Abstract: A neural network, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a plurality of nodes that mimic the operation of the human brain; (2) a training mechanism that analyzes supplied information, and (3) a religious activity sequence determination engine for determining an order in which various religious activities (such as one or more outreach activities) should be executed in order to maximize a desired effect of the activities (e.g., a conversion of an individual to a particular religion). In various embodiments, each of the nodes comprises one or more weighted input connections, at least one transfer function that combines the inputs, and an output connection. In particular embodiments, the neural network is a variational AE neural network, a denoising AE neural network, or any other suitable neural network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a user to effectively apply makeup using a computerized makeup brush, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a makeup brush movement tracking system that comprises one or more sensors for sensing the movement of the makeup brush relative to a particular portion of a user's body, data representing a movement of the makeup brush relative to the particular portion of the user's body over a particular period of time as the makeup brush is used to apply makeup to the particular portion of the user's body, and using the data to generate and communicate, to a user, information regarding the movement of the makeup brush over the particular period of time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a user to effectively apply makeup using a computerized makeup brush, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a makeup brush movement tracking system that comprises one or more sensors for sensing the movement of the makeup brush relative to a particular portion of a user's body, data representing a movement of the makeup brush relative to the particular portion of the user's body over a particular period of time as the makeup brush is used to apply makeup brush to the particular portion of the user's body, and using the data to generate and display, to a user, a visual representation of the movement of the makeup brush over the particular period of time on a suitable display (e.g., while providing appropriate visual or audio feedback on the user's performance in applying makeup and/or proper makeup application techniques).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a user to effectively apply makeup using a computerized makeup brush, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a makeup brush movement tracking system that comprises one or more sensors for sensing the movement of the makeup brush relative to a particular portion of a user's body, data representing a movement of the makeup brush relative to the particular portion of the user's body over a particular period of time as the makeup brush is used to apply makeup brush to the particular portion of the user's body, and using the data to generate and display, to a user, a visual representation of the movement of the makeup brush over the particular period of time on a suitable display (e.g., while providing appropriate visual or audio feedback on the user's performance in applying makeup and/or proper makeup application techniques).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a user to effectively apply makeup using a computerized makeup brush, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a computerized makeup brush that comprises one or more sensors for sensing the movement of the makeup brush relative to a particular portion of a user's body, data representing a movement of the makeup brush relative to the particular portion of the user's body over a particular period of time as the makeup brush is used to apply makeup brush to the particular portion of the user's body, and using the data to generate and display, to a user, a visual representation of the movement of the makeup brush over the particular period of time on a display that is operatively coupled to the computerized makeup brush.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of training a user to effectively apply makeup using a computerized makeup brush, the method comprising the steps of receiving, from a computerized makeup brush that comprises one or more sensors for sensing the movement of the makeup brush relative to a particular portion of a user's body, data representing a movement of the makeup brush relative to the particular portion of the user's body over a particular period of time as the makeup brush is used to apply makeup brush to the particular portion of the user's body, and using the data to generate and display, to a user, a visual representation of the movement of the makeup brush over the particular period of time on a display that is operatively coupled to the computerized makeup brush.

Abstract: Directed advertising and educational information systems according to particular embodiments include an academic portion and a token portion. In various embodiments, the academic portion is configured to display educational information to a user. The educational information may include grade information, information about homework assignments, school news, and other educational information. In particular embodiments, the token portion is configured to display offers to the user based at least in part on the educational information. In various embodiments, the offers may include a donation to a particular organization such as an educational institution. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to receive an indication of products be purchased by a user from a particular business and automatically adjust the price of those products to reflect a discount to which the user is entitled based on the user's association with an organization or based on offers available from the system's token portion.

Abstract: A method of preparing a French fry by using an automated device to inject an already cooked French fry with a condiment (such as ketchup, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or barbeque sauce) substantially without manual assistance from a user. In particular embodiments, the method may involve using a first injection nozzle to inject the cooked French fry with condiment while also using a second injection nozzle to inject the cooked French fry with condiment. Also, in some embodiments, the method may involve injecting the French fry with condiment via an injection nozzle that is in an “injection position” in which a portion of the injection nozzle and an exterior portion of the French fry form an angle of less than 75 degrees.

Abstract: A condiment dispenser (such as a unique condiment packet, or automated device) that is configured for dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment dispenser includes an injection nozzle that is configured for injecting condiment into the interior of the food item. In a particular embodiment, the injection nozzle is configured for piercing the food item's exterior surface before injecting condiment into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A three-dimensional story book comprising: (1) an outer housing defining a recess; and (2) one or more story modules within said recess, each of said story modules corresponding to a portion of a story.

Abstract: A method of dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. A method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: (1) cooking the food item; and (2) after cooking the food item, injecting a condiment into an interior portion of the food item. In one embodiment of the invention, an injection nozzle is used to inject condiment into the interior of the food item. In a particular embodiment, the injection nozzle is used to pierce the food item's exterior surface before injecting condiment into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A condiment dispenser (such as a unique condiment packet, or automated device) that is configured for dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment dispenser includes an injection nozzle that is configured for injecting condiment into the interior of the food item. In a particular embodiment, the injection nozzle is configured for piercing the food item's exterior surface before injecting condiment into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A condiment dispenser that is configured for dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment dispenser includes a housing (such as a standard condiment packet) and a condiment tap that is configured for piercing an exterior surface of the housing and to thereby facilitate the transfer of condiment out of the condiment packet. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the condiment tap comprises an outlet nozzle that is configured to pierce the exterior of a food item and to thereby facilitate the transfer of condiment from the condiment packet, through the nozzle, and into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A condiment-filled food item comprising: (1) an outer shell; and (2) condiment disposed within the outer shell so that the condiment is substantially restricted (and preferably prevented) from flowing out of the outer shell. In one embodiment of the invention, the food item is a French fry having an interior ketchup portion. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the condiment has been injected into the interior of the French fry through the French fry's exterior surface (e.g., through a hole in the French fry having a maximum width of, for example, less than 0.2 inches).