Abstract: A method may include establishing a communication session with a remote device over a network. After establishing the communication session with the remote device, the method may include obtaining remote audio from the remote device that is provided by the remote device as part of the communication session. The method may also include directing the remote audio received from the remote device to a local device participating in the communication session and to a remote transcription system and obtaining transcript data from the remote transcription system based on the remote audio. The transcript data may include a transcription of the remote audio. The method may further include directing the transcript data to a television for presentation of the transcription of the remote audio by the television such that the transcription of the remote audio is presented substantially aligned with presentation of the remote audio by the local device.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a volume adjusting apparatus and method which automatically regulates a volume output of an electronic device. The volume adjusting apparatus comprises a microprocessor for detecting the volume output of the electronic device, a memory unit for storing the volume output received in the microprocessor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting a plurality of command signals to the electronic device and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit further configured to transmit via the wireless transmitter the plurality of command signals to the electronic device. At least one recall button installed with the volume adjusting apparatus enables a user to maintain the same average volume across all channels. The method effectively ensures a volume consistency by adjusting the volume on a current television channel based on the volume of previous channel of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system for use in controlling operating functions of a controllable device includes a hand-held device and an intermediate device in communication with the hand-held device and the controllable device. The hand-held device is adapted to receive a gesture based input and to transmit a signal having data representative of the gesture based input. The intermediate device has programming for translating the data representative of the gesture based input in a signal received from the hand-held device into a command signal to be communicated to the controllable device wherein the command signal has a format appropriate for controlling an operating function of the controllable device that is associated with the gesture based input.

Abstract: A playback apparatus to play back content data including sound data includes an instruction operating portion to detect an instruction operation that instructs execution of prescribed processing, a hold operating portion to detect a hold setting operation that sets a state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion, a state control portion to set the state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion if the hold setting operation is detected by the hold operating portion, and a video processing portion to perform processing for displaying a video. If the video processing portion performs processing for displaying the video when the hold setting operation is detected, the state control portion controls the video processing portion to suspend at least a part of processing for displaying the video.

Abstract: An embodiment an infotainment system for an automobile includes a navigation system, an entertainment system, an audio output device and a control system coupled to the navigation system, the entertainment system and the audio output device. The control system controls access by the navigation system and the entertainment system to the audio output device and includes a conversation recognizer that determines if a conversation is being conducted. The control system of this embodiment varies operation of the audio output device in the event a conversation is being conducted.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output of media content, particularly audio content, to a user in relation to an apparatus, such as a set-top-box, having an input, for receiving media content, and an output, for providing the media content to an output device such as a television or other display device. Media content is received at the input and then analyzed using a media content recognition unit. The media content recognition unit undertakes the step of identifying portions of the received media content that contain undesired content, such as offensive language. The output of media content to a user is then controlled, based on any identified undesired content, to prevent the output of content when the identified undesired portions are to be output. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a movement detection unit configured to detect a specific operation, and a process execution unit configured to, when the movement detection unit detects the specific operation, execute a process in accordance with the specific operation. In a case in which the movement detection unit has detected a first specific operation and the process execution unit has executed a first process in accordance with the first specific operation, if the movement detection unit further continuously detects the first specific operation, the process execution unit executes a second process that is continuous with the first process, and if the movement detection unit detects a second specific operation meaning a cancellation of the first process, the process execution unit executes a third process that cancels the first process.

Abstract: A method for controlling two devices, separated from each other, during an audio muting mode operation. A control device causes an audio device to become muted during the audio muting mode. The control device also causes a video device to output a text service during the duration of the audio muting mode. Preferably, the text service corresponds to the audio portion of a media service.

Abstract: A playback apparatus to play back content data including sound data includes an instruction operating portion to detect an instruction operation that instructs execution of prescribed processing, a hold operating portion to detect a hold setting operation that sets a state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion, a state control portion to set the state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion if the hold setting operation is detected by the hold operating portion, and a video processing portion to perform processing for displaying a video. If the video processing portion performs processing for displaying the video when the hold setting operation is detected, the state control portion controls the video processing portion to suspend at least a part of processing for displaying the video.

Abstract: An output device to output an image and/or a sound based on a signal input from one of a plurality of external devices connected to the output device, the external devices including an HDMI source device to input an HDMI signal to the output device. The output device is configured to instruct an adjustment of sound volume of the sound output from the output device; to adjust the sound volume of the output sound in accordance with an instruction from an instruction section; to judge whether a header of an Audio InfoFrame exists in InfoFrame data in the HDMI signal input from the HDMI source device or not; and to invalidate the instruction from the instruction section during a period from time when the header of the Audio InfoFrame is judged not to exist by the judgment section to time when the header is judged to exist.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, video image and voice signals are transmitted to a plurality of electronic devices each having at least one of a video image display function and a voice reproducing function. Information indicating the fact that at least one of a video image and a voice has been set in a mute state is acquired from each of the electronic devices. Based on the information, a processing operation is applied to the video image and voice signals supplied to each of the electronic devices.

Abstract: A television broadcast receiving apparatus has a demodulating unit including a PLL part synchronizing a phase of an IF signal with a phase of an internally generated carrier signal and outputting an out-of-synchronization flag signal when the IF signal and the carrier signal are in an unsynchronized state, and a muting part muting a sound intermediate frequency signal and outputting a noise signal of a predetermined level when the out-of-synchronization flag signal is outputted from the PLL part. Therefore, even when an IF amplifier of a tuning unit amplifies a noise at the maximum gain when there is no signal, an abnormal sound can be prevented from being outputted from a speaker of a decode and output unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a remote control and a method are provided for automatically adjusting the volume output of an audio device, such as a television. In one embodiment, the remote control includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit command signals to the audio device, a microphone configured to monitor sound levels external to the remote control, a memory storing a first threshold, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) determine a signal-to-noise ratio as a function of the sound levels detected by the microphone, and (ii) transmit via the wireless transmitter a first command to adjust the volume output of the audio device if the signal-to-noise ratio passes the first threshold.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a television receiver for discriminating a CM broadcast from a received television broadcast and controlling a volume of the CM broadcast without complicating a configuration of a discriminating process of the CM broadcast. The present invention includes a silence detection means, a scene change detection means, a video audio changing point detection means, a first characteristic amount extraction means, a second characteristic amount extraction means, a comparison determining means and a volume control means. The comparison determining means compares the first characteristic amount which is an audio characteristic amount of a television signal before the time when the video audio changing point is detected, and the second characteristic amount which is an audio characteristic amount of a television signal after the time when the video audio changing point is detected, to determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied or not.

Abstract: A muting device includes an external sound input unit that receives an external sound and an internal sound input unit that only receives an internal sound. The external sound received by the external sound input unit has a component, which corresponds to the internal sound received by the internal sound input unit, removed therefrom. Only when the signal level of a specific kind of external sound sampled from the external sound having the internal sound component thereof removed therefrom is equal to or larger than a certain signal level, the internal sound is automatically muted. Consequently, there is provided a muting device that autonomously and accurately mutes an internal audio output responsively to a specific external sound such as a telephone ring while being unaffected by an internal sound.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a receiver configured to selectively receive two programs; an analyzer configured to analyze sound volume levels of the two programs for a certain time; and an adjuster configured to adjust the relative sound volume levels of the two programs, when the analysis indicates that there is a difference between the sound volume levels of the two programs, so as to control the difference between the sound volume levels to within a predetermined reference level difference.

Abstract: An audio controlling device generates an audio mute signal based on the level of a power-supply voltage supplied from the source equipment, whether a clock signal has been input or not, whether a digital signal has been input or not, whether a multiplier circuit is being locked or not, an error rate, whether an audio clock detection circuit is being locked or not, the presence or absence of a change in a control signal, and whether a synchronization detection circuit is stable or not. The audio controlling device applies the audio mute signal to an audio mute circuit, while applying an OSD control signal to an OSD processing circuit. The audio mute circuit is placed in a mute state or unmute state based on the audio mute signal. The OSD processing circuit provides the on-screen display of a message based on the OSD control signal.

Abstract: A circuit for eliminating abnormal sound includes a video/audio processor, a D/A converter, a front-stage mute circuit, a changing delay device, a front-stage amplifier, a back-stage amplifier, a back-stage mute circuit, and a micro control unit. The circuit is mounted in a display device connected to a DVD player. When DVD player plays the video/audio signal having HDMI standard, the display device will generate an abnormal sound (pop voice or declining voice) during performing an operation such as pause, stop or play. Therefore, this circuit uses the changing delay device, the micro control unit, and the mute circuit to filter out the noise for providing a better outputting quality.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiver is configured to receive a broadcast signal and output the broadcast signal to an external device. The broadcast receiver includes a program information obtaining module, a storage module, and a channel selection detector. The program information obtaining module obtains program information from the broadcast signal. The storage module stores the program information obtained by the program information obtaining module. The channel selection detector detects an operation of selecting a channel. When the channel selection detector detects that a channel is selected, the broadcast receiver controls the external device to mute audio output. The channel selection detector also reads program information corresponding to the selected channel from the storage module and output the program information.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a filter driver on a computer system receives notification of an event during which a display screen on a display device of the computer system should be blank. An example of such an event is a remote management operation being performed on the computer system. The filter driver receives messages that are directed to a display driver for the display device. The filter driver receives the messages before they are received by the display driver. Some of the messages may comprise a power on message that, if received by the display driver, would cause the display screen to be powered on. The filter driver discards each power on message that is received during the event so that the display driver does not receive any power on messages during the event.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for playing audio from a media source on a television during a music-on-mute function. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method, comprising receiving a signal with a video portion and an audio portion, determining whether a music-on-mute function is active, playing the audio portion of the signal if the music-on-mute function is not active, and playing an audio file from an alternative media source if the music-on-mute function is active.

Abstract: When the main power supply is turned off, the power supply of a video display unit is turned off and the audio signal is muted. At the same time, a time counting unit counts time, and before reaching a predetermined time, a display unit is lighted to notify a quick restart period. In the case where the main power supply is turned on during the predetermined time, the power supply of the video display unit is turned on to cancel the audio mute mode. In the case where the main power is not turned on upon lapse of the predetermined time, the power supply of the receiving unit is also turned off.

Abstract: A volume control system for use with an audio-visual component able to receive an input signal having an audio signal and a video signal is disclosed. The system includes a remote control unit having a speaker positioned thereon for outputting an audio signal therefrom. The remote control further includes means for generating a request signal in response to user command for disabling an output of audio signal by the component. The generated request signal is transmitted to the component and means positioned within the component receives the request signal and disables the audio output. The audio signal is transmitted for receipt by a receiving means in the remote control unit and is output on the speaker of the remote control.

Abstract: A remote control system for adjusting a volume level of a television is provided. The remote control system includes a handheld remote control device having a partial mute switch, a wireless signal transmitter, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is operably coupled to the partial mute switch and to the wireless signal transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to induce the wireless signal transmitter to transmit a first wireless signal having an engage partial mute command to the television when the partial mute switch is depressed at a first time. The television is configured to receive the first wireless signal and to adjust the volume level of the television to a volume level in a range of 10-90% of a current volume level of the television in response to the engage partial mute command in the first wireless signal.

Abstract: A video signal receiving device comprises signal processing units which separate video components and audio components from received signals conforming to HDMI standard, and carry out a decoding process on the components, respectively, to thereby restore analog video signals and audio signals, a detecting unit which detects a change in received signals to generate a first detection signal, and a detecting unit which detects a change in a received connection recognition signal to generate a second detection signal, and a mute control unit which carries out a mute process for the signal processing units not to output audio signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in connection with home television receivers involving processing an electronic signal, including audio and video processors; the audio information, including digital representations thereof, is analyzed and modified to compare words and phrases represented in the audio information with words and phrases stored in electronic memory for elimination of undesirable words or phrases in audible or visible representations of the audio with options for replacing undesirable words with acceptable words. The options include varying degrees of selectivity in specifying words as undesirable and control over substitute words which are used to replace undesirable words. The options for control of the method and apparatus for language filtering are selectable from an on-screen menu through use of a conventional television remote transmitter.

Abstract: A user operated remote controller for quieting of sound volume from a television set or other entertainment equipment. User remotely commands an abrupt lowering of the volume to a HUSH level intermediate between a normal and a muted volume level. A remote control command receiver responds to a uniquely encoded wireless “lower the volume” command signal and the volume is immediately lowered to a HUSH level preset just loud enough to telltale a viewer when a program content change occurs, or to allow a parallel activity such as answering a telephone, without completely losing the gist of the audio program content or denying other persons from quietly listening to the program. Temporarily lowers overbearing volume of a television program during station breaks and commercials, while enabling the user to audibly notice when the principal program resumes. Changing a channel selection on a televisor may automatically initiate the lower-volume HUSH mode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in connection with home television video recording, playback, and viewing involving processing an electronic signal, including audio and video information, whereby the audio information, including digital representations thereof, is analyzed and modified to compare words and phrases represented in the audio information with words and phrases stored in electronic memory for elimination of undesirable words or phrases in audible or visible representations of the audio with options for replacing undesirable words with acceptable words. The options include varying degrees of selectivity in specifying words as undesirable and control over substitute words which are used to replace undesirable words. The options for control of the method and apparatus for language filtering are selectable from an on-screen menu through operation of a control panel on the language filter apparatus or by use of a conventional television remote transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the closed caption aspect of a video signal for specific undesirable words or phrases and then muting the audio portion of those words or phrases while not effecting the video portion therein while simultaneously modifying the closed captioned signal in order to display an acceptable word or phrase.

Abstract: An audio muting apparatus including a control device 3 for gradually varying a converted output voltage 12 from a D/A converter 4 from an initial voltage to a prescribed voltage when performing muting and gradually varying the converted output voltage from the prescribed voltage to the initial voltage when releasing the muting. A muting section 5 for passing an audio signal in such a manner that an impedance between an audio signal path and a ground level is increased when the converted output voltage 12 becomes the initial voltage and interrupting passage of the audio signal in such a manner that the impedance between the audio signal path and the ground level is decreased when the converted output voltage 12 becomes the prescribed value.

Abstract: A mute trigger apparatus includes a transducer, a database, a processor, a comparator and a mute switch. The transducer is responsive to acoustic wave energy to develop a first electrical signal commensurate with said acoustic wave energy. The database contains stored signal data. The processor is responsive to the first electrical signal to develop dynamic signal data. The comparator is responsive to each of the stored signal data and the dynamic signal data to develop a second electrical signal in the event the stored signal data and the dynamic signal data are substantially equivalent. The mute switch has an off state and an on state. The mute switch is normally biased in its off state and transitionable to its on state in response to the second electrical signal.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises an audio amplifier, a main microprocessor and a user interface microprocessor. The UI microprocessor has a control pin for muting the audio amplifier. A muting circuit is provided for muting the audio amplifier when a signal representative of a switch to an OFF mode of the device is generated by a mode pin of the main microprocessor. A delay part is also provided in order to switch the audio amplifier to standby during a given period of time when a signal representative of a switch to an ON mode of the device is generated by the mode pin. Methods for controlling the electronic device are also proposed.

Abstract: The method, apparatus, and system for controlling audio anomalies by using a mute switch 51 to prevent output of an auxiliary audio signal 21 in a television signal 20 with an auxiliary audio signal 21, such as a NICAM audio signal or dual language audio signal, adjacent to a first audio signal 22. The mute switch 51 operation is a function of the type of receiver 19 receiving television signal 20 and a function of verifying the presence of an auxiliary audio signal 21 in television signal 20. The present invention controls audio anomalies such as audio whistle and audio pop.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus having a screen blanking function for suspending image information displayed on a screen and a screen blanking method using the same are provided. The image reproducing apparatus includes a command applying circuit for applying image blanking execution and cancellation codes, a screen blanking determining circuit for determining whether a screen is to be blanked according to a code provided by the command applying circuit, and a screen power controlling circuit for controlling the power supply provided to the screen according to the determined result of the screen blanking determining circuit.

Abstract: A device for controlling an OSD in muting video signals is adapted to eliminate an after-image of the OSD when muting the video signals in a display monitor having an OSD function by use of both hardware and software. The device includes: a microcomputer for generating a cut-off signal to mute the video signals upon sensing a variation in horizontal and vertical sync signals fed thereto by a video card, and for generating a blank signal by executing an OSD erase control program for erasing the OSD; an OSD IC for saving the blank signal in a random access memory (RAM) by means of an OSD erase section when variation in the horizontal and vertical sync signals provided to the microcomputer is sensed, and for generating the blank signal according to an OSD control signal; and a video pre-amplifier and a video main amplifier responsive to the cut-off signal generated by the microcomputer for muting the video signals, and for applying the blank signal to a CRT to erase the OSD displayed thereon.

Abstract: A handheld remote controller for a televisor that automatically prefixes a single-digit program channel selection, typically between 2 and 9, with a leading zero in response to a prolonged single digit keybutton actuation exceeding about 3 seconds or by an intended ersatz key entry, such as a star “*” key, either preceding or following the channel digit key entry. A HUSH control provides audio volume reduction intermediate between mute and normal volume levels, obtainable by pressing a HUSH keybutton, or automatically hushed concurrent with a program channel change. Maintaining a televisor's necessitous channel 3 or 4 selection when used in conjunction with a cable box, VCR or other intermediate device is assured by concurrently sending a reiterative channel 3 (or channel 4) tuning command to the televisor whenever a program channel change command or other function signal is dispatched to the cable box, VCR or other television signal tuning apparatus.

Abstract: An image display device having (a) a DVD or a CD, (b) a television receiver, (c) a display for displaying an image from the DVD and the television receiver, (d) a screen burn-in preventer, and (e) a deterioration protector for protecting the display device from deterioration. The screen burn-in preventer discontinues reproduction from the DVD when an image reproduced of the DVD becomes stationary, and the stationary state continues for the predetermined time period. The deterioration protector discontinues reproduction from the DVD at a second predetermined time after the television receiver is turned on while an image reproduced from the DVD is displayed by the display.

Abstract: A video mode controlling apparatus and method of a computer having a LCD is provided. The method includes the steps of checking whether or not the video mode to be changed by the mode change controlling information is supported by the video controller, turning the LCD off, changing font and video mode state of the video controller so as to correspond to the mode change controlling information, and turning the LCD on. It is possible to prevent the generation of a whitening phenomenon of a LCD which is liable to occur when the video mode is changed in a computer having the LCD.

Abstract: An audio muting apparatus comprises

Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronizing audio and video signals wherein the motion of a picture is detected in case of occurring timing difference between the audio and video signals and subsequently a threshold is adjusted in association with the detected motion of the picture, thereby controlling the mute audio signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for filtering out potentially objectionable content from a video. The system is preferably implemented with user equipment such as a set-top box, a dedicated stand-alone box, a videocassette recorder, or circuitry in other television equipment. Videos to be filtered have embedded information that identifies potentially objectionable substitution events. The system determines which substitution events are to be filtered out based on selectable ratings settings. If desired, filtered video images may be replaced with blank video images and filtered audio signals may by replaced with silence or a tone. Filtering may also be accomplished by disrupting the event to be filtered (e.g., by garbling the event). Filtering may involve making substitutions of audio or video information. For example, audio information in a substitution event may be replaced by appropriate audio segments. Video information in a substitution event may be replaced by a video still or by a video clip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the closed captioned aspect of a video signal for specific undesirable words or phrases and then muting the audio portion of those words or phrases while not affecting the video portion therein while simultaneously modifying the closed captioned signal in order to display only acceptable words or phrases.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning a video recording for objectionable content is disclosed that includes an audio processor for analyzing the recording and recognizing the objectionable audio, and audio control gate for manipulating the objectionable audio. The scanning apparatus also includes an amplifier that amplifies the signal and converters to convert the signal from analog to digital format prior to analysis and digital to analog format after analysis. The method of scanning the video recording for objectionable content includes the steps of analyzing the recording and manipulating the recording. The method first includes the steps of amplifying the recording signal, separating the audio portion of the recording from the composite recording, digitizing the portions of the recording, and storing the composite portion of the recording in a loop while analysis is performed on the audio portion of the recording.

Abstract: A method and device for automatically adjusting the volume of an existing audio device such as a television and/or stereo receiver. The automatic volume adjusting device of the present invention includes a receiver for receiving control signals transmitted from a remote control transmitter associated with the audio device, a transmitter for transmitting control signals to a control signal receiver of the audio device, a microphone for sensing an ambient noise level, and a controller coupled to the receiver, to the transmitter, and to the microphone. The controller operates in a training mode and an operating mode. In the training mode, the controller learns codes associated with volume adjusting control signals transmitted by the remote control transmitter.

Abstract: An audio editing device for use with a television including a memory device for storing data representative of predetermined audio signals. Also included is a comparator for comparing the digital form of an input audio signal with the data of the memory device and, upon making a match, generating a first flag at a beginning of the data. A second flag is also generated at an end of the data upon locating a match. Finally, a squelch circuit comprises a flag sensor adapted to, upon the detection of the first flag, squelch the data until the sensor detects the second flag whereat the squelch circuit resumes the unmanipulated passage of audio signals to a television set.

Abstract: Apparatus and method which commands the displaying of audio information on a television receiver display in the case where it is judged that a sound muting control unit was operated, whereby the audio information is displayed by a single operation of the sound muting control unit.

Abstract: A muting circuit for a television receiving set comprises a mute-judging part, a mute key input, an acoustic output circuit, a caption-judging part, and a caption key input. The mute-judging partenters a mute ON and a mute OFF state alternately every time it receives a mute key input signal. The acoustic output circuit reduces the sound output level to zero decibels at the mute ON state, and restores the sound output at the mute OFF state. The caption-judging part enters a caption ON state and caption OFF state alternately every time it receives a caption key input signal while it enters a caption ON state if the mute-judging part enters a mute ON state. Thus, in the mute ON stated the closed caption is displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A mute circuit of a MUSE decoder can remove noise produced in the changing of channels in a multi-broadcast receiver and includes a synchronizing signal comparator for comparing the audio frame synchronizing signal of a received signal with a standard frame synchronizing signal and producing a comparison result, an unequal bit number detector for receiving the comparison result and detecting the number of non-matching synchronizing bits per frame, and a mute controller for controlling a mute operation according to the detected number of non-matching synchronizing bits per frame. Also, in a method employing the above components, after having detected the number of non-matching bits of the audio frame synchronizing signal, the time for muting process is determined according to the detected number. Thus, excessive errors in a received signal and noise produced when changing channels can be removed completely.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling the audio output from a television so as to avoid listening to undesired material includes a microphone for converting the audio output from the television into audio signals, an audio amplifier for amplifying the audio signals from the microphone, a waveform pattern comparator, a waveform digitizer and recorder, a speech recognition unit, an external device controller, a computer and an input/output device. In setting up the system for subsequent use, waveform patterns of audio signals corresponding to material being outputted from the television which the listener considers undesirable are digitized by the waveform digitizer and recorder and then stored in the waveform pattern comparator. In addition, digital signals corresponding to key words in undesired material are entered into the computer through the input/output device and then transferred from the computer to the speech recognition unit.

Abstract: A system for processing audio and video components of a television signal provides for automatic control of closed caption signal display in response to the status of an audio muting feature. The system includes an operating mode in which enabling audio muting also enables the closed caption display and disabling muting disables generation of the closed caption display.