Abstract: A video-on-demand system transfers a control screen signal to a second communication system and receives a viewer control signal from the second communication system. The video-on-demand system transfers video signals to either a first communication system or the second communication system based on the viewer control signal. The second communication system uses less bandwidth to transfer the video signals than the first communications system. The control screen could be a web page that includes: 1) a video display menu with a selection of displays and bandwidths to display the video signals, 2) a video content menu with a video preview selection, and/or 3) a video display control menu comprising play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and stop. The video-on-demand system implements the control screen menu selections.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which includes a broadcasting apparatus and a reception apparatus and which achieves interactiveness using a broadcast wave. The broadcasting apparatus includes a content storing unit for storing the plurality of contents, each content including a set of video data and a set of control information that indicates another content that is a link destination for a present content, and a transmitting unit for multiplexing a set of video data and a plurality of sets of the same control information included in a same content as the set of video data, and for transmitting the multiplexed sets of video data and control information.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system transfers video content signals to a first communication system. The video-on-demand system transfers a control screen signal to a second communication system and receives a video control signal from the second communication system. The video-on-demand system implements a viewer control selection indicated by the video control signal. The control screen could be a web page that includes a video display control menu comprising play stop, pause, rewind, and fast forward. The control screen could include a video content selection menu. The video-on-demand system implements the control screen menu selections.

Abstract: A method for processing moving pictures in response to the user's actions. A variable moving picture creation module, variation moving picture reproduction module and variable moving picture transmission module are employed in the method. The variable moving picture creation module creates a variable moving picture to be created in response to the user's actions. The variable moving picture reproduction module reproduces the variable moving picture so that the variable moving picture is realistically reproduced. The variable moving picture transmission module transmits the variable moving picture to a receiver's E-mail server, personal data assistant (PDA), mobile communication terminal, computer or etc. over the Internet so that the variable moving picture is reproduced in response to the actions of the user being a receiver. Accordingly, an idea and intention of a transmitter user can be implemented in an enjoyable and interesting manner.

Abstract: In a system for transferring an analog video signal which contains command information and the like in vertical blanking interval VBI between master and slave devices via an analog line, information (bits 1 to 20) having a word configuration (words 0 to 2+CRCC) consisting of a predetermined number of bits (variable within the range from 5 bits to 80 bits) is superposed in a predetermined period (49.1 &mgr;s) of a predetermined VBI line (line number 10) at a predetermined clock (fsc/32 to fsc/2). In this manner, device which are interconnected via an analog video signal line can transfer information having various contents/lengths that can be changed in correspondence with a partner connected using vertical blanking interval VBI.

Abstract: A program information producing apparatus broadcasts program information of a next program belonging to the same program group as a subjective program in addition to the program information of the subjective program. A broadcast receiving apparatus displays the program information of the next program based on the received program information of the subjective program, thereby allowing a viewer to make a reservation of the next program after checking its content during the user viewing each event of a series of programs.

Abstract: Converting operation information for converting and controlling contents and contents information extracted by the contents distinction section 3 from contents are inputted to the information conversion management section 4. Besides, contents are outputted to the information conversion section 5. The information conversion management section 4 controls the information conversion section 5 in accordance with the converting operation information and the contents information, and the information conversion section 5 converts the inputted contents under control of the information conversion management section 4. Following to the above conversion, the user terminal receives the converted contents provided with a desired quality of contents.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device, an apparatus and a method for selecting a programme from a plurality of programmes which may be in a plurality of different data streams, which is able to select a programme from the plurality of programmes within the network based on operations of a manually operable means so that the specific manual operations of a single manually operable member is able to cause a selection of the programme from a plurality of programmes within one data stream and a selection of the data stream from the plurality of different data streams. Accordingly, the user of the network can select a desired programme very naturally without being conscious of the different data streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing terminal that is capable of receiving television and other broadcasts and providing increased user-friendliness. The information processing terminal, which is capable of communicating with another device, comprising a broadcast receiver which receives a broadcast signal that contains program identification information for specifying a program and/or program scene identification information for specifying a scene of the program and the video information of the program; a display which outputs the broadcast signal that is received by the broadcast receiver; and a storage which extracts the program identification information and/or program scene identification information from the broadcast signal received by the broadcast receiver and stores the extracted information while the display outputs the video information.

Abstract: Personal computers send the IDs of viewed tiles constituting screens viewed by the users to a content server through a packet communication network. The content server replaces specific tiles among the tiles constituting the screen of an image sent from a digital video camera with tiles in another image, and sends the resultant image data to the personal computers through the packet communication network.

Abstract: In order to switch the transmission medium between the Internet and broadcast waves, reception/playback of communication data received via first media, such as via the Internet from an external device, and broadcast data received via second media, such as via a broadcast network from a broadcast station, is switched.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding control data into the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. Because the control data is concatenated with the video signal on a line-by-line basis, the control data is temporarily synchronized with the underlying video signal. This permits the controlled devices, such as wireless mechanical characters, behave as characters in a scene defined by the programming information of the video signal. A protocol is defined for the encoded data that is addressable, forwardly compatible, error tolerant, and feasible to deploy in connection with a system that is primarily intended to be a children's entertainment product. The bandwidth of the communication link defined by the encoded data is adjustable to meet the cost and performance needs of a wide variety of consumers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission-reception system comprising a transmitter (12) configured to transmit digital data including a plurality of useful data as well as first auxiliary data associated with the useful data, and a receiver (14) configured to receive the digital data, having an output (58), at which useful data are able to be provided, wherein the first auxiliary data includes at least one first location-specific characteristic parameter; and the receiver (14) further includes a location specification unit (40), in which at least a second location-specific characteristic parameter is specifiable, and a feature association unit (52) associating a feature with the useful data, which corresponds to the degree of correlation of the first location-specific characteristic parameter contained in the associated auxiliary data with the second location-specific characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which includes a broadcasting apparatus and a reception apparatus and which achieves interactiveness using a broadcast wave. The broadcasting apparatus includes a content storing unit for storing the plurality of contents, each content including a set of video data and a set of control information that indicates another content that is a link destination for a present content, and a transmitting unit for multiplexing a set of video data and a plurality of sets of the same control information included in a same content as the set of video data, and for transmitting the multiplexed sets of video data and control information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for transmitting binary data in a video transmission system. The method comprises the steps of providing ATVEF announcements on a first predefined IP multicast address; providing ATVEF trigger and/or content transmission on a first range of IP multicast addresses; providing non-ATVEF announcements on a second predefined multicast address different from said first address; and providing non-ATVEF data transmission on a second range of IP multicast addresses, exclusive of the first range. The invention also concerns an emitter and a receiver for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a time reference for television services includes receiving a transport stream encoding a plurality of television services, and processing at least one of the television services by a first decoder, including receiving time reference data included in the transport stream, estimating a delay in receiving the time reference data, and maintaining the time reference according to the received time reference data and the estimated delay.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving multimedia broadcasting in order to provide multimedia broadcasting services and interactive broadcasting services are provided. An apparatus for receiving multimedia broadcasting includes a reference clock receiver, which receives a reference clock value, i.e., a current time value, of real-time multimedia broadcasting; a multimedia document receiver/storage, which receives and stores a first multimedia document; a media data receiver/storage, which receives and stores first media data; and a multimedia document renderer, which when the first multimedia document is scheduled at the reference clock value and the first media data is a rendering material used to render the first multimedia document, renders the first multimedia document using the first media data.

Abstract: An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is reproduced simultaneously with the display of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, the sound bite is embedded in a television signal that contains audio component and a video component. The television signal is transmitted to a plurality of television receivers and intercepted at one of the receivers. The video component is displayed on a monitor and the audio component is reproduced. On command the sound bite is reproduced instead of the audio component. An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is also reproduced simultaneously with the display of a program listing of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, when the program listing is marked with an on-screen cursor, the sound bite is reproduced.

Abstract: In a home network environment, a control device is provided for controlling the communication flow between devices over the network. The control device generates and transmits a first control command in response to a first user input. The first control command is received by a first device on the network and upon reception of the first control command, the first device broadcasts, to a plurality of devices over a network comprising at least the first device and a second device, information data representative of a pending content transfer over the network from the first device. Thereafter, the control device generates and transmits a second control command in response to a subsequent second user input. The second control command is received by the second device and in response to the second control command contacts the first device and enables the initiation of the content transfer from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for choosing a reference information item in a television signal, which can be employed in particular for calling up an Internet and/or email address with a television set. A television signal comprises a video signal and a supplementary signal, the reference information item being contained in the supplementary signal. According to the invention, the reference information item is assigned to a sub-area of the picture content of the video signal, the reference information item being chosen by selecting the assigned sub-area and a reproduction of assigned information being enabled. The supplementary signal contains contour information items which are assigned to the sub-area of the picture content and represent an approximation of the outer contour of the sub-area The supplementary signal is preferably situated in the vertical blanking interval in the case of an analogue television signal and in the so-called user data in the case of a digital television signal.

Abstract: A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon.

Abstract: A receiving device including: a receiver for receiving a broadcast signal for controlling a behavior of the receiving device, the broadcast signal being broadcast within a predetermined area; one or more output devices; and a processor for converting the broadcast signal into one or more control signals and controlling the one or more output devices according to the one or more control signals. The receiving device is preferably a toy, a novelty device, a sporting aid, an educational aid, or a weather indicator. The broadcast signal is preferably a radio broadcast signal, a cellular broadcast signal, or a satellite broadcast signal.

Abstract: A method of collecting data in connection with the retrieval of a media file includes the steps of transmitting to a media device (110) an embedded media player page for playing the media file and transmitting a media file identification message to a log server (104). The media file identification message identifies the media file. The log server (104) records that the media file has been selected for play back by a user in a log associated with the media file.

Abstract: This invention provides a technique capable of always keeping digital watermark information embedded in image data having the embedded digital watermark information by an optimum scheme on the basis of a time factor, or removing a digital watermark, or erasing the image data. An apparatus for achieving the above object has functions of holding image data having additional information embedded as a digital watermark, detecting time information related to the image data, and changing the embedding scheme for the additional information as the digital watermark embedded in the image data on the basis of the detected time information.

Abstract: A viewer response method for use with an interactive telecommunications system. The viewer response method includes accumulating a user interaction history of a user of the system, the user interaction history including user interaction information associated with a plurality of user interaction events and providing user-sensible feedback, based at least in part on the user interaction history.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source detects a switching of a signal on the reception side thereby to prevent a transmission error from occurring when a signal is switched. The apparatus for identifying a signal transmitting source comprises a transmitting source identifying code extracting circuit for extracting a transmitting source identifying code provided in a SDDI format header of a received signal, a preceding transmitting source identifying code holding circuit for detecting a change of the transmitting source identifying code, and a transmitting source identifying code comparing circuit for detecting a switching of a transmitted signal based on the transmitting source identifying code thus changed, thereby detecting a switching of the transmitting source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrivance for inserting watermark information into a moving image. The watermark information indicative of the ownership of the copyright of the moving image is inserted into the frames of the moving image at irregular intervals, the frames being of such a number that the watermark information is visually unperceivable in the moving image. In addition, the insertion positions of the watermark information in the frames are determined on the basis of random number values. Besides, restrictive information for the copying of the moving image is inserted together with the watermark information. When the moving image has been brought to a standstill into a static image, the watermark information can be visually perceived with ease, so that illegality such as piracy can be readily exposed. Thus, the present invention can provide a simple and inexpensive scheme for the copyright protection of the moving image.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing a visual video copy being made of a projected image on a screen. In a theater or television or computer screen environment, an image is displayed on a screen by a film projector or a video projector or by the cathode ray tube or the LCD screen. A form of piracy is accomplished by copying the image on the screen with a video camcorder or camera. This invention seeks to produce visual presentations which invention inhibits off-screen copying by camcorders or cameras. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises of recording means which records images at variable frame rates which rates are either pre-programmed or decided by the user of the means. The variation of the frame rates forms a rate sequence which is recorded simultaneously when the images are recorded. The rate sequence will be read by the display device when the recorded images are displayed such that the images are displayed at the frame rates at which they are recorded.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive programming using captions. A caption and program information extractor monitors a broadcast media signal having captions and program information encoded in the broadcast media signal. The captions and program information are extracted and stored in a content database. A moderator accesses the content database to retrieve captions and for a program specified by the program information. The moderator uses the services of a moderator server to generate interactive programming from the captions and the moderator's own comments. The interactive programming is transmitted to a plurality of viewers who interact with the interactive programming by entering viewer comments. The viewer comments are received by the moderator along with additional captions and new interactive programming is generated using the viewer comments, additional captions, and additional moderator commentary.

Abstract: When a video signal having electronic watermark information embedded therein is recorded on a recording medium, a reference signal is inserted in the video signal at a position different from a position of embedment of the electronic watermark information. The electronic watermark information is embedded in the video signal by alteration of a luminous value of a luminance signal included in the video signal. When the video signal is reproduced from the recording medium, a luminous value of the electronic watermark information is modified based on the reference signal.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive program guide (IPG) includes receiving from a user a request for an IPG, and providing the user with an IPG that includes listings that were received by a digital home communication terminal (DHCT) via a subscriber television network, as well as other listings that were not received by the DHCT via the subscriber television network.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having a thickness of not more than 300 &mgr;m and a resin layer formed on a face thereof. A plurality of conductor sections formed in and through the resin layer, and a plurality of electrodes located on the resin layer and connected by the conductor sections to electrodes of semiconductor elements located on the substrate. The resin layer includes at least one of silica, alumina, zirconia, quartz fiber, glass fiber resin fiber and inorganic particles capable of absorbing ionic impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing device which can enhance using efficiency of commercial pictures. In a service server 3, meta-data added with a CM mark necessary to extract commercial pictures (CM) which are broadcasted while contained in a content are generated, and registered in a meta-data data base 302. The meta-data are transmitted to a reception terminal 2, and registered in a meta-data data base 204. When receiving a broadcast content, the reception terminal 2 extracts a content added with CM mark as CM, and registered into a CM data base 202 on the basis of meta-data registered in the meta-data data base 204. The present invention is applicable to a server for distributing commercial pictures.

Abstract: Digital data is steganographically encoded in printed materials, and—when sensed by an appropriately-equipped webcam or other imaging device—can be used to link to associated electronic resources. Data hidden in a business card, for example, may enable linking to a person's electronic calendar—showing the person's schedule availability. Likewise, data hidden in a corporate ID badge may serve to unlock doors at a corporate office, or to enable access to corporate computers. Many other such applications are detailed.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a message in an interactive television system, comprising receiving at a receiver unit a video stream including video data and a timing stream indicative of the timing of the video data; receiving at the receiver unit an instruction from a user to transmit a message from the receiver unit and in response to the instruction forming the message so as to include a timing indication based on current data from the timing stream; and transmitting the message from the receiver unit.

Abstract: A system for communicating information from a television viewer to a central site includes a remote control unit for sending command signals from the viewer to a television or video cassette recorder (VCR). Circuitry integral with the television or VCR accepts the command signals from the remote control unit and interprets the signals to form a viewer command, such as a purchase command, to be communicated to the central site. The circuitry automatically sends dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) tone signals representing the command over a radio frequency (RF) link to a cordless telephone base unit, which is connected to the central site by a public switched telephone network. The cordless telephone base unit initiates a telephone call to the central site and communicates the DTMF tone signals received from the DTMF circuitry in the television or VCR to the central site.

Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: Systems and methods to enable real-time and near real-time storyboarding on the World Wide Web in addition to a graphical user interface for video parsing and browsing the of the storyboard. Specifically, storyboarding can be accomplished on the World Wide Web by parsing an input video into representative or key frames. These frames then can be posted to a web document, or the like, for subsequent viewing by a user. This allows a video to be distilled down to the essential frames thus eliminating storage and bandwidth problems as well as eliminating the need for a user to view the entirety of the video. Furthermore, the graphical user interface allows a user to visually interact with an input video signal to determine the key or representative frames, or to retrieve video segments associated with already determined key frames.

Abstract: A data file containing metadata and/or control data is synchronized with associated audio/video data by subliminally embedding a key in a frame of the audio/video. The key indicates the location of the data file and a time after the embedded frame in which the data file is to be activated to be in synchronism with the audio/video. The data file is accessed via an alternate channel and held in a buffer until the time indicated by the key. The metadata from the data file is played out for display in synchronism with the associated audio/video data, and instructions contained in the control data are executed in synchronism with the associated audio/video data.

Abstract: The method and apparatus identifies selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of muting the video and audio portions of the television signal 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 the audio and video portions of 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: An interactive display system is provided for use with (i) a program source having an associated video output signal and a digital data stream, the digital data stream being modulated on the video output signal, and (ii) a monitor in communication with the program source for displaying the output, the display system. The system in a preferred embodiment has a data decoder, for separating the digital data stream and a viewer control box. The control box has a user input for receiving user selections, a data input in communication with the data decoder for receiving the digital data stream, and a program execution module in communication with the user input and the data input. A video cassette for use in such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A color mapping process enhances a watermark by computing a change in colors that is less visible for a given watermark strength. The mapping process provides smooth transitions from one color region to another, and may be implemented efficiently with a 3D look up table. A user interface scheme enables the user to control encoding of the watermark in desired color regions.

Abstract: A television receiver apparatus has large versatility to adapt itself to newly offered services or new modes of use. An external memory element loaded with a flash memory is connected to the receiver apparatus through an external memory interface having a connector and an interface circuit. The external memory element stores information such as a program for implementing an additional function or data such as video and audio data. The information stored in the external memory element is taken up by the receiver apparatus through the external memory interface. The information from the external memory element is processed by a controlling portion of the receiver apparatus so as to be subjected to use.

Abstract: A compressed rendition of a video program is provided in a format suitable for electronic searching and retrieval. An electronic pictorial transcript representation of the video program is initially received. The video program has a video component and a second information-bearing media component associated therewith. The pictorial transcript representation includes a representative frame from each segment of the video component of the video program and a portion of the second media component associated with the segment. The electronic pictorial transcript is transformed into a hypertext format to form a hypertext pictorial transcript. The hypertext pictorial transcript is subsequently recorded in an electronic medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting font size in an electronic program guide display are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an electronic program guide identifying channels and corresponding programs in a broadcasting system. The broadcast system determines a number of characters to be displayed in an area of an electronic program guide. The broadcast system determines a number of display pixels available for display of the characters. The broadcast system adjusts the font size of the characters to display the number of characters within the number of pixels available.

Abstract: A method and system are described for identifying video segments (e.g., commercials or television programs) without using any identification data that may or may not be provided in the non-displayed overscan portion or the vertical blanking interval of the video signal. Instead, the video segment is identified by recognizing patterns in the viewable portion of the video image data and/or in the video sound data. If the pattern is unique to a specific video segment, that video segment is identified by, for example, looking up the pattern in a table correlating patterns with video segment identifications. Any number of functions may be performed using this identification.

Abstract: A process for transmission of a digital televised broadcast including interactive advertisement sequences which can be activated at least in part by a television viewer including transmitting elemental advertisement components materialized in the form of codes calling up native functions, comprising components of “INITIALIZATIONS”defining positioning in a data structure of other components, components of “DRAWS” corresponding to graphic representations materialized in the structure in the form of codes calling up native factions of a host language of a digital terminal, components of “PALETTES” corresponding to color palettes and components of “SCREENS” corresponding to screen descriptions, and constructing an animated image by superposition of an animated image background corresponding to a principal broadcast and an image grouping together at least a part of elemental components by an execution program loaded in the digital terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating digital images having image meta-data combined with the image data are provided. Briefly described, one of many possible embodiments is an image capture device for generating digital images having image meta-data combined with the image data.. The image capture device may comprise image capture hardware configured to capture an image and logic configured for: generating a digital representation of the image, the digital representation comprising image data; applying at least one predefined image analysis algorithm to the digital representation of the image, the at least one predefined image analysis algorithm identifying meta-data corresponding to the image; and combining the meta-data corresponding to the image with the image data to define new image data.

Abstract: The present invention relate to method and apparatus for processing a video signal to decode data previously encoded into the video signal. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for detecting a first line of a data sequence encoded in a digital video signal by scanning a digital video signal by line to look for an intelligent signal detect word. If the detect word is not found, a counter is incremented. Scanning continues until the intelligent signal detect word is found, and once found flagging that line as a first data line. Another aspect of the invention is a decoding apparatus that searches the plurality of horizontal scan lines in a video signal for the presence of a data start key, and when such a data start key is found, the line containing the data start key is identified as the first line of the encoded data.

Abstract: A receiver arranged to receive and store broadcast data transported by elementary stream of a multiplexed and modulated digital television signal in a rewritable memory during a low power consumption mode for later recall by a user of the receiver. For recall, the receiver is fully energized, and the receiver is further arranged to transfer the broadcast data stored in the rewritable memory to a receiver storage device for further processing of the data under control of the user.