Abstract: A video processing system that automatically adjusts video processor parameters depending upon the format of a received video signal in, e.g., a television receiver capable of receiving a multiplicity of video formats.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining an auxiliary image and a main image includes a source of a main image signal and a source of samples representing an auxiliary image signal. A subsampler selectively subsamples the auxiliary image samples in either a quincunx subsampling pattern or a rectangular subsampling pattern. A signal combiner combines the main image signal and a signal representing the subsampled auxiliary image samples to generate a combined image signal. A control circuit generates a freeze control signal for the subsampler which conditions it to take samples in the rectangular subsampling pattern during a freeze frame operation, and in the quincunx sampling pattern otherwise.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for collecting response data. A response unit is provided having a dial, keypad, and a biconditional response mechanism. The response unit operates in two modes, a dial mode and a keypad mode. Mode is determined by the power supplied to the response unit. If the power supply supplies a first voltage, the response unit will be in one mode, and if the power supply supplies a second voltage, the response unit will be in a second mode. In dial mode, the keypad is inactive. The response unit sources a voltage along a continuum based on the positioning of the dial. The biconditional response mechanism may also be active and when activated, causes the response unit to source an analog voltage outside the dial's continuum. In keypad mode, the dial is inactive, and each key of the keypad is associated with a unique voltage within a voltage range such that pressing a key causes the associated voltage to be sourced by the response unit.

Abstract: A return amplifier for two-way coaxial cable systems, of the type having a distribution centre distributing first feed signals, and a separate second signal delivery system having facilities for distributing second feed signals onto said cable system and reception facilities for receiving return signals from said cable system, the system having feeder amplifiers for receiving first and second feed signals, and having return amplifiers having a standard amplifier assembly having a plurality of electronic circuits, and in which first and second said electronic circuits are settable to provide varying return amplifier specifications, and each of said first and second circuits having receptacles for receiving plug in attenuator components for varying the specifications of the return amplifier, the plurality of plug in attenuator components each being of identical design and being adapted to interfit with either the first or second electronic circuit, and the attenuator components having a range of varying perform

Abstract: A system and method for detecting unauthorized access to a CATV system at a site, including inserting a cable fraud detection unit into the site drop, periodically obtaining a first sample of a content signal from the site with the detection unit so as to determine if the site is accessing the content signal, storing the first sample in the detection unit, periodically obtaining a second sample of the content signal from the CATV system with the detection unit to serve as a reference for the first sample, and storing the second sample in the detection unit. The stored samples may be transmitted to the CATV system in response to a control signal or may be transmitted to a portable unit.

Abstract: In a display device equipped with a picture-in-picture function, during controlling of the picture parameters of the main picture, one or several auxiliary pictures are presented on the screen, each having a certain combination of parameter settings. These may be preprogrammed, defined by a user, or automatically determined. The display device is provided with circuitry for transferring the parameter settings of one of the auxiliary pictures to the main picture. In a special embodiment, an auxiliary picture represents the parameter settings at the start of the picture parameter adjustment process. As a result, the old parameter settings may be compared with the new ones and, if so desired, may be reinstated in a simple manner.

Abstract: Image display apparatus (2) comprising at least one display projector for displaying an image, signal generator means for generating a control signal for controlling the intensity of the image, modulator means (4, 6) for generating a modulation waveform for modulating the intensity of the image, and adjustor means (8, 10) for adjusting the modulation waveform to improve the performance of the modulation waveform at various image intensities, the image display apparatus being such that it uses different modulation waveforms for various image intensities, it uses a proportion of at least one modulation waveform in dependence upon the control signal, and it uses the resultant modulation waveform to modulate the control signal.

Abstract: Vertical/horizontal interpolation device and method in a convergence system is provided that includes a horizontal high order interpolating part for conducting horizontal high order interpolations for convergence adjustment data of preset positions using received horizontal/vertical convergence adjustment data regardless of the modes. The modes can include, for example, overscan, underscan and 4:3 modes. An adjustment point processing part processes adjustment point data for convergence adjustment data of the preset positions of the received horizontal/vertical convergence adjustment data.

Abstract: A video distribution system with an optical-to-radio frequency conversion device that can be configured to reduce the amount of insertion loss introduced into the system and the number of hardware connections needed for the system's operation. A jumper module replaces protection fuses within the conversion device and isolates two of the device's output signal ports from the internal low frequency supply used to operated the device. The isolation permits the use of a single power inserter apparatus that provides the electrical power to downstream signal driving devices receiving the converted signal from the device.

Abstract: Interface modules are disclosed that can couple combined signals in communication signal bands (e.g., cable television and upper and lower direct broadcast satellite signal bands) to communication receivers (e.g., integrated receiver decoders). These modules facilitate the use of inexpensive single-cable distribution systems in multiuser facilities (e.g., apartment and office buildings).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing convergence calibration in a system that uses multiple beams to generate a video display on a screen. A photosensor is exposed to first and second distinct convergence test patterns which have illuminated areas that cover approximately first and second halves of the photosensor, respectively. For each beam, first and second output signals are generated by the photosensor when the first and second test patterns are generated, respectively, and alignment is determined on the basis of the output signals. The test patterns are selected in such a manner as to reduce the dynamic range requirement for the A/D converter(s) that digitize photosensor output signals. Optionally, measurement resolution is enhanced by varying test pattern density in accordance with the A/D converter input signal level so as to maintain a generally constant A/D converter input level.

Abstract: Emulating human faculties of sight, image, and hand control by a testing system to interact with a multimedia switching system. The testing system can control a multimedia video unit by the transmission of infrared command signals emulating a user actuating buttons on a hand-held infrared transmitter unit to verify that the system responds correctly to such actuations. Also, the testing system can analyze quality of images to be transmitted, transmit those images through the switching system via user multimedia video units, receive those signals at other user multimedia video units, and analyze the quality of the resulting video images. Further, the testing system can place varying levels of multimedia traffic through the multimedia switching system. Further, the testing system can test call control performed by the multimedia switching system by utilizing an infrared transmitter unit to place and receive calls.