Abstract: A system for providing synchronization and information exchange in a network such as a digital television broadcast network using a network management operations and control paradigm. A management entity component, such as a computer workstation operated at a control center, coordinates the actions of different agent components, such as hardware used at the headend or uplink site of a television network. The agent components are used to provide conditional access to a television signal by inserting conditional access data into the transmitted programming. Management information bases (MIBs) are provided for the agent components and the management component. The agent components update their MIBs with information of the communication network, such as changes in a television event schedule. The management component periodically reads the agents' MIBs to obtain the updated information and store it in its own MIB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for allocating bits in a statistical multiplexing system (stat mux). A statistical multiplexer (stat mux) accommodates both compressed and uncompressed video programs using transcoding and encoding, respectively. Hierarchical dynamic bit allocation is used, starting from a super GOP level, then to a super frame level, and then to the regular (individual) frame level. At each level, a target number of bits is determined. A target number of bits for a super frame, which is a collection of frames across all channels at a given frame instance, is adaptive and is able to address any combination of picture types. Frames of the same picture type for a program are generally assigned the same (or similar) number of bits. Relative program quality can be controlled using a program priority weighting factor. Additionally, constraints on target bit rates and minimum and maximum bit rates are provided.

Abstract: Interactive Program Guide (IPG) data for television is delivered to integrated receiver-decoders (IRDs) in a decoder population via, for example, a satellite network. The IPG data provides scheduling information for global and local programming services which are carried via the satellite network as well as another network such as a CATV network or a terrestrial broadcast network. Each IRD is assigned to an IPG region using unit addressing. At the IRD, IPG data is filtered so that only the global data and the region-specific data for the IRD's IPG region is retained and processed by the IRD. Channel map data is also delivered to the IRDs so that bundles of IRD data can be filtered out using firmware filtering to discard program sources that are not present in the channel map. The IRD data which is retained after filtering is used to provide scheduling information via an on-screen display. A preferred source may be designated when there are duplicative channels on the different networks.

Abstract: A digital waveform generator complies with different vertical blanking interval (VBI) standards, and is inserted into VBI portions of a digital component video signal. A buffer receives symbols carrying VBI data for a particular VBI service according to a user data syntax, which identifies a television line into which the VBI data is to be inserted. A symbol processor is responsive to information provided by the syntax. This information indicates the number of pixels represented per symbol, a symbol transition time, and the number of symbols carrying data to be inserted into the VBI portion. The symbol processor provides the VBI data in a format according to the particular VBI service. A timing circuit is responsive to a start time provided by the syntax for inserting the VBI data. A level control circuit adjusts the level of the VBI data prior to insertion into the VBI portion in response amplitude values provided by the syntax.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling and balancing a quality ratio between left and right channels of a stereoscopic video sequence. A complexity measure for each of the channels is first determined. Thereafter, a number of bits representing the video sequence is allocated between the channels according to each channel's complexity. The resultant joint rate control allows the bit rates for the two channels to vary according to the complexity measures of their pictures, while the aggregate bit rate is maintained at the channel capacity, which is a constant value.

Abstract: A television converter uses digital signal processing (DSP) to provide compatibility with different television standards including NTSC and PAL video standards and FM, BTSC, DIN, Home Theatre, NICAM and independent digital audio standards. Audio processing is accomplished without passing the audio through a Nyquist filter used for video. This eliminates AM to PM conversion improving luminance linearity and differential gain and phase. It also prevents video information from phase modulating the audio intercarrier, thereby eliminating video "buzz" components in the audio. The audio processing includes a synchronous FM demodulator and a separate synchronous FM/QPSK demodulator for handling the different audio standards. Handling historical analog TV standards with DSP also enables the advantageous combination of analog and digital television reception within a single digital VLSI ASIC.

Abstract: The efficient quadrature amplitude modulator of the present invention allows from 6 to 8 independent compressed channels to occupy a 6 MHz bandwidth while reducing processing power by 33 percent for 8 levels of modulation offered by 64-QAM and by 25 percent for 16 levels of modulation offered by 256-QAM. The modulator achieves this efficiency using an improved digital filter architecture combining the modulation and filtering with post filtering carrier combination. The QAM modulator presented is implemented with a reduction in the total number of binary parallel multipliers. To increase operational throughput, the speed of operation increases with the use of LUTs (look-up tables) storing precomputed filter weighting coefficients. The reduction in multipliers is also achieved by using post filtering carrier combination which similarly reduces the number of MAC operations performed during filtering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient motion estimation of a digital video image wherein memory capacity and processing requirements are reduced by 50% or more, and image quality is maintained. Only a portion of the pixel data of a search window is used to perform motion estimation. Specifically, a portion of the pixel data of a previous image is retrieved and stored in a memory according to a search window pattern such as a fixed checkerboard pattern. Pixel data from the current image is alternated between first and second inverse checkerboard patterns for successive comparison regions of the search window. The scheme is compatible with frame or field mode video sequences.

Abstract: The present invention describes a directional CATV component, preferably a signal tap, having a housing frame where coaxial signal cable connections are made allowing for tap circuitry to be placed on either side of the housing frame. The invention allows for the rapid exchange of tap circuitry between front and rear positions providing for the reversal of signal frequency direction. The signal tap comprises a housing frame, a back cover with a support clamp and a signal tap cover containing a plurality of female F-connectors. Loss circuitry is mounted on a PC board that is attached to the tap cover.

Abstract: A system for bypassing a signal tap that includes a pair of plug ports which are aligned with a pair of contact terminals that connect the conductors to the tap. The system generally comprises a pair of contact plugs adapted to be inserted into the plug ports and a jumper. Each plug includes a generally hollow body and a plunger. The hollow body is substantially open at a first end and terminates in a head surface, having an aperture therethrough, at a second end. Each plunger is moveable between a non-contact position and a contact position. The jumper includes at least two pins which are conductively interconnected and adapted to be inserted into the apertures to allow a signal flowing through the tap to flow through the jumper.

Abstract: An efficient chroma key-based coding technique for digital video with an optimized switching threshold. An optimized binary keying threshold is provided for switching between a first image region (such as a background region) and second image region (such as a foreground object) video picture. The threshold optimizes a PSNR of a quantization error Q of a key color K. A chroma key technique is also provided for representing the shape of a video object, where the shape information (alpha plane) of a foreground object is embedded in the keyed output, so there is no need to carry an explicit alpha plane, or use alpha plane coding. The chroma key shape representation technique provides a smooth transition at the boundary between objects without the need for special switching patterns, such as a general gray scale shape coding tool, or post-processing, e.g., using feathering filters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a digital video image to a higher aspect ratio format at a decoder by line dropping. For example, conversion from a 4:3 to a 16:9 letterbox format may be achieved. Line dropping for non-anchor pictures (e.g., B-pictures) occurs on a decoding-side of the decoder, prior to storage in memory. Line dropping for anchor pictures (e.g., I- and P-pictures) occurs on a display-side of the decoder, after being retrieved from the memory, and prior to display. Additional memory space is freed to allow storage of additional decoded data, thus compensating for the decrease in display processing time caused by a reduced number of active video lines that are processed with the letter box format.

Abstract: A DIN press-fit coaxial connector having a press-fit center pin and a modified BNC coaxial connector having a hollow center pin are mounted back-to-back on opposite sides of a backplane with the respective center pins of the two coaxial connectors aligned along the same linear axis and in conductive press-fit engagement with each other within a waveguide defined by a conductive-material-coated center hole in the backplane. The diameter of the center hole is dimensioned in relation to the outside diameter of a cylindrical hollow portion of the center pin of the modified BNC coaxial connector to impedance match the connection between the modified BNC coaxial connector and the DIN press-fit coaxial connector.

Abstract: A chip-battery micro-module and fabrication method thereof wherein an integrated circuit "chip" is secured to a battery coin cell using various conductive and insulative layers that provide power to the chip while also forming a protective structure for protecting the chip. The chip-battery micro-module may be used to power an electronic accessory which is directly attached thereto, such as an LCD display or speaker, or to power a circuit in a smart card or electronic device such as a portable telephone. The chip may be secured to the battery using epoxy layers, epoxy bodies, dielectric layers, and plasma- or vapor-deposited layers. The above elements may be conductive or insulative as required. The chip-battery micro-module can be integrated into a plastic smart card. The use of the rigid battery coin cell provides the chip-battery micro-module with improved strength characteristics for withstanding loads and impacts during assembly and handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically detecting the format of a high-definition television (HDTV) signal at a video encoder to allow proper encoding of the signal, including progressive and interlaced scan, and specific pixel and vertical line resolutions. The system is compatible with video standards such as the SMPTE and MPEG-2 standards. A video sample clock is determined by phase-locking clock pulses in a video signal to one of two or more available reference clocks. An SAV/EAV counter and pixel sample counter determine the horizontal resolution of the video, e.g., pixels per line. The system discriminates between 24 frames per second video and 30 frames per second video, and between a 720 line progressive scan signal and a 1080 line interlaced scan signal, for example. The system uses PLLs for each reference clock, where a lock range of the PLLs is narrow such that two PLLs will not lock at the same time for one input frequency.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates GaAs field effect transistors (GaAsFETs) in a radio frequency (RF) ultra-linear amplifier. The described amplifier circuit is a transformer-coupled single input, signal processing unit incorporating ultra-fast, GaAsFETs in a three active device cascode. This arrangement allows for a higher working voltage to be applied across the three semiconductors rather than a traditional two transistor cascode. The operational bandwidth can process a mixed modulation signal comprised of analog and digital channels.

Abstract: An in-line distortion generator is coupled to an RF amplifier on a single PC board for producing an output signal of useful amplitude but with low composite triple beat and cross modulation distortions. The backplane under the section of the PC board upon which the distortion circuit resides is removed and the portion of the heat sink under the removed portion of the backplane is also removed. This eliminates any parasitic capacitances that could degrade the performance of the RF amplifier, thereby making the distortion circuit transparent to the RF amplifier. Furthermore, the layout of the predistortion circuitry has been specifically designed to enhance the performance of the circuitry without inducing any negative operating characteristics on the associated RF amplifier.

Abstract: An interface for a communications receiver such as a cable or satellite television receiver allows control between the receiver and an external device. The external device can supplement the services provided by the receiver. The interface includes a bidirectional control port for coupling the external device to the communications receiver. Ports for isochronous data and high speed data are also provided. The external device can simulate commands available via a user interface for the receiver, such as remote control actuations. In this manner, the external device can access information and control the receiver (e.g., to tune to a specific television or data channel) via the bidirectional control port. The interface enables the external device to use the full capabilities of the communication receiver for data acquisition and processing. The acquired and processed data is then delivered to the external device via the interface.

Abstract: Optical systems including an optical amplifier and a narrow bandwidth optical filter for removing undesired spontaneous emission. An in-fiber Bragg grating reflector reflects substantially only the input amplified signal back to a circulator port of an optical circulator where the desired amplified signal is coupled from the next circulator port. The undesired emission exits from the grating reflector and is removed from the system. Cascaded grating reflectors are used in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system. A two section narrow band transmission filter with cascaded gratings.

Abstract: Static fade in a digital video image is detected. A difference in luminance intensity is determined for correspondingly positioned pixels in successive images. A variance in the difference is determined, and then normalized according to a mean squared value of the difference to provide a fade index J.sub.n. The fade index is compared to a fade threshold, e.g., 0.9, to determine if a fade is indicated. Optionally, a check may be made to verify that a static fade is indicated by comparing the mean squared value of the difference to a motion threshold. The technique is suitable for both frame mode and field mode video sequences. When the digital images include field mode video, where each image has first and second fields, a fade index is determined separately for each field, and an overall fade index is obtained by averaging the fade indexes from each field. A scheme for detecting static fade on a macroblock by macroblock basis is also presented.