Abstract: For changing setting of caption output format, a TV receiver sequentially outputs, to a monitor; a font setting image having options of two parameters, font type and size, in matrix; a color setting image having options of foreground and background colors in matrix; an edge setting image having options of edge type and color in matrix; and an opacity setting image having options of foreground and background opacities in matrix, and allows user to select the options of each two parameters based on each setting image, and further changes the setting image to be output to the monitor, depending on whether “Transparent” is selected as the foreground and/or background color. The TV receiver excludes, from each setting image, an option combination of two options, one causing loss of discriminability of the other, to make impossible selection of such option combination. The user can quickly complete intended setting without redundant procedures.

Abstract: A VBI receiver and method is disclosed. The receiver includes an over-sampling circuit, a transition detector, a data selector, and a data output device. The over-sampling circuit is for over-sampling VBI data and outputting and over-sampled signal. The transition detector is for detecting the transition of the over-sampled signal and outputting a transition signal representing the transition position. The data selector is for recording the transition signal and outputting a position signal according to the transition signal and at least a previous transition signal. The data output device outputs digital output data from the over-sampled signal according to the position signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic adjustment of text in a video are described. At least one embodiment includes a system for automatic adjustment of text in a video on a display comprising a ratio detector configured to detect an original aspect ratio of the video, an edge locator configured to identify edges of the video based on the original aspect ratio detected, wherein regions between the edges of the video and edges of the display define unused regions, a size assessment module configured to determine size of the text, wherein the size assessment module determines the size of the text by examining at least one of light portions within the text and a bounding rectangle which surrounds the text. The system further comprises a text adjuster configured to move the text to the unused region above or below the video, wherein the text adjuster further aligns the text to at least one of the edges of the video and the edges of the display device.

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: A data slicer circuit is disclosed which comprises a control circuit to output a digital signal that increases or decreases by a constant value difference depending on the level of an input signal when the input signal is sampled at a given frequency; a conversion circuit to convert the digital signal to an analog signal; and a comparison circuit to compare the video signal with the analog signal, the comparison circuit outputting the result of the comparison as the input signal to the control circuit, wherein the analog signal corresponding to the result of the comparison of the comparison circuit is used as a slice level for separating the data from the video signal.

Abstract: A data slicer of the present invention comprises a reference voltage generation circuit and a comparator. The reference voltage generation circuit comprises a plurality of capacitances which area connected in parallel to one another, holding electrical charges on the basis of an input signal, a plurality of first switches which are connected to the plurality of capacitances with first nodes, respectively, for controlling the inflow of the input signal to the plurality of capacitances and a plurality of second switches which are connected to the plurality of capacitances with the first nodes, respectively, for controlling the connection among the plurality of capacitances. The plurality of first switches are controlled with predetermined timing where these first switches are individually brought into an ON state, and the plurality of second switches are controlled with predetermined timing where all the second switches are brought into an ON state.

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: To detect at least one of a copy protection indicator and a redistribution control indicator in an analog video signal, the video format of the analog video signal is determined, e.g., by detecting the horizontal frequency and vertical frequency of the signal. Based at least on the determined video format, a region of the analog video signal that may contain the indicator is identified. The region may for example be one or more video lines in a vertical blanking interval. The region is examined until the indicator is detected. The indicator is confirmed, e.g., by re-detecting one or more occurrences of the same indicator value(s) later in the video signal. Once confirmed, the indicated copy protection and/or redistribution control may be effected by limiting either or both of copying and redistribution of the analog video signal. The indicator may for example be Copy Generation Management System Analog plus Redistribution Control (CGMS-A+RC) information.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of video input interfaces. The display device also includes a display controller coupled to the plurality of video input interfaces. The display controller determines a sequence in which the plurality of video input interfaces are scanned for a video signal. The display controller makes the determination in response to activity information associated with one or more video input interfaces included in the plurality of video input interfaces.

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 system and method for receiving, processing, and storing electronic data transmitted in the vertical blanking interval of a video signal. The system provides a flexible mechanism for reading electronic data from video signals including those in National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternation by Line (PAL) formats. Some implementations provide for receiving electronic programming guide data transmitted at a single byte rate or at multiple byte rates. The data is stored on a computer-readable medium such as a hardrive for further processing and use.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling access to closed captioning data present in a broadcast stream is disclosed. The technology includes a method for enabling access to closed captioning data present in a broadcast stream. The method includes accessing device data associated with a broadcast stream receiver, wherein the device data indicates whether the broadcast stream receiver is configured to receive a digitized format of closed captioning data or an analog format of closed captioning data. Provided the digitized format of the closed captioning data is not present in the broadcast stream, the method includes ensuring the broadcast stream receiver is configured to access the analog format of the closed captioning data.

Abstract: A system for automatically tuning a primary broadcast receiver using a secondary broadcast receiver to receive a first broadcast signal corresponding to a source of an origin program, one or more program transition detectors to monitor first broadcast signal tuned by the secondary broadcast receiver to determine and signal a transition from a non-original program content to origin program content while a user views or hears alternate programming from a primary broadcast receiver, and automatically tuning of the primary broadcast receiver to the first broadcast signal upon detection by the program transition detector that one or more of user-specific tune conditions have been met.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing caption information effectively provides information on the status of a caption service for a broadcast signal depending on a user's selection by checking the caption service status of the broadcast signal at a predetermined time interval and storing the caption service status information obtained through the check. The apparatus includes a caption information collecting unit for checking the status of a caption service for a broadcast signal at a predetermined time interval and collecting information on the caption service status, and a caption information processing unit for displaying the collected caption service status information on a display unit.

Abstract: The false-positive detection prevention circuit inputs a multiplexed signal-sliced binary determination value, has an identification code detection circuit for detecting the identification code of the binary determination value and evaluating the identification code, carries out error determination for the identification code evaluation, and outputs a signal that does not correspond to the signal as an error signal. The identification code evaluation carried out by the identification code detection circuit makes reference to the width of the pulse of the binary determination value related to the identification code.

Abstract: A data slicer with a source-degeneration structure is described. In particular, this invention can be implemented in a FM demodulation system. It located at the end of the demodulator. The data slicer can slice a signal transmitted through air and demodulates the same with a demodulator to produce a frequency-shifted modulation (FSK) signal. The signal is a perfect square-wave and is transmitted to a base band circuit. The data slicer with a source-degeneration structure obtains the exact reference voltage. The reference voltage is not affected by noise and doesn't need the coupling capacitor, so it can reduce the difficulty of manufacture and cost. The present invention has a common-source unit with a source-degeneration resistor for producing an input signal and a reference voltage, and a comparator unit for comparing the input signal and the reference voltage and outputting a square-wave signal that corresponds to the input signal.

Abstract: A data transmitting/receiving apparatus and method in which color gamut information is added to a teletext signal in a blanking interval so that a display device can recognize whether a color gamut has been extended, are provided. The apparatus includes a control unit which determines whether an image signal is a wide color gamut signal. A signal processing unit encodes color gamut information of the wide color gamut signal and allocates the color gamut information to a data region of a teletext interval if it is determined that the image signal is the wide color gamut signal. The signal processing unit transmits an image signal including a teletext packet in which the color gamut information is recorded.

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

Abstract: A method for detecting a program deviation period during a television broadcast having a main audio program and a secondary audio program includes: receiving the main audio program; receiving the secondary audio program; calculating a similarity value between the main audio program and the secondary audio program within a candidate period; and determining whether the candidate period is the program deviation period according to the calculated similarity value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating program changes. The apparatus and method include a controller for detecting a change program request and for outputting change event data when a change event is detected. A non-active video information replacement module is coupled to the controller for receiving non-active video information and the change event data. When the replacement module receives change event data, a clear code generator generates clear code data that replaces non-active video information, and the non-active video information replacement module generates modified non-active video information. The modified non-active video information is provided to an output stage, whereupon the clear code data resets a non-active video information field within a display device, thereby preventing the display of erroneous information by a display within the output stage. Thereupon, clear code data is synthetically inserted within non-active video information upon the occurrence of a change event.

Abstract: A video production facility system may produce closed caption data that includes text data and timing data. The system may receive script data for a video program. The system may then determine identifiers for individual programming events that make up the program. The system may then produce closed caption data for the program. The closed caption data may include text data corresponding to the script data, and timing data provided at locations that correspond to the beginning of each of the programming events. The timing data may comprise an identifier of the corresponding programming event. Further timing data may be provided that marks the ends of programming events, or that marks individual segments within a programming event. Related embodiments may pertain to systems that implement such processing. The closed caption data may be synchronized to a video signal based on the display of corresponding text by a teleprompter system that is used in the production of the video program.

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: A method for deriving a synchronisation signal (35) from a video signal comprises tracking the blanking level (107) of the video signal with first and second slice level signals (26, 27) and tracking the sync tip level (110) of the horizontal sync signal (109) of the video signal with third and fourth slice level signals (28,29) for determining the blanking level (107) and the sync tip level (110). A value for an intermediate slice level signal (30) is computed from the first, second, third and fourth slice level signals (26, 27, 28, 29) so that the value of the intermediate slice level signal (30) lies approximately halfway between the blanking level (107) and the sync tip level (110).

Abstract: A technique to provide a cost effective solution to detect teletext data that can reduce detected error in teletext when the transmission data rate is known. In one example embodiment, this is accomplished by detecting data bits in an unsynchronized digital data stream by finding start of each data bit based on an estimated data bit width and transitions in the unsynchronized digital data stream.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for slicing binary data transmitted in a video signal is provided, comprising a synchronous separator, a line counter, a slicing signal generator and a comparator. The synchronous separator detects Hsync and Vsync carried in the video signal. The line counter generates an enable signal by counting the number of scanning lines based on the detected Hsync and Vsync, wherein the enable signal is activate when the video signal carrying teletext and/or other binary data. The slicing signal generator further comprises an extreme value detector determining local maximum values and local minimum values of the video signal, and a slicing level determiner generating an adaptive slicing signal based on the local maximum values and the local minimum values. The comparator enabled by the enable signal compares the video signal with the slicing signal.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for embedding digital watermark information in an image, includes an image divider dividing the image into a plurality of partial images; and an embedder embedding in each of the partial images a digital watermark which indicates the digital watermark information. The digital watermark includes a plurality of watermark elements arranged in a sequence which is different for each of the partial images.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus receives a broadcast signal, and displays an image corresponding to the broadcast signal on a display screen. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract information about a closed caption and genre information about a genre of a program from the broadcast signal, and a selection unit configured to select a display form of the closed caption on the basis of the genre information.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a reception unit which receives moving image data transmitted from a source node, an acquisition unit which requests the source node to send information including a vendor name of the source node so as to acquire the vendor name of the source node from the source node, and a character generation unit which generates vendor name character data indicating the vendor name of the source node acquired by the acquisition unit. A synthesis unit superimposes the vendor name character data on the moving image data if the vendor name of the source node is acquired by the acquisition unit, and superimposes predetermined character data on the moving image data if the vendor name of the source node cannot be acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: There is provided a system for the automatic collection and conditioning of closed caption texts originating from multiple geographic locations, comprising: (1) at least one remote capture client means having a tuner to receive one or more television signals, a decoder to decode closed caption text stream in the television signals, and means to write the closed caption text stream to a text file, (2) central server means operatively connected to the remote capture client means for storing the text files and making the text files available to a user, and (3) an inquiry client means operatively connected to the central server means for searching the text files. The central server is adapted to automatically process search requests from the inquiry client and notify the inquiry client via any suitable communications means, even when the inquiry client is not in active communication with the central server.

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: A CC data detecting/inserting unit 11 detects the presence or absence of the CC data superimposed on an input video signal, and a control unit 14 decides the contents of the operation command by a remote control signal. Where the start of recording or release of pause of the recording is instructed, a CC data insertion controlling unit 12 produces a control signal so that a control code indicative of “clear” is read out from a CC data storage memory 13. The CC data detecting/inserting unit 11 inserts this control code data as the CC data. Thus, the CC data with the control code data indicative of “clear” inserted at a discontinuous point as well as the video signal is recorded. This overcomes the inconvenience of display of the information of coupled discontinuous characters.

Abstract: A method for selecting an audio language of a digital broadcasting receiver, including determining whether an audio language selection has been made, increasing an audio language on-screen display order number by one, setting a previous audio language on-screen display order number to equal the value of the increased audio language on-screen display order number, displaying a current audio language index, fetching a new current audio language index and setting the current audio language on-screen display order number to correspond to the new current audio language index, comparing the previous audio language on-screen display order number with the current audio language on-screen display order number, and displaying the new current audio language index when the previous audio language on-screen display order number and current audio language on-screen display order number are different.

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

Abstract: The present invention is relative to a video signal transmitting/receiving system in which digital video signals are transmitted from a transmitter (30) to a receiver (50) using a line (9) as a transmission channel. The transmitter (30) converts the video signals to be transmitted to a bit string longer in data length than a pixel making up the video signals, allocates a plural number of the bit strings to a blanking period during which pixel data in the pixel string is not transmitted and, using these bit strings, transmits the same superposed data a plural number of times. The receiver (50) extracts the specified bit strings indicating the blanking period from the received data and performs majority processing on the results of demodulation of the extracted bit strings to decide on output data. This reduces errors in reception of supplementary data to simplify the circuit structure as well as to ameliorate the error rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses in which two or more types of attributes from an information stream are identified. Each of the identified attributes from the information stream is encoded. A time ordered indication is assigned with each of the identified attributes. Each of the identified attributes shares a common time reference measurement. A time ordered index of the identified attributes is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a music playback system which uses an interface to easily play back a characteristic musical structure section with a music audio data playback apparatus. The interface 13 includes a function of selecting an arbitrary characteristic music structure section from a plurality of characteristic music structure sections, and a function of visualizing a characteristic music structure section. The characteristic music structure section specifying data for specifying the selected arbitrary characteristic music structure section is given to a music audio data playback apparatus 3. The music audio data playback apparatus 3 changes a playback position of the music audio data to the characteristic music structure section specified by the characteristic music structure section specifying data given by a specifying data providing means 12.

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

Abstract: A teletext data separation apparatus has a slice level generating circuit including a slice timing control circuit, a control register, an adder and a divider. The slice timing control circuit generates a timing signal for sampling. The control register carries out ON/OFF control of the slice timing control circuit. The control register sets by its register value the number of the sampling points of the adder and divider. By varying the register value in response to the reception state, the number of the sampling points can be increased from the specified 16 points, for example. This makes it possible for teletext data separation apparatus to generate an appropriate slice level that enables the teletext data to be separated reliably even in conditions where noise or distortion occurs in the video signal because of the effect of a weak electric field or ghost.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently detecting and decoding valid teletext message sequences is provided. A system is provided that includes a correlator, a sine wave generator, two time window generators, a phase detector, a framing code search engine, and a match filter. The method includes determining the phase of the run-in burst of a teletext message sequence, identifying the framing code location, deciding whether the teletext sequence is valid, and decoding the teletext data for display.

Abstract: A system and method for using a hand held device having a display to display a readable representation of an audio track of a playing media such as, for example, a television program, a compact disc, or digital video disc. In one embodiment, the system generally includes a consumer appliance for playing the media wherein the consumer appliance is adapted to transmit a signal including data that is a representation of the audio track. In a further embodiment, the representation of the audio track can be downloaded to the hand-held device from an external source such as, for example, a Web site on the Internet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for determining a slice level used for detecting an edge of a horizontal sync pulse of a horizontal line of a video signal, where the horizontal line has a plurality of samples. An exemplary method comprises low-pass filtering the video signal to generate a plurality of filtered samples; determining a first level, wherein a predetermined number of the plurality of filtered samples have levels above the first level; determining a second level, wherein the second level is a minimum level of levels for the plurality of filtered samples; and determining the slice level by adding the first level and the second level to generate a summed level, and dividing the summed level by two to determine the slice level.

Abstract: A data slicer 300 includes a slice level calculation unit 310 that determines whether a detected digital video signal is a CRI signal on the basis of the amplitude of the signal, and sets a reference slice level and upper and lower slice levels which are obtained by providing offset in the reference slice level, by using only the CRI signal; a data slicing unit 160 that binarizes a digital video signal S140 using the slice levels; a decoding circuit 170 that converts binarized serial data into parallel data; and a data selection unit 320 that selects data including no error from the decoded data, and outputs the selected data through a video signal output terminal 190. Therefore, even when the video signal is distorted, this data slicer can set appropriate slice level data to binarize the video signal, thereby suppressing the occurrence rate of decoding errors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of broadcasting a message having a text portion to be communicated to a user, the method including broadcasting the message in the form of an entitlement management message for reception by the user.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which encoded data (e.g., video, audio, and optionally also other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. The serial link can but need not be a TMDS or TMDS-like link. In typical embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted over each of one or more channels of the link during data islands between bursts of encoded video data, a pixel clock is transmitted over the link, and the receiver regenerates a clock for the audio data using time code data in the packets and the pixel clock. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data and pixel clock and performing audio clock regeneration, and methods for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link and performing clock regeneration using the transmitted data and pixel clock.

Abstract: A method for modulating one or more fields of video signal (18) with auxiliary signal (20) by use of an encoding improvement, the one or more fields having one or more sub-fields, the one or more sub-fields having a plurality of odd and even scan lines, the plurality of odd and even scan lines having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels each having an intensity comprising obtaining on encoder (12) the video signal from signal source (10), selectively designating on encoder the plurality of odd and even scan lines as up lines or down lines for at least one of the one or more sub-fields for at least one of the one or more fields, calculating an amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the plurality of odd and even scan lines on encoder, and adding intensity to the up lines and subtracting intensity from the down lines according to the amount of intensity adjustment for the pixels of the scan lines of video signal on encoder.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving device and method thereof is capable of synchronizing text data to currently broadcasting video data and/or audio data and displaying the same. The digital broadcast receiving device has a text data reading unit for reading a text data from a bit stream of a digital broadcast program; a text data synchronizing unit for synchronizing the read text data to currently-broadcasting video data and/or audio data; and a text data outputting unit for outputting, thus displaying the read text data on a display. The text data outputting unit outputs the read text data such that certain portion that is synchronized to the currently broadcasting video data and/or audio data can be distinguished among others. As a result, viewers can catch the intended information immediately even when the information is ETT text data that contains a large amount of information.

Abstract: A digital television receiver includes a CS receive circuit (12). This CS receive circuit receives a digital television broadcast signal. The digital television broadcast signal contains video data from which first video data is created as well as EPG data from which second video data is created. First and second video compression circuits (18, 20) respectively compress first and second video data and output first and second compression video signals. The first and second compression video signals are composited together by a video compositing circuit (22). Consequently, on the monitor (24) are displayed EPG and broadcast video picture in a 2-screens form.