Abstract: A method and system is provided for utilizing video content to obtain text keywords or phrases for providing content related links from network-based resources for information related to the video content topics in a video presentation includes: an extractor configured to extract video content, such as the beginning or end credits, from a video presentation, such as a television movie or program; a recognizer, configured to produce a textual representation of text in the video content; a parser, configured to parse the textual representation of the video content for topic language; and a search function using the topic language from the parser as a search criteria, wherein search function searches for WEB sites having information matching the topic language, returns URLs for Web sites found, and associates the URLs with the topic language, and an interface for providing the user the ability to view the information found for the topic language.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one device is disclosed. The method includes providing the device with at least one constraint for carrying out an operation. The device determines if the constraint can be met. If it is determined that the constraint can be met, the device determines on its own accord a manner to get into a state wherein the constraint will be met. The device then goes into the state in the determined manner. A device that is controlled by the method and a system including such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first manufacturing apparatus (510) for manufacturing a plurality of record carriers, such as DVDs, with a pre-recorded area storing the same content. A second manufacturing apparatus (520) stores an identifier in an identifier area of the record carriers. The identifier is unique for distinct groups of record carriers. Each group is associated with a distinct playlist. The playlists differ in at least a selection of content parts that can be accessed and/or a sequence in which content parts can be accessed. A reading device (530) includes means (532) for receiving a record carrier, means (536) for reading an identifier stored in the identifier area, means (537) for obtaining an associated playlist for the read identifier, and means (538) for providing access for rendering to content parts on the playlist.

Abstract: An optical storage medium (20) comprises a first data layer (21), for example a Blu-ray (BD) data layer. In addition, the optical storage medium (20) comprises a second data layer (23), for example a DVD data layer. The second data layer (23) is bonded to a substrate (25) using a third layer (27). The third layer (27) comprises an adhesive layer combined with a reactive layer A reactive agent contained in the reactive layer acts to provide a limited lifetime to the data contained in the second layer (23). The second data layer (23) (i.e. having a limited lifetime) contains access data for controlling access to at least some of the data contained on the first data layer (21). In this way, access to a BD layer can be controlled by a separate DVD layer having a limited lifetime.

Abstract: A content distribution system (300) has access control according to a predefined data access format. The system has organizations (32) for providing content data and related meta data on record carriers (34), and a rendering device (39), and applications for manipulating the content data and related meta data. An access policy for the organization is set according to the predefined data access format, and has access parameters for controlling access to resources of the rendering device and to said content data and related meta data. An organization application (35) complying with the access policy of the organization for accessing said data is executed while accessing the resources of the rendering device according to the access policy of the organization. According to the invention a user access policy is maintained that restricts, for the organization application, access to the resources of the rendering device relative to the access policy of the organization.

Abstract: A content distribution system (300) has access control according to a predefined data access format. A studio (32) provides content data and related proprietary data on a record carrier (34) to be rendered by a rendering device (39). In the system applications (35) are executed on the device for manipulating the content data and related proprietary data. An access policy is set for each studio that controls access to said content data and related proprietary data. According to the invention a cross access policy is set for a virtual entity (42), and at least part of the proprietary data (43) is made available according to the cross access policy of the virtual entity. Also a cross studio application (41) is provided that complies with the access policy of the virtual entity for accessing said data for enabling the rendering device, when rendering the record carrier, to execute the cross studio application for accessing, for the proprietary data.

Abstract: A method for recording a movie (30) is described, the method comprising the steps of: —receiving a broadcasted video stream (10; 31); —recording the received video stream on an information carrier (2RE); —receiving additional metadata (32), preferably via internet (40); —recording the received metadata (32) on the information carrier (2RE) in association with the video recording (31).

Abstract: Method, end user system, transmission system, computer software product and broadcasted signal for enhancing the user experience of a broadcast via an interactive playback combining a broadcasted signal with a signal comprising additional information stored locally. A broadcasted software application detects the presence in the end user system (for example a set top box or a digital television set) of a suitable media player (for example a Blu-ray Disc player) and of a desired media (for example BD-ROM) and consequently enhances the broadcast by using the content stored on the media.

Abstract: Reproduction of digital data using a fallback mechanism is disclosed. The digital data can be reproduced in a first mode and in an at least second mode, the operability of a selected mode is monitored and in a situation of failure, a switching between the mode in which a failure is detected to a mode which is operable can be made, so that least some functionality is ensured. An apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus being operable in a first mode where the digital data is accessed in a first format, and the apparatus being operable in an at least second mode where the digital data is accessed in at least a second format. Also a system, a method, a computer readable code and a data stream are disclosed.

Abstract: A separator drum for a separator having a vertical rotational axis. The separator drum includes an upper drum section, a lower drum section, and a screw connection formed between the upper end lower drum sections without a locking ring. The upper drum section is screwed into the lower drum section or the lower drum section is screwed into the upper drum section.

Abstract: An actuator responsive to fluid signals to retract and extend a piston. The actuator includes a cylinder and a pressure piston carried inside the cylinder. Also included is a shaft, and a rod connected to the pressure piston. The actuator further includes a first port for receiving a fluid pressure to move the pressure piston to a first position. The actuator also has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a first and second surface, and both surfaces are movable in response to the fluid pressure at the first port. The surfaces lock the pressure piston in a first position upon removal of the fluid pressure at the first port.

Abstract: When the user views the information available on a program (in a Personal Video Recorder), the keywords that determine whether a program will be recorded are accentuated. This can be done by using the size of the text or by using colors or any other kind of varying accentuation i.e. encircled or blinking text. This makes it easy for the user to identify the keywords used in their personalized profile. Additionally the user can navigate between keywords and change the accentuation of the keywords, to indicate a rating (in multiple levels) of the keyword.

Abstract: In a processing method performed by a digital television receiver (18), a transport stream (84) is received. Data packets of the transport stream (84) associated with a selected audio/video offering are selected and sorted (90) into an audio/video component (92) and at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). Component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are assigned (100) to the audio/video component (92) and the at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). The component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are displayed (124) to an associated user. One or more selections of components are received (126) to include in a performance of the offering. The selected components are performed (154, 156, 158).

Abstract: A system with an improved user interface for managing a collection (201) of content items such as television programs. The system manages three types of content: recorded content items (501), content items scheduled for recording (601), and content items (701) that have not been recorded and are not scheduled for recording either. These three types are managed using separate user interface layers: a browse layer (500), a discovery layer (600), and a wish layer (700) respectively. Additionally, a watch layer (400) is provided as an entry to the system. This layer (400) allows managing of content using the concept of a personal channel (401).

Abstract: An optical detection system includes a planar waveguide optical coupler that is directly adjacent to a polarizing beam splitter. The planar waveguide optical coupler combines an input signal with a local oscillator signal and the polarizing beam splitter divides the combined optical signal into orthogonally polarized beams. The orthogonally polarized beams are detected by first and second optical detectors. In one embodiment, the planar waveguide optical coupler is in contact with the polarizing beam splitter, in another embodiment, the planar waveguide optical coupler is attached to the polarizing beam splitter, and in another embodiment, the planar waveguide optical coupler and the polarizing beam splitter are attached to opposite sides of a polarization rotator.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a pump source, a pump director, and a pump-dependent attenuator. The pump-dependent attenuator passes optical signals when it is supplied with pump energy at a pumping wavelength and attenuates optical signals when it is not supplied with pump energy. The pump source generates pump energy for the pump-dependent attenuator, and the pump director optically manipulates the delivery of pump energy to the pump-dependent attenuator. In a preferred embodiment, the pump-dependent attenuator is an erbium-doped fiber (EDF), the pump source is a laser diode, and the pump director is a tunable fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The EDF is located along an optical signal transmission path between an input waveguide and an output waveguide. The tunable FBG is located along a transmission path between the laser diode and the EDF. To operate the switch, pump energy at a pumping wavelength is generated by the laser diode and transmitted toward the tunable FBG.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the thickness of a film having top and bottom surfaces. The apparatus includes a first coupler for generating a first probe light signal and a second probe light signal from a low coherence light source. The first probe light signal is directed toward the top surface of the film and the light leaving the top surface of the film is collected. Similarly, the second probe light signal is directed toward the bottom surface of the film and the light leaving the bottom surface of the film is also collected. Top and bottom partially reflecting reference surfaces are provided for generating reflections. The top reference surface reflects part of the light leaving the top surface back toward the top surface, and the bottom reference surface reflects light leaving the bottom surface of the film back toward the bottom surface of the film.

Abstract: An optical time domain reflectometer that injects at least two complementary code sequences into an optical fiber and detects the return signal produced by each of these code sequences. These return signals are processed to extract the function h.sub.k that is equal to the response function for the fiber when a single pulse is injected into the fiber. This processing utilizes a correlation scheme that has no sidelobe distortion. Various combinations of Golay codes are suitable for use as the complementary codes.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing the measurement window and operating parameters of the instrument, based on intermediate results, in order to minimize the total time required to make a complete measurement. Also, a method of combining partial results from subwindows into a final result to be displayed that has not been corrupted by variation in system response due to time-varying operating parameters.

Abstract: A continuously variable optical delay line having a first substrate (66, 70) and a second substrate (95). The first substrate is composed of a quartz block (70) with a large radius of curvature along its length, supporting a silicon substrate (66) having a plurality of longitudinal, parallel v-grooves (68). A single length (121) of single mode optical fiber is wrapped around the first substrate (66, 70) in helical fashion with each loop being secured in one of the v-grooves (68). The portions of the fiber (121) in the v-grooves (68) are lapped and polished to create a flat coupling surface extending laterally and longitudinally across the first substrate (66, 70). The second substrate (91) is composed of a quartz block with a single v-groove holding a segment of single mode fiber (95). The radius of curvature of this v-groove is substantially smaller than that of the first substrate, such that the flat coupling surface of the second substrate (91) is shorter than that of the first substrate (66).