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 performs behavior defined by control data 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, or during, the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes identifying the interactive device to which the data word is directed. During a transmission session, control data words will be repeated, so that an interactive device receives several control data words with the same sequence number. Based on the relative gradings, the interactive device will replace previously received control data words of lower quality than subsequently received data words having the same sequence number.

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 performs behavior defined by control data 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, or during, the transmission session. The control data is delivered as a series of control data words that include genus codes identifying the interactive device to which the data word is directed. During a transmission session, control data words will be repeated, so that an interactive device receives several control data words with the same sequence number. Based on the relative gradings, the interactive device will replace previously received control data words of lower quality than subsequently received data words having the same sequence number.

Abstract: An outlet cover includes an outlet surface and a cord container for convenient cord storage is provided. The outlet surface has at least one outlet opening, and the cord container is disposed corresponding to the outlet opening. The above cord container has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and at least one passage connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. A power supply cover box includes a body and at least a cord container is also provided. The body includes a first end having at least one outlet opening. The cord container of the power supply cover box has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and passages connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. The passages have a predetermined width, which is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of a regular electric cord, to retain the cord within the cord container. The cord container only allows the cord to enter or exit through the cord entry/exit holes.

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 a toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal. The toy is equipped with a decoder for extracting data from the horizontal overscan portion of the video signal, and a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for use after the video signal is no longer being received. The control data are delivered as a series of words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the specific toy to which the word is directed, as more than one toy may receive the video signal. Error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration, so the toy will replace previously received words if newer words are of higher quality.

Abstract: In order to test a host's support for peripherals that use a given type of peripheral interface, an interface device communicates with peripheral interface ports of the host. The interface device also communicates with an emulation computer over a local area network. The emulation computer is programmed to emulate one or more peripheral devices by receiving and responding to messages. The interface device passes messages between the host and the emulation computer, using a peripheral interface communications protocol for communications with the host and using a network communications protocol for communications with the emulation computer.

Abstract: An outlet cover comprising an outlet surface and a cord container for convenient cord storage is provided. The outlet surface has at least one outlet opening, and the cord container is disposed corresponding to the outlet opening. The above cord container has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and at least one passage connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. A power supply cover box comprising a body and at least a cord container is also provided. The body includes a first end having at least one outlet opening. The cord container of the power supply cover box has a plurality of cord entry/exit holes and passages connecting the plurality of cord entry/exit holes. The passages have a predetermined width, which is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter of a regular electric cord, to retain the cord within the cord container. The cord container only allows the cord to enter or exit through the cord entry/exit holes.

Abstract: In order to test a host's support for peripherals that use a given type of peripheral interface, an interface device communicates with peripheral interface ports of the host. The interface device also communicates with an emulation computer over a local area network. The emulation computer is programmed to emulate one or more peripheral devices by receiving and responding to messages. The interface device passes messages between the host and the emulation computer, using a peripheral interface communications protocol for communications with the host and using a network communications protocol for communications with the emulation computer.

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.

Abstract: In order to test a host's support for peripherals that use a given type of peripheral interface, an interface device communicates with peripheral interface ports of the host. The interface device also communicates with an emulation computer over a local area network. The emulation computer is programmed to emulate one or more peripheral devices by receiving and responding to messages. The interface device passes messages between the host and the emulation computer, using a peripheral interface communications protocol for communications with the host and using a network communications protocol for communications with the emulation computer.