Abstract: An interactive television system is provided with an interactive information system by which channels or services interact together. The information system provides informational messages that prompt a user to select an associated channel or service. If selected, the system transfers control to the selected channels or services. If necessary, information associated with the informational messages is provided to the selected channel or service. In a preferred embodiment the informational messages are sequentially displayed video segments. The video segments may be associated with other channels or services in the interactive viewing system. The user may use an input device, by depressing a single button, and launch another channel or service that is associated with the currently displayed video segment.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment network system has a video-on-demand (VOD) application which allows viewers to create their own customized lists of preferred video content programs, such as movies, games, TV shows, and so forth. Viewers are permitted to select criteria for grouping various video content programs into manageable sets. Lists of programs are provided in one or more scrollable lists, the scrolling rates of which are programmable. Once grouped, previews for the set of programs are displayed. The VOD application allows the viewers to browse the previews at their own rate, skipping forward to the next preview or backward to the previous preview. During this automated browsing, the VOD application enables the viewer to add any of the programs of interest to a customized list. The viewer can retrieve the customized list at any time. If the viewer orders a program from the customized list, the program remains available to the viewer for a rental period (which is adjustable).

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of selectively delivering programming to a viewer station on an interactive television or televideo (IT) system. Determinations as to whether programming is to be delivered are based upon the content or service level of the programming. With reference to content-based delivery of programming, the IT system identifies predetermined characteristics of the available programming. Each viewer at a selected viewer station is assigned a personal programming service level. The personal programming service level of each viewer is related to the particular characteristics and distinguishes appropriate and inappropriate programming for the viewer. The IT system compares the predetermined characteristics of the programming available at a time with the appropriate programming service level. The IT system delivers to the viewer station the available programming with predetermined characteristics that conform to the appropriate viewer service level.

Abstract: A teaching and entertainment device includes a desk-top console which supports a keyboard, an LCD display matrix, and a plug-in cartridge recepticle. A quartet of LCD drivers each control a quadrant of the display under the control of a first microprocessor. A plug-in cartridge is insertable into the console and contains a second microprocessor. Apparatus are provided for establishing a master/servant relationship of the second microprocessor over the first whenever the plug-in cartridge is present.

Abstract: A digitally driven audio effects generator includes a source of binary information and keyboard which provide digital information to a plurality of source or sink type binary drivers. A ladder matrix is coupled to the binary drivers and provides an output signal. An audio frequency signal generator responds to the keyboard and controls an interrupting switch which serrates the output signal at an audio frequency rate.

Abstract: An electronic toy game of skill for two players includes an array of illuminatable display elements, such as LED's, randomly selected ones of which are illuminated during each round of play; a corresponding plurality of player switches which are located adjacent to the associated display elements and control means for associating those switches with the lamps in the given manner. During each round of play a continuously perceptible time period is established by the control means. This time period has a duration related to the number of LED's that are to be illuminated during a given round of play. During each player's turn, some LED's are illuminated and by operating the player switches, the player attempts to extinguish the LED's prior to expiration of the time period. Failure to successfully extinguish such LED's results in termination of that player's turn. The winner of the game is that player who first successfully completes a predetermined number of rounds.

Abstract: A toy space vehicle having a main body. A door in the upper surface of the main body may be caused to slowyly open and close accompanied by sounds simulating the movement of heavy doors. Pods affixed to the main body may be made to slowly open or close accompanied by the same sounds. A gun residing in the main body may be caused to fire and aircraft residing in the pods to be launched when the doors are opened.