US20080026805A1

US20080026805A1 - Selection apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080026805A1
Application number: US11/728,945
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Elliott Wooby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-17
Filing date: 2007-03-27
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: GB0614135D0; GB2440179A

Abstract

A selection apparatus including input means for accepting an input from a user, output means for generating an output based on the input, storage means for storing a dependence between the inputs and the outputs, selection means for enabling the apparatus to select a particular dependence from a number of possible dependencies, and reset means for resetting the apparatus, wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same, and, when the apparatus is reset, the selection means is arranged to replace the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the selection means from the number of possible dependencies.

Description

This application claims priority to Great Britain patent application no. 0614135.2, filed on Jul. 17, 2006.
The present invention relates to a selection apparatus. In certain embodiments it can be used in a memory training aid, particularly, but not exclusively, in a memory training aid for children. Embodiments of the invention can also be used as an ancillary device in games such as board games.

BACKGROUND

In many games a dice or other (pure) chance device is used to determine e.g. how many fields a player may move their counter forward. With a (pure) chance device such as a dice the dependence between the input (i.e. rolling the dice) and the output (i.e. the number displayed on the top surface of the dice) is purely random.
The present inventor has invented a device which can be used instead of a dice and which is not a pure chance device but enables a user, using their memory and/or deduction skill, to influence the “output” of the device, i.e. the instruction which indicates e.g. how many fields a counter may be moved. Additionally, the possible “outputs” generated by the device are not necessarily limited to the numbers 1 to 6 but could be any number, or indeed any other “instruction”, such as “collect X units of play money from a player of your choice”.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention is a selection apparatus including input means for accepting an input from a user, output means for generating an output based on the input, storage means for storing a dependence between the inputs and the outputs, selection means for enabling the apparatus to select a particular dependence from a number of possible dependencies, and reset means for resetting the apparatus, wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same, and, when the apparatus is reset, the selection means is arranged to replace the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the selection means from the number of possible dependencies.
One or more aspects of the invention is/are set out in the independent claim(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better illustrate the invention, various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a table illustrating a possible dependence for use with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the stages of operation of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, with part of the structure removed;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a section of a paper strip for use in the embodiment of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of the present invention can be implemented on, or using, a variety of electronic devices, for example a computer, PDA, or an electronic device that uses transistor-transistor logic (TTL). However, for simplicity this embodiment will be described by means of a computer implementation.
The computer comprises an input means that comprises a keyboard, an output means that comprises a monitor, and a storage means that comprises a memory. The computer can read a program stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory, or a CD-ROM, or computer disk, or the like.
Generally, the user enters an input and the apparatus generates an output to be made available to the user. Each input and output can comprise several input elements and output elements respectively. The input elements and output elements may comprise numbers, words or symbols. The apparatus uses a set of dependencies as described later to associate outputs to the possible inputs.
The computer memory stores a set of dependencies. A possible dependence is illustrated in the table of FIG. 1. The dependence comprises a set of signs or values which an input may comprise (in the following referred to as input values) and signs or values which an associated output may comprise (in the following referred to as output values).
The first table column contains the input values and the second column contains a list of corresponding output values. The input values range from 1 to 5, and the output values range from 0 to 2. It will be appreciated that the ranges of input values and output values can be different from those shown in this example. In the possible dependence shown, the input values and corresponding output values are related in a substantially random manner. There is no (immediately recognizable) correlation between the input and output values. In general, all the stored dependencies are different from each other.
Although the terms “input values” and “output values” are used herein, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the input and output values may be non-numerical. For example, as mentioned above, an output may contain an instruction. Preferably, the terms “input values” and “output values” cover all these possibilities.
The operation of one embodiment will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 2.
At the start of the process of operation the computer will perform a reset operation. The reset operation comprises the computer randomly selecting a particular dependence from the set of possible dependencies stored in the memory. In one embodiment the computer is arranged to select the particular dependence in a random manner but in other embodiments the particular dependence can be selected in a different manner. For example, a set of dependencies may be stored as a sequence in a computer file, and the particular dependency is selected sequentially.
After completion of the reset operation, the computer will prompt the user to choose how many input elements should be required for producing an output. Alternatively, the number of required input elements could be predetermined (hence the step of selecting the number of required input elements has been designated as “optional” in FIG. 2). After the user has entered his choice, the computer displays all possible input values on the screen and prompts the user to select the user-defined number of input elements from the set of displayed input values. The user enters his input via the keyboard. The computer generates the output for the user choice of input (that comprises the input elements) by adding together the output values that correspond to each selected input value and displaying the result as the output on the screen. The screen is then cleared and the computer returns to the input step of the flow diagram, i.e. the computer prompts the user to enter another input. The input and output operations are repeated to generate another output and the process repeats itself. Identical inputs will result in identical outputs until a reset operation is initiated. If the user initiates the reset operation, the apparatus will replace the selected particular dependence by another dependence selected by the apparatus from the stored dependencies (which is usually not the same, but due to the random nature of the selection process may be the same) and the same input values entered before and after the reset operation will not necessarily produce the same output. However, after the reset operation and until the next reset operation is carried out the same inputs will again result in identical outputs.
The user can choose to reset the apparatus at any time so as to cause the computer to replace the present dependence by another dependence.
In a first practical application the selection apparatus is used as a memory and/or deduction skill training aid. The user should endeavour to memorize the various inputs (i.e. combinations of input elements) and corresponding outputs such that he can deduce the output value that corresponds to a particular input value, i.e. to decipher the dependence stored in the memory. It is apparent that through repeated use of the selection apparatus the user's memory and/or deduction skills are likely to improve.
In a second practical application, the selection apparatus is used in a single or multiplayer board game or other game that would normally involve a random number generator to decide the number of moves/actions a user can make. In this example, the output of the device according to the present invention indicates the number of moves/actions the user can make. It is clear that at the start of a game the output will seem random to the users. However, after a number of turns each player can use their memory skill and powers of deduction to begin to predict the output of the device, and hence, can choose a set of input values that will produce a desired output that suits his position in the game. This device therefore introduces an element of skill into a game whose fate would be decided by chance if a chance device such as a dice was used instead of the selection apparatus of the invention.
It will be appreciated that there are a number of modifications that a skilled person can make to the present embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention.
In another embodiment, the output values are not randomly assigned. For example, a particular dependence can be a predetermined algorithm, such as a mathematical formula that relates an input value to its corresponding output value. To illustrate how the algorithm might be used, we will consider the predetermined algorithm to be the mathematical formula ‘square the input element and add 3’. Hence, the output value corresponding to an input value of ‘3’ is (3×3)+3=12. Similarly, an input value of ‘4’ would have a corresponding output value of (4×4)+3=19. This embodiment has the advantage that a skilled user after deducing the predetermined algorithm can calculate all possible outputs.
In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined algorithm is stored in the selection apparatus memory and operates on an input that comprises several input elements to produce an output. For example, the predetermined algorithm could be ‘take the value of the first input element, add it to the value of the second input element, and multiply with the value of the third element. Then, for a user input consisting of the values 1, 4, and 2, the output value would be (1+4)×2=10.
In another embodiment the selection apparatus (computer) is arranged to generate the dependencies and store them in the computer memory as opposed to the dependencies being pre-stored in the computer.
In a further embodiment the output comprises a set of output elements. For example, the output could consist of more than one number, or may be a mix of numbers and words.
This could be useful for strategy adventure games where the user not only moves a certain number of places, but also performs an action such as “shoot” or “jump”. There are also games where the user has to move more than one piece, so if the selection apparatus was to be used in such a game then it should generate a set of output elements that correspond to the number of moves each piece must make. An alternative embodiment has input and output elements that comprise words and/or numbers, or other symbols. In this embodiment, the user may enter a mixture of words and/or numbers/symbols as an input, and the selection apparatus generates an output that comprises a mixture of words and/or numbers/symbols.
It will be appreciated that although the above embodiments display the inputs and outputs visually, e.g. on a monitor or an electronic display unit, it is also possible that the inputs and outputs can be in the form of audio, for example, provided by an audio system.
Whilst it is contemplated that the invention can be implemented by means of a computer or other electronic device, the inventor has also devised an essentially mechanical embodiment, the selection apparatus according to this embodiment being illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6. The apparatus comprises a housing or body B. Rotatably mounted within the body B are two reels (or discs, cogs or similar) 3 a, 3 b. This is best seen in FIG. 4, which shows the selection apparatus with its front removed to illustrate the interior structure. Reel 3 b has a channel running along its circumference into which a paper strip 2 (or other carrier) fits. The paper strip 2 is wrapped around reel 3 a to form a roll. Reel 3 a is preferably easily removable by a user and the paper strip 2 is preferably provided to the user pre-wound on the reel 3 a. The free end of the paper strip 2 is attached to the second reel 3 b. Reel 3 b is coupled to an external dial 2 b by a rod, such that if the dial 2 b is rotated the reel 3 b will rotate in the same direction. When a user rotates the dial 2 b in a clockwise direction, the reel 3 b will rotate in the same direction and so the paper strip 2 (with its end attached to reel 3 a) will make the reel 3 a rotate such that the paper strip 2 unwinds from reel 3 a and onto reel 3 b. Optionally, a second dial (not shown) could be coupled to reel 3 a in a similar way so that the paper strip can be wound back onto reel 3 a.
Referring to FIG. 6, the paper strip 2 represents a particular dependence that comprises two sets 10, 12 of numbers marked on it. The first set 10 (in what in FIG. 6 is shown as the bottom row) runs from 1 to 18 and will be referred to as the input numbers and the second set 12 of numbers comprises the numbers 0, 1 and 2, and will be referred to as the output numbers (shown as the top row in FIG. 6). The input numbers are printed along the bottom of the paper strip surface in ascending order from 1 to 18, and the associated output numbers are printed along the top of the paper strip surface. Each output number is printed directly “above” its associated input number, as shown in FIG. 6. The set of 18 input numbers and associated output numbers are repeated along the whole length of the paper strip 2 so that each input number has an associated output number that is fixed. In the embodiment illustrated, the output numbers have been assigned in a random or a substantially random manner. However, it will be appreciated that that the output numbers could be assigned differently as explained earlier.
The body B contains a compartment 6 that is attached to the inside of the body B. The compartment 6 is hollow and has a vertical length that runs almost the full height of the body B.
The body B also has a window 4 in the top surface of the body. A plunger 5 is mounted with respect to a corresponding hole in the top surface of the body B such that the plunger 5 can be moved up and down with respect to the top of the body B. The plunger 5 has an extended vertical portion having a sharp face at its end. A door 7 is incorporated into the side S of the body B such that it can be opened to give access to the inside of the compartment 6.
The operation of the present embodiment of the selection apparatus I will now be explained. The user would set up the selection apparatus by removing the side of the body B and inserting into the body B a prepared reel 3 a with a paper strip 2 wound onto it. As described earlier, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs is arbitrary; the user may not know the dependence during the set up phase of the selection apparatus. As part of the apparatus set-up phase the user attaches the free end of the paper strip 2 to the reel 3 b and fixes the side S back onto the body B.
As explained earlier, in one application, the selection apparatus is intended to train the user's memory by repeating cycles of inputs and corresponding outputs for a particular dependence. The user should try to memorize the output associated with each input.
The user begins the training exercise by choosing a first input value by rotating the dial 2 b and looking through the viewing window 4 until the user sees the desired input value on the paper strip 2. The user produces the output by pressing down on the plunger 5 so that the sharp end of the plunger 5 punches a hole into the paper strip 2 where the output number associated with the selected input number is located. It is noted that the size of the sharp-edged surface of the plunger 5 is such that the corresponding output number is completely removed from the paper strip 2 in the form of a slip of paper. The slip of paper consequently falls to the bottom of the compartment 6. After the user has operated the plunger 5, the plunger 5 returns to its resting position by means of return spring 15. The user then opens the door 7 to the compartment 6 to take out, and look at, the slip of paper, i.e. the output. The user should make a mental note of this output and the corresponding input. The user would then repeat this process but may choose a different input and note the corresponding output. The cycle can be repeated until the user can correctly predict the output for each input. In this way the user can train his memory.
In another embodiment the input values and output values on the paper strip 2 express a dependence comprising a set of dependence elements such as mathematical operators in combination with numbers that, when operated on the input number in a certain order, produce the associated output. An example of this type of dependence is (3×I)+3=O, where ‘I’ is the input number and ‘O’ is the associated output number. Here dependence elements are the mathematical operators of addition and multiplication. Hence, if the input number was ‘4’ the associated output number would be (3×4)+3=15. If the user can deduce the type and order of the dependence elements, as well as the additional number, he will be able to correctly predict all the outputs based on the inputs. In this way the selection apparatus can improve the user's logical deduction ability depending on the type of dependence the strip stores. Once the strip has been memorized, or at the user's discretion, the user can replace the paper strip by another strip that has a different dependence.
It will be appreciated that the mechanical embodiment of the selection apparatus can be used with various games in a similar manner to the electronic embodiment of the selection apparatus.
It is understood that a skilled person can modify the present embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the selection apparatus can be modified to include an automated paper strip selection mechanism. In such an embodiment (not shown in the drawings) the selection apparatus stores a multiple number of strips, and the user presses a reset button to cause the automated load mechanism to replace the current strip by another strip selected by the apparatus and stored within it. Hence the selector or selection means (automated load mechanism) is activated by a separate and distinct reset means (reset button operable by the user).
The load mechanism of this embodiment can be configured to select the strip in a random manner. A person skilled in the art will not have any difficulties in building such an automated load mechanism. For example each paper strip and associated reels could be held in some form of cassette somewhat similar to an audio or video cassette, and the load mechanism would transport the cassette to the appropriate position as in a video recorder. Additionally, the load mechanism could be similar to that of a CD changer, so that it can select one of a plurality of cassettes. It will be understood that the selection process may not be entirely random due to the difficulties associated with incorporating a truly random number generator; nevertheless it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are a number of alternatives to random number generators available that at least appear to the user to create a random result and that can be incorporated into this embodiment.
In another embodiment, the output value associated with a selected input value is marked on the other side of the paper strip (rather than being punched out) so as to indicate to the user what the output is.
A further alternative embodiment (not illustrated) comprises several of the devices shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, for example arranged next to each other. That is, there are provided a plurality of paper strips on reels, each paper strip having an associated plunger and each reel having an associated dial, with all the paper strips arranged such that the user can operate each strip simultaneously.
Although the invention has been described in terms of certain embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.
The invention may also be described by means of the following clauses:

- A. Apparatus comprising:
- input means for accepting an input from a user;
- output means for generating an output based on the input;
- storage means for storing a dependence between the inputs and the outputs;
- selection means for enabling the apparatus to select a particular dependence from a number of possible dependencies; and
- reset means for resetting the apparatus;
- wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same, and,
- when the apparatus is reset, the selection means is arranged to replace the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the selection means from said number of possible dependencies.
- B. Apparatus according to clause A, wherein selecting a particular dependence from said number of possible dependencies comprises choosing the particular dependence from a pre-stored set of dependencies.
- C. Apparatus according to clause A, wherein selecting a particular dependence from said number of possible dependencies comprises generating the particular dependence.
- D. Apparatus according to clause A, B, or C, wherein an output is able to comprise a set of output elements.
- E. Apparatus according to one of clauses A to D, wherein an input is able to comprise a set of input elements.
- F. Apparatus according to clause E, wherein the apparatus is arranged to accept a plurality of input elements in order to generate an output.
- G. Apparatus according to clause E, wherein the apparatus requires a plurality of input elements in order to generate an output.
- H. Apparatus according to clause G, wherein the apparatus requires a selectable number of input elements in order to generate an output.
- I. Apparatus according to clause H, wherein the selectable number of input elements can be chosen by the user.
- J. Apparatus according to clause G wherein the apparatus requires a predetermined number of input elements in order to generate an output.
- K. Apparatus according to any one of clause A to J, wherein the selection means is arranged to select the other dependence in a substantially random manner.
- L. Apparatus according to clause A or B, further comprising at least one carrier.
- M. Apparatus according to clause L, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of input means and a plurality of output means.
- N. Apparatus according to clause L or M, comprising a plurality of carriers, wherein the selection means is arranged to select a carrier from the plurality of carriers, wherein the carrier preferably comprises a tangible medium.
- O. Apparatus according to any one of clauses L, M, or N, wherein the input means comprises means, preferably a dial, to enable the user to move the at least one carrier, preferably the selected carrier.
- P. Apparatus according to any one of clauses L to O, wherein the output means is arranged to be operated by the user.
- Q. Apparatus according to any one of clauses L to P, wherein the output means is arranged to mark the selected carrier.
- R. Apparatus according to any one of clauses L to Q, wherein the output means comprises means for removing a portion of the at least one carrier, preferably the selected carrier so as to generate an output.
- S. Apparatus according to one of clauses A to R, wherein the inputs and/or outputs comprise or represent at least one number.
- T. Apparatus according to any one of clauses A to S, wherein the inputs and/or the outputs comprise or represent at least one word.
- U. Apparatus according to any one of clauses A to T, wherein each dependency comprises an algorithm that determines how the outputs depend on the inputs.
- V. Apparatus comprising:
- input means for accepting an input from a user;
- output means for generating an output based on the input; and
- reset means for resetting the apparatus;
- wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the outputs based on identical inputs are the same, and the outputs based on different inputs are able to be different, and,
- after the apparatus has been reset, the outputs based on identical inputs accepted before and after the reset operation are able to be different, but the outputs based on identical inputs accepted after the reset operation and before a further reset operation are the same,
- wherein the reset means is arranged to reset the apparatus in response to a reset instruction by a user and is arranged to change the way in which an output is generated based on an input, wherein the information as regards the way in which an output is to be generated based on an input after the reset operation is provided by the apparatus.
- W. Apparatus comprising:
- input means for accepting an input from a user;
- output means for generating an output based on the input; and
- reset means for resetting the apparatus;
- wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the outputs based on identical inputs are the same, and the outputs based on different inputs are able to be different; and,
- after the apparatus has been reset, the outputs based on identical inputs accepted before and after the reset operation are able to be different, but the outputs based on identical inputs accepted after the reset operation and before a further reset operation are the same;
- wherein the reset means is arranged to reset the apparatus in response to a reset instruction by a user and is arranged to change the way in which an output is generated based on an input, wherein the reset instruction does not contain any information regarding the way in which an output is to be generated based on an input.
- X. Apparatus comprising:
- input means for accepting an input from a user;
- output means for generating an output based on the input; and
- reset means for resetting the apparatus;
- wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the outputs based on identical inputs are the same, and the outputs based on different inputs are able to be different; and,
- after the apparatus has been reset, the outputs based on identical inputs accepted before and after the reset are able to be different, but the outputs based on identical inputs accepted after the reset and before a further reset are the same;
- wherein the reset means enables the apparatus to be reset in response to a reset operation by a user and is arranged to change the way in which an output is generated based on an input, wherein the reset operation does not contain any information regarding the way in which an output is to be generated based on an input.
- Y. Apparatus comprising:
- input means for accepting an input from a user;
- output means for generating an output based on the input; and
- reset means for resetting the apparatus;
- wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the outputs based on identical inputs are the same, and the outputs based on different inputs are able to be different, and,
- after the apparatus has been reset, the outputs based on identical inputs accepted before and after the reset are able to be different, but the outputs based on identical inputs accepted after the reset and before a further reset are the same,
- wherein the reset means enables the apparatus to be reset in response to a reset operation by a user and is arranged to change the way in which an output is generated based on an input, wherein the information as regards the way in which an output is to be generated based on an input after the reset is provided by the apparatus.
- Z. Apparatus according to any one of clauses V to Y, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one carrier.
- AA. Apparatus according to clause Z, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of carriers.
- AB. Apparatus according to clause L or any one of clauses M to U as directly or indirectly dependent on clause L, or according to clause Z or AA, wherein the dependence comprises a sequence that is repeated on the at least one carrier, preferably the selected carrier.
- AC. Apparatus according to clause AB, wherein at least two dependencies are stored on the at least one carrier.
- AD. Apparatus according to any one of clauses A to AC, wherein the reset means comprises a pressure or touch sensitive device.
- AE. Apparatus according to any preceding clause, for use in a game or as a mental skills training aid, preferably a memory training aid or deduction skill training aid.
- AF. A method of operating an apparatus according to any preceding clause.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

input means for accepting an input from a user;

output means for generating an output based on the input;

storage means for storing a dependence between the inputs and the outputs;

selection means for enabling the apparatus to select a particular dependence from a number of possible dependencies; and

reset means for resetting the apparatus, wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same, and, when the apparatus is reset, the selection means is arranged to replace the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the selection means from said number of possible dependencies.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein selecting a particular dependence from said number of possible dependencies comprises choosing the particular dependence from a pre-stored set of dependencies.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein selecting a particular dependence from said number of possible dependencies comprises generating the particular dependence.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output is able to comprise a set of output elements.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an input is able to comprise a set of input elements.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus is arranged to accept a plurality of input elements in order to generate an output.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus requires a plurality of input elements in order to generate an output.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus requires a selectable number of input elements in order to generate an output.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the selectable number of input elements can be chosen by the user.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is arranged to select the other dependence in a substantially random manner.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inputs and outputs comprise or represent at least one number.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the inputs and the outputs comprise or represent at least one word.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each dependency comprises an algorithm that determines how the outputs depend on the inputs.

14. Apparatus comprising:

an input interface for accepting an input from a user;

a processor including an output interface for generating an output based on the input;

a memory for storing a dependence between the inputs and the outputs;

a selector configured to select a particular dependence from a number of possible dependencies; and

a resetting module configured to reset the apparatus, wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same, and, when the apparatus is reset, the selector is arranged to replace the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the selector from said number of possible dependencies.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is one selected from the group consisting of a game, an accessory device for use in a game, a mental skills training aid, a memory training aid and a deduction skills training aid.

16. A method of operating an apparatus, the method comprising:

entering an input into the apparatus;

the apparatus generating an output based on the input in accordance with a selected one of a number of dependencies between inputs into the apparatus and outputs from the apparatus, said selected dependency having been selected by the apparatus from said number of dependencies;

resetting the apparatus, wherein, until the apparatus is reset, the dependence of the outputs on the inputs remains the same; and,

when the apparatus is reset, the apparatus replaces the selected dependence by another dependence selected by the apparatus from said number of dependencies.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the selected dependence is at least initially unknown to a user.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the selected dependence is unknown to a user when the apparatus is being reset.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein resetting the apparatus comprises a user issuing a reset instruction to the apparatus, wherein the reset instruction does not contain any information regarding the dependence to be selected in response to the reset instruction.

20. A storage medium containing a program readable by a digital computer which instructs the computer to perform the steps of:

select a dependency from a number of stored dependencies which determines a relationship between an input and at least one output;

receive an input;

generate and display an output based on the received input in accordance with the selected dependency, and wherein, until a new dependency is selected, the selected dependency determines the outputs for any further received inputs; and

select a new dependency.