Abstract: A system and method (40) of altering the audio portion of a live television broadcast signal substantially in real time. The system is used to enhance the effects of live video insertion systems. The broadcast signal is received and separated into a pattern recognition unit (72) in order to recognize predetermined events. The broadcast audio is then altered based on the occurrence of said events. Alterations (68, 70) include modifications to attributes such as volume, tone, pitch, synchronization, echo, reverberation, and frequency profile. Once altered, the audio is re-synchronized (80) with the video channel which has undergone its own modification.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for authorizing, controlling, and monitoring the insertion of advertising indicia and other video images into a broadcast video stream by an Electronic Billboard system operated at a location remote from a video program origination location. The disclosed control means will be implemented in the form of a user key which is presupplied to an operator of the remote Electronic Billboard system, a broadcast key supplied to that operator at or near the time of transmission of the broadcast video stream, and a verification means operated in conjunction with the remote Electronic Billboard system to verify that those keys correspond to a predetermined criteria. Upon such verification, the remote Electronic Billboard system is enabled to operate on the broadcast video stream. The control means may also be applied for maintaining the integrity of either or both the products being advertised and the event being broadcast.

Abstract: A photocell comprises a p-i-n amorphous silicon structure having a wide bandgap layer adjacent to either the p-type or n-type layer. This structure reduces the absorption of light entering the photocell and the back-diffusion of minority carriers.

Abstract: A photodetector having a light transmissive and electrical conducting spacer layer interposed between a semiconductor body having a semiconductor junction therein and a light reflective electrical contact to the body. The spacer layer may have a thickness of about one-half the wavelength of light passing through the body and impinging on the spacer layer or the thicknesses of the spacer layer and the active body may be so adjusted that the reflectivity of the photodetector at a particular wavelength is reduced.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical contact to a shallow junction silicon semiconductor device such as a solar cell comprises evaporating a sufficient amount of a metal which upon heating will form a silicide with the silicon to a predetermined depth and thereafter oxidizing the surface of the silicon so as to form a shallower junction in the unoxidized portions of said silicon. The portion of the silicon device which has formed the silicide does not oxidize and forms an electrical contact to the silicon. In addition, the metal silicide can have additional metal plated thereto to lower the sheet resistivity and resistance of the electrical contact.

Abstract: Playback apparatus, providing a playback beam of light, effects signal recovery, from an information record, with a high signal-to-noise ratio. An information record, suitable for use with such playback apparatus, comprises a flat major surface of a disc-shaped foundation coated with a layer of a thermally conductive material overlaid with a layer of a thermally insulating material. Information storage is effected in a layer of material (e.g., platinum-cobalt), highly absorptive for light of a frequency supplied by a recording laser, which layer overlies the insulating layer. By proper choice of thicknesses for the insulating and the conductive layers, absorptive layer sensitivity to the intensity of the playback beam of lights is effectively reduced to enable record playback at high playback beam intensity levels without damage thereto. Where the foundation is formed of a thermally conductive material, the layer of thermally conductive material may be dispensed with.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has a body which includes a thin film active region and a layer substantially transparent to solar radiation. The thickness of the transparent layer is such that a first antireflection condition is present for solar radiation at a wavelength which is relatively highly absorbed by the material of the active region. Furthermore, the combined thickness of the transparent layer and active region are such that a second antireflection condition is present for solar radiation at a wavelength which is poorly absorbed by the material of the active region. As a result of the prevailing antireflection conditions the solar radiation absorption efficiency of the photovoltaic device is increased.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed for scanning a three-dimensional object or a two-dimensional document located in a space which is open and exposed to ambient light. Light from a laser is directed through a beam splitter and a deflector to the object or document, from which it is reflected back through the deflector, and from the beam splitter through a narrow-band optical interference filter to a photodetector. The laser light is modulated at a carrier frequency rate, and the electrical signal from the photodetector is demodulated to produce a video signal free of disturbances due to ambient light.

Abstract: Single crystal electro-optic material useful for recording phase holograms comprises lithium niobate or lithium tantalate doped with iron and silicon.