Abstract: Methods and arrangements are disclosed for embedding and detecting a watermark in a cinema movie, such that the watermark can be detected in a copy made by a handheld video camera. The watermark embedder divides each image frame into two areas. A watermark bit ‘+1’ is embedded in a frame by increasing the luminance of the first part and decreasing the luminance of the second part. A watermark bit ‘?1’ is embedded by decreasing the luminance of the first part and increasing the luminance of the second part. It is achieved with the invention that the embedded watermark survives ‘de-flicker’ operations that are often used to remove flicker caused by the different frame rates of cinema projection equipment and consumer camcorders.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided for enhancing the picture quality of images by extracting additional information from non-standard signals without an error. A signal determination unit receives an image signal including an image interval containing an image and an additional information interval containing additional information regarding the image. A determination is made as to whether the additional information exists in the additional information interval. An additional information extractor extracts and outputs the additional information from the additional information interval, if the signal determination unit determines that the additional information exists in the additional information interval.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: An imaging device outputs video data with an image signal obtained from imaging an object, records video data onto a record medium, reproduces video data therefrom, outputs first time information from a clock section, communicates with another device through a first communication interface according to a predetermined protocol, and exchanges video data with the other device. A video-device automatically obtains second time information as reference from the outside of the video-device, processes a video signal, communicates with the other device through a second communication interface according to the protocol, and exchanges video data with the other device. When connected through the first and second communication interfaces, the video-device transmits the second time information to the imaging device. The imaging device receives the second time information and sets a time for the clock section with the received second time information.

Abstract: A video processing method for selectively processing character information (Ic) included in an inputted video stream (Svc). The video stream (Svc) is separated in units of frame into a brightness frame (Y) representing brightness information (VY) and a plurality of color difference frames (Cb, Cr) representing color difference information (VCb, VCr). Character information (Ic) included according to at least either of the brightness information (VY) and the color difference information (VCb, VCr) is recognized. The recognized character information (Ic) is subjected to a processing by at least one of deletion, movement, and enlargement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: There is provided a method of customising live media content with the live media content including at least one dewarped panoramic view of a monitored area. The panoramic view may have a plurality of portions for selection by a user, the method comprising: receiving the live media with audio and video interleaved and/or compressed as a single stream data, receiving a selection of one of the plurality of portions of the panoramic view; and customising the live media based on the selection of the a portion of the panoramic view for display. A system to customise live media content is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital television (TV) system and receiver which are capable of providing information of point of interest (POI) associated with programs or advertisements. A transmitting end of the digital TV system adds information of a POI included in a digital AV data into the digital AV data, so as to generate a digital AV signal to be transmitted. A receiving end of the digital TV system includes a digital AV receiver and a display device. The digital AV receiver receives and decodes the digital AV signal to generate the information of the POI. The display device displays the information of the POI.

Abstract: Systems for switching a displayed signal for a display between a plurality of signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a microcontroller; a chooser for choosing a primary signal from a plurality of program-variable signals at the microcontroller; a monitor tuner coupled to the microcontroller for tuning the primary signal during switching of the displayed signal from the primary signal to a secondary signal; a detector coupled to the monitor tuner and the microcontroller for detecting a predetermined condition in the primary signal; and a selector coupled to the microcontroller for switching the displayed signal from the secondary signal to the primary signal upon occurrence of the predetermined condition. A user can switch between signals such as television channels or other dedicated functions without the risk of missing a portion of the program material.

Abstract: A system for processing video data includes a host processor, a first media processing device coupled to a first buffer, the first media processing device configured to perform a first processing task on a frame of video data, and a second media processing device coupled to a second buffer, the second media processing device configured to perform a second processing task on the processed frame of video data. The architecture allows the two devices to have asymmetric video processing capabilities. Thus, the first device may advantageously perform a first task, such as decoding, while the second device performs a second task, such as post processing, according to the respective capabilities of each device, thereby increasing processing efficiency relative to prior art systems. Further, one driver may be used for both devices, enabling applications to take advantage of the system's accelerated processing capabilities without requiring code changes.

Abstract: A system and method that integrates automated voice recognition technology and speech-to-text technology with automated translation and closed captioning technology to provide translations of “live” or “real-time” television content is disclosed. It converts speech to text, translates the converted text to other languages, and provides captions through a single device that may be installed at the broadcast facility. The device accepts broadcast quality audio, recognizes the speaker's voice, converts the audio to text, translates the text, processes the text for multiple caption outputs, and then sends multiple text streams out to caption encoders and/or other devices in the proper format. Because it automates the process, it dramatically reduces the cost and time traditionally required to package television programs for broadcast into foreign or multi-language U.S. markets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for synthesizing a virtual window. The method includes receiving an environment feed, selecting video elements of the environment feed, displaying the selected video elements on a virtual window in a window casing, selecting non-video elements of the environment feed, and outputting the selected non-video elements coordinated with the displayed video elements. Environment feeds can include synthetic and natural elements. The method can further toggle the virtual window between displaying the selected elements and being transparent. The method can track user motion and adapt the displayed selected elements on the virtual window based on the tracked user motion. The method can further detect a user in close proximity to the virtual window, receive an interaction from the detected user, and adapt the displayed selected elements on the virtual window based on the received interaction.

Abstract: A method for producing data frames by the optimal placement of mobile sensitive data packets in the data frame that has particular application for transmitting mobile data to be received by portable consumer electronics devices and/or moving vehicles. The method includes forming the data frame by inserting the mobile data in the data frame just after a frame sync and before the broadcast data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an HDTV, and a method for controlling adjustment of the HDTV, which make it possible to set control information of the HDTV easily at low cost without unpacking the TV set. Adjustment data is included in an INFO frame, transmitted from an external device, and written into a register of an HDMI receiver 14 through a video signal input terminal 13. Further, a microcomputer 15 reads the adjustment data and controls the adjustment of the HDTV 11 based on contents of the data.

Abstract: A television system provides access to Internet data simultaneously with a displayed television program. Data units including data address sites available through a networked computer system such as the Internet are embedded in a television signal along with a television program. Information representing the data address site, such as an icon or descriptive text, is displayed simultaneously with the television program on the television. If the user selects the data address site, a data retrieval terminal in two-way communication with the network and associated with the television establishes a connection with the network and requests the data corresponding to the selected data address site. The retrieved information is then formatted for display.

Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and other information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys/buttons on the remote controller to navigate web on TV.

Abstract: A recording medium includes a program containing video data and/or audio data and navigation information which defines a thumbnail, wherein the thumbnail relates to the program and is reproduceable as moving pictures. The recording medium may include a plurality of programs and the thumbnail may identify or represent one or more of the programs. By assigning a predetermined interval of a bit stream corresponding to a program as a thumbnail, the recording medium having the thumbnail thereon, that can be reproduced as moving pictures, can be obtained.

Abstract: In a digital television broadcast signal receiver (TV receiver), when closed caption information of digital TV (DTV-CC) is detected, a DTV-CC logo (first annunciation image) 31 is displayed with superimposing on an image of TV program for announcing that the DTV-CC is included in the digital TV signal, and when closed caption information of NTSC (NTSC-CC) is detected, an NTSC-CC logo (second annunciation image) 32 is displayed with superimposing on the image of TV program for announcing that the NTSC-CC is included in the digital TV signal. Thus, a user can easily recognize whether the DTV-CC and/or NTSC-CC are/is included in the digital TV signal or not.

Abstract: Channel numbers are provided for a digital television receiver (200) that receives multiple transmissions (100, 110, 120), such as from different regions of a country or from different countries. The channel numbers for the home country transmission are assigned based on logical channel number (LCN) data in the transmission. The channel numbers for the transmissions of the other countries are provided so that they are in a higher range than the channel numbers for the home country transmission. For different regional transmissions, the channel numbers for the transmission with the strongest service, e.g., based on quality/bit error rate, signal strength, and/or frequency, may be arranged before the channel numbers for the lower strength transmissions.

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: 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: The presently claimed invention relates generally to encoding and decoding video with auxiliary information. One claim recites a method of encoding video, the video has a plurality of samples. The method includes: obtaining an N-bit auxiliary data string to be encoded into the video, where N is at least two, the string including bits having a value of “1” or “0”; and utilizing a configured multi-purpose electronic processor to perform encoding as follows, for a first bit in the N-bit auxiliary data string: if the bit comprises a “1” value, making a corresponding change to the video to represent the “1” value in the video, the change being essentially unnoticeable to a human viewer of the video, but if the first bit comprises a “0” value, making no corresponding change to the video; performing the aforesaid act for the second through Nth bits of the N-bit auxiliary data string. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A method of digital watermarking which can resist against local geometrical distortions such as random bending attack, global geometrical distortions as well as projective transforms, but does not necessary require the recovering of global affine transform or even the repetition of the same watermark pattern. Further, the watermark can resist common global affine transformations such as rotation, scaling, and changes of aspect ratio, cropping as well as other types of operations such as filtering, lossy compression, printing/scanning or detection of watermark in front of video, web or photo camera or any imaging device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recognizing and synchronizing to in-band data at a multimedia device is provided. A content stream includes in-band data. The in-band data is processed and in-band data pattern data associated with the content stream are created. Metadata are attached to the event identification data. The event identification data are provided to multimedia devices which receive broadcasted multimedia content streams containing video programs with in-band data. The in-band data are processed and compared to the event identification data. If a match occurs, the multimedia device uses the metadata to perform specified actions.

Abstract: A system and method for providing program guide information to subscribers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method is applied to a satellite broadcasting system having a first satellite broadcasting a first signal having a first set of program material and first program guide information describing at least a portion of said set of program material, and a second satellite broadcasting a second signal having a second set of program material and second program guide information describing at least a portion of said second set of program material, wherein the first broadcast signal and the second broadcast signal each include service channels uniquely described by a service channel identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing frame rates during multimedia playback are described herein. The ideal playback timing associated with video data is determined. If an actual playback timing of the video data lags the ideal playback timing, a frame rate associated with the video data is varied using a smoothing function to recover toward the ideal playback timing. An iterative frame-dropping algorithm is applied to vary the frame rate in accordance with the smoothing function. The smoothing function incorporates as a variable an average delay associated with playback of frames in the video data.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus for multi-view information conveyed in high level syntax. An encoding method and apparatus is disclosed for encoding multi-view video content in a resultant bitstream and multi-view coding information for the multi-view video content in at least one high level syntax element. A decoding method and apparatus is disclosed for decoding multi-view video content from a resultant bitstream and multi-view coding information for the multi-view content from at least one high level syntax element.

Abstract: A communication system includes: providing preferences; sending the preferences to a source device or a display device; and delivering data with the preferences from the source device to the display device.

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 method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.

Abstract: Provided are method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving broadcasting content. The method of transmitting broadcasting content includes generating metadata including at least one of information about an acquisition route of at least one additional content related to the broadcasting content and information about a target device to use the at least one additional content and transmitting the metadata and a broadcasting signal including the broadcasting content.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a modulated video signal to be presented on a digital display device, the video signal having a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame each comprised of a plurality of pixels, the system comprising a signal source for generating a video signal, an encoder, the encoder comprising a means for receiving the video signal from the signal source, a means for selectively altering luminance of the pixels of the first frame and the second frame of the video signal to represent a signal presence or signal absence and thereby creating a modulated video signal, and a means for providing the modulated video signal to a broadcast source, and the broadcast source for providing the modulated video signal from the encoder to a digital display device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an audio/video display device. The method includes receiving a data signal which is a portion of a content signal received by the audio/video display device and extracting encoded information from the data signal. The method further includes interpreting the encoded information to determine a corresponding display device control code. The display device control code can then be issued to the audio/video display device to automatically implement an operation thereon contemporaneous to display of content associated with the content signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to video player devices intended to play a video content DSC including audio tracks forming a disc audio languages list DAL and/or subtitles forming a disc subtitle languages list DSL, in a given number of languages. According to the invention, said device comprises a user interface UIA enabling the user to define a list of interesting languages UPL and a memory MEM to store the list of interesting languages UPL. Said device can then generate a dynamic menu ATL, STL intended to be displayed by filtering of the languages list DAL, DSL of the audio tracks present on the disc in accordance with the list of interesting languages UPL. Said dynamic menu ATL, STL is such that languages of the list of interesting languages UPL have priority in the dynamic menu ATL, STL. The invention enables the user to make an easier choice of a language for video content including audio tracks and/or subtitles in many different languages.

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 system for dynamically transmitting network alert system (NAS) information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide network alert system (NAS) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the NAS data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and NAS data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and NAS data signal.

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 broadcast signal is received that includes a data identifier that identifies data associated with the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal also includes the data associated with the broadcast signal encoded in the broadcast signal. The data associated with the broadcast signal includes an indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The system decodes the data encoded in the broadcast signal while ignoring the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal. The indicator to ignore the data identifier contained in the broadcast signal may include an associated time period during which the data identifier should be ignored. The data identifier is broadcast in scan line twenty-one of a broadcast image. The data associated with the broadcast signal is encoded in vertical blanking interval lines of a broadcast image.

Abstract: An interface for coupling data between a host computer/server and a bank of disk drives. The interface includes a chassis having disposed therein: a pair of storage processors adapted for coupling to the host computer/server; and, a pair of management controllers in communication one with the other through a communication link. The management controllers monitor elements of the interface including fans and power supplies and control such elements in response to massages passing between the management controllers.

Abstract: A method of using additional information at a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) receiver is provided. The method includes the steps of: extracting and displaying additional information from a DMB signal; selecting and storing a desired one of the displayed additional information; displaying a list of the stored additional information depending on a user's request command; and outputting additional information selected at the list of the additional information.

Abstract: A recording medium, method, and apparatus for reproducing text subtitle streams are disclosed. A microcomputer initially reads a set of PlayItems and a SubPlayItem included in a PlayList which is recorded on a recording medium, and it further reads synchronization information included in the SubPlayItem. Each PlayItem is configured to reproduce at least one main AV stream, and the SubPlayItem is configured to reproduce a text subtitle stream. The synchronization information indicates a presentation start time of the SubPlayItem on a global time axis of the PlayList. When the PlayList is randomly accessed at a random access time on the global time axis, the microcomputer calculates a corresponding access time on a time axis of the SubPlayItem. Then a text subtitle decoder decodes for presentation a dialog presentation segment with the closest dialog start time after the corresponding access time on the axis of the SubPlayItem.

Abstract: Upon receiving a call while receiving a digital broadcast, an audio path switching control unit switches an audio path to an output side of a telephone audio processing unit, and outputs telephone audio data received, when the user presses the call start/end button to end the call, the audio path switching control unit switches the audio path to the side of a digital broadcast audio processing, and outputs audio data extracted from the digital broadcast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video data processing apparatus and a method for generating a digital video data stream. The video data processing apparatus is equipped with an input for the input of at least digital video data (vi), a processing unit for the processing of at least the input video data (vi), an output for the output of the processed video data (vi) and a control interface for interrupt and/or status data (di, ds), the processing unit and/or a data insertion unit insert the interrupt and/or status data (di, ds) into the input digital video data (vi), and the output (O) generating, as digital output data stream (vo), the input video data (vi) having the interrupt and/or status data (di, ds) placed or incorporated thereinto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting a watermark using informed detection. A first signal potentially having a watermark embedded is received (601) as is a second signal corresponding to the original signal. The signals are segmented (605) into symbol segments. For each symbol segment a first characteristic is determined (607) for a first section and a second characteristic is determined (609) for a second section in response to the first and second signals in those sections. Specifically, ratios between average envelopes are determined. Thus, the first and second characteristic is indicative of the variations of the envelope during a watermark symbol. A watermark symbol estimate is determined (611) from the first and second characteristic. A sequence of estimated watermark symbols is compared to reference watermark symbols and the presence of a watermark symbol is determined (615) depending on the comparison.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.

Abstract: A method of creating a system for haptically and graphically rendering one or more scenes. The method includes generating one or more haptic targets for haptically rendering the scene as a virtual scene. The scene is haptically rendered as the virtual scene. The method also includes providing one or more graphics targets for graphically rendering the scene as a graphical scene, generating an initial data packet for the scene, and transmitting the initial data packet to the graphics target. The method also includes loading the initial data packet on the graphics target to create the graphical scene.

Abstract: A method and system for including non-graphic data in an analog video output signal of a set-top box. Graphics data is generated from and represents non-graphic data using software or firmware that is executed by a processor, system-on-a-chip integrated circuit, or some other component of the set-top box. The graphics data is alpha blended with video data that is extracted from a digital television signal. This alpha blending results in an alpha blended digital video signal. The alpha blended digital video signal is converted into the analog video output signal by a digital encoder function, which is preferably included in the system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The alpha blending is also preferably performed by the alpha blending function of the system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The analog video output signal can then be input into an analog video recorder.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that controls a position of a caption. The apparatus includes: a caption processing unit, which identifies a non-signal area (B) including the caption using a control signal, identifies an image data area (A having the same size as the non-signal area (B), on a screen, and displays caption data of the non-signal area (B) on the image data area (A); a controller, which outputs a control signal positioning the captions to be lost in an enlarged presentation mode on the screen; and a signal processing unit, which performs image signal processing so that the caption data is displayed with predetermined images on the image data area (A).

Abstract: A system and method for processing and displaying a unitary image formed from the combination of a broadcast signal with a second signal with no or minimal modification, alteration or degradation of the broadcast signal. In one embodiment, the system and method processes and displays a High Definition Television (HDTV) video signal with another High Definition (HD) video and/or non-video digital media signal as one combined HD image. This convergence allows the HDTV video signal and the additional HD signal to be displayed on a monitor as a combined HD image without any modification in the appearance of the HDTV image when compared to an unprocessed HDTV image. The system and method allows an HDTV video signal to be wrapped and displayed with an additional media, such as advertising and entertainment, in a variety of display configurations. The advertising and entertainment may be selected based on various considerations to provide targeted advertising and entertainment.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing program ancillary data pertinent to each scene of a picture program to be recorded includes a display control unit for demonstrating, on a display picture, an input form having, as an input item, the information pertinent to a scene as an object of preparation, and a program ancillary data generating unit for correlating the information specifying an associated scene with the information as input through the input form, and for outputting the resulting information.