Abstract: A method for modulating one or more fields of video signal (18) with auxiliary signal (20) by use of an encoding improvement, the one or more fields having one or more sub-fields, the one or more sub-fields having a plurality of odd and even scan lines, the plurality of odd and even scan lines having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels each having an intensity comprising obtaining on encoder (12) the video signal from signal source (10), selectively designating on encoder the plurality of odd and even scan lines as up lines or down lines for at least one of the one or more sub-fields for at least one of the one or more fields, calculating an amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the plurality of odd and even scan lines on encoder, and adding intensity to the up lines and subtracting intensity from the down lines according to the amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the scan lines of video signal on encoder.

Abstract: A digital watermark is generated with radial and circumferential symmetries in a particular domain of a host signal into which it is embedded. These symmetries enable a detector to compute the projective transformation and rotation angle of the embedded signal using only the symmetry properties. The embedded signal may be variable, such as being modulated with a variable message payload, yet the scale and rotation of this variable signal is detectable based on its symmetry properties.

Abstract: A system and method for pricing a classified advertisement. The method includes receiving a classified advertisement from an advertiser to be distributed to at least one of multiple device types. The classified advertisement may be substantially simultaneously formatted for at least two of the device types. The classified advertisement may be displayed as formatted for presentation by the device type(s). A price may be determined and displayed for the classified advertisement as formatted for presentation by the device type(s).

Abstract: A method for managing entertainment system data includes obtaining a record corresponding to a first entertainment selection that is selected. A selectable identifier corresponding to a first set of entertainment system data in the record is presented on a display device. A search for a second entertainment selection having a corresponding second set of entertainment system data related to the first set of entertainment system data is performed when the selectable identifier is selected. A result of the search is presented on the display device.

Abstract: It is one object of the present invention to prevent embedded verification information from being lost even when a quantization process is performed after verification information has been embedded. A pre-embedding portion 32 converts a image data value so that quantized values not changing by error introduced through the embedding process. A hash value calculator 300 calculates a hash value using image data and key information, and a hash value embedding portion 302 embeds the hash value in the image data. An output format converter 304 quantizes the image data in which the hash value is embedded, and generates JPEG data.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method, system and program storage device for displaying textual information associated with a defined video object in video data on a video display device, comprising: sampling a video object plane to determine whether the video object is in the video object plane for displaying the video object on the video display device; updating a location of the video object in the video object plane as the video object moves during display of the video data on the video display device; determining whether a pointing device is over the updated location of the video object; and displaying the textual information associated with the video object on the video display device for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: The system for updating a clock in an electronic device, such as a personal computer, has a receiver system having an input for receiving a real time signal and having an output on which is provided digital information representative of the real time signal. An extraction module is operatively coupled to the receiver system, the extraction module extracting at least a current time value from the display data. An update module is operatively coupled to the extraction module, the update module updating the clock in the computer when the current time value of the digital information differs from a current value of the clock in the computer. In one embodiment a validating unit is operatively coupled between the extraction module and the update module. The validating unit compares channel identification data derived from the display data to time zone data in the computer, the time zone data being indicative of a time zone in which the computer is currently located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital watermarking systems and methods. In a first implementation, so-called movie studio rough-cuts are watermarked to provide a forensic tracking clue or to provide security for distributed rough-cuts. In another implementation, a watermark is determined for a compressed video object. The watermark is compressed as an object and the watermarked object is then associated with the compressed video object. The two separate objects are provided to a rendering device, which after decompressing both objects, embeds the watermark in the video prior to rendering.

Abstract: Viewing of a program at optimum image quality is realized. A correspondence table of combinations of MPEG video encoding parameters and image signal processing parameters is stored in a RAM. A CPU reads out from the RAM an image signal processing parameter corresponding to a combination of MPEG video encoding parameters supplied from a demultiplexer, and on the basis of the image signal processing parameter, controls image signal processing in an image signal processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transport encoded asset data and content data, multiplexing the transport encoded content data with a plurality of NULL transport packets to provide “place holder” for the asset data transport packets, and replacing the NULL transport packets with asset data transport packets prior to transmitting the multiplexed transport stream to a set top box.

Abstract: An audio control signal transmission apparatus and reception apparatus, an audio control signal based control system and control method, a program information transmission apparatus and transmission method, and a program reservation apparatus and program reservation method which can realize a control system in which a control signal is superimposed on an audio signal so as to be transmitted and to operate at a distance a reception apparatus capable of receiving the signal and an apparatus connected to the reception apparatus.

Abstract: A computer comprises: a central processing unit (CPU) driving an operating system (OS); a television (TV) receiver part for receiving external television signals; a storage unit for storing the television signals therein; a reserve-recording set-up part for setting up reserve-recording conditions for the television signals; a record-controlling part for storing the television signals in the storage unit according to the set-up reserve-recording conditions; and a power control part for controlling power supply to allow switching between a normal mode and a power saving mode, and for switching from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the set-up reserve-recording conditions when a time set-up for reserve-recording approaches, wherein the computer system supplies power to the central processing unit in the normal mode, whereas it does not supply power to the central processing unit in the power saving mode.

Abstract: An image sensor enabling automatic steganography is disclosed herein. One embodiment of such a sensor includes a single integrated system fabricated on a single substrate. In particular, the image sensor can include a digital pixel sensor; supporting circuitry, image modification circuitry, and memory all formed on a single chip. Also disclosed is a method for using steganography to hide information in images. The method comprises providing image data configured as a plurality of bit planes and providing information for insertion into the image and preparing that information for insertion into an image. A suitable bit plane is selected from among the plurality of bit planes and the information sought to be hidden is inserted into the image creating a steganographic image.

Abstract: A digital camera has a memory for storing a plurality of programs each to embed a watermark on a digital image data. The digital camera embeds the watermark on the image data according to the program selected by a program selector. In the case of a digital camera capable of selecting whether or not to embed a watermark, the digital camera forcibly controls to embed the watermark if the selection is failed. The digital camera has a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable. In this case, the digital camera controls the processor to replace the unsuitable data form by the suitable one under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.

Abstract: The vertical blanking interval (“VBI”) of a video signal is used in broadband communications including digital data transmission on the VBI or a dual VBI/PCS system capable of enhancing rapid deployment of wireless VBI communications or PCS services to a remote transceiver where no or marginally profitable infrastructure exists. A wireless digital communication system has a broadcast interface for encoding message information on the VBI of a video signal. The message information is encoded to a VBI format to form a pre-formatted signal. A broadcast device transmits an out-going signal having the pre-formatted signal modulated or otherwise embedded in the VBI. The pre-formatted signal is received from the broadcast interface and is transmitted on a carrier of the out-going signal. At least one transceiver receives the out-going signal and transmits a return signal on the carrier of the out-going signal.

Abstract: Upon embedding additional information in image information, since an image region in which the additional information can be embedded is limited, the information size that can be embedded is often limited, and all pieces of additional information cannot be embedded. Before the additional information is embedded in the image information, distribution information of pixel values is obtained by scanning the image information, and the information size that can be embedded is detected and displayed on the basis of the obtained distribution information of pixel values.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording program information is provided with a program information obtaining device, a program guide providing device, a storing device, a reception contents recording device, a newest program information obtaining device, and a program information recording device. In the apparatus, the program information obtaining device obtains program information including at least program names, broadcast start times, program lengths or program end times, and broadcast channels of a plurality of programs. The program guide providing device provides a program guide to a user on the basis of the obtained program information. The storing device stores the obtained program information. The reception contents recording device receives the broadcast channel of the selected program in a period within the program length after the broadcast start time, or in a period by the broadcast end time from the broadcast start time, and recording the reception contents, at the stored broadcast start time.

Abstract: A method of inserting a watermark in digital data (I) includes the steps of multi-resolution spectral breakdown (E1) of the digital data (I); extraction (E2) of the components of lowest frequency; choice (E3) of a subset of the components with the lowest frequency; modulation (E4) of the components of said subset in order to insert the supplementary information (S); and reverse multi-resolution spectral recomposition (E5) of the watermarked digital data (I?).

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: A video recording and reproducing apparatus is provided which is capable of, even if the number of elementary streams (ES) of bits of a program to be recorded is too large and all the elementary streams can hardly be recorded, carrying out a recording operation with ease substantially corresponding to the direction of the user. The apparatus allows an ES selector to identify the elementary streams of video data, audio data, and their relevant data video in the stream of bits received from its program selector and, when the number of the elementary streams is higher than a given setting, pick up elementary streams which satisfy the predetermined requirements while deleting the other elementary streams. The elementary streams are then recorded by a recorder/player in the apparatus. Even if the elementary streams of bits are not all recorded, the elementary streams which satisfy the predetermined requirements can readily be recorded.

Abstract: An information handling system controls a signal processing device by providing a control signal to the signal processing device. The control signal may be transmitted to the signal processing device as an infrared or R/F signal that is received and decoded by the signal processing device. The signal processing device is capable of receiving and processing an input signal, and is further capable of providing an output signal to the information handling system. In response to the control signal, the signal processing device encodes data onto the output signal provided to the information handling system, and the information handling system is capable of decoding the data from the output signal. The data encoded onto the output signal may include status information from the signal processing device, including the status of execution of the control signal.

Abstract: Television receiver furnished with a memory (21, 22, 23) for receiving service data comprising a processing module (11) which correlates usage criteria received together with the service data and storage criteria characterizing the memory or memories of the receiver. By correlating the two criteria, the module determines the conditions of storage. Advantageously, a reorganizing module (12) can process the content of the memory so as to free some space in order to store new service data. The invention also relates to the storage process.

Abstract: A system for transferring data from a television receiver to a display device and a shared data device includes a digital television receiver, a display device, at least one shared data device, and a communications channel coupled to the television receiver and the shared data devices. The television receiver receives, decodes, and processes a digitally encoded television signal (e.g., MPEG). This processed signal is provided to a display device (e.g., television monitor). In addition, an auxiliary data signal, sent with the digitally encoded television signal, is sent to at least one shared data device. Each of the shared data devices may be a printer, another television receiver, a digital video tape recorder, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). With a system as described herein, the auxiliary data may be an electronic program guide such that a viewer may print a program menu for subsequent review.

Abstract: Interactive wagering systems and methods with multiple television feeds are provided. A plurality of television feeds may be related to a race and race-related characteristics. A television feed may carry television feed information, which may provide sufficient information to allow a user to select an appropriate television feed for a wager or to allow the system to automatically select an appropriate feed for a wager. The interactive wagering application may also record a television feed so that the user may interact with the television feeds at any time. Wagering services may be also provided to a user through more than one wagering interface.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving apparatus is equipped with a function appropriately dealing with a failure in broadcast recording. Along with broadcast content, incidental information allowing identification of the broadcasting content is received. The incidental information is preferably digital broadcast program sequence information. The receiving apparatus records the received broadcast content. When recording of certain content fails, an alternative broadcast content providing the same content is retrieved on the basis of the incidental information, and recording thereof is promoted by a rerecord promote processing unit. The recording of the alternative broadcast content is reserved or the user is alerted to the existence of the alternative broadcast. The incidental information is effectively utilized to link together sound recorded content positioned immediately before and after the content of which sound recording has ended in failure.

Abstract: A control device (32; 35) for controlling at least a first receiving device (1) so as to achieve that television channel information (FKI) stored in correlation with program position information (PPI) is stored in a second receiving device (2; 33), includes an encoding stage (29; 38) for encoding program position information (PPI) applied to the encoding stage (29; 38) and for supplying a corresponding control signal (SS1, SS2), and a transmitting stage (30) for transmitting the control signal (SS1, SS2) to the first receiving device (1) so as to achieve that a television signal (FS1) is supplied from the first receiving device (1) to the second receiving device (2; 33), the television signal (FS1) being identified by television channel information (FKI) stored in the first receiving device (1) in correlation with this program position information (PPI), expiry control means (31; 41) being provided, which are adapted to supply further program position information (PPI) in an ascending or descending order afte

Abstract: A hidden watermark and methods of detecting and embedding such watermark is provided. The watermark is resistant to efforts to avoid the message thereof.

Abstract: A video reproduction apparatus includes a video player 3 which reproduces a video signal, a V-chip signal for restricting a display of a specific image being added to the video signal; a video processing circuit 5 which processes the video signal from the video player 3; a CRT 7 which displays the video signal that is processed by the video processing circuit 5; a control section 10 which reads out the V-chip signal and judges whether a screen is to be blocked or not; and a memory 11 which stores a result of the judgment. When a mode is transferred to a special play mode, a judgment result which immediately precedes the mode transfer is read out from the memory 11. If the judgment result is that the blocking is to be blocked, the screen of the CRT 7 is set to a blocked state.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on an LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: An improved video production architecture adds an additional transition element for controlling external devices in synchronism with a given transition so that the transition is treated like a simple mix or wipe. The additional transition element is a “Trigger” function that has a value indicating when during the given transition the external device is activated. The trigger function, device controlled and trigger value are set up during preconfiguration of an effect in an effects memory. When the effect is recalled, if the Trigger function is activated on a switcher control panel, then the external device is activated at the time during the given transition specified by the trigger value.

Abstract: Video contents are presented in the forms requested by viewers in a quick and accurate manner based on a request condition at a video viewing side. In a content delivery server 5, a content extraction part 5A inquires the presence or absence of video contents, which belong to a requested classification, to a content database 4 based on a content classification request 1E-1 in query information 1E, converts the video contents into the form of a content URI list 5C, and sends them to a content processing part 5D along with a content view form request 1E-2. The content processing part 5D requests, based on the content view form request 1E-2, the whole or parts of video contents needed to be presented according to the requested view form among the video contents of view candidates designated by the URI list 5C to the content database 4, grabs and processes video contents comprising video data 3A and metadata 3B, so that a content delivery part 5F delivers the video contents thus processed to a user terminal 1.

Abstract: A method of limiting the number of presentations or observations of information items, such as advertising images, that are repetitively distributed among a plurality of transmitted materials is presented. In accordance with the principles of the invention, information items are compared, using identifiable properties, to similarly identified information items that have been previously received and stored in a dynamically created and updated data base of information items. When a count of number of the occurrences of a selected information item with same, or substantially similar, identifiable properties achieves a selectively set threshold value, the selected information item is precluded from being presented or observed in subsequent transmissions or broadcasts.

Abstract: A controller (1) and target devices (2, 3) are connected via a network. The controller (1) displays an operation panel for controlling the target device (2) at a display device (10) based on information from the target device (2). The controller (1) is capable of changing an element and a user action of the operation panel based on data obtained by data broadcast.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in a content delivery managing section 16, transmission channels and transmission timing are allocated to contents layered according to content properties or respective contents constituting a program. In a content transmission section 10, on the basis of the transmission channels and transmission timing allocated in the content delivery managing section 16, coded bit sequences 101a to 101n of respective contents are multiplexed with timing information 102 such as decoding timing information, combination timing information, presentation timing information and reproduction start timing information for the contents generated in a timing information generating section 14 to generate transmission bit sequences 105a to 105n, and they are transmitted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generation of interactive programming. An interactive programming server embeds interactive components into a video signal. The interactive programming server receives content from a content source and interactive components from an interactive component source and uses the content and interactive components to generate an interactive Video On Demand (iVOD) interactive program. The iVOD interactive program is transmitted to a participant who views the content and interacts with the interactive components of the iVOD interactive program. The participant's responses to the content is transmitted back to the interactive programming server where the participant responses are incorporated into new content which is used to generate new iVOD interactive programming.

Abstract: A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus of the present invention has a receiver for receiving television signals, a processor for processing the television signals received by the receiver to obtain image signals, a display unit for displaying images according to the image signals obtained by the processor, a transmitting and receiving unit for receiving information sent from the remote controller and transmitting information to the remote controller, and a control unit for performing control operations so as to transmit setting information concerning operation setting conditions of the receiver to the remote controller in accordance with a command associated with a manipulation of a predetermined key, which is transmitted from the remote controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides for inductive pick-up devices employing a diversity and adaptive antenna arrangement. By utilizing diversity and adaptive antennas, the pick-up can be installed by a consumer without use of a computer monitor or other device to determine alignment. In addition, the arrangement increases the level of signal available to a data decoding system. In combining the two types of pick-ups and using the best features of both, we additionally gain performance on synchronizing frame rate and picking up data.

Abstract: The sharp price decrease of storage media enabled users to store more and faster content in contrary to the past. In the near future they will be overwhelmed by the amount of data stored on storage media. Because of the enormous amount of information, they will not be able to index the multimedia content stored manually for later retrieval. Tools to support the users are required. The disadvantage of these algorithms is that they are very expensive in terms of processing power and therefore not feasible for consumer storage devices. The invention proposes an apparatus for content indexing using processing parameters that come available while processing multimedia content. One embodiment of this processing is compression, processing which is performed with almost all multimedia content before it is stored.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: A data structure stored on computer readable media is presented comprising one or more data tags, each data tag used to provide information regarding a broadcast advertisement. Also provided are one or more electronic program guide action tags, each electronic program guide action tag used to define a valid electronic program guide feature that may be accessed from within the broadcast advertisement. The data structure is operative to provide a link between the broadcast advertisement and an electronic program guide to provide access to electronic program guide features defined by the electronic program guide action tags from within the broadcast advertisement.

Abstract: A control method and device of a video signal combined with interactive control data are proposed, wherein interactive control data are added into or extracted from a video signal. The adding method adds the interactive control data into the front and rear blocks in the video signal exceeding the image display area. The image display area means a frame in the video signal. The front block means a plurality of image scan lines in front of each frame, and the rear block means a plurality of image scan lines behind each frame. Similarly, the extraction method extracts the interactive control data from the front and rear blocks exceeding the image display area.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system with product ordering capability which includes a data processor for receiving program schedule information for a plurality of programs, and a user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, for generating user control commands and transmitting signals to the data processor in response thereto. The television program schedule information is displayed on a display apparatus such as a television receiver. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information and displays a portion of the program schedule information on the receiver. The program schedule information indicates the availability of a product or service for certain of the programs included in the program information, wherein the product or service is associated with the program, such as a program transcript or videocassette.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a television receiver to identify unwanted broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of selectively altering the television display during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to mute or otherwise alter the television signal during the segment. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: Physical objects, including still and moving images, sound/audio and text are transformed into more compact forms for identification and other purposes using a method unrelated to existing image-matching systems which rely on feature extraction. An auxiliary construct, preferably a warp grid, is associated with an object, and a series of transformations are imposed to generate a unique visual key for identification, comparisons, and other operations. Search methods are also disclosed for matching an unknown image to one previously represented in a visual key database. Broadly, a preferred search method sequentially examines candidate database images for their closeness of match in a sequential order determined by their a priori match probability. Thus, the most likely match candidate is examined first, the next most likely second, and so forth.

Abstract: An image signal generating unit supplies a single image signal to multiple image display units having different unit numbers. Embedded in the image signal is an index signal designating the image display units on which the image signal is to be displayed. Each image display unit compares its unit number with the index signal to select displayable frames of the image signal, preferably storing and displaying the most recent selected frame. Each image display unit can thereby display a different image. The image signal may have a standard format.

Abstract: An image signal generating unit supplies a single image signal to multiple image display units having different unit numbers. Embedded in the image signal is an index signal designating the image display units on which the image signal is to be displayed. Each image display unit compares its unit number with the index signal to select displayable frames of the image signal, preferably storing and displaying the most recent selected frame. Each image display unit can thereby display a different image. The image signal may have a standard format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely restricting the viewing of television programs. When a television program has been received along with rating data associated with a rating of the television program; length data associated with a length of the program, a microcomputer determines whether the rating data are higher than a predetermined viewing restricting level. If the rating data have been found higher, a muting circuit mutes the television program until it ends with reference to the television program length data, and the program corresponding to the rating data is outputted from a tuner.