Abstract: A motion based communications system having an animated device, which is controlled locally or over a network connection, and which uses motion to convey information to a user. The information can relate to a predefined system events, such as printer status changes, e-mail status, system errors or communications. Further, it can represent remote individuals in a chat room, or when playing games. Computer games can use it to represent a remote or local human or software opponent. Voice recognition software allows commands or data to be input to the system via the device. Multiple devices can be used for multiple remotely located users. A universal base unit allows characters to be replaceably attached to, and controlled by, the base unit. Different characters can be substituted for different games, etc. The device may be software controlled by any application program via a standard application program interface.

Abstract: A multimedia I/O device for use with computers that acts as a three-dimensional multimedia communication device having both an input and output capability, including speakers for audio output, and voice input via a microphone. It also has the ability to control motion to catch the user's attention and/or to entertain. The multimedia I/O device is formed in the shape of a selected character and can resemble a human-like character, a celebrity, a nonhuman character such as an animal, or any other mythical or imaginary character. It is used as an animated device to catch the user's attention in regard to the arrival of email or a system event that requires the user's attention, when issuing audio alarms, or as a local message system. It can be used to represent remote individuals when in a chat room, or when playing games.