Abstract: A method for controlling an interactive application comprises receiving a data stream comprising an interactive application and monitoring the data stream to identify a change in the stream. In response to the change, the method further comprises preventing the interactive application from accessing files, identifying those files present in the data stream, and enabling the interactive application to access only those files present in the data stream.

Abstract: Interactive wagering systems and methods with multiple television feeds are provided. A plurality of television feeds may be related to a race and race-related characteristics. A television feed may carry television feed information, which may provide sufficient information to allow a user to select an appropriate television feed for a wager or to allow the system to automatically select an appropriate feed for a wager. The interactive wagering application may also record a television feed so that the user may interact with the television feeds at any time. Wagering services may be also provided to a user through more than one wagering interface.

Abstract: An interactive television (ITV) system transmitting ITV content created and received by different ITV platforms via a single ITV stream. The system provides universal time codes which are embedded into the ITV stream. Each time code is associated with a program identifier which uniquely identifies a particular program. An ITV receiver receives the ITV stream and compares the program identifier and time code with a program held in the receiver's memory. When a match is found, an interactive event indicated by the program is executed. The program may be loaded into the receiver's memory using a back channel.

Abstract: A local language is pre-stored in permanent memory. Equivalent data is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) to television receivers. Each equivalent data set comprises a unique language identifier and a foreign language translation of, or graphical representative of, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory. The viewer selects the language to be displayed from an on screen menu with a remote controller. The selected equivalent data is retrieved from the VBI and stored in a RAM for future display. When the microprocessor calls up the text of a command for display, the equivalent data is substituted for the local language data so the foreign language version of the command can be displayed in a seamless manner. If no equivalent data is in the RAM, the local language pre-stored in permanent memory is displayed on the television screen in accordance with the normal operation of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for device interaction using a trigger mechanism. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a trigger, such as an audio tone sequence, may be inserted in the feed of a program to cause the web device to retrieve appropriate web content.

Abstract: A cooperative electronic media measurement system is disclosed that measures the electronic media usage of one or more individuals by a media research entity. The media research entity defines at least one specialized task useful to the media research entity. The at least one specialized task is performed by a media handler provided by another entity and concerns a handling of electronic media by the media handler. The individual is tracked with at least one software agent of the media research entity. At least one software agent obtains a product of the specialized task performed by the media handler via at least one defined interface that provides interoperability between the media handler and the at least one software agent. Cooperative media handlers automatically obtain information from, or otherwise obtain information about, presented media objects including identification tags, if present, and other information, for collection by the research data collection agents.

Abstract: A command protocol enables an applications programming interface (API) between a first interactive television (ITV) equipment and a second ITV equipment for seamless communication between the two. An API command generator receives data from the first ITV equipment in a first format. The data may be, for example, a list of ITV events to be encoded into a television program. The command generator converts data into a second format according to the API and transmits the data in the second format to the second ITV equipment. The second ITV equipment may be, for example, an ITV data encoder encoding the list of ITV events transmitted by the first ITV equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a consumer, in a television or audio broadcast environment, to access specific enhanced services, for example, interactive advertisements embedded in television programs, based on a contract between a product vendor and a video receiver manufacturer. The video receiver manufacturer is the TV or set-top box manufacturer, licensee or affiliated party. Purchasing transactions, including billing, are automatically managed by a data aggregator.

Abstract: An analog video tagging and encoding system. The invention inserts an analog tag frame into the analog video stream such that the luminance values are made to approach zero, i.e., black, allowing a potential tag frame to be quickly identified. Tag information is then encoded as a structured color pattern into the chrominance portions of the frame and contains program start/stop information, program segment identification, or data downloads. The color pattern is chosen such that when it is converted into digital form according to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard, the digital signal so produced may be easily and minimally parsed to recognize the presence or absence of a tag within a normal frame time period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for receiving and/or reproducing a digital signal, capable of efficiently recording a compressed, packeted digital signal and inhibiting a copy thereof. An input packet signal is added with a time stamp indicating a relative time of an arrival of the packet, and the packet signals of digital information with the added time stamps are recorded at reduced intervals therebetween. In reproducing, a packet interval adjusting circuit restores the original packet intervals in accordance with the time stamps, and then a time stamp change circuit changes at least one bit of the time stamp and thereafter outputs the digital information.

Abstract: A television receiver which is coupled to a digital VCR to receive an ATSC-encoded multi-program stream containing video, audio and data programs. The receiver recognizes one of the data programs as containing computer software for the digital television receiver, extracts the data program from the multi-program stream into a memory area which is separate from the memory areas used to decode the audio and video programs and then uses data in the extracted data program to update information which controls the operation of the television receiver. The television receiver includes a microprocessor which is coupled to a video processor via an IC bus. The video processor includes registers which are coupled to the IC bus. The microprocessor updates these values from the information in the extracted data program. The extracted data program may include a program image for the operational software for the microprocessor and may replace the operational software to update the operation of the television receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus of providing data stream together with program specific information (PSI) requisite for data stream selecting, separating, and decoding of a digital TV set. The present invention, when transmitting PSI to a digital TV set, measures time length of the PSI, creates time information preceding a transport time of the first TP belonging to data stream by the measured time length, converts PSI to at least one TP the created time information is added to, and transmits the converted PSI TPs before data stream TPs. Owing to the PSI provided along with a digital data stream, the digital data stream from a recording medium can be selected, separated, and decoded at a digital TV set without data loss. Furthermore, even though PSI is additionally provided, continuity among time information written successive TPs of PSI and data stream is always ensured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for information embedding modulation and information extraction demodulation are presented which use analysis and/or synthesis filter banks. Spectral control of the form of the composite signals arising from the embedding of digital embedded information signals into digital host signals is provided. Various implementations, including cable head-end and user-end systems using such modulators are presented. One aspect of the modulator allows for reduced noise spillover into adjacent communication channels in a multi-channel communication system. In some implementations the analysis and the synthesis filter banks form perfect reconstruction filter sets. In other implementations, block transforms are used as the filter banks.

Abstract: When a video signal having electronic watermark information embedded therein is recorded on a recording medium, a reference signal is inserted in the video signal at a position different from a position of embedment of the electronic watermark information. The electronic watermark information is embedded in the video signal by alteration of a luminous value of a luminance signal included in the video signal. When the video signal is reproduced from the recording medium, a luminous value of the electronic watermark information is modified based on the reference signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of deleting data already recorded on a recording medium when information indicative of prohibition of copying is detected from picture signal. Input portion receives an input picture signal, and copy protection information detecting portion detects copy protection information included in the picture signal input from the input portion. Compressing portion compresses the picture signal, and compressed data output portion outputs compressed data obtained by the compressing portion. Specification information output portion generates and outputs specification information specifying a position of the compressed data where the information indicative of prohibition of copying was detected first by the copy protection information detecting portion. A device for recording the compressed data can specify the head of unnecessary compressed information by looking up the specification information, whereby the unnecessary information can be deleted from the recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a data hiding method of hiding media data in message data and a data extraction method of extracting the hidden data wherein message data is dispersively hidden in media data such as an image or sound to prevent a third person from modifying the message data easily.

Abstract: A method of instructing a receiver/decoder to perform an action is described. The method comprises transmitting a command to the receiver/decoder via a broadcast system, the command instructing the receiver/decoder to perform the action. Apparatus for generating a message comprising a command for transmission in a broadcast system, a corresponding receiver/decoder, and a message for tranmission in a broadcast system, the message comprising a command to instruct the receiver/decoder to perform an action, are also described.

Abstract: A television receiver 100 according to the present invention comprises an analysis means 6 for collating the output from an operation means 5 according to a user with the output from a program stable storage means 2 to detect a break of a program watched by the user; a timetable creation means 11 for creating an operation schedule on the basis of the break; and a control means 13 for controlling reception, recording, and playback, on the basis of the operation schedule created by the timetable creation means 11, such that the last part of the reserved program is recorded and played back utilizing the break just before the next broadcast of the program starts. When the television receiver 100 so constructed receives a TV program reserved, it notifies the user that the reserved program will be broadcast soon, and makes the user grasp the previous story of the program so that he/she can empathize with the program smoothly.

Abstract: The system for updating a clock in an electronic device, such as a personal computer, has a receiver system having an input for receiving a real time signal and having an output on which is provided digital information representative of the real time signal. An extraction module is operatively coupled to the receiver system, the extraction module extracting at least a current time value from the display data. An update module is operatively coupled to the extraction module, the update module updating the clock in the computer when the current time value of the digital information differs from a current value of the clock in the computer. In one embodiment a validating unit is operatively coupled between the extraction module and the update module. The validating unit compares channel identification data derived from the display data to time zone data in the computer, the time zone data being indicative of a time zone in which the computer is currently located.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a remote-controlled transmitter capable of properly and easily transferring information and an information transfer system using the remote-controlled transmitter. The remote-controlled transmitter is directed toward an information output apparatus and a capture button is operated in this state. A control code signal MB is outputted from a command generator and a remote-control signal RM is outputted from a signal output unit based on the control code signal MB. Based on the remote-control signal RM, information is outputted from the information output apparatus as a modulated sound SO. The sound SO is gathered by a microphone to obtain a signal Smic. The signal Smic is demodulated by a decoder and the demodulated signal is converted into a control code signal MS by a converter. The converted control code signal MS is stored in a memory.

Abstract: An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is reproduced simultaneously with the display of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, the sound bite is embedded in a television signal that contains audio component and a video component. The television signal is transmitted to a plurality of television receivers and intercepted at one of the receivers. The video component is displayed on a monitor and the audio component is reproduced. On command the sound bite is reproduced instead of the audio component. An audio description of a television program, i.e., a sound bite, is also reproduced simultaneously with the display of a program listing of the program at a television receiver. Specifically, when the program listing is marked with an on-screen cursor, the sound bite is reproduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reception of data by a data broadcast receiver, particularly, a mobile data receiver for the Japanese TV data multibroadcast sound subcarrier system. The receiver is controlled to receive a desired type of data, for example, weather forecasts, news, stock prices, etc. The invention provides the transmission of time information which specifies, for each type of data, when the data will be transmitted or retransmitted. This allows the receiver to enter a standby mode in which the power consumption is reduced. On, or slightly before, the specified time, the receiver switches on to receive, decode and display the desired data. The invention is also applicable in television receivers having the facility to receive electronic program guides (EPG) or other services. The receiver is informed about the time at which an updated version of the EPG can be expected.

Abstract: A system for authenticating physical objects in which the authentication key cannot be determined by reverse engineering the software or hardware of a controlling microprocessor. Two highly secure integrated circuits (ChipA and ChipT), both containing the same secret authentication key, are used. ChipA is attached to the physical object to be authenticated. ChipT is attached to the authenticating product. ChipA and ChipT are compared using a secure protocol that utilizes secure authentication circuitry implemented in ChipA and ChipT. The secure protocol is mediated by a system that may be insecure. This has the advantage that the computing devices and software of the authenticating product are not required to be secure. Reverse engineering the authenticating product will not reveal the secret authentication key. This allows standardized highly secure authentication chips to be used, without requiring security to be implemented in a wide range of product specific microcontrollers.

Abstract: Dynamic adjustment techniques for aligning video images in cathode ray tube (CRT) devices are disclosed. A host computer stores correction factor data and video image data in video graphics controller RAM. The host computer processes and transmits the correction factor data, representative of the cathode ray tube distortion characteristics, to the CRT device during the retrace time of the electron beam and video image data during the trace time. The correction factor data may be generated by a vision system, a gain matrix table, interpolation engine or manual methods. Circuitry, within the CRT device, for separating the correction factor data from the video signal is disclosed along with the methods and apparatus used to decode correction data. Data can also be transferred from the monitor back to the host computer over the video connector.

Abstract: A communication data format conveys digital ancillary data in a vertical blanking interval of a video signal. The format employs a reference symbol including a plurality of digital pulses for indicating the start of the ancillary data and also includes a header byte following the reference symbol. The header byte contains an identifier identifying a destination service for a payload of the ancillary data or an address identifying a destination of the payload. The format also conveys multiple payload bytes, following the reference symbol in which individual bits have a period substantially comprising, a first integral multiple of a first clock period associated with a first data format, and a different second integral multiple of a second clock period associated with a second data format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to manually set a clock in a multi-format television receiver capable of receiving a plurality of television signals. The method comprises the steps of selecting a television signal from one of a plurality of television signals and then detecting temporal information in the television signal. Upon detecting such temporal information, the temporal information is extracted and used to set at least one clock to count time. Once the clock is set based upon the temporal information, the temporal information prevails over any manually set time, and the user is precluded from manually setting the clock. The television receiver continues to update the clock based upon the latest periodic temporal information periodically sent with the television signal. The user is permitted to manually set the time on a clock only in an instance where the updated temporal information has not been detected past a specified period of time.

Abstract: A text data extraction system analyzes one or more interleaved video data streams and parses the stream(s) to extract text data from text data packets. In addition, presentation time data is extracted to facilitate independent use of the text data from corresponding video data. Extracted time coded text data is stored so that the presentation time data can be used to link the extracted text data back to the corresponding video data to facilitate for example: annotation of a movie, text searching of closed caption text, printing transcripts of closed caption text, controlling video playback, such as the order in which scenes are played back, and any other suitable navigation or manipulation of video images or text data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a program storage medium. The user of a personal computer selects a television program to be preset recorded from a program guide stored in an EPG server and downloads the corresponding preset recording data. When, from the downloaded preset recording data, a recording start time is found reached, the personal computer selects commands for starting recording a channel to be recorded and transmits the selected commands from a video mouse as infrared signals. Receiving the recording start command, a VCR starts recording.

Abstract: A broadcast program recording apparatus and a recording method of a broadcast program, in which a broadcast program which a user watches periodically can be automatically recorded without performing a timer recording setting. Data of channel number, broadcast date, and broadcast time zone of the received broadcast program are additionally stored into a received program history memory in correspondence to each other. A channel number of a broadcast program having a broadcast date that is precedent to today's date by a predetermined number of days and a broadcast time zone that coincides with the present time is searched for from the received program history memory. A station selection control operation to control the receiving part is performed to receive a broadcast wave of the searched out channel number, to start the recording of the broadcast program received by the recording part.

Abstract: A method of delivering content from a head end to subscriber terminals within one or more cable systems. Such content may be video, audio or the like. The method includes the step of encrypting the content offline to form pre-encrypted content, generating an encryption record containing parameters employed for encrypting the content. Based on the encryption record, a control message for permitting access to the pre-encrypted content is generated using a periodical key provided by the first cable system. The pre-encrypted content and associated control message is thereafter forwarded to the first subscriber terminal for decryption of the content. For a second subscriber terminal within a second cable system, the pre-encrypted content is retrofitted with a second control message permitting the pre-encrypted content to be decrypted by the second subscriber terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a television system and to the generation on the screen and/or audibly, of an indicator to a user of the system of the commencement of a commercial break on a particular channel and/or the end of the break. Various options are also provided to the user which may include any or any combination of, accessing a related internet site, viewing other channels or temporarily pausing recording of data when the indication is generated.

Abstract: In a system, tabulated information on broadcasting programs is supplied through a network. When a user selects information on a desired program from the tabulated information of programs, supplemental information attached to the individual program information is converted into an remote control signal to remote-control a user's receiver to receive the desired program.

Abstract: The method and apparatus operates in a VCR to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of suspending recording 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 suspend recording during the segment. 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: An information-processing device receives and processes predetermined program data. The information-processing device includes an extracting unit for extracting image data and audio data of a program selected by a user, an obtaining unit for obtaining information related to the selected program, and a setting unit for setting a control parameter for controlling an image data display or an audio data output of the selected program in accordance with the related information.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying a broadcast program guide in a broadcast programmed recording system (referred to as immediate-K), wherein the method includes the steps of (a) loading a plurality of packets containing broadcast information among successively input data to periodically separate the broadcast program information therefrom, (b) comparing a current time with the start or end time of a next program from the broadcast program information separated in the step (a), and (c) displaying information of the broadcast program on a screen if the start or end time of the next program is a predetermined time later than the current time as a result of the step (b).

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer comprising a central processing unit (CPU) driving an operating system (OS). The computer further comprises a television (TV) receiver part receiving external television signals; a storage unit storing the television signals therein; a reserve-recording set-up part setting up reserve-recording conditions for the television signals; a record-controlling part storing the television signals in the storage unit according to the set-up reserve-recording conditions; and a power control part controlling power supply to allow a normal mode and a power saving mode to be switched therebetween, and switching 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 a power to the central processing unit under the normal mode whereas it does not supply the power to the central processing unit under the power saving mode.

Abstract: Data stored internally in a television system is modified conveniently. New data is stored on a video tape. A user of a television system simply needs to play the video tape on a video cassette player to change pre-stored data in the television system. The video signal resulting from playing the video tape is provided to the television system. The television system examines the received video signal to recover the encoded new data and uses the new data to modify the pre-stored data. For example, the pre-stored data may be replaced by the new data.

Abstract: Control information is processed in synchronism with audio and video data according to a protocol such as RTP (Real-time Transfer Protocol). In one embodiment, a payload handler receives incoming data packets and forwards them to either a data control filter or an audio packet handler. The data control filter determines whether the data payload contains video data or control information and forwards video data to a video data packet handler and data control information to a data handler. The data control information can include an action identifier field (e.g., containing a “display” command) and a data object field (e.g., identifying a file location in a memory) so that the data control filter can display the identified file with the presentation of the other video and audio data.

Abstract: A Bandwidth Resolution Conflict component combines control data for multiple controlled devices into a unified control data signal that can be transmitted on a single communication channel.

Abstract: A signal processing device and a signal processing method can accurately detect CMs out of broadcast signals and also be used for storing, accessing, retrieving and viewing/listening to CMs. CM detecting section (202) detects CM sections out of a broadcast signal. CM extracting section (201) extracts the signal part for the CM section from the broadcast signal on the basis of the CM section detection signal (202a) of the CM detecting section (202) and CM characteristics extracting section (203) extracts the characteristic value of the CM. Then, CM recording section (205) records the signal of the CM section and the characteristic value. CM index generating section (206) generates CM index information by using the signal of the CM section and the characteristic value and characteristics comparing section (204) determines agreement/disagreement of CMs.

Abstract: Television program schedule information is recorded, and a plurality of television program recording reservations previously input by a viewer are registered in a reservation storing unit as a plurality of registered television program recording reservations. When an input television program recording reservation for a desired television program newly input by the viewer overlaps with a specific registered television program recording reservation for a specific television program, the television program schedule information is searched for a rebroadcast television program having the same contents as those of the desired television program, and a rebroadcast television program recording reservation for the rebroadcast television program is produced on condition that the rebroadcast television program recording reservation does not overlap with any of the registered television program recording reservations, and the rebroadcast television program recording reservation is registered.

Abstract: A real-time compensation apparatus and method for a digital TV that can update the present time without addition of a non-volatile memory or RTC. The apparatus includes a first control section for controlling a power supply of a system, updating a time by dividing a system clock, and outputting a reserved recording signal according to comparison result of the present time with a user's reserved recording time; and a second control section for transmitting the reserved recording information stored in a flash memory and the present time to the first control section if the power supply is off, and outputting a load control signal so that output of video and audio is performed according to the signal outputted from the first control section according to the user's reserved recording time.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing video output phase control in a decoder. In particular, the present invention provides a decoder that precisely aligns output of video display data with a time stamp associated with the video display data and thereby allows for efficient usage of compressed video buffer memory in the decoder. In one embodiment, the decoder includes a video output processor for displaying video data and a timer connected to the video output processor for providing video output phase control. A method is also provided for providing video output phase control in the decoder.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver includes a CPU. The CPU starts a VTR several ten seconds before a broadcast start time for a reserved program, to set a video recording mode. Simultaneously, program information for the reserved program is outputted to the VTR. When the broadcast start time comes, the CPU stops the outputting of the program information, and outputs a video and audio signal for the reserved program to the VTR. Accordingly, a video cassette is first recorded with the program information, and then video-recorded with the reserved program.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus which realizes reservation for print-outputting information. A digital broadcast program and the type of information provided in the program are set in advance, and at broadcast time of the program, the apparatus automatically starts and receives digital broadcast of the program. Information related to the set type is extracted (steps S601 to S603) from the received data, and the extracted information is print-outputted (step S604).

Abstract: A power control method for a set top box is disclosed.

Abstract: A broadcast reception apparatus is provided with a reception unit for receiving broadcast data as a transport stream. The transport stream includes video data and a plurality of navigation information sequences. Each navigation information sequence includes navigation information which includes graphics data to be combined with the video data for display. A TS (Transport Stream) decoder unit extracts the video data and navigation information from the transport stream. A reception control unit controls the TS decoder unit so that the TS decoder unit extracts navigation information from a navigation information sequence which is suitable for the the broadcast reception apparatus. A navigation information storage unit stores the navigation information extracted by the TS decoder unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video signals for identification, editing, modifying, cuing, routing, distributing, switching, activating and controlling the video signals. One of the many applications is a television program distribution system including a plurality of units through which the television programs flow, by operating a first signal processing unit connected within the system for adding signal elements to the video signal of a program in order to add patterns of symbols to the television picture such that the symbols are disposed at predetermined locations of the television picture and a plurality of successive patterns constituting a code uniquely identifying the program; and a second signal processing unit connected within the system for detecting signal elements previously added to a video signal and for producing, in response to such detection, an identification of the program which included the video signal.