US20080227544A1

US20080227544A1 - Line Rider

Info

Publication number: US20080227544A1
Application number: US11/686,803
Authority: US
Inventors: Bostjan Cadez
Original assignee: inXile Entertainment Inc
Current assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
Priority date: 2007-03-15
Filing date: 2007-03-15
Publication date: 2008-09-18
Also published as: JP2010521747A; CA2680795A1; EP2121156A1; WO2008112847A1; AU2008225051A1; EP2121156A4; KR20100015621A

Abstract

A creative tool and system that may be utilized for entertainment purposes by a user is provided. The creative tool utilizes an electronic media to allow a user to draw one or more lines with a user interface on which a moving object such as a sled may ride after the completion of the drawing by the user. The creative tool and system employs a computer program that may allow the user to input a set of parameters using a free hand drawing tool that is then graphically displayed to the user after they have input the parameters. Additionally, the input parameters are subject to natural velocity and trajectory forces from the moving object along the graphical representation displayed to the user. Additionally, the moving object is central on the graphical display and will continue until the parameters are interrupted or velocity and trajectory provide deviation from the user's parameters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of electronic arts. More specifically, the present invention relates to an online and/or downloadable entertainment electronic art with game like characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The common game has been around for centuries. Typically, a game is a structured activity that may be utilized for both entertainment and education. Typically, games are very different than work activities, as they add the element of enjoyment, pleasure and spontaneity that otherwise most work environments lack.
Many games may be considered more than just a form of entertainment. There are many games that may be considered work and even artistic expressions. Typically, games involve some sort of mental and/or physical stimulation. Throughout the centuries, games have been utilized for exercise, recreation, education and simple leisure activities.
Games have been documented in many pre-historic civilizations and have been known to have been played by ancient civilizations such as the Ancient Babylonians, Egyptians and Greeks. The Greeks were famous for their games including the creation of the Olympic games. Games are a universal part of the human experience, and are played by all cultures, genders and ages.
Games have evolved throughout the ages to include field games, such as sports, board games, card games, role playing games, and a host of others.
A new type of game has developed quickly in the last thirty years. This new type of game has involved the use of electronic media to engage the user. The computer game and/or video game is an electronic or microprocessor controlled game. Computers and/or other electronic media can create virtual tools that may be utilized to play the game, such as the games involving cards, or the games that historically required a physical board.
The prior art computer and/or video game utilizes one or more input devices, such as a button, a combination of buttons, remote or joystick. Additionally, the prior art computer and/or video game may utilize a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, controller or any other motion sensitive tool. The use of more sophisticated and more complex user interfaces in these computers and/or video games have changed the nature of the game development and utilization. As the user interfaces became easier to use and more sophisticated, the more complex and more intricate the gaming systems became. Additionally, the increased sophistication presented to the user of the game has increased pleasure and involvement. Moreover, as the video and/or computer game became more sophisticated, the realism and believability of the games also became more sophisticated, whereby the user became more involved in the game because of its realism. This realism has increased in recent years and has become more and more prevalent in video and/or computer game technology.
Essentially, any existing game can be emulated or re-created as a computer game. Because many computer games are essentially just simulations of real existing games, every conceivable tool, environment or rule can be re-created in computerized format. Whether or not the computer emulation possesses the same gameplay as the original game has become a debate for many.
In more open-ended computer simulations, the player may be free to do whatever they like within the confines of the virtual universe. An example of this type of creative freedom within a virtual universe are games that allow for creation of cities, towns, and other environments.
However, a problem with many of these new computer simulations and games that allow for the creation of a virtual universe is that they may be too sophisticated and the computer may still control a great deal of the movement and simulation. The reality is still debatable and many garners believe that “the computer is cheating.”
Additionally, another problem that exists is that the parameters for the games are often times dictated by the confines of the program itself and not dependent on input by the user. Often, the set parameters of the game can diminish the realism and believability of the outcome of the game because of the pre-set confines of the program.
Accordingly, a need therefore still exists for an improved electronic tool that may be executed with the help of an electronic media such as a computer.
Moreover, a need therefore exists for an improved electronic tool that allows the user to set the parameters using a free hand drawing tool that is displayed on a monitor and allows for movement of a moving object along the parameters set by the user.
Further, a need therefore still exists for an improved electronic creative tool that allows the user to set the parameters for the creative tool and allows for display of the parameters such as zoom and pan operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system that may be utilized for entertainment by a user/author. The present invention utilizes an electronic media to allow a user to draw one or more lines with a user interface on which a moving object such as a sled may ride after the completion of the drawing and/or track by the author. The creative tool and system utilizes a computer program that may allow the user to input a set of parameters using a free hand drawing tool that is then graphically displayed to the user after the parameters are set. Additionally, the present invention utilizes the parameters input by the author/user and thereby associates velocity and trajectory from the moving object along the graphical representation whereby the moving object is central on the graphical display and will continue on the set parameters input by the author until interrupted or because normal velocity and trajectory dictate deviation from the user's parameters.
To this end, in an exemplary embodiment the present invention, a method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system, the method comprising: providing to a user a code that is suitable for execution on a computer, wherein the code is programmed to acquire from the user a first set of parameters using a free-hand drawing tool that is displayed on a monitor; display a graphic representation of the first set of parameters to the user; apply the first set of parameters to at least one predefined rule to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for an object moving along the graphic representation; and display the object on the monitor as a moving object, wherein movement is representative of the calculated velocity and trajectory.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: wherein the first set of parameters comprise a plurality of x/y-coordinates.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: wherein the first set of parameters comprise a plurality of vectors.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: wherein the free-hand drawing tool is selected from the group consisting of a pencil, and a polygon.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: wherein the graphic representation is a line generated by movement of the free-hand drawing tool on the monitor.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: wherein the predefined rule is based on at least one ballistic flight equation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: the object is defined by at least one predetermined physical parameter.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: applying the first set of parameters to at least one predefined rule to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for another object moving along the graphic representation, and displaying the other object on the monitor as another moving object, wherein movement is representative of the calculated velocity and trajectory.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: displaying the object on the monitor comprises at least one of a zoom operation and a pan operation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: at least one of the zoom operation and the pan operation are calculated such that the object remains substantially centered in the monitor.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: providing the code comprises a download to a networked computer, a download to a handheld device, or an upload from a data carrier.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: the code is programmed to be executed as an independent application or an applet.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of facilitating playing an electronic amusement system comprises the additional step of: the code is programmed to allow saving of at least one of the first set of parameters, the graphic representation of the first set of parameters; calculating velocity and trajectory of the object, and the displaying of the object as a moving object.
To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of entertaining is provided. The method comprises the steps of: prompting a user to use a free-hand drawing tool on a computer monitor to draw a free-hand line on the computer monitor; associating at least one of a plurality of coordinates and functions with the free-hand line; applying at least one of the extracted coordinates and functions to at least one ballistic equation to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for an object moving along the free-hand line; and displaying the object on the computer monitor in movement, wherein the movement is based on the calculated velocity and trajectory.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the step of: associating is performed as the user draws the free-hand line.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the additional step of: wherein the least one of the extracted coordinates and functions are applied to the ballistic equation such that the free-hand line represents zero altitude relative to the object.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the additional step of: wherein the step of displaying comprises at least one of a zoom operation and a pan operation.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the additional step of: at least one of the zoom operation and the pan operation are calculated such that the object remains substantially centered in the monitor.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the additional step of: using at least one of a wireless network, a cable network, a telephony network, and a solid phase data carrier.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of entertainment comprises the additional step of: allowing the user to save at least one of the plurality of coordinates and functions, the free-hand line, calculating velocity and trajectory of the object, and the displaying of the object in movement.
To this end, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method and system relating to electronic amusement is provided.
In another exemplary embodiment, an electronic creative tool is provided. The electronic creative tool may be utilized for entertainment purposes.
Another exemplary embodiment is an electronic amusement system wherein the electronic amusement system allows for the user to set up the parameters of the creative tool.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic amusement system wherein the electronic amusement system allows for graphical representation of a user input.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system wherein the entertainment system allows a user to set parameters by which a moving object may travel.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system wherein the entertainment system may allow a user to utilize a drawing tool to draw a linear progression by which a moving object utilizes to travel thereon.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an entertainment system whereby the system may allow for graphical representation of a user's input.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic entertainment system whereby the system may utilize a computer.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic entertainment system whereby the system may utilize a computer and monitor.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an amusement system whereby the amusement system would allow for utilization of a free-hand drawing tool within the system by a user. The user may be able to free-hand draw a linear representation that may be graphically represented to the user and upon commencement of the moving portion of the system, a moving object may travel along the linear representation drawn by the user.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby a user may draw one or more lines with a computer mouse on which a small character may ride after completion of the drawing/track.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby a user may draw a plurality of lines in the creative tool and further wherein a small character having a sled may ride upon the plurality of lines.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby a user may draw a line or plurality of lines whereby a small character may ride upon the line when the user presses a play button contained within the electronic creative tool.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may allow the user to draw lines, draw a plurality of lines and/or alter the lines previously drawn.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool allows the user to stop the creative tool at any point after a small character is allowed to proceed along the user drawn lines.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may allow the user to zoom and pan to portions of the lines which the user may wish to alter or view.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may have an eraser portion to erase lines previously drawn by the user.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may provide the user with a small character which proceeds along the lines using naturally occurring velocities and trajectories.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may provide the user with a small character that may proceed along the drawn lines whereby the small character may be a sled.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may provide the user with a small character that may proceed along the drawn lines whereby the small character may be a bicycle.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may provide the user with a small character that may proceed along the drawn lines whereby the small character may be on skis, boards, skates, cars, motorcycles, and/or any other object that may be utilized by the character to proceed along the drawn lines of the electronic creative tool.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool allows the user to have a small character that may perform stunts.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool allows the user to create sophisticated tracks, stunts, loops and more.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool that may allow the user to provide scenery and other non functional aspects to the creative tool.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic toy whereby the toy has no goal or objective other than general entertainment.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool that may allow the user to save and share their creative tool with other users.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool that may allow for multiple users to utilize the same creative tool.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the author of a creative tool may upload their drawing such that other users and/or other authors may view the creative tool and/or may utilize the creative tool and add additional track/drawings to the existing creative tool.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the drawn tracks may be shared with other users that may download the tracks and complete or add to them.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the creative tool may have a pen feature which may act as a drawing tool.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a line tool whereby the line tool may allow for creation of computer aided straight lines.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a line tool whereby the line tool may allow for creation of planar lines in the absence of free hand drawn lines.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic creative tool may be provided whereby the electronic creative tool may allow the user to utilize a plurality of different colors when drawing lines and/or tracks.
Still a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may allow the user to utilize a plurality of different colors to draw lines in the creative tool whereby each different color line may have a different function including acceleration lines, scenery lines, and regular lines but may also include a plurality of different functions including slowing lines, hyper lines wherein the hyper lines are lines allowing the character to accelerate at a faster rate, among others.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool wherein the electronic creative tool may have an eraser component to erase earlier drawn lines by the user.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a magnifying portion wherein a user may zoom in and pan out of the drawings they have made within the creative tool whereby it may allow the user to achieve more detail both when drawing and when the play button is utilized and the user is following the moving character.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a hand feature which allows the user to grab parts of the graphical representation and move it around on the screen.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a play feature which starts the small character along the drawn lines and/or track.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a stop feature whereby after the small character begins along the track and/or drawn lines, the user may stop the small character from proceeding further and may make subsequent changes to the track. Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may also have a flag feature whereby when the flag feature is engaged, a flap may be placed where the small character was at the time. This flag feature may allow the user to start he small character at this flag site in subsequent starts of the creative tool.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a save feature which allows the user to save the particular creative tool play and/or track for subsequent use, editing and/or allows the user to upload the particular creative tool play/track for others to view and edit.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a trash feature which may allow the user to delete the entire drawing/track and restart with an entirely new track.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a target feature whereby the target marks a location on the track where the small character should begin. Additionally, the target feature may be moved from location to location on the track such that the small character start point may be moved and altered by the user.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electronic creative tool whereby the electronic creative tool may have a help feature which when accessed by the user may allow the user to read instructions on how to utilize the program and the uses for each of the other features relating to the creative tool.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described herein, and will be apparent from the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a screen shot of the creative tool in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another screen shot of the creative tool illustrating the moving character in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a screen shot of the moving character in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of the key symbols in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an example of a track in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an example of a track with the moving character in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an example of a hand drawn track illustrating background scenery in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is another example of a drawn track with various background scenery in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is another example of a drawn track with various background scenery in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is another example of a drawn track with various background scenery in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the 10 figures, the invention is depicted in FIG. 1 and illustrates a basic screen shot 1 that may be utilized by an individual author and/or user 3. The screen shot 1 may be displayed on a display means 5 such as a computer monitor (not shown). Additionally, the creative tool may be of the electronic nature whereby a computer program 8 is utilized with pre-set parameters to allow a user 3 and/or author to participate in the creative tool 9.
Referring first to FIG. 1, a screen shot 1 of the creative tool 9 is provided. The creative tool 9 may be a flash game that allows a user 3 to draw a line 11 by utilizing a user input means 13. In an exemplary embodiment, the user input means 13 may be a mouse (not shown). It should be understood however, that any input means 13 may be utilized by the user 3 to draw a line 11 in the creative tool 9. The creative tool 9 may be more fittingly thought of as an entertaining toy as most games have a goal to accomplish while the present invention does not have such a goal. The creative tool 9 or entertaining toy may utilize simulated physics such naturally occurring as gravity, trajectory and velocity incorporated into the parameters of the creative tool 9.
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the creative tool 9 may have a plurality of different options 15 for the user 3 to utilize before and after playing the creative tool 9. In an embodiment, the user 3 may select the play option 19 to begin drawing within the display means 18 by utilizing a game key 21. The play option 19 may be selected at any point by the user 3 to begin drafting a new creative tool 9. FIG. 1 further illustrates a movie option 23. The movie option 23 may allow the user 3 to access, download and edit other user 3 completed and/or uncompleted creative tools 9. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the creative tool 9 may have a news option 25 thereby allowing news, content and other information relating to the creative tool 9 or upgrades to be viewed, downloaded or otherwise selected by the user 3. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a contest option 27 may be provided whereby certain contests or competitions may be held to determine the best creative tool 9 simulation to be created by any user 3. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, an about option 29 may be utilized by the user 3 to explain how to play the creative tool 9 and other additional features and aspects of the creative tool 9. Further, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a forum option 31 may be provided whereby the forum option 31 may allow different users 3 to communicate information to each other. Additionally, the forum option 31 may also allow different users 3 to share information, compare creative tool 9 simulations and a host of other information that my be communicated from one user 3 to another.
Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a line 33 that may be drawn by the user 3 whereby when the play button 41 is engaged, the small moving character 45 may follow the trajectory of the line 33 till its completion or until the trajectory and velocity of the small moving character 45 causes deviation from the line 33. FIG. 1 also illustrates the flag feature 51. The flag feature 51 may allow the user 3 to insert a flag 55 into the drawn line 33 to any point that the user 3 may wish to utilize. The flag feature 51 allows for the small moving character 45 to be placed at a specific point 32 on the line 33 for commencement of the creative tool. The flag feature may also be utilized to allow the user 3 to fix portions of the line 33 that are incorrect or lead to deviation of the small character 45 away from the parameters desired by the user 3.
FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 also illustrate a key portion 57 shown in the top portion 59 of the screen shot 1. The key portion 57 may have a plurality of different usable options that the user 3 may utilize while manipulating the creative tool 9. As seen on many of the accompanying figures, the key portion 57 typically will include a pencil option 61, a line option 63, an eraser option 65, a magnifying option 67, a hand option 69, a play button 41, a stop button 71, a flag button 73, a save button 75, a garbage button 77, a first line color button 79, second line color button 81 and a third line color button 83.
The pencil option 61 allows the user 3 to select the option of hand drawing lines 33 on the graphical display and manually manipulate the creative tool 9 by selecting and drawing hand drawn lines 33. Because some individual users 3 may have difficulty drawing straight lines 33 at times, the creative tool 9 may provide the option of using a line option 63. The line option 63 may allow the user 3 to select the use of straight, computer aided line 34 whereby the user 3 may be able to manipulate the lines 34 to provide substantially straight lines for the small moving character 45 to travel on. In another exemplary embodiment, the creative tool 9 may also utilize an eraser option 65 is whereby the user 3 may utilize an eraser 66 during play to erase portions of the lines 33 and/or correct problem areas in the lines 33 prior to starting the small moving character 45 thereon. Additionally, the eraser option 65 may allow the user 3 to correct, and/or add additional elements and characteristics such as those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
The magnifying option 67 may be utilized by the author/user 3 to magnify a portion of the line 33 to correct, alter or otherwise draw a line 33 in the creative tool 9. The magnifying option 67 may allow the user 3 properly draft better quality lines 33 or in some way alter the lines 33 to facilitate the movement of the small moving character 45 along a predetermined planned trajectory.
The hand option 69 servers a similar purpose but allows the user 3 to move the screen shot 1 from a first portion 70 of the screen to a second portion 72 of the screen 74. The user 3 may manually manipulate the screen 74 to continue the lines 33 drawn off the screen 74 into another portion of the screen 74. This hand option 69 also allows for almost unlimited expansion and customization of lines as the user 3 may use the hand option 69 to move from one portion of the line 33 to another portion.
The play button 41 may be utilized by the user 3 after the user 3 has completed a portion of the line 33 that he/she has drawn. It is only after the play button 41 has been pressed that the small moving character 45 may begin its movement along the drawn lines 33, 34. The play button 41 may also be utilized whereby a flag 55 has been planted subsequently and the small moving character 45 may start from the flag 55 location instead of the beginning of the line 33 drawn by the user 3. Similarly, the stop button 71 may allow the user 3 to stop the creative tool 9 at any point during play which also may stop the small moving character 45 from further movement, such that the user 3 may start the creative tool 9 over, make corrections, erase portions or make alterations to the lines 33 before continuing with the creative tool play.
The flag feature 51 may be utilized by selecting the flag button 73. As explained earlier, the user 3 may wish to place a flag 55 on a portion of the line 33 for later alteration, correction or deletion or may wish to flag 55 a portion of the line 33 to allow the small moving character 45 to begin its trajectory from that particular point. The save button 75 may allow the user 3 to save the track that they have drawn for editing or completion at a later date. The garbage button 77 may allow the user 3 to discard the drawn lines 33 and start the creative tool 9 over.
In an exemplary embodiment, the key portion 57 may also have a first line color 79, a second line color 81 and a third line color 83. The line colors 79, 81, and 83 may be any color, but for illustrative purposes, the colors are blue, red and green. The first line color 79 may be blue which may represent a regular line. The second line color 81 may be red and may represent acceleration lines whereby the small moving character 45 may move at an accelerated pace when moving about the second line color 81. The third line color 83 may be green and may be non-functioning lines 33. The green third line color 83 may be utilized for background and/or scenery 89 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-10.
FIG. 2 illustrates the small moving character 45 traveling along the line 33 in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the small moving character 45 is a cartoon of a human FIG. 48 on a sled 50. However, it should be understood that the small moving character 45 may be any object that can traverse the lines such as animals, humans and inanimate objects. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a screen shot 1 whereby a plurality of lines 33 may be incorporated to form a trajectory for the small moving character 45 as illustrated in FIG. 6.
FIGS. 7-10 illustrates several screen shots 1 whereby additional features such as background and/or scenery 89 may be added to the creative tool 9 to enhance the aesthetic evaluation of the creative tool 9. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the creative tool 9 may include a pan and zoom option that may allow the user 3 to see a larger portion of the lines 33 drawn and adjust the lines and/or make alterations/corrections by viewing the entire drawn track. Additionally, the pan and zoom option may allow the user 3 to add more challenging trajectories to the track prior to releasing the small moving character 45 thereon.
Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a safety device system have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

1. A method of facilitating play of an electronic creative tool, comprising:

providing to a user a code that is suitable for execution on a computer, wherein the code is programmed to

acquire from the user a first set of parameters using a free-hand drawing tool that is displayed on a monitor;

display a graphic representation of the first set of parameters to the user;

apply the first set of parameters to at least one predefined rule to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for an object moving along the graphic representation; and

display the object on the monitor as a moving object, wherein movement is representative of the calculated velocity and trajectory.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first set of parameters comprise a plurality of x/y-coordinates.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first set of parameters comprise a plurality of vectors.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the free-hand drawing tool is selected from the group consisting of a pencil, and a polygon.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the graphic representation is a line generated by movement of the free-hand drawing tool on the monitor.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the predefined rule is based on at least one ballistic flight equation.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the object is defined by at least one predetermined physical parameter.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of applying the first set of parameters to at least one predefined rule to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for another object moving along the graphic representation, and displaying the other object on the monitor as another moving object, wherein movement is representative of the calculated velocity and trajectory.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of displaying the object on the monitor comprises at least one of a zoom operation and a pan operation.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one of the zoom operation and the pan operation are calculated such that the object remains substantially centered in the monitor.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the code comprises a download to a networked computer, a download to a handheld device, or an upload from a data carrier.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the code is programmed to be executed as an independent application or an applet.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the code is programmed to allow saving of at least one of the first set of parameters, the graphic representation of the first set of parameters, calculate velocity and trajectory of the object, and display of the object as a moving object.

14. A method of entertaining, comprising:

prompting a user to use a free-hand drawing tool on a computer monitor to draw a free-hand line on the computer monitor;

associating at least one of a plurality of coordinates and functions with the free-hand line;

applying at least one of the extracted coordinates and functions to at least one ballistic equation to thereby calculate velocity and trajectory for an object moving along the free-hand line; and

displaying the object on the computer monitor in movement, wherein the movement is based on the calculated velocity and trajectory.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of associating is performed as the user draws the free-hand line.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the least one of the extracted coordinates and functions are applied to the ballistic equation such that the free-hand line represents zero altitude relative to the object.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of displaying comprises at least one of a zoom operation and a pan operation.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least one of the zoom operation and the pan operation are calculated such that the object remains substantially centered in the monitor.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing is performed using at least one of a wireless network, a cable network, a telephony network, and a solid phase data carrier.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of allowing the user to save at least one of the plurality of coordinates and functions, the free-hand line, calculate velocity and trajectory of the object, and display of the object in movement.