Line Rider

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.

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.