface by the human viewer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to methods for automatically generating a link means in E-mail, web pages and other documents and files presented to users of wide area computer networks, and for automatically updating text and other types of files on a wide area network with linking means to data desired to be presented to such users. In embodiments of the present invention, selected key words are stored in a memory location or key word file. A comparison is made between the words in a downloaded text file and the key words stored in the key word file. If a word is detected in the textual data and the key word file or files, the key word displayed to the user is converted into a linking means.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling sequential viewing of performances by a plurality of performers includes first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface; a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces; a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces; and a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A method of preventing the reception of content includes the steps of receiving a request for provision of content from a content reception system, the content reception system comprising a signal detector, and preventing the reception of content by the content reception system when the signal detector detects a signal indicating that the content is to be received by a receiver who does not satisfy a reception criterion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ornamental system, apparatus and method that is dynamically modifiable. Embodiments of the ornament system comprise a processor, at least one ornamental member and a data controller. The processor is a computer which stores user input data for transmission and transmits a request for the transmission of data files. The ornamental member is configured to receive and display image data stored in a database, wherein the stored data can be changed at anytime. Embodiments of the present invention can be coupled to other ornamental systems across a wide area network, wherein users can share data files for display.

Abstract: A method of verifying the age of a user desiring to access an age-controlled website includes the steps of: providing a live image of a user to an age-verification site; providing an image of an identification document to the age-verification site, the identification document including an image of a person; determining whether the person depicted in the image in the identification document is the same as the user depicted in the live image and meets an age requirement of an age-controlled website; and enabling the user to access the age-controlled website when the foregoing determination is positive.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing an event at an event site includes a plurality of cameras disposed about an event site, the cameras providing views of the event site from at least two different camera angles, and a viewer in communication with the plurality of cameras, the viewer enabling a user to selectively view the event by means of at least two of the plurality of cameras.

Abstract: A method of viewing an event at an event site includes the steps of: providing an apparatus for viewing the event at the event site, the apparatus including a plurality of cameras disposed about the event site, the cameras providing views of the event site from at least two different camera angles, and a viewer in communication with the plurality of cameras, the viewer enabling a user to selectively view the event by means of at least two of the plurality of cameras; and viewing the event using the viewer.

Abstract: A method for producing content, the content depicting at least one person, includes the steps of: providing a system including means for producing content, a first database, first input means for providing information pertaining to a person to be depicted in the content to the first database, and means for providing a signature of the person to the first database; obtaining a digitized model release signed by the person using the means for providing a signature of the person to the first database; providing the digitized signed model release to the first database; providing information pertaining to the person to be depicted in the content to the first database using the first input means; and producing the content.