Abstract: A voice track is recorded on one track of a dual track recording device, typically a tape recorder. On a second track of the recorder an animation signal is recorded characterized by the signal having a frequency at any given time indicative of the then currently desired animation condition. A character is provided having a tape playback unit therein for playing back such pre-recorded dual track tapes, the character having an amplifier and speaker for reproducing the audio information, and a servo motor having a drive system for driving the character mouth elements and eyes with the desired animation, the drive system having a feedback device thereon for providing a feedback signal to the servo motor control. The electronics in the character which is responsive to the animation control signal provided by the playback unit to provide the servo motor drive signal effectively updates the servo motor drive signal on each cycle of the animation control signal received from the playback unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imbedding digital data and multiple audio (analog) track information in a video signal in a manner compatible with ordinary broadcast TV and transparent to a conventional television receiver is disclosed. The method and apparatus may provide multiple independent audio tracks and a substantial level of interaction with a viewer utilizing special reception equipment, which equipment may be utilized to provide a fully interactive system from signal sources not required to be compatible with convention receivers. The method and apparatus includes the ability of imbedding both analog and digital signals in a video signal, and while advantageous for interactive TV systems, may be used for a multitude of purposes in various video systems.

Abstract: An interactive video controller 10 for selecting between two or more tracks of video data responsive to the input of a player and for displaying the selected video track. The interactive video controller 10 displays and stores the selected track and then displays the stored track in place of the non-selected track.

Abstract: A toy doll which responds with spoken words and/or sentences to the touching of selected portions of the doll by a user and/or voice actuation by the user is described. Specific areas of the doll, such as eyes, ears, nose, etc. are provided with touch switches. When one of the switches is activated, the doll responds with one of two randomly selected sentences related to that part which was touched e.g. "that's my nose", "do you like my nose". In addition, voice actuation is provided by a microphone located within the doll. When the user speaks to the doll, the microphone senses the speech. After the speech has stopped for a fixed period of time (usually one second) the doll responds with a randomly selected sentence. Audio responses are stored via ROM in circuitry within the doll. The vocabulary of the doll can be changed or enlarged with additional ROM's. In order to conserve power, a gravity switch is provided to turn the doll on when the doll is placed in a sitting position or otherwise moved.