Abstract: The present invention provides a video processor which has a simple circuit configuration and can scale up and down image resolution freely. A video signal processor includes a plurality of line memories, each storing one horizontal scanning line of video data series, a controller for controlling writing and reading operations of input video data series in the line memories for every horizontal scanning line, and an arithmetical unit for generating a new horizontal scanning line of video data series based on video data series from two line memories. The controller selects the vertical scaling power of the resolution, and generates a horizontal scanning synchronizing signal having a period depending on the selected scaling power. The arithmetical unit is triggered by the horizontal scanning synchronizing signal and generates a new video data series.

Abstract: A method of limiting the number of presentations or observations of information items, such as advertising images, that are repetitively distributed among a plurality of transmitted materials is presented. In accordance with the principles of the invention, information items are compared, using identifiable properties, to similarly identified information items that have been previously received and stored in a dynamically created and updated data base of information items. When a count of number of the occurrences of a selected information item with same, or substantially similar, identifiable properties achieves a selectively set threshold value, the selected information item is precluded from being presented or observed in subsequent transmissions or broadcasts.

Abstract: A method of predicting subjective quality ratings of processed video from corresponding human vision model perceptual difference scores obtains perceptual difference scores for a “Worst” quality video training sequence and for a “Best” quality video training sequence. Corresponding subjective quality rating values are assigned to the perceptual difference scores as modified by any single-ended measures of impairments that may exist in the reference video training sequences from which the “Worst” and “Best” quality video training sequences are derived.

Abstract: A frequency range bounder for limiting the frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator uses a multiplexer that responds to comparator inputs indicating whether an input control signal will allow the oscillator frequency to go beyond a predetermined range. If the control signal keeps the frequency within the range, the control signal is sent directly to an oscillator driver. If the control signal is above or below the range, the multiplexer outputs an alternative value as the control signal. As a result, the oscillator frequency is prevented from extending beyond an allowable tolerance range.

Abstract: An interface circuit 13 is provided for a display apparatus 3 such as a television. The display apparatus 3 comprises a video signal processing circuit 8 for processing a composite video signal to derive color component signals having variable black and white levels; a linear amplifier 10 for amplifying the color component signals; and a display device 4 such as a CRT driven by the output of the linear amplifier 10. The interface circuit 13 is provided to interface the color component signals with a digital signal processor 14. The interface circuit 13 includes a modification circuit 22 arranged to perform a modification of voltage levels of the color component signals and to output the modified color component signals to the digital signal processor 14 via an A/D convertor 18.

Abstract: A system enables the user to monitor a number of channels to determine the degree of action occurring on each of those channels which are not currently tuned for reception. The system may develop a count of the number of packets received over a given period of time for a plurality of channels selected by the user and may advise the user when those channels exceed a preset level. Thus, the user may be advised when the action level on another channel exceeds a desired level allowing the user to tune to that channel if desired.

Abstract: A projection television set having a screen and three projection units each capable of projecting a monochromatic image onto the screen. The projection units each having a cathode ray tube (CRT) optically coupled to a projection lens, which includes both a C-lens and a compound lens. A spacer preferably having three optical passageways is coupled to and between the CRTs and projection lenses such that three coolant chambers are formed. Preferably, the spacer includes fluid passageways that interconnect the coolant chambers. The spacer also includes coolant fill ports and reservoirs, zero pressure gum tanks seated in the reservoirs, and a plurality of heat exchanging ribs. Additionally, a fill port closure member preferably includes a push plug and packing sleeve. The plug and sleeve preferably include position retaining components and sealing components.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be controlled by a remote control unit. An image of the remote control unit may be displayed on a display associated with the processor-based system. When a particular button on the remote control unit is depressed, a corresponding indication may be provided on the image of the remote control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring video quality. Said method comprises a step of determining (21) at least one reference level (JND) above which visual artifacts become noticeable to a group of subjects, with a corresponding predetermined artifact metric (M), from a set of reference sequences (RS) of digital pictures only comprising a corresponding artifact. The method of measuring video quality also comprises a step of measuring (22) at least one artifact level (L) of the input sequence (IS) with the corresponding predetermined artifact metric (M). It further comprises a step of computing (23) a video quality metric (OQM) of the input sequence from at least one ratio of the artifact level (L) to the reference level (JND) corresponding to a same predetermined artifact metric. Such a method of measuring video quality provides an objective quality metric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to receivers such as multi-carrier receivers. An orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) receiver in a terrestrial digital video broadcast (DVB-T) network is required to operate in a complex channel environment, wherein high power analogue television signals may co-exist. The mix of high power analogue television signals and lower power digital signals results primarily from the concurrent existence of both analogue and digital television services. The present invention provides a receiver having improved power efficiency.

Abstract: A surrounding light judging method and a video compensation control apparatus which are capable of securing an optimum quality of picture by detecting a color signal near a video displaying instrument, judging a lighting environment from the detected color signal, and automatically correcting a video data in accordance with the judged lighting environment and a variation in the lighting environment.

Abstract: Digital filter for filtering a digital input signal with a variable filter length (l), it being possible to switch over the filter length (l) of the digital filter (8) as a function of a variable input clock frequency (fin) of the digital input signal without the ratio between the input clock frequency (fin) and an output clock frequency (fout) of the filtered digital output signal which is output by the digital filter (8) changing.

Abstract: For horizontal sync information HD suitable for use in image processing module, e.g., module for TBC features, image compression recording/playback features, and LCD displaying features, it would be desirable that the time base fluctuations of the video input signal is faithfully reflected and that an interpolated HD generating feature is provided. A module for generating pulses generates the trailing edges of Csync as the trailing edge HD, and switches to an interpolated HD when a dropped pulse is detected after a few microseconds delay in the leading edge relative to the standard pulse. Thus, the trailing edge HD is selected within a time base fluctuation on the order of a few microseconds and the time base fluctuation is faithfully reflected and interpolation features can also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for isolating a noise intolerant device (110) from a source of noise includes a digital bus (104/105). A processor (101) outputs clock signals and first data signals and receives second data signals over the digital bus (104/105). A bi-directional buffer (109) is coupled between the digital bus (104/105) and the noise intolerant device (110) disposed in a tuner module. The apparatus (100) operates such that, in dependence upon a control signal, the bi-directional buffer (109) selectively passes the clock signals and the first data signals from the digital bus (104/105) to the noise intolerant device (110), and the second data signals from the noise intolerant device (110) to the digital bus (104/105).

Abstract: Broadcast DTV signals are improved by including in each of their successive data fields a training signal for the adaptive channel-equalization and echo-cancellation filtering in receivers. The training signal in each data field includes a prescribed number of cycles of a particular pseudo-random noise sequence extending over a plurality of data segments to provide a training signal for the adaptive filtering that is of longer duration than one of said data segments. Each data segment in each data field begins with a data segment synchronizing sequence, and the training signals incorporate some of these data segment synchronizing sequences within themselves. Receivers are described that initialize the parameters of the adaptive filtering using discrete Fourier transform calculations on the training signal, and receivers are described that initialize the parameters of the adaptive filtering using the results of match filtering for the particular pseudo-random noise sequence.

Abstract: A television system and method for facilitating use of closed caption text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. The system includes a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal, and a television display for displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal. A data slicer coupled to the tuner extracts the XDS signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.

Abstract: A picture frame generating circuit has: a coordinate value calculation processor that calculates frame start position (X, Y), picture end position (X, Y), frame end position (X, Y) using calculation start signal as activation signal, based on picture position (X, Y) registers, picture size (X, Y) registers and frame size register which are written through a data bus, the processor allowing frame color data to be written into frame color register to designate the color of frame through the data bus: and a selection circuit of frame and picture to which the frame start position (X, Y), picture end position (X, Y), frame end position (X, Y), picture position (X, Y) registers, frame color data, picture data, horizontal display position and vertical display position are input, the circuit selecting the picture data or frame color data and outputs the selected one as display data.

Abstract: A pixel calculating device for performing vertical filtering that includes 16 pixel processing units 1 to 16 and an input buffer group 22 storing 16 pieces of pixel data and filter coefficients. Each of the pixel processing units performs operations using the pixel data and a filter coefficient supplied from input buffer group 22, and then acquires pixel data from an adjacent pixel processing unit. Further operations are performed by each of the pixel processing units using the acquired pixel data and operation results are accumulated. Filtering is carried out through a repetition of this acquiring and accumulation process, the number of taps being determined by the number of repetitions.

Abstract: A novel echo cancellation reference (“ECR”) training signal is inserted into the current ATSC 8 VSB data stream to achieve improved echo rejection while maintaining compatibility with the ATSC 8 VSB digital ATV standard. The novel ECR training signal is also suitable for other multipath or dispersive digital communication channels. A pre-equalization subsystem is included in the digital ATV system as a front end to the VSB receiver, and is trained with preferably the novel ECR training signal. One type of pre-equalization subsystem provides a fully ATSC compliant signal at its output, and therefore is particularly useful with standard VSB receivers. Another type of pre-equalization system provides a signal at its output which is ATSC compliant in some respects but which retains the ECR signal, and therefore is particularly useful for signal relays, analysis purposes, and other applications in which the residual channel information is important.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for processing a data broadcast signal, additional information contained in a TV broadcast signal can be easily selected and acquired without a time limit by using a still picture. Additional information corresponding to the still picture from additional information transmitted in real time with a moving picture broadcast program is processed, and the additional information is stored, together with still picture information matched with the additional information, so that an object of the additional information included in the moving picture or a picture swiftly changing can be accurately selected from the still picture without a time limit. As a result, additional information corresponding to the selected object is easily acquired. In addition, additional information can be easily searched using still pictures corresponding to additional information stored in a memory.