Abstract: Edge detection methods and apparatus which utilize the dc dct differential data included in encoded images, e.g., an MPEG-2 encoded video stream, are described. Use of the dc dct differential data allows efficient methods for detecting the presence of edges within encoded images. The edge detection methods and apparatus of the present invention can be used where differential coding of the DC DCT coefficients is employed. Accordingly, the edge detection methods of the present invention are applicable to MPEG-2 encoded images as well as other differentially encoded images.

Abstract: A method and system for effectively and efficiently constructing a development environment for graphical user interfaces for an electronic consumer product. The basic aim of the invention tool is to automatically generate an interface in the authoring environment for customer specific target control components. This is done so by automatically creating a host platform control component (in the format of an OCX) from an existing target platform control component (in the format of a C header file). After running the invention once for every control component, a designer can then write on the host, for instance Visual Basic application code that performs calls to properties and methods of these generated control components.

Abstract: A method and system for effectively and efficiently constructing a development environment for graphical user interfaces for an electronic consumer product. The basic aim of the invention tool is to automatically generate an interface in the authoring environment for customer specific target control components. This is done so by automatically creating a host platform control component (in the format of an OCX) from an existing target platform control component (in the format of a C header file). After running the invention once for every control component, a designer can then write on the host, for instance Visual Basic application code that performs calls to properties and methods of these generated control components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for executing electronic transactions with teens, especially where such transactions are limited only to those vendors that have been approved by the teen's parents. In one embodiment, a virtual automatic teller machine (VATM) is provided in which funds are transferred from an existing account, such as a saving account, checking account, or credit card account, to an Internet passport account. The VATM account mimics a bank account, i.e. it gives the user the appearance of an ATM machine. Functionally, the VATM allows the user to transfer funds from an existing account into the Internet passport account. The VATM does this by emulating an ATM machine as it appears to the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. The ACH system is a separate network from the Internet.

Abstract: An implementation efficient video decoder suitable for use as a picture in picture decoder is described. In one embodiment, the video decoder receives primary and secondary bitstreams with the secondary bitstream including the video data intended to be displayed as inset pictures. The decoder uses many of the same circuit components on a time shared basis to decode both the main and inset pictures reducing the amount of circuitry required to implement the decoder. In one embodiment a preparser discards the majority of DCT coefficients in the secondary bitstream and the remaining data is variable length decoded and then variable length encoded using a non-MPEG compliant coding scheme prior to storing the inset picture data in a coded data buffer. Re-encoding of the selected inset picture data in this manner greatly reduces data storage requirements and simplifies the circuitry required to subsequently decode the inset picture data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extracting intra-coded video frames from a video data stream including inter-coded video frames and intra-coded video frames to produce reduced resolution intra-coded video frames suitable for recording in trick play tape segments of a tape for later play back and display during video tape recorder trick play operation. A plurality of methods and apparatus for buffering and selecting received intra-coded video frames for recording in trick play tape segments to support a plurality of trick play modes of operation are disclosed. In addition, a plurality of different data reduction methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating reduced resolution intra-coded frames from the received full resolution intra-coded video frames.

Abstract: An expansion joint and seal for an expansion joint for use in structures where the joint has an intersection uses a seal with a solid thick keel extending along a lower edge of a central portion in an area of the intersection. The keel commences in a transition area between a conventional seal and the intersection. The seal increases in depth as the intersection is approached until it reaches a maximum depth at a mid point of the intersection. The keel minimizes distortion from racking during expansion or contraction of the joint. The seal is shaped to enable debris to be easily removed.

Abstract: An implementation efficient video decoder suitable for use as a picture in picture decoder is described. In one embodiment, the video decoder receives primary and secondary bitstreams with the secondary bitstream including the video data intended to be displayed as inset pictures. The decoder uses many of the same circuit components on a time shared basis to decode both the main and inset pictures reducing the amount of circuitry required to implement the decoder. In one embodiment a preparser discards the majority of DCT coefficients in the secondary bitstream and the remaining data is variable length decoded and then variable length encoded using a non-MPEG compliant coding scheme prior to storing the inset picture data in a coded data buffer. Re-encoding of the selected inset picture data in this manner greatly reduces data storage requirements and simplifies the circuitry required to subsequently decode the inset picture data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting digital signals having a variable data rate to fixed data rate signals suitable for recording on a tape by a digital video tape recorder are disclosed. The methods include buffering of the received variable rate data, measuring the data rate of the received data for a fixed period of time and processing the buffered data to converted it into a fixed rate data stream. This processes is repeated for each of the fixed periods of time. Methods for increasing the recording time of a digital video tape recorder ("VTR") and for supporting multiple normal play modes of digital VTR operation, e.g., recording modes for recording SDTV and HDTV are also disclosed. To generate fixed data rate signals from variable data rate signals one or more of data padding and/or data reduction techniques are used.

Abstract: An implementation efficient video decoder suitable for use as a picture in picture decoder is described. In one embodiment, the video decoder receives primary and secondary bitstreams with the secondary bitstream including the video data intended to be displayed as inset pictures. The decoder uses many of the same circuit components on a time shared basis to decode both the main and inset pictures reducing the amount of circuitry required to implement the decoder. In one embodiment a preparser discards the majority of DCT coefficients in the secondary bitstream and the remaining data is variable length decoded and then variable length encoded using a non-MPEG compliant coding scheme prior to storing the inset picture data in a coded data buffer. Re-encoding of the selected inset picture data in this manner greatly reduces data storage requirements and simplifies the circuitry required to subsequently decode the inset picture data.

Abstract: A device for transmitting digital packetized video and audio data is disclosed. The transmitter includes a video encoder, a prioritizer, and a packetizer. The video encoder receives video signals and encodes the video signals into a digital video data stream including codewords. The video encoder also generates motion vectors and fully intra-coded video frames for use by a video tape recorder during trick play operation. The prioritizer is coupled to the video encoder. The prioritizer receives the digital video data stream and prioritizes the video data according to a preselected prioritization scheme optimized for identifying data useful to video tape recorder trick play operation. The preselected prioritization scheme assigns the video codewords in the video data stream to a priority level according to the utility of each video codeword for video tape recorder recording and playback operation and outputs both the video codewords and a priority level signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for insuring that a trick play data stream, e.g., a stream of data used for fast forward or reverse playback operation, complies with preselected data standards and in particular the MPEG-2 standard are disclosed. Various methods are described for generating PCR, PTS and DTS values for a trick play data stream, which is generated from a normal play data steam, and is intended for recording in trick play segments of a tape. The described methods include generating new PCR, PTS and DTS values as a function of the trick play speed at which the data is intended to be read back. Methods and apparatus for correcting PCR, PTS and DTS values read from a tape during trick playback operation are also disclosed. The disclosed methods are directed to generating new PCRs, PTSs and DTSs to provide am MPEG-2 compliant bitstream. The described methods and apparatus are applicable to a plurality of storage and playback devices capable of implementing trick play including compact disks.

Abstract: A digital video tape recorder ("VTR") that selects data useful for generating images during trick playback operation and records the data in trick play tape segments arranged on a tape to form fast scan tracks and multi-speed playback tracks. Each fast scan track comprises trick play tape segments located on a diagonal, relative to the length of the tape, of the same angle as the angle at which the heads of a VTR are expected to pass over the tape during trick play operation at a specific speed and direction of operation. Each multi-speed playback track comprises a plurality of trick play tape segments arranged parallel to the length of the tape. Data which is used for at least one mode of trick play operation is recorded in each trick play tape segment. Each fast scan track and multi-speed track crosses multiple normal play tracks.

Abstract: Method of operating a digital video tape recorder apparatus that receives encoded and packetized digital video data, depacketizes the received data and decodes the data to the extent necessary to select a subset of the data for use during trick play operation. In one embodiment, the digital video tape recorder includes a data prioritizer for prioritizing the video data according to a preselected prioritization scheme. The apparatus also includes an encoder and re-packetizer for forming the selected subset of received data into transport data packets. The received digital video data is recorded on a tape in tape locations from which data can be read during normal video tape recorder playback operation while the selected subset of the received data is recorded in tape locations from which data can be read during video tape recorder trick playback operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extracting intra-coded video frames from a video data stream including inter-coded video frames and intra-coded video frames to produce reduced resolution intra-coded video frames suitable for recording in trick play tape segments of a tape for later play back and display during video tape recorder trick play operation. A plurality of methods and apparatus for buffering and selecting received intra-coded video frames for recording in trick play tape segments to support a plurality of trick play modes of operation are disclosed. In addition, a plurality of different data reduction methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating reduced resolution intra-coded frames from the received full resolution intra-coded video frames.

Abstract: A common transceiver circuit for use as either a modulator or demodulator and that is implemented through a shared resource approach. This approach is particularly, though not exclusively, suited for vestigial sideband (VSB) signals. Specifically, a VSB transceiver circuit (700), through strategically located multiplexing stages, physically re-uses a complex vestigial Nyquist filter (610), a complex mixer (620) and an equalizer (785) during demodulation and modulation. The VSB transceiver also selects a particular configuration of a common complex Hilbert transform circuit (720) for use during either demodulation or modulation. In addition, the same equalizer selectively provides both channel equalization, during de-modulation, and (sin x)/x compensation, during modulation, through use of differing corresponding sets of tap coefficients.

Abstract: A common transceiver circuit for use as either a modulator or demodulator and that is implemented through a shared resource approach. This approach is particularly, though not exclusively, suited for with quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) or vestigial sideband (VSB) signals. Specifically, a QAM transceiver circuit (400), through strategically located multiplexing stages, physically re-uses both a complex Nyquist filter (310, 320) and an equalizer (140) for demodulation and modulation. Additionally, tap coefficients of the complex Nyquist filter are set such that a center frequency of an otherwise baseband Nyquist filter is translated upward to a symbol rate in order to eliminate a separate complex mixer (250, 260). Similarly, a VSB transceiver circuit (700), also through strategically located multiplexing stages, physically re-uses a complex vestigial Nyquist filter (610), a complex mixer (620) and an equalizer (785) during demodulation and modulation.

Abstract: Methods of operating a digital video recording and playback device to identify trick play data, e.g., data that is intended for use during trick play modes of video playback device operation such as fast forward and reverse, by recording headers containing specific trick play information along with the trick play data are described. In one embodiment, the recording of headers which identify data as data intended for use during trick play as opposed to normal play operation is described. In addition to identifying data recorded data as normal play or trick play data headers associated with recorded data may identify the speed and direction of video tape recorder operation during which the specific data associated with the header is intended to be displayed at. When a data block includes data packets, a header may be used to identify various ones of the data packets as being for use during one mode of trick play operation, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing digital video data to reduce the amount of video data required to represent a video frame by representing a frame or pair of field pictures into a single field of a pair of field picture are described. To prevent the second field of the field picture from being displayed a DSM byte associated with the field picture is set so that only the field representing the video frame is displayed. A field, e.g., a transparent predictively coded field is used as the field picture which is not displayed. In this manner, very little data is required to represent the field picture that is not displayed. When the received frames are represented as pairs of field pictures a single field of the pair of field pictures is selected to represent the video frame with the other field picture being replaced with a field which requires very little data.

Abstract: Techniques in a QAM digital communication system for canceling one or more interference tones in an incoming signal to produce an output signal by generating an estimate of the interference tone during the current processing interval, subtracting the estimate to produce the output signal, and modifying, if necessary, adaptive circuitry for use during the next processing interval. Techniques which apply either at passband or at baseband, that is, before or after mixing the incoming signal with the recovered carrier, are disclosed. The adaptive circuitry includes a single weighting parameter or an adaptive filer. Passband techniques utilize rerotation of baseband signals to appropriately align the spectra of the processed signals.