Abstract: A watermark system includes an embedder, detector, and reader. The watermark embedder encodes a watermark signal in a host signal to create a combined signal. The detector looks for the watermark signal in a potentially corrupted version of the combined signal, and computes its orientation. Finally, a reader extracts a message in the watermark signal from the combined signal using the orientation to approximate the original state of the combined signal. While adapted for images, video and audio, the watermark system applies to other electronic and physical media. For example, it can be applied to mark graphical models, blank paper, film and other substrates, texturing objects for ID purposes, etc.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver is provided which can prevent recording of uncopyable contents without failing to record copyable contents. A copy information detecting unit (4) detects copy control information attached to contents. A discriminating unit (5) discriminates the copyability or uncopyability. The contents recorded in a user-unreadable recording unit (6) is transferred to a user-readable recording unit (7) only if copyable.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: A digital broadcast transmitter/receiver, and a signal processing method thereof, includes a randomizer randomizing a dual transport stream which includes a normal data packet and a robust data packet and into which stuff bytes are inserted, a stuff-byte exchanger replacing the stuff bytes of the randomized data with known data, a first RS encoder performing RS-encoding of data output from the stuff-byte exchanger, a packet formatter performing an interleaving of the robust packet of the data output from the first RS encoder and reformatting the packet, an interleaver interleaving data output from the packet formatter, a trellis encoder performing a trellis encoding of interleaved data, a second RS encoder changing a parity by performing an RS encoding of the robust data of the trellis-encoded data, and a modulator modulating data output from the trellis encoder and RF up-converting the modulated data.

Abstract: The present invention provides digital watermarks through multiple channels. The channels can include, e.g., visible, ultraviolet and infrared channels. The non-visible channels can be selected to fluoresce either in the visible or IR/UV spectrums upon the appropriate illumination in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrums. The watermarks in the various multiple channels can cooperate to facilitate watermark detection or to authenticate an object in which the watermarks are embedded. In other implementations the multiple watermarks include so-called orientation components. A relative relationship between the orientation components is used to convey data.

Abstract: A method of providing rebroadcast programming includes encoding a rebroadcast program, specifying a preferred play time, and providing a broadcast that fits the preferred play time. The encoding of the rebroadcast program can use a replay plan which prioritizes portions of the rebroadcast. A priority can be assigned to commercials which have been made to be shortened or dropped, or an alternative commercial substituted, depending on time limitations. A rebroadcast packaging and playlist are provided.

Abstract: A television signal receiving apparatus receives television signals including broadcast data signals and outputs the received data signals to a display device. The display device displays an image that has characters and/or pictures generated from the data signals. A communication unit of the receiving apparatus is connected to and communicates with an external device. A control unit controls the image to be displayed on the display device according to results of communication with the communication unit.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A method for providing a motion signal with a sound signal using an existing sound signal encoding format. The method comprises providing the motion signal, providing the sound signal, inserting the motion signal in an available data field provided in the existing encoding algorithm, encoding the sound signal with the inserted motion signal according to the existing encoding algorithm to generate an encoded bitstream sound signal and providing the encoded bitstream sound signal comprising the motion signal and the sound signal.

Abstract: An embedding-availability determining unit determines an availability of embedding data into an image based on an input/output characteristic of a predetermined feature amount related to a combination of an output device that outputs an image in which the data is embedded to a medium and an input device that inputs the image that is output to the medium. A result output unit outputs a result of determination by the embedding-availability determining unit.

Abstract: A method for automatically setting a time includes receiving a time set by a user and corresponding to a geographic region where a digital broadcast receiver is located, and then determining if a broadcast signal received by the digital broadcast receiver includes time information; if the broadcast signal includes the time information, calculating a difference between the set time and received time information; setting a time zone based on the difference in the digital broadcast receiver; and if a command to display time information is received, applying a time difference corresponding to the set time zone to the time information in the broadcast signal, which is received at the time the command is received, and displaying the resulting time information. A digital broadcast receiver using the method is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems that help control when and how stereoscopic content should be viewed, based on both geometry of the viewing system and the geometry used to generate the content are shown. One example embodiment utilizes the specifications of the system used to capture the image data to determine the geometry of the image content, and encodes this content geometry along with the stored image data. This content geometry data is then analyzed by display systems to determine appropriate geometries for a viewing system. Data arranged according to one embodiment is a series of digitally stored video frames representing a stereoscopic prospective view of an image or scene. This prospective view was rendered using a specific content geometry, and this geometry is digitally encoded and stored with, or embedded in, the digital image data.

Abstract: In a system that provides decoding of A/V streams, this invention reduces switching delays between different streams by modifying the Program Identification (PID) values of the Audio and Video data to respective PID values that are already known by the decoder. This technique allows the decoder to stay in a run state when switching between A/V streams, thereby reducing channel change times.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus that receives data-broadcasting data and video data for displaying a motion picture. An output circuit is provided for outputting data while a moving image is displayed, wherein the data indicate that a printing-allowed image will be displayed later.

Abstract: A method for modulating a video signal. Frames are selected from a plurality of frames for modulation. Intensity of a plurality of pixels of a plurality of scan lines of a field of the selected frames is altered according to at least one pattern or as designated by an adjustment.

Abstract: A method for modulating a video signal. Frames of a plurality of frames are selected for modulation. A first magnitude alternation pattern is designated for each of a first area of a field of the selected frames. A second magnitude alternation pattern is designated for each of a second area of the field of the selected frames. The intensity of a plurality of pixels of a plurality of scan lines of the field of the selected frames is altered as designated by either the first magnitude alternation pattern or the second magnitude alternation pattern.

Abstract: A first data-recording device (400) includes a network interface, a recording unit, and a group recording reservation notifying unit. The network interface acquires a group recording reservation instruction containing a recording reservation data and requesting that a recording reservation be set. The recording unit sets the recording reservation in accordance with the recording reservation data contained in the group recording reservation instruction that the network interface has acquired. The group recording reservation notifying unit distributes data same as the recording reservation data, to a second data-recording device (401) or a third data-recording device (402) through a network (200).

Abstract: A microprocessor in a digital broadcast receiver outputs image data displaying a menu in a sub-screen when instructed by a user to display the menu: if received broadcast signals are those of an HD broadcast, and if the image format of a television, to which data are output, is 1080i or higher, and further if the screen size of the television, to which data are output, is 37 inch or larger; namely if characters in the menu are unlikely to be corrupted even when the television displays the menu in the sub-screen, and if there is no possibility that characters in the menu become too small to be identifiable. Thereby, it becomes possible for the television to display the menu in the sub-screen if the user can identify characters in the menu even when the television displays the menu in the sub-screen. Accordingly, the user can input setting of menu items while watching broadcast images.

Abstract: Video image information is received in a signal including conditional access information. The conditional access information is associated with one of a plurality of picture resolution formats for recording, reproducing and displaying the video image information. The conditional access information in the received signal is decoded. A format for at least one of recording, reproducing and displaying the video image information is adaptively selected in response to the decoded conditional access information. The video image information is then processed using the selected format. The conditional access information may further include information indicating a predetermined time period during which reproduction of recorded video image information is permitted.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as a toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal. The toy is equipped with a decoder for extracting data from the horizontal overscan portion of the video signal, and a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for use after the video signal is no longer being received. The control data are delivered as a series of words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the specific toy to which the word is directed, as more than one toy may receive the video signal. Error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration, so the toy will replace previously received words if newer words are of higher quality.

Abstract: A mobile handset and method therefor automatically limit user selection of local broadcast channels to those that are active. Location-related information sourced by an external node, such as RNSS position information from RNSS satellites or a cellular identification value sourced by a network access node, and received on the handset is applied to identify active local TV channels and the mobile handset limits selection of local TV channels by a user of the mobile handset to the active local TV channels. Identification of active local TV channels includes a first instance identification based on a lookup operation performed on the mobile handset and a second instance identification based on an active channel query/response exchange between the mobile handset and a server node, wherein the second instance identification is applied to update the first instance identification.

Abstract: A data broadcasting receiving terminal receives a data broadcasting signal from a broadcasting station to detect print-out data and a control signal associated with print-out from the data broadcasting signal. The data broadcasting receiving terminal, at a time point of the start of broadcasting, notifies an image forming apparatus of the detected print-out data and printing prohibition data included in the control signal associated with print-out. The data broadcasting receiving terminal acquires a preparation time required for print-out from the image forming apparatus and a time of restoration from a power saving mode and issues a command of printing start, in consideration of the time requirements, to the image forming apparatus so that print-out data is printed out at predetermined timing.

Abstract: A content, restored in an information processing apparatus, for replaying a content, such as a personal computer, is fed back to a drive device. The drive device detects an electronic watermark from the transferred restored content, and controls content outputting from the drive device. In this arrangement, an electronic watermark is reliably detected and content replay control is performed based on the detected electronic watermark in any type of coding including MPEG 2, MPEG-1, MPEG-4 regardless of type of coding or even if the content is encrypted.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: Mobile device (3) and method for receiving and processing program-accompanying digital data, which are transmitted by a radio transmitter (1), for example a DAB transmitter, and of which at least certain comprise location parameters. The mobile device (3) includes a radio receiver (38), which can receive radio programs with program-accompanying digital data, and a position locating module (39) for establishing the current position, for example a GPS receiver. The mobile device (3) further comprises a filter module (37), by means of which, on the basis of the current position, determined by the said position locating module (39), location-specific information can be filtered from the received program-accompanying data, which contain, for example, order numbers, URL addresses or executable program data files. The received program-accompanying data can be filtered moreover by the said filter module (37) on the basis of a user profile (35) stored in the mobile device (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to a producer of content who associates information for print control with the content such as a picture, before delivery. Specifically, a digital broadcast receiving device receives this content delivery, and the content is decoded by a data decoding unit via a broadcast receiving unit. A controlling unit judges print control information registered in association with the decoded content, performs image processing in accordance with this print control information, and transmits data for printing to a printing device. The printing device performs printing according to the received data for printing.

Abstract: An information distribution system capable of presenting an image photographed by a moving body, such as a robot or vehicle, selected by a user. The information distribution system includes moving bodies, local managers, and a global manager. When a user requests a connection with one of the moving bodies to the global manager through a portable terminal such as a portable phone, a menu generation section of the global manager generates a menu screen, and sends it to the portable terminal. The user selects one from the moving bodies through the menu screen, so that the portable terminal of the user connects with the selected moving body. An image photographed by a camera of the moving body is sent to the local manager, and information related to the image is superimposed on the image. Consequently, the superimposed image is sent to the portable terminal.

Abstract: A Social Media Platform and method are provided wherein contextual content, in real-time, is delivered to a user along with the original content from which the contextual content is derived.

Abstract: A remote device is capable to receive network address information, such as uniform resource locator (URL) addresses, and other supplemental content that are available along with television signal. A set top box coupled to a television receives the network address information via triggers. The set top box transmits a television program from a first channel to a television, and transmits network address information associated with a second channel to the remote device. After receiving the network address information, the remote device can display the corresponding supplemental content while a viewer is watching the first channel on the television. The supplemental content can include program-related address information and/or non-programming-related content. In another technique, the viewer can subscribe certain channels, such that supplemental content on the subscribed channels is obtained and stored, and can be made available to the remote device via the set top box or via a different communication link.

Abstract: An electronic device is configured to perform different actions (e.g. playing media content) for an alarm in response to a received broadcast signal. The broadcast data received by the device is used to determine what action to perform when the alarm is triggered. The action to be performed may change based on the received broadcast data. For example, different media content may be selected in response to the received broadcast data. The action may also relate to modifying the playback of the media content in response to the broadcast data. The device may also be configured to quantize values into ranges for selection of the appropriate media as well as modify playback of the media in response to the broadcast data.

Abstract: A video signal is provided to a set top box. An instruction to record a specified portion of the video signal, thereby creating a video sample, is provided to the set top box. The video sample is received from the set top box. Reference video corresponding to the video sample is obtained. A comparison of the video sample and the reference video is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding data in material. Material means one or more of video material, audio material and data material. Video material in this context may be still images or moving images. There is provided an apparatus comprising a transformer for transforming transform domain data into spatial domain data and a combiner for receiving material and combining said spatial domain data with said material to form data embedded material. Hence, the material is not subject any transformation at all.

Abstract: A communication and control system includes a command device for generating a command signal and an input device for generating a data signal. A first device of the system receives the command and data signals to generate a transmission signal. A second device of the system receives the transmission signal and extracts the command signal and the data signal from the transmission signal. The system also includes a target device, which is controlled as a function of the command signal, and an output device, which receives the data signal.

Abstract: A MPEG table data structure includes a data portion and a header. The header includes an action identifier field, and the action identifier field relates to data that identifies an action to be carried by a receiver/decoder receiving the MPEG table data structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a controlling device (110), a controllable device (130) and an arrangement (100) for communicating a command from the controlling device (110) to the controllable device (130). A watermark is generated comprising the command, and embedded in a signal (120) representing an audio or video fragment. The controllable device (130) receives the signal (120) comprising the command, and decodes and executes the command therefrom. Also disclosed is a method of presenting an advertisement which involves sending a command related to presenting the advertisement using the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a projection screen. The screen includes a soft thin elastic transmission sheet having an elongation rate of 50% or more and high transmissivity, the elastic transmission sheet constituting a front surface of the screen, and a thin image sheet for focusing an image projected from a projector, the image sheet constituting a rear surface of the screen. The image sheet may serve as a transmission sheet or a reflection sheet. The image sheet may be directly formed at the screen, or the image sheet may be a hard film attached to the rear of the elastic transmission sheet. A vibration plate is disposed at the outside of the image sheet. Consequently, incident image is transmitted or reflected without any interference with external light, and therefore, it is possible to increase the brightness of the screen by two to five times as compared to a conventional screen.

Abstract: A computer comprises: a central processing unit (CPU) driving an operating system (OS); a television (TV) receiver part for receiving external television signals; a storage unit for storing the television signals therein; a reserve-recording set-up part for setting up reserve-recording conditions for the television signals; a record-controlling part for storing the television signals in the storage unit according to the set-up reserve-recording conditions; and a power control part for controlling power supply to allow switching between a normal mode and a power saving mode, and for switching from the power saving mode to the normal mode according to the set-up reserve-recording conditions when a time set-up for reserve-recording approaches, wherein the computer system supplies power to the central processing unit in the normal mode, whereas it does not supply power to the central processing unit in the power saving mode.

Abstract: Broadcasting waves transmitted from a broadcasting device include operation control information for operating peripheral devices on a receiver side in accordance with the contents of a broadcast program in addition to broadcast data about said broadcast program. The receiver outputs the broadcast data to a display device, and transmits an operation command signal dependent on the operation control information to the peripheral devices to operate the peripheral devices in accordance with the contents of the broadcast program. As a result, an air conditioner raises or lowers room temperature and an illumination device blinks according to the progress of the program.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a video recorder and playback unit to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of either suspending recording or advancing playback of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to control operation of the video recorder/player. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

Abstract: Video programs are identified by watermark data subliminally conveyed within the picture data. By reference to such program identification data, video recording devices can automatically identify desired programs, and respond accordingly. For example, if a desired television program is originally scheduled to air at 5:00 p.m., but is delayed until 5:10 due to a sporting event that exceeded its broadcast slot, a video recorder equipped with the disclosed technology can sense the delayed start, commence recording at 5:10, and continue recording until the (delayed) end of the program. The program identification can also identify the program's subject matter, allowing automated recording of programs that match a viewer's profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transport encoded asset data and content data, multiplexing the transport encoded content data with a plurality of NULL transport packets to provide “place holder” for the asset data transport packets, and replacing the NULL transport packets with asset data transport packets prior to transmitting the multiplexed transport stream to a set top box.

Abstract: A device and method for embedding plural kinds of additional information or multiple bits of additional information into one picture is provided. A region information generating step generates region information to specify at least two regions in the real picture spatial or frequency space corresponding to the picture data, a coefficient sequence generating step sets at least two coefficient sequences, which are different from each other, a watermark pattern generating step allocates the coefficient sequences to each divided region to generate watermark patterns, and an embedding step embeds digital watermark information by changing the picture data using the watermark patterns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically set-up an electronic device having multiple user-controllable functionalities is provided by an arrangement that provides an interactive menu to a user. The user interacts with the menu to select and set a functionality to a desired setting. The automatic set-up arrangement receives a set-up command corresponding to the menu choice and transmits the set-up command to the electronic device in the form of an IR beam. The IR beam containing the set-up command is used to set the user-controllable functionality of the electronic device to the selected setting.

Abstract: A system that inserts subscriber identification information includes, in a preferred embodiment, a system with a memory for storing subscriber identification information and a processor configured to insert the subscriber identification information into a media presentation to improve traceability of copied presentations to a subscriber.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of channel estimation and increase downlink capacity when a base station transmits an individual channel using directional beams. The base station 10 according to the present invention comprises an individual channel transmitter 15 configured to transmit an individual channel into which pilot symbols are inserted; and an individual channel format creator 14 configured to create a format of the individual channel. The individual channel format creator 14 changes between a format of an individual channel which is to be transmitted using directional beams and a format of an individual channel which is to be transmitted using non-directional beams.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices are provided. Digital data based on user specified preferences is automatically obtained and transferred.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing out contents carried on broadcast signals onto paper, which comprises a receiving unit for receiving the broadcast signals; a detecting unit for detecting designated contents, which are designated for printing, from contents carried on the broadcast signals received by the receiving unit; and a printing unit for printing out the designated contents detected by the detecting unit onto paper.

Abstract: A device for automatically providing program information to a television display upon detection of an event in the program. The event being a user definable event. The device also provides automatic PIP display of the program having the event and a delay of the event so that it is not missed by the viewer.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus supplies time information by a real-time-clock (RTC) that is corrected and a correction history is recorded. When a signal representing a correct-time indication is received, a correction processing section corrects a setting time provided from the RTC using the signal and a result of the correction is recorded into a log memory. When a signal representing a correct-time indication is not received or detected, the correction processing section records failure of correction of the setting time of the RTC into a log memory. The correction processing section is also capable of reading a history of correction information from the log memory and correcting the setting time provided by the RTC based on the correction history.

Abstract: There is provided an information processor and an information processing method for effectively utilizing EPG data. Identification codes for identifying specific character parts such as names of the cast of a program described in a description text describing the detail of the program in EPG data are inserted within the description text and are transmitted by a transmitter. Based on the identification codes inserted in the EPG data, the specific character parts are sampled from the description text and predetermined processing steps are performed based on the sampled result in a receiver. That is, the display color of the specific character parts is differentiated from that of the other part in displaying the description text on a monitor for example. Or, a list of the names of the cast of the program is displayed as the sampled specific character parts and when the user selects a certain player, EPG of the program in which the player appears is displayed.