Abstract: A structure and method are described that make it possible to store both open-format data and closed-format data on a single storage medium, such as a DVD disc, by organizing the data in an open file data system and a specialized closed file data system. The closed file data system may be encapsulated in the open file data system The storage medium is segmented into open file data spaces, containing data recorded using the open-format techniques, and closed file data spaces, containing data recorded using closed-format techniques, or using a specialized technique. The open-format data can be accessed using both open-format and close-format hardware, whereas the closed-format data can only be accessed using specialized hardware.

Abstract: To enable the source of an unauthorized copy of an information-bearing medium, such as a video DVD, to be traced, a compressed digital signal stream to be stored on the medium is altered to include “running marks,” that comprise pixel blocks changing in position frame by frame and encoded with information designating where and when the copy was made. The medium under test is played back synchronously with a reference medium containing the locations of the running marks together with original video. The source of copying message is advantageously encrypted and scrambled to avoid detection or alteration by a copyist. The message preferably is spread, for example into a spread spectrum carrier, to enhance discrimination among a large number of sources and enable demodulation in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and processing transactions for such purposes as creating billing record and detecting possible fraudulent activities. The system and method relates to processing transactions associated with viewing movies, e.g. a video content distributed digitally on a digital video disc (DVD) in an scrambled format, where the video content is only viewable in conjunction with the use of a specially designed and enabled player. This method of distributing and billing movie content provides an alternative to current methods such as viewing via video tapes, open format DVDs, pay-per-view, or cable service. The system and method permits a user to establish, via a single authorization, multiple access to a service during a period of time, where each event of access is not individually billed. The system and method does not create a billable charge for a user authorization if the user does not actually access the service.

Abstract: Graphics in the same compressed digital format as that of a target video image are combined, on the fly, by an application. Combination is performed by frame modification or overlay techniques. In the preferred embodiment, the compressed video image format conforms to an MPEG-2 compression standard. A base image is produced by an I-frame, and MPEG-2 graphics elements formed either by modifying the I-frame or overlaying the I-frame with one or more P-frames.

Abstract: A colorgraphics recorder has a cathode ray tube with three parallel strips of light emitting phosphor, each emitting in one of the primary colors, with the light emitted from the phosphors focused on a film frame held in a film carrier. Each of the parallel strips of phosphor on the CRT can have a number of individually illumable pixels, forming a column of pixels. The light from each pixel at the same row level in each of the three strips of phosphor may be focused onto the same spot on the film frame so that all three of the primary colors are exposed at the same time at each pixel in the column of pixels exposed on the film frame. The film frame may then be indexed over one pixel width and the process repeated to expose another column of pixels in each of the three primary colors. Continued repetition of the process across the entire width of the film frame completes the exposure of the frame.

Abstract: A photoplotter wherein a relative movement is produced between a photosensitive media and a radiant energy pattern generated on the media. The relative movement is in accordance with a desired exposure trace on the media. A difference between actual and desired relative movement is detected and the radiant energy pattern is varied to compensate for that difference. In a preferred embodiment, the radiant energy pattern is established by a pattern generator which displays an alterable pattern object on its face the position of the pattern object on the face being variable to compensate for the difference between actual and desired relative movement. The pattern object may be generated as a linear trace on a cathode ray tube (CRT) with the number of linear traces generated per unit of time being dependent on the relative movement velocity. The pattern images on the media resulting from the linear CRT traces or pattern objects overlap to provide a continuous exposure pattern along the desired exposure trace.

Abstract: Digital instrumentation for waveform measurement including method and apparatus for providing irregularly spaced sampling times to prevent misleading visual patterns of coordinate points due to the presence of signal frequencies above the Nyquist frequency. The method and apparatus includes means for plotting coordinate points having abscissa positions corrected according to actual irregular sampling times, method and apparatus whereby irregularities are repeated for each signal sweep, and method and apparatus utilizing a bit reversal system to achieve the irregularly spaced sampling times.