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 method and system for computing scores and determining a winner between a plurality of users playing a plurality of different games on an interactive gaming network. Players are sequentially assigned to a player group as they initially log on to the gaming network. Each player selects and plays a game to produce a present raw score value which is converted into a present ranked percentage score value by calculating the percentage of past raw score values for the selected game that are below the present raw score value. A handicap value is added to the present raw score value to determine a normalized game score that can be compared to the normalized game scores of other users playing the same or different games in any combination. An average of a minimum number of game scores are used to compare players within the same player group.

Abstract: A positioning controller having a receiving side for receiving light from a light source is disclosed. The receiving side includes an axis extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a vertical plane and a horizontal plane intersecting at the axis. The positioning controller includes three sensors. The reference sensor is positioned between the other two sensors, and is masked to receive light within a predetermined range of acute angles measured from the axis. One of the other two sensors is a vertical angle sensor that is masked to receive a larger quantity of light from a first side of the horizontal plane and from a second side of the horizontal plane. The third sensor is a horizontal angle sensor that is masked to receive a larger quantity of light from a first side of the vertical plane than from a second side of the vertical plane.

Abstract: A positioning controller having a receiving side for receiving light from a light source is disclosed. The receiving side includes an axis extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a vertical plane and a horizontal plane intersecting at the axis. The positioning controller includes three sensors. The reference sensor is positioned between the other two sensors, and is masked to receive light within a predetermined range of acute angles measured from the axis. One of the other two sensors is a vertical angle sensor that is masked to receive a larger quantity of light from a first side of the horizontal plane and from a second side of the horizontal plane. The third sensor is a horizontal angle sensor that is masked to receive a larger quantity of light from a first side of the vertical plane than from a second side of the vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention discloses an amusement projectile characterized in a first embodiment by a football shape which is thrown by a user and which comprises electronics therein to measure and display the distance traveled by the thrown ball to the point of impact with the ground or to another user. Using an accelerometer in cooperation with a microprocessing board disposed within the ball, the distance traveled is determined by measuring the initial velocity and the time recorded during the flight of the ball based upon changes in the acceleration of the ball, and an inset liquid crystal display screen mounted on the football is used to display the distance as well as time of flight and a nondimensional thrust value. A toggle button is used to alternately display the "flight characteristics," which are distinguished by the position of a decimal in the three digit display.

Abstract: A cursor control system is provided whereby a discrete-direction input device, such as a joystick, may be used to accurately move a cursor in both straight and curved lines. The cursor control system may be implemented in software and is ideal for with an electronic drawing application having only a rudimentary joystick-like control and various user buttons. A cursor capable of indicating the direction of movement, such as an arrow, is provided and may be aimed with the joystick. During drawing or movement, depression of the joystick causes the arrow to rotate towards the selected direction at a fixed angular rate such that the arrow travels in a smooth arc. The control system may be arranged so that the rotation of the arrow stops when it has reached the selected direction or so that the arrow continues to rotate even after it has reached the selected direction. The former control method may be used for moving and the latter control method for drawing.

Abstract: A device to allow reader interaction with printed materials such as comic books is provided. The device comprises a base unit with a sensitive upper surface on which is placed the printed material. The reader answers questions and solves challenges posed in the printed material by exerting pressure on specially marked areas of the printed page. The sensitive surface translates the pressure into electrical signals which signify the location of the pressure, and the device makes appropriate audio or other responses. The reader is led through the printed material as the specially marked areas become active sequentially. A printed story is thereby transformed into an interactive experience with various game challenges and sound effects. The sound effects and logical challenges for each story are stored in a readily replaceable cartridge. Any number of different printed materials can be used as long as the specific cartridge for each different printed material is inserted into the base unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a remote control targeting and control system for use with a standard raster scanned television and an associated gaming unit. The remote control system includes a mobile transceiver and a fixed transceiver which communicates with the gaming system. The system implements a simple communication system which allows the mobile transceiver to ordinarily transmit position data and to periodically transmit button press data. The mobile transceiver includes an electro-optic detector for observing when a scan line crosses a target area. Each time a scan line is detected, the mobile transceiver transmits a pulse to the fixed unit, based upon which the gaming unit translate the pulse into position data based on the time of its detection. The button press data is transmitted synchronously with the raster scanned television in that the fixed transceiver is caused to transmit a single pulse during each vertical retrace of the television.

Abstract: A hand-held controller for an electronic gaming system wherein each of one or more players can control two gaming objects at the same time. A joystick-like thumb operated directional switch, mounted in a housing, is used to select or control the movement of a primary object and an optical detection/pointing system, carried in the same housing, is used to select or control the movement a secondary object.

Abstract: The present invention is a remote control targeting and control system for use with a standard raster scanned television and an associated gaming unit. The remote control system includes a mobile transceiver and a fixed transceiver which communicates with the gaming system. The system implements a simple communication system which allows the mobile transceiver to ordinarily transmit position data and to periodically transmit button press data. The mobile transceiver includes an electro-optic detector for observing when a scan line crosses a target area. Each time a scan line is detected, the mobile transceiver transmits a pulse to the fixed unit, based upon which the gaming unit translate the pulse into position data based on the time of its detection. The button press data is transmitted synchronously with the raster scanned television in that the fixed transceiver is caused to transmit a single pulse during each vertical retrace of the television.

Abstract: A game assembly utilizing sound identification as a method of determining the length of a player's move, wherein the player forfeits his turn if he fails to recognize the sound. A first player uses a keyboard to identify a randomly-generated sound, while a second player attempts to anticipate the random sound to be generated by moving panels over certain keys of the keyboard Additionally, the game assembly keyboard includes a processor which randomly appends the generated sound with a bonus sound, the player receiving an additional turn upon successful identification of the generated sound during such a bonus condition.

Abstract: In a microprocessor based interactive audio game for two users to play against one another, or for one user to play against the computer, the game having the ability to store and retrieve sets of statistical data corresponding to the performance of actual players, keys for the users to affect the state of the game, and an audio output for communicating the state of the game or the results of a game play to the users, the audio output for a particular game state or game play result being variable in order to maintain user interest. A plurality of visual indicators are arranged in a grid that represents the flight of a thrown ball through a vertical cross section of the strike zone. Visual indicators are sequentially flashed a predetermined number of times and in a predetermined pattern for a particular variety of pitch.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter/receiver system wherein an absolute direction command may be issued by the transmitter and acted upon by the receiver. The transmitter and receiver both include a common reference direction so that an absolute direction command (i.e., relative to the common reference direction) may be issued and acted upon. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter operates in accordance with an internal compass signal so that an absolute direction command relative to magnetic North can be generated by the transmitter. The receiver also functions in accordance with an internal compass signal so that an absolute direction command transmitted to the receiver can be effected. The transmitter and receiver may be microprocessor controlled, and the internal compass signal may be generated with an electronic flux gate compass. The invention may be used in place of the conventional remote control systems that are used with hand-held transmitters and hobby vehicles.

Abstract: Audio signals and digital commands are encoded into a standard raster format television signal recorded on a casette for play by a home video cassette unit. The audio signals are encoded in the displayable video as modulated carrier pulses separated by return to median intervals with the audio waveforms being tapered near discontinuities. The digital commands are recorded as binary level pulses, one such pulse occupying substantially an entire video line to permit accurate decoding.

Abstract: A system providing user interaction with a video display provided to a standard television set by a home video cassette unit employing a standard video cassette having a video signal recorded thereon, the video signal having four or more audio channels and digital commands encoded therein, the system including apparatus for generating and moving a cursor on the television screen and a digital processor responsive to commands encoded on the cassette, to the cursor position and/or to viewer selections to control the video displayed and the audio output by the television receiver.