Michael J Freeman

US Patent:

53403177, Aug 23, 1994

Filed:

Aug 7, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/927113

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

International Classification:

G09B 706

US Classification:

434321

Abstract:

The present invention is a real-time interactive conversational apparatus which operates by playing to a child a prerecorded conversation stored on a multi-track media such as magnetic tape. The system conversations are programmed according to a decision-tree logic which allows complex conversations to be developed, branching between the various tracks of the media being accomplished without the aid of a microprocessor or any coding in the conversation source signal. The information is stored on each track in a plurality of reproducible information segments, which contain interrogatory messages and associated multiple choice responses, responsive messages, informational messages, and combinations thereof. The responsive messages contained on the tracks are related in real-time and content to particular interrogatory messages, and correspond with multiple choice selectable responses. The apparatus can exhibit pseudo-memory and multiple simultaneous pseudo-memories; exhibit profiling and substitutability; and categorize and subcategorize users of the apparatus.

US Patent:

52135101, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Jul 9, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/727836

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

International Classification:

G09B 706

US Classification:

434321

Abstract:

The present invention is a real-time interactive conversational toy which operates by playing to a child a prerecorded conversation stored on a multi-track media such as magnetic tape. The system conversations are programmed according to a decision-tree logic which allows complex conversations to be developed, branching between the various tracks of the media being accomplished without the aid of a microprocessor or any coding in the conversation source signal. The information is stored on each track in a plurality of reproducible information segments, which contain interrogatory messages and associated multiple choice responses, responsive messages, informational messages, and combinations thereof. The responsive messages contained on the tracks are related in real-time and content to particular interrogatory messages, and correspond with multiple choice selectable responses. The system can exhibit pseudo-memory and multiple simultaneous pseudo-memories; exhibit profiling and substitutability; and categorize and subcategorize users of the toy.

US Patent:

58417419, Nov 24, 1998

Filed:

Apr 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/843262

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

International Classification:

G11B 1722

US Classification:

369 33

Abstract:

An automatic story-telling apparatus includes a storage media having temporally parallel data storage tracks containing story content. The story content is stored on each of the temporally parallel tracks in successive information segments. The information is stored on the tracks in a predetermined timed sequence for providing story content varying dependent upon the temporally parallel tracks that are automatically selected during playback. A controller reads random switching control code information from the media and randomly switches between the tracks of the storage media for enabling automatic random playback of the story content. The command codes may also include memory storage commands and memory switching commands so as to maintain continuity of story characters, plot-lines, etc. , once they are randomly chosen.

US Patent:

55371418, Jul 16, 1996

Filed:

Apr 15, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/228355

Inventors:

Gregory W. Harper - New York NY
Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

Assignee:

ACTV, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

H04N 714

US Classification:

348 12

Abstract:

An interactive distance learning system which provides individualized and meaningful interactive responses to each student, as if the student is receiving instruction directly from a private tutor or instructor. An interactive program transmission occurs to a diverse number of facilities and locations. The primary transmission is a live lecture by the person making the presentation on the distance learning system. The live lecture is accompanied by questions to gage comprehension by students. The questions, in interrogatory form, are graphically displayed on the screen either as video or overlaying the video showing the lecturer. In addition to the interrogatory question, a set of responses, one correct, the rest incorrect, are also presented for the student choice. A complimentary suite of affirmative supportive commentary is prepared and prerecorded for the plurality of correct and incorrect responses which might be given to a question. Each response teaches, confirms and encourages the learning experience.

US Patent:

58618813, Jan 19, 1999

Filed:

Feb 8, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/598382

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY
Gregory W. Harper - New York NY

Assignee:

ACTV, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

H04N 7173

US Classification:

345302

Abstract:

The present invention is an interactive computer system which may operate on a computer network. Subscribers interact with a fully interactive programthrough the use of input devices and a personal computer or a television. The multiple video/audio datastreams may be received from a broadcast transmission source or may be resident in local or external storage. In response to user inputs, a personalized graphics, video and/or audio presentation is provided to the user either immediately or at a later time. If not presented immediately, the interactive computer system utilizes "trigger points" to determine when to enable multiple multimedia segments during the show. The CPU uses embedded or stored authoring commands for integrating the various multimedia elements. The interactive multimedia computer enables seamless flicker-free switching from one signal to another on the same or different channels.

US Patent:

55858589, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Aug 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/289499

Inventors:

Gregory W. Harper - New York NY
Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

Assignee:

ACTV, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

H04N 7087
H04N 708
H04N 712
H04N 714

US Classification:

348485

Abstract:

A system for simulcasting a fully interactive program with a normal conventional program in the same standard video signal bandwidth. It allows active participation by subscribers who have interactive components connected to a television or personal computer display, as well as normal viewing of the conventional program by viewers with conventional television sets. Interactive participants are not limited to any particular reception system. Users can participate using an interactive program box connected to a standard television set or with a multimedia personal computer with an interactive board. An important feature is that interactivity is offered as an option, without any degradation or interruption in program content to users who choose not to interact or do not have the interactive components. Interactivity is personalized through the use of alternative audio responses and/or graphic displays. The interactive elements are presented to the subscriber either immediately after subscriber entry, later during the program at predetermined times, and/or at transparent "trigger points".

US Patent:

58945237, Apr 13, 1999

Filed:

May 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/859618

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

International Classification:

H04R 300

US Classification:

381 95

Abstract:

An audio delay and feedback apparatus includes i) a microphone for receiving an input audio signal and for generating a first electrical signal corresponding to the input audio signal, ii) a delay circuit for receiving the first electrical signal and for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to but delayed from the first electrical signal by a predetermined amount of time, and iii) earphones or a speaker for receiving the second audio signal and for generating an audio output signal corresponding thereto. An audio signal input to the microphone is delayed and fed back to the earphones so as to make speech difficult, humorous, discombobulated, and often unintelligible. The microphone, earphones and delay circuit are mounted on a headset. In one embodiment, the first electrical signal is digital and the delay circuit includes a digital memory.

US Patent:

59307579, Jul 27, 1999

Filed:

Nov 21, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/749345

Inventors:

Michael J. Freeman - New York NY

International Classification:

G10L 302

US Classification:

704272

Abstract:

A voice recognition interactive conversational apparatus employs temporally related data storage tracks containing interactive conversational content. The conversational content is stored on each track in information segments. Each of the segments forms a complete message reproducible in response to the selection of the track upon which the segments are stored. Each information segment includes interrogatories having vocal responses, responsive messages, informational messages, or combinations thereof related in time and content to information contained on at least one other track. The information is stored on the tracks in a predetermined timed sequence for providing interactive conversation dependent on the verbal responses. A playback device facilitates playback of the conversational content. A track selector randomly accesses the tracks for retrieving and play back the information stored thereon via the playback device.