Abstract: Apparatus for use with standard television (TV) for superimposing images, captions, titles, or other information over the television scene. Synchronization of the superimposed images with the television scene is brought about by phase locking the images to the horizontal synchronization pulse train of the television scene. A joystick input device allows the television viewer to select from a library of superimposed images and to move the images to any location over the television scene. The viewer may continue to move the superimposed images over the television scene to set up and maintain humorous or other expressive effects. The apparatus can also be used as an educational tool in conjunction with appropriate broadcasted or recorded programming. Closed-graphics information received with a television signal may generate and control locally generated graphic overlay images to provide interactive gaming or educations applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with standard television (TV) for superimposing images, captions, titles, or other information over the television scene. Synchronization of the superimposed images with the television scene is brought about by phase locking the images to the horizontal synchronization pulse train of the television scene. A joystick input device allows the television viewer to select from a library of superimposed images and to move the images to any location over the television scene. The viewer can continue to move the superimposed images over the television scene to set up and maintain humorous or other expressive effects. The apparatus can also be used as an educational tool in conjunction with appropriate broadcasted or recorded programming. The horizontal synchronization pulse train of the television scene can be modified by introducing variable time delays from one pulse to the next. This variable synchronization delay can be used to create fun-house mirror effects.