Abstract: Information about the context of electronic media may be extracted automatically. The extracted information may then be used to select ancillary services or applications that may be of interest to the user. The context information may be developed from ancillary information associated with the media, such as metadata or electronic programming guides. It may also be extracted from the media itself, including identification of image elements, audio elements, or other depicted features within the media in order to obtain information about what is being displayed.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, a text information receiving unit receives text information, and a received text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information. An extraction unit extracts text information of a subtitle included in a program. A subtitle text morphological analysis unit performs morphological analysis on the text information of the subtitle. A similarity calculation unit calculates the similarity between a keyword included in a result of the received text morphological analysis performed by the received text morphological analysis unit and a keyword included in a result of the subtitle text morphological analysis performed by the subtitle text morphological analysis unit. A comparison unit compares the similarity with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for processing broadcast content. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reduce a cost for generating additional data and providing the additional data to a user by extracting a keyword from information about captions included in broadcast content, and generating additional information associated with the extracted keyword.

Abstract: A caption detection device including a delay unit which delays a current-frame image to output a previous-frame image, a current feature detection unit which receives the current-frame image to detect a caption feature in each region, a previous feature detection unit which receives the previous-frame image from the delay unit to detect a caption feature in each region, a caption emergence region detection unit which detects a region where the caption emerges based on a temporal change between the feature in each region of the current-frame image and the feature in each region of the previous-frame image, and a caption disappearance region detection unit which detects a region where the caption disappears based on the temporal change between the feature in each region of the current-frame image from the current feature detection unit and the feature in each region of the previous-frame image.

Abstract: A 3D caption display method for harmoniously merging and displaying closed caption with 3D image in a 3D display apparatus, and a 3D display apparatus suitable for implementing the method. The 3D display apparatus receives a broadcast signal containing caption data, and obtains caption control commands including a 3D parameter setting command from the caption data. Afterwards, the 3D display apparatus displays a plurality of 3D caption images according to the caption control commands.

Abstract: A caption detection system wherein all detected caption boxes over time for one caption area are identical, thereby reducing temporal instability and inconsistency. This is achieved by grouping candidate pixels in the 3D spatiotemporal space and generating a 3D bounding box for one caption area. 2D bounding boxes are obtained by slicing the 3D bounding boxes, thereby reducing temporal instability as all 2D bounding boxes corresponding to a caption area are sliced from one 3D bounding box and are therefore identical over time.

Abstract: A video switching apparatus has a plurality of slots each for mounting any of a first input module capable of inputting any one of a plurality of predetermined types of video signals and performing processing, content of which varies depending on the type of input video signal and a second input module capable of inputting only predetermined one type of video signal. The video switching apparatus switches and outputs video signals of a plurality of channels input to the input modules mounted to the plurality of slots. The video switching apparatus includes an input setup data memory processor, a detector, and an input setup changer.

Abstract: A fully customizable system and method for producing videos utilizing a decentralized business model for receiving input parameters from the customer or user and for presenting production elements for selection based on the input parameters. The system providing feedback by calculating, a cost, a delivery date, and/or the required raw video source material, as the customer or user makes production element selections. The customer or user is further provided with specific direction as to which and how many raw source materials are to be gathered for the video production.

Abstract: Disclosed is a replay apparatus including a reading unit, a display control unit, a storage unit to store a predetermined display limited letter string and a judging unit to judge whether the predetermined display limited letter string stored in the storage unit exists in the letter string which is based on the text data constituting the predetermined replay data read by the reading unit or not, and when the judging unit judges that the predetermined display limited letter string stored in the storage unit exists in the letter string which is based on the text data constituting the predetermined replay data read by the reading unit, the display control unit carries out a predetermined process to the judged display limited letter string in order not to display the judged display limited letter string in the predetermined display apparatus.

Abstract: Block noises at block boundaries are removed, but when a contour line in the original image matches a block boundary, the degree of block noise removal is adjusted and image quality is improved. An adaptive filter has a step of calculating the weight of pixels near the block boundary by a high-pass filter, and a step of determining an adjusted value for the pixels near the block boundary based on the weight. The pixel values near the block boundary are adjusted and block noises are removed. A low-pass filter is applied to pixels near the block boundary to determine a filtered value. The adjusted values of the pixels near the block boundary are determined by obtaining a weighted sum of the original pixel value and the filtered value.

Abstract: An elastic expert system for allocating bits according to application domain requirements and network resources. The elastic expert system observes the network resources and determines a state for allocating bits, the state relating to the application domain requirements. The elastic expert system can then allocate bits to a region-of-interest based on the determined state. The elastic expert system also can allocate bits to a background region and an extended region of interest.

Abstract: A method of generating information on relationships between characters of a content includes dividing a text extracted from the content into one or more predetermined units, determining one or more dominant relationships between characters of the content by comparing the divided units with relationship keyword information in which keywords contained in categories are defined, wherein the categories represent one or more relationships between the characters, and generating information on the relationships between the characters in accordance with the determined dominant relationships. The dominant relationships are determined by matching the divided units of text to the categories with reference to the relationship keyword information, counting the number of divided units of text corresponding to each of the categories, and determining the relationship represented by the category measured by the highest number of divided units of text.

Abstract: A hybrid-captioning system for editing captions for spoken utterances within video includes an editor-type caption-editing subsystem, a line-based caption-editing subsystem, and a mechanism. The editor-type subsystem is that in which captions are edited for spoken utterances within the video on a groups-of-line basis without respect to particular lines of the captions and without respect to temporal positioning of the captions in relation to the spoken utterances. The line-based subsystem is that in which captions are edited for spoken utterances within the video on a line-by-line basis with respect to particular lines of the captions and with respect to temporal positioning of the captions in relation to the spoken utterances. For each section of spoken utterances within the video, the mechanism is to select the editor-type or the line-based subsystem to provide captions for the section of spoken utterances in accordance with a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: When generating animation content as summary content for a digital broadcast program, the timing for switching of animation images for display is controlled appropriately. Subtitle character string extraction means for extracting a subtitle character string from subtitle data contained in digital broadcast signals, still image extraction means for extracting one still image corresponding to the subtitle character string, and summary content generation means for generating summary content to display the extracted subtitle character strings together with the corresponding extracted still images, are provided; the summary content generation means decides the timing for switching display of the plurality of subtitle character strings and still images comprised by the summary content, based on the subtitle character strings.

Abstract: A television apparatus (20) including a display (22) and an audio transducer (24,28) for reproducing video and audio component parts of a television signal. A processor (40) is provided for separating from the television signal an audio descriptor component part for providing an audio description of a corresponding video component part of the television signal. A controller (46) selectively controls the television apparatus to operate in one of an audio descriptor mode in which an audio descriptor component part is reproduced by the audio transducer (24,28) at the same time as the display (22) reproduces the respective corresponding video component part and a standard mode in which the audio descriptor component part is not reproduced. A user operable interface (30,50,48) is provided for selectively selecting between the standard mode and the audio descriptor mode. The controller (46) is configured to drive the display (42) to provide a mode image (52) providing an indication of the selective mode.

Abstract: A communication apparatus including multiplexed data receiving unit that receives multiplexed data including at least audio data, an extracting unit that extracts the audio data from the multiplexed data, a telephone unit that transmits/receives telephone audio data, and an audio output unit that outputs at least one of the extracted audio data and the telephone audio data. The telephone unit continues to transmit/receive the telephone audio data when an occurrence of an initiating event of the multiplexed data receiving unit is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The audio output unit outputs the telephone audio data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio data is being received. The multiplexed data receiving unit initiates receiving the multiplexed data when the occurrence of the initiating event is detected while the telephone audio is being received.

Abstract: A sub-title detection system and method for television video are provided in which a static region detection is performed, and the results of the static region detection are pruned using a feature based on density of horizontal transition pairs, an intelligent adaptive temporal filtering is performed that uses object-level subtitle information and has suitable properties for integration in a streaming video environment, rectangular bounding boxes are computed around the subtitle using height, width and filling-degree constraints, and finally, subtitle bounding boxes are identified by binary classification based on text stroke alignment features.

Abstract: An apparatus processes video signals containing video information related to a scene which may contain a vehicle license plate. The apparatus includes a video camera having a video imaging device for viewing the scene and generating a first video signal. A character detector in the video camera processes the first video signal to detect a license plate within the scene and to generate location information indicating the location of the license plate. A line detector in the camera determines a particular video line of the first video signal into which the location information is to be embedded. An insertion circuit in the camera embeds the location information into the particular video line of the first video signal to form a second video signal. The apparatus may also include a video capture device for receiving the second video signal from the video camera and converting the second video signal into digital image data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using disparity measurements to control the adjustment of a data slicer threshold. The method receives a serial stream of pseudorandom digital data signals having an average DC value, and compares data signal amplitudes to a slicer threshold value. In response to the slicer threshold value comparison, data signal “1” and “0” values are determined. A first sum of determined “1” values is created, and a second sum of determined “0” values is created. The slicer threshold value is adjusted in response to the comparison of the first and second sums. More explicitly, the slicer threshold value is adjusted to make “1” values more likely in response to the second sum being larger than the first sum. Alternately, the slicer threshold value is adjusted to make “0” values more likely in response to the second sum being smaller than the first sum.

Abstract: A method for video mode detection, wherein video input data (VID) corresponding to a video picture (P) is received and a video mode is determined for said video picture (P). The determining of said video mode depends on a local video mode (LVM) and a global video mode (GVM) of said video picture (P). Said global video mode (GVM) is determined for said video picture (P) based on said video input data (VID) or a derivative (m1) thereof. For determining said local video mode (LVM), first said video picture (P) is subdivided into a ticker area (TA) and a remaining area (RA), thereby generating ticker area data (TAD). Then, said local video mode (LVM) is determined for said ticker area (TA) based on said ticker area data (TAD). When determining said local video mode (LVM), said ticker area (TA) is subdivided into n sub-areas, and at least one of said n sub-areas (1 . . . 6) is selected as selected sub-area (SSA).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing access to information of potential interest to a user. Closed-caption information is analyzed to find related information on the Internet. User interactions with a TV which receives programming including closed-caption information are monitored to determine user interests. The related closed-caption information is analyzed to determine key information therein. The key information is used for searching for information in available resources such as the Internet, and the search results are used to make recommendations to the user about information of potential interest to the user.

Abstract: When generating animation content as summary content for a digital broadcast program, the timing for switching of animation images for display is controlled appropriately. Subtitle character string extraction means for extracting a subtitle character string from subtitle data contained in digital broadcast signals, still image extraction means for extracting one still image corresponding to the subtitle character string, and summary content generation means for generating summary content to display the extracted subtitle character strings together with the corresponding extracted still images, are provided; the summary content generation means decides the timing for switching display of the plurality of subtitle character strings and still images comprised by the summary content, based on the subtitle character strings.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating information searching for a user of an electronic device is provided. Facilitating searches involves obtaining information about the user interests, identifying potential data of interest to the user, extracting data related to said data of interest to the user, and collecting the extracted related data for presentation to the user on the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic audio standard detection in terrestrial broadcast signals is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of detecting automatic audio standard for terrestrial broadcast includes scanning for each known audio frequency standard of interest in a current band energy spectrum in an incoming broadcast signal using a standard of non standard energy estimation algorithm, such as Goertzel DFT or FFT based algorithm for a predetermined time interval. At each known audio frequency standard of interest, energy is computed using the associated standard or non standard energy estimation algorithm within the predetermined time interval. The computed energy at each known audio frequency standard of interest is then compared to predetermined threshold energy. At each known audio frequency standard of interest, it is determined whether the audio frequency standard of interest is detected based on the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A closed caption detection system includes a video line selector that outputs a selected line of a video signal, a luminance detector that outputs a luminance level of the selected line, and an alarm that compares the luminance level with a threshold level and provides an alarm based on the result. A method of detecting closed captioning data includes selecting a television channel, decoding closed captioning in the channel, detecting a luminance level of a closed captioning line of the television signal, comparing the luminance level with a threshold level, waiting for a time if luminance level of the selected line is less than the threshold luminance level, and then re-detecting luminance level and re-comparing the luminance levels, then, if the luminance level is less than the threshold level, indicating the absence of closed captioning data.

Abstract: An image processing system, for processing display data and vertical blanking interval data carried by a composite signal, is disclosed. The image process system includes: a video decoder, for decoding the display data to generate corresponding image data; a VBI decoder, for decoding the VBI data to generate corresponding VBI image data; a converter, for converting the VBI image data into color index data; a transmission interface, for transmitting the decoded image data and color index data; and an image processing module, for receiving the image data and the color index data to deinterlace/scale the image data and converting the color index data back into the original VBI image data, mixing the processed image data and the VBI image data such that data to be displayed can be generated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for transmitting and receiving broadcast data in a digital broadcasting system. The method for transmitting and receiving broadcast data in a digital broadcasting system includes receiving the main data encoded with symbols having a plurality of levels; deciding whether levels of main data symbols encoded with symbols having the plurality of levels belong to a first group; and mapping the main data symbols to extended levels by using modulation values of the additional data if it is decided that the levels of the main data symbols belong to the first group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing device that converts an interlace image signal into a progressive signal so as not to cause degradation of image quality in edge parts of letters or the like, when performing an IP conversion with respect to an image that is mixed with an OSD such as a caption and a telop. The image processing device includes: an OSD mix part that mixes an on-screen display with an input interlace image signal; a motion detecting part that detects a motion by comparing pixel data between different fields; and an interpolation pixel generating part that generates a new pixel between lines of the interlace image signal by interpolating calculation with an interpolation method that depends on an OSD mix ratio of the OSD mix part and a result of the motion detection by the motion detecting part.

Abstract: A data recovery device and a method thereof for processing a television signal having a plurality of horizontal scan signals are disclosed. The data recovery device includes a reference level processing unit and a data processing circuit. The method for data recovery is by means of the reference level processing unit to generate a plurality of reference levels according to a reference component of each of the horizontal scan signals. And the data processing circuit is used to process the N+1th horizontal scan signal in accordance with the Nth reference level.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting relevant information from content metadata is provided. User access to content is monitored. A set of extraction rules for information extraction is selected. Key information is extracted from metadata for the content based on the selected extraction rules. Additionally, a type for the content can be determined, and a set of extraction rules is selected based on the content type. The key information is used in queries for searching information of potential interest to the user, related to the content accessed.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for a mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes a display unit, a controller to separate a main screen and a sub screen from video data, the main screen to be displayed on an external display device and the sub screen to be displayed on the display unit, and an interface to wirelessly transmit the main screen to the external display device for display while the sub screen is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a video decoder. The video decoder includes: a receiver configured to receive data of main images, data of subtitle images, and subtitle time information about display periods of the subtitle images; a decoder configured to decode the data of the main images; a determining module configured to determine first frames among all frames of decoded data of the main images based on the subtitle time information, wherein the subtitle images are displayed on the first frames; and a processor configured to perform image processing on first pixels among all pixels of the first frames, wherein each of the first pixels has a color that belongs to a certain color space range.

Abstract: Various embodiments of separating a picture part of interest from an arbitrary background are described. The background may be a moving or still frame. The picture part of interest and background frames may be in or out of focus. One separation approach employs the difference between luminance and chrominance values of the input and background frames where changes in luminance from frame to frame are compensated for. In another approach, picture part of interest separation is based on spatial resolution differences between the background and the picture part of interest frames. Parameter matching can also be performed for the picture part of interest and the basic picture into which the picture part of interest is embedded. Further, a separated picture part of interest can be embedded into a basic picture containing text.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at content servers in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving an authorization for a program download, receiving a request to download the program from a receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a broadcast signal, and transmitting the program to the receiver via point-to-point communication signal.

Abstract: From a television signal data such as teletext or closed caption data is extracted by slicing. A binary data signal is formed dependent on whether the television signal level is above or below a slicing level (S). The slicing level (S) is selected by defining a reconstructed data signal (D) with signal values equal to plus and minus an amplitude value relative to a middle level and transitions between these signal values at time points where the television signal crosses the slicing level. An auxiliary signal (R) is formed that contains the television signal (Vi) from which the reconstructed data signal (D) has been subtracted. A feedback loop is provided that adapts the amplitude value (A) to regulate a residual data signal amplitude in the auxiliary signal (R) to zero.

Abstract: In some implementations, closed captioning streams of textual data are extracted from video signals received by a client device. The closed captioning streams may be searched for occurrences of textual data in the closed captioning streams that match one or more search terms. When the number of matches between the search terms and a particular closed captioning stream exceeds a threshold number, a notification may be sent indicating that content programming determined to be of interest to a viewer has been located and/or the content programming may be recorded.

Abstract: Recorded material such as video is transmitted in compressed form to a receiver, which has a buffer for smoothing differences between the data rate received and that consumed by a decoder that follows. The whole of the recording is analysed to determine a point at which to commence playing such that no buffer underflow can occur; the decoder commences playing only when this point has been reached.

Abstract: A multimedia output apparatus includes an audio port to receive a first audio signal, a connection port to receive a first video signal or both a second video signal and a second audio signal, a sensor to sense whether the connection port receives only the first video signal or both the second video signal and the second audio signal, a switch to select one of the second audio signal received through the connection port and the first audio signal received through the audio port to be output, and a controller to control the switch to output the first audio signal received through the audio port when the sensor senses that only the first video signal is received through the connection port and to output the second audio signal received through the connection port when the sensor senses that both the second video signal and the second audio signal are received through the connection port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video processing method and apparatus capable of performing a proper video process corresponding to various color systems. A decoder extracts color information from a received video signal including vertical synchronous information for a vertical scanning frequency of a picture, color information of the picture, and frequency information corresponding to the color information. A frequency evaluator evaluates the received vertical scanning frequency and the received frequency of the video signal color information on the basis of the vertical synchronous information and the frequency information of the color information.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting vertical blanking interval (VBI) signals and an associated detecting method are disclosed. The apparatus can reduce the probability of false alarm by dynamically adjusting the range of a detection window within the VBI interval, thereby enhancing the detection accuracy. The apparatus includes a detection unit and a window-adjusting unit. The detection unit detects whether a television signal contains a clock run-in signal within the detection window to generate a detection signal. The window-adjusting unit dynamically adjusts the range of the detection window according to the detection signal.

Abstract: A method is provided. In this method, a clock signal and an input signal are received, where the input signal is a Manchester encoded signal. A unit interval (UI) number is incremented for each UI received upon receipt of a valid UI. The UI number is compared to a plurality of threshold values after the each increment of the UI number, where each threshold value is associated with at least one of a plurality of sum values. For each threshold value, once exceeded by the UI number, its sum value is incremented for each cycle of the clock signal, and a plurality of window lengths are calculated, where each window is calculated based at least in part on at least one of the sum values at predetermined values of the UI number.

Abstract: An exemplary method relates to buffering closed captioning data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at receivers in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example receiver station includes a receiver interface to receive a broadcast signal, and a controller to, for a selected program, generate an authorization request and a content request. The example receiver station also includes a network interface to transmit the authorization request, to transmit the content request to point-to-point content delivery server, and to receive the program from the point-to-point content delivery server.

Abstract: A downstream bandwidth output level and/or output level tilt compensation device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tuner that identifies low and high band signal channels, and a channel analyzer that determines a format of each of those channels. A signal measurement measures low and high band signal strengths. An offset circuit adds or subtracts an offset value to the low and/or high band channel signal strengths depending on whether the respective channel is analog or digital. A microprocessor compares the low and high band signal strengths, including any offset values, to a predetermined signal strength loss curve. A variable output level compensation device and a variable slope adjusting circuit are provided to amplify and adjust the gain slope of the downstream bandwidth.

Abstract: A slice level adjustment unit for performing adjustment of a slice level with respect to a signal whose transmission is started at a predetermined time, includes a clock portion for measuring the current time, and performs a first adjustment of the slice level when the clock portion measures substantially the predetermined time and also performs a second adjustment when the clock portion measures a readjustment standby time past the predetermined time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment receiving-unit is configured to receive a broadcast signal employing a first subtitle format capable of designating a display-position and executing a plurality of subtitle displays. The display-position-detecting-unit is configured to detect a display-position of a subtitle in accordance with subtitle information included in the broadcast signal received by the receiving-unit. The character-string-detecting-unit is configured to detect a character string of the subtitle in accordance with the subtitle information. The subtitle-generating-unit is configured to generate subtitle information in a second subtitle format in capable of executing a plurality of subtitle displays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting vertical blanking intervals (VBI) is disclosed. The apparatus can identify and filter non-VBI signals, and calculate a level value for digitization corresponding to the type of television signals. The apparatus includes a detecting unit and a coupled computing unit. The detecting unit is for generating a detecting signal according to a television signal. The computing unit is for calculating a slope of the detecting signal, and for determining whether the television signal contains a clock run-in signal according to the slope.

Abstract: A text subtitle decoder includes a text subtitle processor, a text renderer, and a presentation controller. The text subtitle processor parses a text subtitle stream into text data and reproduction control information, where the text data represent a subtitle text to be displayed within a text subtitle region. After the text subtitle stream is parsed, the text renderer renders the text data into bitmap data using the reproduction control information. The presentation controller controls operations of the text subtitle processor and the text renderer.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating a variable slice reference level. At least two variable slice reference levels used for slicing VBI data are generated. The device includes a high/low average value generator, a reference value detector, and a slice level generator. The high/low average value generator generates an average high value and an average low value of the VBI data using a plurality of window signals. The reference value detector generates an average reference value of the VBI data using the window signals. The slice level generator outputs a high slice level and a low slice level using the average high value, the average low value, the average reference value, and a tuned factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying additional information on a TV program is disclosed. In the present invention, both a detail information included in the additional information transmitted by a broadcasting station or detail information obtained from an external source such as the Internet may be displayed to a user, it requested.