Abstract: Information is entered into a data record which utilizes a virtual environment. A user can direct an avatar in this environment and at least one location in the virtual environment is associated with a field of the data record and with one or more selectable information options for inclusion in the field. The user is provided with representations of the selectable information options distributed around the location and the position of the avatar in the virtual environment is monitored. In the event that the avatar moves into a predefined proximity with one of the representations of the selectable options, the selection of that one of the selectable options is detected and that selected one option is then stored in the associated field of the data record.

Abstract: The vastly distributed information system known as the World Wide Web (WWW or Web) is largely composed of documents created in the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). A widespread technique for data entry in respect of Web applications is the use of an HTML form. The widespread use of such forms, whilst utilizing user familiarity with the concept of its predecessor, the printed form, can however entail significant disadvantages. According to the present invention however, a method of entering information into a data record is provided which utilises a virtual environment. A user can direct an avatar in this environment and at least one location in the virtual environment is associated with a field of said data record and with one or more selectable information options for inclusion in said field. The user is provided with representations of the selectable information options distributed around the location and the position of the avatar in the virtual environment is monitored.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter 2 for video signals has a sensitivity (reference) input 4 controlled by a controller 10 in response to the converter's digital output so as to maintain the grey level with a predetermined range. Preferably the controller employs an irregular subsampling of the digital values, and responds differently to extreme and mid-range samples. A scale factor may be forwarded to a digital-to-analog converter for reconversion.