Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus which is excellent in operability and can easily and certainly obtain desired information. In the information processing apparatus, in case of extracting data of a program corresponding to a specific field information from among data superimposed on television broadcast, an extraction means 131 searches and extracts by using a keyword the data of the program corresponding to the specific field information from data of a table of contents or data of program contents both included in the superimposed data, obtains a program number and a channel of the program from the extracted data, and automatically sets the obtained program number and channel. A series of processes are performed based on the set program number and channel, and information obtained as a result of the processes, i.e., the data of the program corresponding to the specific field information, is print outputted from an output means 151.

Abstract: The present invention is relative to a video signal transmitting/receiving system in which digital video signals are transmitted from a transmitter (30) to a receiver (50) using a line (9) as a transmission channel. The transmitter (30) converts the video signals to be transmitted to a bit string longer in data length than a pixel making up the video signals, allocates a plural number of the bit strings to a blanking period during which pixel data in the pixel string is not transmitted and, using these bit strings, transmits the same superposed data a plural number of times. The receiver (50) extracts the specified bit strings indicating the blanking period from the received data and performs majority processing on the results of demodulation of the extracted bit strings to decide on output data. This reduces errors in reception of supplementary data to simplify the circuit structure as well as to ameliorate the error rate.

Abstract: An auto-configurable video deserializer with embedded audio support includes a video core, a clock generator and an audio core. The video core receives a serial video signal of an unknown video standard, converts the serial video signal into a parallel video signal, and decodes the parallel video signal to identify the unknown video standard and generate one or more auto-configuration signals. The clock generator generates an audio clock signal. The audio core is coupled to the video core and the clock generator, and receives the parallel video signal and one or more auto-configuration signals from the video core and receives the audio clock signal from the clock generator. The audio core uses the auto-configuration signal(s) to automatically locate and extract audio data from within ancillary space of the parallel video signal and synchronizes the extracted audio data with the audio clock signal to generate an audio output signal.

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: In a receiving device (17) for receiving a television signal (FS2, FS3) which contains character codes (CC) and additional information (CI, NI, UCSI) in VBI lines, having character set storage means (22) for the storage of character codes (CC) and associated reproducible character information (CHI) of a character set and a plurality of character sub-sets, and having VBI read-out means (27) for reading out character codes (CC) and additional information (CI, NI, UCSI) contained in VBI lines of a received television signal (FS2, FS3), and having detection means (20) for the detection of character sub-set information (UCSI) contained in read-out additional information (CI, NI, UCSI), which character sub-set information identifies the character sub-set to be used for the decoding of read-out character codes (CC), and having display signal generating means (21) adapted to generate a display signal (AS) which contains reproducible character information (CHI), taking into account received character sub-set informati

Abstract: A television receiver receiving an analog video signal, comprises additional information detecting means for separating and extracting an additional information code from the analog video signal, and outputting the additional information code; additional information recording means for recording the additional information code output from the additional information detecting means; additional information writing switch means for passing or blocking the additional information code that is output from the additional information detecting means toward the additional information recording means, in response to a control signal; conversion means for converting the additional information code output from the additional information detecting means or the additional information code reproduced from the additional information recording means into a character or an image; and signal synthesizing means for synthesizing the analog video signal and the additional information that has been converted into a character or an

Abstract: A channel is inserted into a sequence of frames for an image, by varying one or more display characteristics across a display in accordance with a spatio-temporal pattern applied to, for example, successive lines of each modified frame. The channel may be employed to watermark the image, and the watermark may be defined as W(x) and its complement [1−W(x)] in counter-phase rotations of successive lines in pairs of frames. The watermark information is applied in relatively still portions of the image with sufficient lightness level. A receiver includes a watermark detector that has a priori information about the watermark. The watermark detector examines specific regions of the displayed image over time, and tests the regions for the watermark during time intervals when the image remains relatively still.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses in which two or more types of attributes from an information stream are identified. Each of the identified attributes from the information stream is encoded. A time ordered indication is assigned with each of the identified attributes. Each of the identified attributes shares a common time reference measurement. A time ordered index of the identified attributes is generated.

Abstract: A HTML data transmitting/receiving apparatus selectively inserts an NTSC broadcasting signal and a HTML signal into a VHF or UHF broadcast channel and thus performing data transmitting and receiving process. The apparatus of the present invention inserts the HTML data signal in an image signal interval corresponding to a predetermined TV channel and transmits the HTML data signal in a caption region and a teletext region in a vertical blanking interval or in a caption region, a teletex region and an image signal interval therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manipulating video, audio, closed-captioned and compressed video packet data embedded in video programming signals includes a video signal processor for embedding data into a broadcast video signal prior to broadcast, the video signal containing at least one of video information, audio information, closed-captioned information and video packet data information. The embedded data is embedded in at least one predetermined line of at least one predetermined frame of the video program signal. An instruction defining a predetermined screening format for at least one of the video information, the audio information, the closed-captioned information and the video packet data information is stored and a circuit is responsive to the embedded data and the stored instruction for reproducing the information in the video signal in a predetermined screening format.

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.

Abstract: A method for controlling an interactive application comprises receiving a data stream comprising an interactive application and monitoring the data stream to identify a change in the stream. In response to the change, the method further comprises preventing the interactive application from accessing files, identifying those files present in the data stream, and enabling the interactive application to access only those files present in the data stream.

Abstract: A tagged scene of a video stream transmitted from a first to second stations in television broadcasting system is collected while preventing the tags from being used for commercial cutting (i.e., indiscriminate tagged scene cutting). The first station generates for each scene a tag includes a category, a location for use in locating a beginning of the scene and a length. A second station obtains a desired category from the user. Detecting a tag in the video stream, if the category coincides with the desired category, the second station clips from the video stream a part of the length defined in the tag from a position located by using the location.

Abstract: An interactive television (ITV) system transmitting ITV content created and received by different ITV platforms via a single ITV stream. The system provides universal time codes which are embedded into the ITV stream. Each time code is associated with a program identifier which uniquely identifies a particular program. An ITV receiver receives the ITV stream and compares the program identifier and time code with a program held in the receiver's memory. When a match is found, an interactive event indicated by the program is executed. The program may be loaded into the receiver's memory using a back channel.

Abstract: A cooperative electronic media measurement system is disclosed that measures the electronic media usage of one or more individuals by a media research entity. The media research entity defines at least one specialized task useful to the media research entity. The at least one specialized task is performed by a media handler provided by another entity and concerns a handling of electronic media by the media handler. The individual is tracked with at least one software agent of the media research entity. At least one software agent obtains a product of the specialized task performed by the media handler via at least one defined interface that provides interoperability between the media handler and the at least one software agent. Cooperative media handlers automatically obtain information from, or otherwise obtain information about, presented media objects including identification tags, if present, and other information, for collection by the research data collection agents.

Abstract: A command protocol enables an applications programming interface (API) between a first interactive television (ITV) equipment and a second ITV equipment for seamless communication between the two. An API command generator receives data from the first ITV equipment in a first format. The data may be, for example, a list of ITV events to be encoded into a television program. The command generator converts data into a second format according to the API and transmits the data in the second format to the second ITV equipment. The second ITV equipment may be, for example, an ITV data encoder encoding the list of ITV events transmitted by the first ITV equipment.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for device interaction using a trigger mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a trigger, such as an audio tone sequence, may be inserted in the feed of a program to cause the web device to retrieve appropriate web content.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a consumer, in a television or audio broadcast environment, to access specific enhanced services, for example, interactive advertisements embedded in television programs, based on a contract between a product vendor and a video receiver manufacturer. The video receiver manufacturer is the TV or set-top box manufacturer, licensee or affiliated party. Purchasing transactions, including billing, are automatically managed by a data aggregator.

Abstract: A digital recording system comprising a digital processor and a memory. The digital processor selects related data packages from a datastream, wherein said related data packages are interleaved with other data packages in the datastream in a repeating cycle. The digital processor stores the selected related data packages in a file in a memory. The same or another processor may creates a playback datastream of the recorded related data packages by retrieving the initially recorded data packages for the recorded related data packages for output in the playback datastream. The processor retrieves and substitutes subsequently recorded related data packages in the playback datastream at the appropriate point to create the playback datastream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating program changes. The apparatus and method include a controller for detecting a change program request and for outputting change event data when a change event is detected. A non-active video information replacement module is coupled to the controller for receiving non-active video information and the change event data. When the replacement module receives change event data, a clear code generator generates clear code data that replaces non-active video information, and the non-active video information replacement module generates modified non-active video information. The modified non-active video information is provided to an output stage, whereupon the clear code data resets a non-active video information field within a display device, thereby preventing the display of erroneous information by a display within the output stage. Thereupon, clear code data is synthetically inserted within non-active video information upon the occurrence of a change event.

Abstract: The invention provides a visual telephone apparatus which can assure a high speed of response of a user data application. An image compression section compresses an image signal imaged by a video camera with an image compression ratio based on control information from a terminal control section. A speech compression section compresses a speech signal collected by a microphone with a speech compression ratio based on control information from the terminal control section. The terminal control section produces such control information based on keyboard input data from a keyboard, mouse input data from the mouse and common application operation information from a computer. A multiplexer multiplexes transmission compressed image data and transmission compressed speech data based on the control information outputted from the terminal control section and outputs transmission multiplexed data to a line interface.

Abstract: A video processing circuit for receiving a video signal from a tuner or a video recording/reproducing apparatus through a first or second input terminal and for outputting the video signal as it is through an output terminal under one condition and outputting a character signal from a signal source thereof instead of the video signal through the output terminal or outputting the video signal with the character signal superimposed thereon from the output terminal under the other condition. In the video processing circuit, among a plurality of circuits interposing from the first and second input terminals to the output terminal, only circuits related to the signal source of the character signal are formed in one integrated circuit (second integrated circuit) and the other circuits are formed in the other integrated circuit (first integrated circuit).

Abstract: An analog video tagging and encoding system. The invention inserts an analog tag frame into the analog video stream such that the luminance values are made to approach zero, i.e., black, allowing a potential tag frame to be quickly identified. Tag information is then encoded as a structured color pattern into the chrominance portions of the frame and contains program start/stop information, program segment identification, or data downloads. The color pattern is chosen such that when it is converted into digital form according to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard, the digital signal so produced may be easily and minimally parsed to recognize the presence or absence of a tag within a normal frame time period.

Abstract: A television receiver which is coupled to a digital VCR to receive an ATSC-encoded multi-program stream containing video, audio and data programs. The receiver recognizes one of the data programs as containing computer software for the digital television receiver, extracts the data program from the multi-program stream into a memory area which is separate from the memory areas used to decode the audio and video programs and then uses data in the extracted data program to update information which controls the operation of the television receiver. The television receiver includes a microprocessor which is coupled to a video processor via an IC bus. The video processor includes registers which are coupled to the IC bus. The microprocessor updates these values from the information in the extracted data program. The extracted data program may include a program image for the operational software for the microprocessor and may replace the operational software to update the operation of the television receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for converting text data having a Teletext format to text data having an Electronics Industries Associations-608 (EIA-608) format are illustrated herein. A video stream with embedded text data having a Teletext format is received by a dual mode text processing system. The dual mode text processing system, in one embodiment, extracts the text data and filters the text data to identify a desired portion using an identifier, such as a page identifier or number. The desired portion (or a copy thereof), once identified, is sent to a line break parser. The line break parser, in one embodiment, eliminates some or all of any unnecessary or unintended line breaks, as well as some or all of any extra space characters, to generate a character stream. The character stream, in one embodiment, is then converted into a EIA-608 format by a line convertor, wherein the character stream is parsed into one or more subtitle lines with a maximum character length.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding information into streaming media is disclosed. In order to avoid a prolonged waiting period between the time a video stream is selected for viewing and the time it actually begins to play, information relevant to the content of the video stream is independently obtained and locally stored. This information may be advertising, text, games or any other media which may be of interest to the user. The information is embedded into the video or other media stream to be presented to the viewer and played immediately, so that the user avoids any wait time in viewing the selected stream that may occur due to bandwidth shortages or other system considerations.

Abstract: A video data transmitting method fortransmittin a video data from a transmitter to a receiver comprises the steps of dividing one screenful of video data into specified rectangular areas, generating at least two types of video data (first and second video data) each having different resolution from video data existing in the rectangular areas, and transmitting the two types of video data as one video data (video data for transmission).

Abstract: A data reproduction apparatus is adapted to receive a first piece of caption information including a first piece of control information for displaying a caption on the screen of a television receiving set and a second piece of caption information including a second piece of control information for displaying the caption in a language different from that of the first piece of caption information, the apparatus comprising a controller for displaying the first and second pieces of caption information simultaneously without overlap by modifying the value of at least either of the first and second pieces of control information.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing auxiliary data included in a video signal, in particular auxiliary data included in the vertical blanking interval of a television signal. The present invention recognizes that comb filtering of a television signal before processing the auxiliary data included in the television signal may cause corruption of the data. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the data corruption by placing the takeoff point (131) for the auxiliary data at a point in the signal path prior to the comb filtering (112). In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides for switching between one of a plurality of signal sources (102, 104, 106) while ensuring that the signal provided to an auxiliary data processor (125) corresponds to the displayed signal and minimizing the additional hardware and software required with regard to prior art arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a caption data processing apparatus for a digital TV for processing caption data contained in a broadcast signal. In particular, the apparatus is capable of preventing an error occurred when the additional byte of a command or a text overlaps with a code of a Reset command or a DelayCancel command to be looked up, by storing additional byte length of all commands and texts contained in a caption data to a lookup table, further reading the caption data stream as much as the length of a corresponding command using the above values, and storing the data stream to a service input buffer. In addition, the size of the lookup table can be reduced by creating the lookup table according to the regularity of a caption code mapping of a digital TV, and accordingly the time taken in looking up a Reset command and a CancelDelay command can be reduced.

Abstract: A television receiver 1 enables a decoder 5 to extract a closed caption signal of DTVCC method from a digital broadcasting signal received via an antenna 11. The closed caption signal of DTVCC method extracted here is analyzed and converted into the closed caption signal of Line 21 method. And in a DVE 6, the closed caption data of Line 21 method is inserted into the 21st scanning line of an analog picture signal converted by the decoder 5 for output.

Abstract: Method and system for adjusting video and audio settings for a media output device. The system comprises a control unit having a media signal input. The media signal comprises at least one of a video and an audio component, as well as an associated informational component. The control unit extracts the informational component and adjusts at least one setting of the media output device based on the informational component.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus capable of minimizing the required processing so that a data packet containing a described discontinuity information table can be inserted preferably in a transport stream (partial stream). In this apparatus, a stream layer model storage has a model of the table to be stored in a DIT (Discontinuity Information Table) packet indicating a discontinuity point of a stream layer. A DIT packet insertion controller refers to the information set in an insertion timing setting register and, upon arrival of the timing to insert the DIT packet, the information preset in a description contents setting register is inserted into the model to thereby generate the DIT packet, and then the generated packet is inserted at the discontinuity point of the transport stream (partial stream).

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving data such as teletext associated with the television picture. There are many ways in which pages of this data may be linked, and it is known to arrange, for easy access to the linked pages, by providing differently colored identification symbols (R1, Y1, G1, B1) on a display screen and correspondingly colored buttons on a remote control unit (RCU). A further identification symbol (FIS) which indicates the method by which further pages are linked to the currently displayed page is now provided. Examples of such linking are FASTEXT, TOP, Favorite Pages.

Abstract: In a channel managing apparatus and method for a digital/analog TV, if a user selects a desired channel, a type of broadcasting corresponding to the channel selected by the user is automatically switched to tune the channel. The channel managing apparatus for a digital/analog TV includes a memory for storing tabled channel information of all the broadcasting signals including digital and analog broadcasting signals, a controller for extracting channel information corresponding to a channel selected by a user if the user selects the channel and for outputting a control signal to tune the corresponding channel, a first switching portion for selecting one of outputs of a digital broadcasting receiver and an analog broadcasting receiver, and a signal processing and display portion for processing and displaying output signals of the first switching portion.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying related components of a media stream that has been transmitted over a computer network includes at least one storage device that communicates with a television decoder and with the video display. Information from one or more components of the media stream is extracted from the media stream and delivered to one or more storage devices. This stored component is subsequently transmitted to the video display in response to an information release signal that is embedded in the information. The invention can be used to display closed caption and other information with associated audio and video signals using an audio-visual media player.

Abstract: A method for displaying closed-captioning with audio programs. The audio signal data is located and sent to an audio signal processor for conversion into an audio program. The closed-captioning data is located and decoded to produce a textual display synchronized with the audio program. The closed-captioning data is displayed on a remote device, either as part of a consumer electronics system, or as a stand alone network device. The invention also includes one example of an apparatus that receives and decodes the components of a complex audio signal to produce both the audio program and the closed-captioning on the remote device.

Abstract: A system for streaming a plurality of video or other recorded signals from storage to receiving devices maintains each of the signal streams at their encoded bit rate. The bit rate of each stream is detected from the stored signals and a corresponding queue is set up in a network interface card for outputting data at the detected bit rate. A channel timing module in the signal streaming device contains pairs of counters, one pair for each stream. The primary counter in each pair is set to have a period slightly less than the period of the stored signal. A secondary counter in each pair is set to have a period that is larger than an integer multiple of the primary counter by an amount equal to the difference between the multiple periods of the primary counter and the same multiple of the stored signals. Every time either the primary or the secondary counter times out, a packet of data is sent to the corresponding queue in the network interface.

Abstract: A method for parsing EIT parsing and providing program specific information of broadcasting programs at a rapid speed. The method includes the steps of: extracting the EITs from a program specific information signal sequence in a transport stream packet transmitted from a broadcasting station; parsing each the EIT in a prescribed priority order in the EITs; and displaying the parsed EIT on a TV screen. The method for parsing EIT according to the present invention can provide the information on the broadcasting program on the time period when an audience rating is highest to a viewer at a more rapid speed than the conventional EIT parsing method.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a digital broadcast receiving apparatus which receives a digital broadcast, generates an analog video signal, and extracts content information from the received digital broadcast. The content information is multiplexed on the analog video signal as closed caption data and output.

Abstract: A video signal receiver is operative to control display of video information. Particularly, a video signal receiver is operative to provide controlled display of video information pertaining to a television program signal in response to a parameter of the television program signal. More particularly, a television signal receiver is operative to provide controlled display of auxiliary video information of a television program signal in response to a parameter of an audio signal portion of the television program signal. In one form, a television signal receiver is operative to control display of video program information with regard to a television program signal in response to a parameter level of a parameter of an audio program portion of the television program signal. The television signal receiver includes reference level setter, a signal comparator, and a video signal modifier. The reference level setter is operative to set a reference level.

Abstract: A video signal is processed to identify segments that are likely to be associated with a commercial or other particular type of video content. A signature is extracted from each of the segments so identified, and the extracted signatures are used, possibly in conjunction with additional temporal and contextual information, to determine which of the identified segments are in fact associated with the particular video content. One or more of the extracted signatures may be, e.g., a visual frame signature based at least in part on a visual characteristic of a frame of the video segment, as determined using information based on DC and motion coefficients of the frame, or DC and AC coefficients of the frame. A given extracted signature may alternatively be an audio signature based at least in part on a characteristic of an audio signal associated with a portion of the video segment. Other types of signatures can also be used.

Abstract: In a data extraction circuit used for reproducing character data such as a closed caption and a text, a horizontal sync digital PLL circuit generates an fh sync system clock signal, which is synchronized with a horizontal sync signal fh, in response to a digital video signal from an ADC. Based on the fh sync system clock signal, a clock generation circuit generates a data extracting clock signal which is synchronized with the horizontal sync signal fh. The data extracting clock signal can thus be caused to follow horizontal jitters. Consequently, character data can be reproduced with stability, irrespective of variations in frequency.

Abstract: The data slicer circuit has a first capacitor that holds a pedestal potential of the video signal; a second capacitor that calculates an average potential of signals existing in a period where a clock run-in signal of the multiplex signal is present and holds the average potential; and a comparator which compares the two held potentials. The comparator outputs a detection signal indicative of the presence of the multiplex signal when the potential held by the second capacitor is higher than that held by the first capacitor.

Abstract: A system and method for using a hand held device having a display to display a readable representation of an audio track of a playing media such as, for example, a television program, a compact disc, or digital video disc. In one embodiment, the system generally includes a consumer appliance for playing the media wherein the consumer appliance is adapted to transmit a signal including data that is a representation of the audio track. In a further embodiment, the representation of the audio track can be downloaded to the hand-held device from an external source such as, for example, a Web site on the Internet.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A digital information processing system ensures illegal-copy protection of video and audio signals without changing the structure or format of a stream of multiplexed video, audio and data packets. A packet demultiplexer selects packets from a packet stream according to the packet identifiers (PID) of the packets. The packet demultiplexer has a first output port electrically connected to video and audio signal decoders, and a second output port for digital processing such as storage. When a selected packet is a video or audio packet, the packet demultiplexer outputs the selected packet through the first output port. When the selected packet is a data packet, and packet demultiplexer outputs the selected packet through the second output port.

Abstract: An additional information processing apparatus and method selectively processes and stores additional information contained in a TV broadcast signal according to specifications set by a user, subdivides information of the type of additional information received in real time, and displays the information on a screen. Additional information contained in a broadcast signal is classified by type before transmission. Only additional information of the type(s) desired by a user is selected and acquired from the received additional information. The type(s) of additional information acquired is (are) displayed on a screen in real time. Accordingly, only the additional information needed by the user is selectively stored in memory and memory can be efficiently used. Since the type(s) of additional information received is (are) displayed on the screen in detail, the user can easily understand the type(s) of additional information being received currently so that the additional information can be effectively used.

Abstract: A distortion-compensation method for a signal (S) that is transmitted in the blanking intervals of a video signal (CVBS) uses the received signal (S) to determine whether the signal (S) is subject to interference of a specific type. This interference is at least partially compensated for only when a specific limit value is exceeded. A separation stage according to the invention has a measurement apparatus (M) for detecting the presence of the specific type of interference.