Abstract: A system performs audio matching to determine the channel to which a television set is tuned. In one embodiment, the system feeds two audio signals to primary and secondary windings of an audio transformer, and employs an output signal taken from a center tap on the primary winding to determine whether the audio signals match. In another embodiment, the system detects transitions of the two audio signals, produces a pulse for each transition, and compares the pulses to determine whether the signals match.

Abstract: A two-way CATV network having a radio return path. A cable headend controller is used to control downstream as well as upstream communications over the two-way CATV network. Downstream signals are sent to subscribers' cable modems through conventional coaxial cables. On the upstream side, a signal generated at a first frequency by an interactive cable modem. This signal is then sent to a transmitter applique, which converts the signal to a second frequency. The signal is then transmitted through a wireless segment at this second frequency to a receiver applique. The receiver applique converts the transmitted signal into a third frequency. In some cases, the third frequency is the same as the third frequency. Eventually, the upstream signal is sent to the headend controller. Throughout the entire upstream transmission process, the same signal is maintained; only its frequency is changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for targeting specific audiences for coupon distribution. In one embodiment, users of an entertainment network are monitored to determine specific preferences. Alternatively, the users may be surveyed to determine preferences. A preference profile is determined based on the preferences. Coupons are distributed only to the users that fit a coupon distributor's chosen preference profile. The coupons may be delivered in a variety of ways. For example, coupons may be downloaded to a user's system automatically or on demand. Alternatively, coupons may be mailed to the user automatically or on demand. The coupons may then be redeemed by the user. Coupons are provided and monitored such that each coupon may be redeemed a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A wireless remote data sensor is disclosed for use in the cable television industry. It senses the status of equipment in the field, such as battery backup power equipment, amplifiers, pilot and signal level monitors, and voltage level for powering active equipment, and transmits the status information using a low data rate cellular data service known as Cellemetry. It also allows the cable system operator to switch each power supply to a backup power source and back remotely for conditioning and battery capacity measurement. Cellemetry uses the forward and reverse control channels of the AMPS cellular network to communicate 32 bit data packets.

Abstract: A system featuring an interface unit connected to a programmable unit is described. The interface unit is capable of containing a time-sensitive key. The programmable unit is allowed to receive digital content from the interface unit upon establishing that the time-sensitive key is also contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an entertainment and passenger service system for use in aircrafts and other passenger vehicles. Video monitors are provided at the passenger seats which are connected to entertainment sources located at an head end location via a direct, individual, point to point signal over a star network. A electronic switching unit is provided to connect the entertainment sources to the video monitors. A communications control unit provides communication connections between the passenger seat and the entertainment sources.

Abstract: A method of isolating an appliance coupled to receive radio frequency (RF) broadcast signals from an electrical hazard includes the step of coupling a first and second conductor for providing the RF broadcast signals to an isolation device. The isolation device is coupled to the appliance so that the first and second conductors are electrically isolated from at least one of the chassis and the ground of the appliance. An apparatus for isolating appliances such as community antenna television (CATV) devices coupled to receive RF broadcast signals from an electrical hazard includes an isolation device, such as an isolation transformer. The isolation device is coupled to two conductors provided for receiving the RF broadcast signals. The isolation device is also coupled to the appliance. The isolation device electrically isolates each of the two conductors from at least one of the ground and the chassis of the appliance. The methods and apparatus are particularly applicable for isolating CATV devices (e.g.

Abstract: A monolithically integratable display apparatus for receiving a picture signal having frames of video information and horizontal and vertical synchronizing components includes a matrix of display cells arranged in an array of M rows by N columns. Display cells in the matrix are individually addressable by row and column signals so as to receive the video information in the picture signal in response thereto. A first shift circuit coupled to the matrix provides the row signals in response to a first clocking signal and a data signal. A second shift circuit coupled to the matrix provides the column signals in response to a second clocking signal. A first clock circuit, such as a phase locked loop, receives the horizontal synchronizing component of the picture signal and produces the second clocking signal in response thereto. A synchronizing detector circuit receives the vertical synchronizing component of the picture signal and produces the data signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A periodic multi-bit digital signal is synthesized having a frequency that is specified by the frequency of a periodic reference signal that is asynchronous with respect to a sampling clock of the periodic digital signal. In a digital video system, for example, a digital color subcarrier is synthesized and synchronized to a reference frequency of a crystal oscillator that is asynchronous with respect to a digital system clock for the digital video system. The periodic digital signal is generated by an adjustable digital oscillator clocked by the sampling clock. The frequency or phase of the periodic digital signal is compared to the frequency or phase of the periodic reference signal to produce an adjustment value for adjusting the periodic digital signal to synchronize the periodic digital signal with the periodic reference signal. The digital oscillator, for example, generates the periodic digital signal at the sampling rate by periodically incrementing an accumulator with the adjustment value.

Abstract: MPEG compression for video/audio data is completed in real- or better than real-time by using computer processors in thousands of television receiver set-top boxes interconnected to a cable television network. The set-top boxes form a massively parallel, distributed computer network. MPEG compression for video/audio services is completed by partitioning the processing of video/audio frames into subtasks, and distributing these subtasks to set-top boxes that are not being used for subscriber services. After MPEG processing, the compressed video/audio frames are collected from the set-top boxes and are reconstructed into a compressed video/audio stream in the proper temporal order. If desired, the original video data can be JPEG-encoded prior to distribution to the individual set-top boxes, and then JPEG-decoded at the boxes. So doing reduces bandwidth constraints on the distribution network.

Abstract: An expanded television program delivery system is described which allows viewers to select television and audio program choices from a series of menus. The primary components of the system include an operations center, a digital cable headend, and at least one set top terminal having a remote control. The system allows for a great number of television signals to be transmitted by using digital compression techniques. A combined signal is transmitted over satellite to a cable headend, which may modify the combined signal for changes or additions in programming or menu content. The combined or modified signal is subsequently distributed to individual set top terminals in the cable network. Menus are partially stored in a set top terminal in each subscriber's home and may be reprogrammed by signals sent from the operations center or headend. Numerous types of menus may be used, incorporating information included within the video/data signal received by the set top terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the interactivity of a consumer electronic product in the home. The invented apparatus includes an electronic product typically located in a user's home, e.g. a television (TV), equipped with an input/output (I/O) port that permits an external device to be operatively connected thereto for interacting with the TV, wherein the external device receives and optionally transmits user information over an existing paging network. The external device may itself be a pager, or it may be any device capable of receiving useful user information from a remote source and formatting it for porting to a memory buffer within the home electronic product via the I/O port. In response to receipt of such information and an appropriate command, the electronic product such as a TV may display the information in a window created within the TV screen or may overlay the information in such manner that it is visible to the TV viewer without interrupting regular broadcast or cable TV reception.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting unauthorized utilization of a cable television decoder. The decoder is utilized to receive cable television signals. The decoder is one of a plurality of receivers of different types. A local oscillator frequency being utilized by the decoder to receive the channel is determined. A type is then determined for the decoder utilizing the determined local oscillator frequency. The channel being received is also determined utilizing the determined local oscillator frequency. In response to the determination of type of decoder and channel being received, a determination is made whether receipt of the channel is authorized for this decoder.

Abstract: A burst gate pulse generator circuit generates a burst gate pulse signal representative of a time period during which a burst signal is present within a composite video signal without requiring external components. Each period of the composite video signal includes a horizontal synchronization signal pulse, a burst signal and a video information signal. A pair of integrated capacitors are discharged during the horizontal synchronization pulse. The capacitors are charged at different rates by two current sources after the horizontal synchronization pulse. A first amount of charge across a first capacitor rises above a predetermined threshold level in a first time period. The burst gate pulse signal is activated when the first amount of charge rises above the predetermined threshold level. This occurs before the burst signal is present within the composite video signal. A second amount of charge across a second capacitor rises above the predetermined threshold level in a second time period.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a video object used in generating a plurality of frames of a video sequence over a limited bandwidth channel to reduce latency associated therewith includes separating the video object into a plurality of segments each having a size based in part on the limited bandwidth of the channel, identifying and transmitting at least one of the segments necessary for generation of an initial frame of the video sequence, and generating and displaying one or more of the initial frames based on the segment. The system and method may also intentionally reduce resolution of one or more segments to meet timing requirements association with generation and display of the at least one frame of a video sequence. In this situation, a residual representation of the segment is transmitted when bandwidth is available to improve resolution and quality of the originally transmitted segment and object resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A filter performs a reduction of pulsed noise in video images in accordance with fuzzy logic. An interface circuit of the filter receives consecutive digital signals in time corresponding to the video images and generates an image window having a digital signal to be processed at the center. The filter also has a comparator block, a plurality of digital subtractors, and a memory circuit connected in cascade to the comparator block. The filter also has a filtering circuit that organizes values of digital signals of the video image, and an arithmetic block that performs a switch between the digital signal to be processed and the output of the filtering circuit on the basis of the values taken by the parameter.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system has a program provider which distributes video content programs to multiple subscribers over a distribution network. Each subscriber has a user interface unit which receives the digital video program and converts it for display on a television, monitor, or other display unit. The user interface unit has a processor and memory. An electronic programming guide (EPG) resides in the memory and is executable on the processor to organize programming information that is descriptive of the programs supplied over the interactive entertainment system. The EPG supports a user interface (UI) which visually correlates programs titles to scheduled viewing times. A hyperlink browser also resides in memory and is executable on the processor. One or more hyperlinks, which reference target resources containing interactive content related to the video programs, are integrated as part of the EPG UI.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for requesting, receiving, processing, and providing information from a single source to a television viewer. An information provider is accessed via a communications link and specific data, which is separate and distinct from video signals received by the television receiver, is downloaded to the television receiver. The data provided by the information provider is database information with minimal formatting and does not contain any graphical overhead. Requests for information from the information provider may be on demand or at a predetermined time. The information provided may be filtered by the information provider and/or television receiver based on selected program categories and/or a user provided profile.

Abstract: A communication circuit comprises sources of program material, carrier frequency signal sources and first modulators for modulating the carrier frequency signal sources with the program material sources. Each of the first modulators has a first input terminal, a second input terminal and a first output terminal. Terminal apparatus for demodulating program material-modulated carrier frequency signals include automatic gain control (AGC) circuits having AGC bandwidths. One of the program material sources is coupled to the first input terminal of a respective first modulator through a second modulator having a third input terminal, a fourth input terminal and a second output terminal. A source of signals having a frequency in the AGC bandwidth is coupled to the third input terminal. The source of program material is coupled to the fourth input terminal. The second output terminal to the first input terminal.

Abstract: A video telecommunication server for use in providing a fast scan of a video telecommunication comprises a bitstream store for receiving and storing a coded input video telecommunication digital bitstream. The server further comprises a video decoder for decoding the received digital video bitstream and, in one embodiment, a representation of every nth frame of said decoded digital video signal is stored in a frame store depending on a desired speed-up rate, where n is greater than one. A video encoder reencodes the stored video telecommunication predictively such that every nth frame is predicted based on the preceding frame. A fast scan digital video bitstream is generated for output by the video encoder that represents the fast scan video telecommunication, either in a fast forward or fast reverse direction. A receiver for receiving a control input may receive data representing the direction of fast scan and the speed-up rate.