Method and system for downloading and storing interactive device content using the horizontal overscan portion of a video signal
US6937289B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63H2200/00
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as an interactive toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal that can be broadcast or played-back from video tape. The interactive device is equipped with a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for performance subsequent to the transmission session (e.g., a televised program). The interactive device also may be equipped to perform behavior during the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the interactive device to which the data word is directed, so that a particular interactive device will respond (i.e., perform behavior) only in accordance with the control data words including the appropriate genus code. Because video transmissions are subject to video signal deterioration, error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration. During a given control data transmission session, control data words will be repeated, so that an inter…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.