Abstract: A data reproduction apparatus for character multiplexing video signal includes an A/D converter circuit for converting a character multiplexing video signal into a digital video signal, an FC detecting/clock generating circuit for detecting an FC signal contained in the digital video signal to generate a clock signal for character data reproduction, a delay circuit for delaying the digital video signal by a period of time corresponding to time required for the FC detecting/clock generating circuit to generate the clock signal, and a data reproducing circuit for reproducing character data by sampling the digital video signal which is time-adjusted by the delay circuit by use of the clock signal.

Abstract: Digital TV receiver including an antenna, a tuner for synchronizing one of a plurality of digital TV signals received at the antenna, the digital TV signal having data streams, and each data stream having a plurality of symbols, a comparing unit for comparing data streams of the synchronized digital TV signal to an already stored symbol pattern of a synchronizing signal in succession, to provide a positive number if found identical as a result of the comparison or either one of a negative value or a zero if found different as the result of the comparison, memories each having an identical initial value the memories corresponding to symbols in the data stream in one to one fashion, an adder for adding signals provided as many as a number of symbols in the data stream from the comparing unit in succession to corresponding initial values in the memories in succession when each of the data streams is received and keeping updating the initial values in the memories by storing the added signals to corresponding mem

Abstract: A decoding system and method for a plurality of transport streams, such as MPEG-2 encoded data streams, in which, in addition to a transport decoder, a predecoder is provided for extracting program specific information (PSI) from the plurality of transport streams. Consequently, in the event of a channel change requiring a different transport stream to be decoded, the PSI is made immediately available to the transport decoder eliminating the delay of waiting for applicable packets in the transport stream to extract the PSI prior to decoding and presenting a program to a user. A fully populated crossbar switch controlled by a micro-controller is used to feed a selected transport stream to the transport decoder and to cause the plurality of transport streams to be successively fed to the predecoder.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video data is characterized wherein plural pieces of video data of plural broadcast programs are divided into packets, respectively, and the plural packets of the video data and packets including information about the broadcast programs are multiplexed and transmitted, video data whose reproduction mode is non-interlace scanning and video data whose reproduction mode is interlaced scanning are transmitted as the pieces of video data of the plural broadcast programs, and the information for judging whether the video data of a broadcast program is of a non-interlace scanning type or of an interlaced scanning type being described in a packet including information about the broadcast programs is transmitted.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing video data buffers in a system including: an encoder for encoding input data into a compressed data bitstream; an encoder buffer for storing the compressed data bitstream; a decoder buffer for receiving the compressed data bitstream, with a sum of an encoder buffer delay and a decoder buffer delay is constant; a variable rate transmission channel operatively connecting the encoder buffer and the decoder buffer; and a decoder for receiving and decoding the compressed data bitstream. The instantaneous encoder buffer delay is used to generate a control signal; the control signal is inserted into the compressed data bitstream following the encoder buffer. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the encoder and decoder performs encoding and decoding operations, respectively, in the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard, using the VBV.sub.-- DLY parameter of the MPEG standard as the control signal.

Abstract: Method and device for correcting errors in synchronization of operations of recovering sequences of ancillary data transmitted over the invisible lines of the VBI of a video signal including a vertical synchronization signal Vsync and a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync used to synchronize the opening of time windows for recovery of the data. In the event of the absence of a horizontal synchronization pulse at the end of a period equal to H+.DELTA.H, where H is the period of the signal Hsync and .DELTA.H is a first predetermined lapse of time, an artificial synchronization pulse is generated, and the moment of opening of the window for recovering ancillary data to the moment of generation of the artificial synchronization pulses so as to cause the moment to coincide with the start of the sequence of ancillary data to be recovered.

Abstract: A system for high-speed data transmission using a television signal to communicate encoded data. A multi-level encoding method is employed whereby raw data values are converted into one of a plurality of voltage levels. The encoding method allows for improved data transfer rates, conservation of bandwidth, and self-synchronization for decoding. Mock timing data signals are generated to comply with television signal standards, such as NTSC, SECAM, PAL and HDTV.

Abstract: Channel map information includes program map table information in packetized program information used in video processing and storage medium formats. In a digital video system for decoding an MPEG compatible datastream containing MPEG compatible program map table information, channel map information is identified and assembled. The channel map information identifies individual packetized datastreams that constitute a broadcast program. The channel map information associates a broadcast channel with packet identifiers used to identify individual packetized datastreams that constitute a program transmitted in the broadcast channel. The channel map information replicates information conveyed in the MPEG compatible program map table information.

Abstract: Packetized video program information used in video processing and storage medium formats includes program related text messages. A decoder decodes packetized video program information including program related text messages. The decoder determines a broadcast programming time segment associated with a desired program related text message and identifies program related text message data occurring in the determined broadcast programming time segment. The decoder acquires the identified program related text message data and formats the text message data for display.

Abstract: Program channels are allocated first and second identification numbers in packetized program information used in video processing and storage medium formats. Packetized program information is decoded to provide data content of a program. Channel map information in the packetized program information is identified. The channel map includes a first identification number for use in identifying a first broadcast sub-channel and the first identification number is associated with a first broadcast source. The channel map also includes a second identification number for use in identifying the first broadcast sub-channel from among a group of sub-channels associated with the first identification number. The identified information is assembled to form a channel map suitable for use in identifying a program transmitted on the first broadcast channel using the first and second identification numbers in conjunction.

Abstract: A coding and/or decoding system includes: a code-word table for storing therein a plurality of code words, which are capable of being decoded both in forward and backward directions and which are formed so that delimiters of the code words are capable of being identified by a predetermined weight of the code words, so that the code words correspond to different source symbols; an encoder for selecting code words corresponding to inputted source symbols from the code-word table; and a synchronization interval setting part for preparing coded data every predetermined interval using the code words selected by the encoder and for inserting stuffing codes capable of being decoded in the backward direction. Thus, it is possible to decrease useless bit patterns to enhance the coding efficiency by smaller amounts of calculation and storage, and to decode variable length codes both in the forward and backward directions even if the synchronization interval is set every interval using the stuffing bits.

Abstract: A method is provided for parsing closed captioning data (or other types of like embedded data, such as extended service data) encoded according to one of at least three syntaxes. An encoded video signal is received which is hierarchically organized into picture sections of a picture layer. Each picture section contains an encoded picture and at least one corresponding user data section. A beginning of a sequence of bits of the user data section is identified within one of the picture sections. If the identified sequence of bits contains either undefined data or closed captioning data encoded according to either a specific first syntax or closed captioning data encoded according to a specific second syntax, but not closed captioning data encoded according to any other syntax, then the following steps are performed. A byte is extracted from a beginning of the sequence representing a user data length. A byte is also extracted following the user data length byte in the sequence, which represents a user data type.

Abstract: A television signal includes a video signal having at least luminance information and a signalling bit stream for conveying static control information bits relating e.g. to at least an aspect ratio of the video signal, in which a plurality of bits of an additional data signal are distributed over at least one bit of the signalling bit stream per frame of the video signal, whereby the signalling bit stream contains at least one varying bit in addition to the static control information bits.

Abstract: A censoring assembly is adapted for use with a television tuner outputting a signal having a closed caption component signal. A closed caption decoding device produces a video signal having no closed caption component and converts the closed caption component into an uncensored text data signal. A censor device deletes words contained within the uncensored text data signal found in a list of offensive words, creating a censored text data signal, and may also turn off the audio signal for a timed period. The list of offensive words is generally pre-loaded with such words and phrases, but the censor device typically contains support for allowing the user to add objectionable words and for the down-loading of objectionable words from a remote location. A closed caption generator inputs the video signal having no closed caption component and the censored text data signal and generates a video signal having a censored closed caption component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for transmitting information with a video signal. At least one client application creates a message to be transmitted to a receiver. The client application transmits the message to a data encoder and the encoder receives the message and other messages from other client applications. The encoder transforms the message and the other messages into packets and multiplexes them into a bitstream to be encoded with a video programming signal. The multiplexing is performed according to priorities assigned to the at least one client application and the other client applications. The encoder transmits the bitstream to a video encoder to transmit the bitstream with the video programming signal in order to be received by a decoder. The decoder can then decode the information from the video signal and transmit the information to at least one decoder client application. The client applications may include: a status application which transmits a status information (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring a program from a packetized signal in response to ancillary information included in the packetized signal. The packetized signal includes a plurality of program signals and ancillary information associated with the plurality of program signals. The apparatus includes means for identifying the ancillary information from the packetized signal, the ancillary information including master guide information for use in identifying and acquiring special guide information, and special guide information for use in acquiring program information associated with the plurality of program signals. The program signals may be acquired using identifier information that may be derived from the ancillary information. The apparatus includes means responsive to the ancillary information for acquiring a selected program from the packetized signal.

Abstract: A system for delivering selective VCR control codes to programmable settop terminals over a CATV communication system includes a headend for storing and transmitting VCR control code information to the settop terminals and a plurality of settop terminals for receiving the control codes. The CATV communication system delivers the VCR control codes to individual subscribers within the vertical blanking interval of one of the broadcast channels or over a control data channel. A set-up procedure is required for each VCR to determine the appropriate set of VCR control codes. Upon determining the specific type of VCR the subscriber has, the VCR control codes transmitted through the CATV system are stored in the settop terminal in non-volatile memory. Since the settop terminal only stores the VCR control codes for a single type of VCR, memory requirements are minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering an information carrier which has been transmitted as a sub-carrier in the lower VSB spectral region of a television signal. The invention utilizes a spectral inversion method to shift the data carrier frequency from the normal VSB spectral region to a spectral region normally associated with video information in a standard television signal. The data carrier is then recovered using a standard video demodulator and provided to a data utilization circuit, such as a QPSK demodulator.

Abstract: A television system for recovering the digital data encoded in a television signal at an encoding frequency. The television signal is sampled at a frequency much higher than the encoding frequency, and the resulting sampled data elements are stored in a memory. Sampled data elements corresponding to a clock run-in portion (synchronization signal portion) of the television signal are examined to a samples interval equal to the number of samples per encoding clock periods. Transitions in the values of data elements are determined by examining consecutive sampled data elements. In general, sampled data elements are selected with an interval equal to the determined samples interval as representing the encoded digital data elements. However, the selection sequence is adjusted according to the transitions to ensure that the samples in only the stable portions of the television signal are selected.

Abstract: A similar change information takeout apparatus is intended to take out automatically unit containing similar change information when character row data divided in certain units are given in a multiplicity, and comprises an input unit in which character row data are entered sequentially in time series, a former data memory unit for storing character row data, a start/stop input unit for accepting an input for designating start or stop of output of similar change information from the user, a new data unit takeout process for taking out sequentially the units contained in new data, a unit comparison process for comparing the units taken out in the new data unit takeout process and the units contained in former data to see if different or same character by character contained in the units sequentially, a different character and type counting process for calculating the variety and number of different or same characters as a result of comparison in the unit comparison process, and a similarity judging process for

Abstract: Packetized program information used in video processing and storage medium formats includes multiple text strings. A decoder decodes packetized program information containing multiple text strings associated with a program. The decoder determines from a first indicator in the packetized program information a type of coding and compression employed in encoding a first text string. The decoder decodes the first text string with a decoding function selected in accordance with the determined type of coding and assembles decoded text string elements to form an output text string.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for receiving a compressed video stream and generating a decompressed video signal and closed caption data therefrom employs a video decoder a video decompressor that decompresses the compressed video stream to generate a decompressed video signal. The video decoder has a closed caption data embedder that produces closed caption data contained in the compressed video stream for embedding into a video output signal of the video decoder. A single video signal output port is coupled to the video decompressor and the closed caption data embedder and produces the video output signal which includes the decompressed video signal and the embedded closed caption data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting variable sampling rates when decoding vertical blanking interval data receives an indication of a sampling rate being used to sample a signal received during the vertical blanking interval. The sampled signal is also received and the data embedded in the vertical blanking interval is recovered based on the sampling rate.

Abstract: Video signal processing apparatus includes a picture enhancement processor for processing a video signal to produce an enhanced video signal. The video signal includes a signal component representing video image data and another signal component representing non-image data such as vertical sync and a binary information component. The binary information component represents binary information that may occur, for example, during vertical blanking such as closed caption data, content advisory information (V-chip), or extended data services information. A control unit modifies the enhancement performed by the picture enhancement processor during intervals of the video signal that include non-image information. Modifying enhancement processing (e.g., reducing or disabling) during intervals that include the non-image information reduces degradation of the non-image information caused by the enhancement processing.

Abstract: In a composite video signal that contains an image field having vertical synchronization (V.sub.-- Sync) pulses, The V.sub.-- sync pulses include first equalization pulses of E.sub.1 waveforms followed by a serration pulses of S waveforms, T.sub.S -long each, followed by a second equalization pulse of E.sub.2 waveforms, T.sub.E -long each. The transition from a last waveform of the E.sub.1 waveforms to a first waveform of the S waveforms constitutes a vertical synchronization (V.sub.-- sync) signal. The system a reference event occurring at a first time interval .DELTA.T .sub.1 .+-.Er after said V.sub.-- sync signal, wherein Er stands for time shift error. The system includes filter for filtering the composite video signal so as to obtain a filtered signal. Clamper for clamping the filtered signal so as to obtain a clamped signal. First detector for detecting N (N.ltoreq.S) waveforms in the serration pulses thereby indicating first event occurrence. Second detector for detecting M (M.ltoreq.E.sub.

Abstract: A home-based television system has a set top box that receives from a cable operator television programs for broadcast on many channels. The set top box also receives additional information for display and an application. In response to user input, the application filters data in a first data stream, uses the filtered data to identify data in a second data stream, and causes the thus-identified data to be displayed.

Abstract: Coupon information is stored in a memory at a cable television station. The cable television station may simultaneously transmit multiple video signals, each representing different sources of television programming, over multiple television channels on the cable network. The video signal may at times, such as during a product advertisement or other offer, include an embedded coupon identifier. A coupon subsystem at the cable television station monitors each video signal and retrieves coupon information from a database when it detects a corresponding embedded coupon identifier and embeds the coupon information into the video signal before transmitting it. Coupon information may be embedded using teletext standards. A subscriber unit at the television viewer's site receives the television signal and includes a teletext decoder that extracts the coupon information. The television programming aurally or visually alerts the viewer that a coupon may be generated.

Abstract: A closed-caption broadcasting and receiving method and apparatus. According to the closed-caption broadcasting method and apparatus, first and second language character information and control information are inputted, and control codes of 2 words and character codes of 2 words including a syllable character completion type code are produced. The control codes are obtained by combining the control information with a mode control bit and a parity bit, and the character codes are obtained by combining the first and second language character information with a mode control bit and a parity bit, respectively. First and second digital-modulated caption signals are produced by inputting the control codes and the character codes, respectively. The first or second caption signal is selected if the present field is discriminated as an odd or even field, respectively, and the selected caption signal is encoded in a scanning line which does not affect a television video signal to be transmitted in the air.

Abstract: A receiver system automatically adaptively tunes to broadcast signals that are variable in the number of channels that are transmitted, their signal coding type and their modulation format. A system receives a digital bitstream representing video information encoded in one of a plurality of different formats, and transmitted on one of a plurality of transmission channels. The system includes a processor for identifying and capturing program guide information including a plurality of channel maps. A channel map associates a transmission channel with a video channel output and the channel map is also associated with an encoding format. The system also includes an adaptive decoder for decoding the bitstream to provide the video channel output in response to the program guide information.

Abstract: A method of error-free, simple programming of a data decoder for the purpose of recording desired data programs is achieved when a data guide table, generated at the transmitter end, for programming the recording, and a data status table for signaling the data programs currently running are evaluated. In addition to date, time, broadcasting company, identifying number and length of the files, the data guide table contains information on the hardware and software configurations, which is required for receiving, for decoding and for outputting the desired data program, and further information for automatically reloading software possibly missing at the receiver end. In this way, it is possible as early as during programming of a data program to carry out a check of the system configuration required at the receiver end and to output an error message or warning to the user if his own system is not suitable for receiving, decoding or outputting the desired data program.

Abstract: A flexible architecture for a digital data receiver including a demultiplexer is provided which allows modular addition of data processors with low complexity and minimal memory requirements. The demultiplexer operates on a scalable frame-based multiplex signal, and interprets the multiplex control data at the start of the frame. With the information interpreted from the control data, the demultiplexer separates individual data services and optionally decrypts them. Data, a data clock and an error flag signal are presented to the demultiplexer input. According to a service requested by a user, the demultiplexer outputs decrypted data clock, error flag and service enable signals in a flow-through manner to an appropriate data processor without data storage.

Abstract: For the transmission of additional data on a television channel the lines of the vertical blanking interval are used. It is intented to improve program information by so-called electronic program guides, which are based on the transmission of a large database. For these EPGs the additional data shall be broadcasted within the teletext data stream in a compatible manner. The EPG data are splitted into two data streams, wherein the transmitted data are organized in data blocks. Data blocks from different streams may interrupt each other. According to the invention the data pages (A, B) are stored sequentially in two different buffers (PA, PB) and processed alternatively. The blocks of the pages transmitted in the first stream are stored in a first block buffer (BB1) and the blocks of the pages transmitted in the second stream are stored in a second block buffer (BB2).

Abstract: A circuit for generating a threshold voltage level from a time division duplex analog data signal. The circuit comprises a sample/hold circuit and an amplifier. The sample/hold circuit is arranged to sample the threshold voltage level during a reception interval and hold the threshold voltage level during a transmission interval. The amplifier includes an operational amplifier coupled to the sample/hold circuit for amplifying the analog data signal during a reception interval and amplifying the threshold voltage level during a transmission interval. A transconductance device is coupled to the operational amplifier, and a plurality of load legs are respectively coupled to a plurality of bias legs. A first selected pair of the respectively coupled load legs and bias legs is coupled to the transconductance device, and a second selected pair of the respectively coupled load legs and bias legs coupled to the output of the amplifier to provide the threshold voltage level.

Abstract: A graphics display system processes a video signal that includes closed caption text. A digitizer and decoder circuit retrieves the closed caption data and formats the data to avoid loss by decimation, to be scalable, and to include an indicator of capture or display. The digitizer and decoder circuit includes ping pong buffers for storing the data. During a first odd field, the closed caption data is stored in the ping buffer and the closed caption data from a previous field is read from the pong buffer. During the even field, the closed caption data is again read from the pong buffer. During the next odd field, the operation is repeated with the functions of the ping and pong buffers reversed. Alternatively the even field may contain the closed caption data. The digitizer and decoder circuit includes a capture or display valid bit in the closed caption data to indicate that the caption data is from the current field.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of remote service transactions. According to the present invention, a smart card includes optics for receiving information from a television channel and a modem for providing real-time two way communication with a remote service provider. To maintain system security, data that is provided to the card may be encrypted. The present invention also includes applications of the smart card such as remote financial services, near video-on-demand with automated order and billing, pay-per-view with automated order and billing, appointment TV, home shopping, real-time market studies and opinion polls and electronic gaming and sweepstakes.

Abstract: A computer system optimized for real-time applications which provides increased performance over current computer architectures. The system includes a standard local system bus or expansion bus, such as the PCI bus, and also includes a dedicated real-time bus or multimedia bus. Various multimedia devices are coupled to one or more of the expansion bus and/or the multimedia bus. The computer system includes byte slicing logic coupled to one or more of the expansion bus and/or the multimedia bus which operates to allow different data streams to use different byte channels simultaneously. Thus the byte sliced multimedia bus allows different peripherals to share the bus simultaneously. The byte slicing logic thus may assign one data stream to a subset of the total byte lanes on the multimedia bus, and fill the unused byte lanes with another data stream. The computer system of the present invention thus provides much greater performance for real-time applications than prior systems.

Abstract: A multiplexed text data sampling circuit comprises a detecting signal inhibiting circuit (3) for inhibiting delivery of a detecting signal indicating a detection of a start bit of text broadcasting data from a start bit detecting circuit (2) during a predetermined period of time before the start bit appears, and a variable divider (71), responsive to the detecting signal, for dividing a clock signal so as to produce a sampling clock signal to sample the text broadcasting data, and for varying a dividing ratio between the frequency of the clock signal and the frequency of the sampling clock signal in such a manner that the sampling timing for each of bits of the text broadcasting except one or more last bits is adjusted so that each bit except the one or more last bits is sampled in the middle of a period of time during which each bit except the one or more last bits is applied to the sampling circuit, and the sampling timing for each of the one or more last bits is adjusted so that each bit of the one or more

Abstract: There is provided a highly flexible television multiplex data extracting apparatus which can fetch the multiplex data of the television broadcast services where the horizontal section for multiplexing data is not fixed, wherein a register receives an information from a controller to generate information for designating the horizontal section for fetching multiplex data, sampling frequency information of the data to be multiplexed and information for designating fetch of data, a sampling apparatus has the first and second fetch modes and detects any one mode of the first and second modes depending on the information from the register, the first mode is the extracting mode corresponding to the case where the horizontal section for multiplexing data is fixed and the second mode is designated to discriminate existence of the multiplex data in the designated horizontal section and fetch the data depending on the discrimination result.

Abstract: A video port interface that determines the amount and type of incoming data by reading information from certain memories. A first memory indicates a first format of the incoming data. A second memory indicates a second format of the incoming data. Finally, a third memory indicates a number of lines of the first format that will be received. The video port interface reads all three memories at the beginning of each frame, then counts incoming lines until it reaches the line indicated by the third memory. At the end of that line, the video port interface switches from processing the data in the first format to processing data in the second format.

Abstract: A hardware system is programmed with a vertical blanking interval (VBI) scan line run-in clock recovery function, preferably noise tolerant that optimizes the starting point for recovering the leading run-in clock of a VBI scan line by maintaining at least one average starting position for VBI scan lines, and using the at least one average starting position to establish the starting point. The at least one average starting position is updated continuously with the actual locations where first rising edges in the run-in clocks of various scan lines are found.

Abstract: A transport decoder 110, for receiving and processing a transport data stream using MPEG-2 formats, includes connections to a physical layer channel interface (channel interface) 112, a buffer memory 114, a host microprocessor 116, audio and video decoders 118/120, and clock signal circuitry 122. Upon receipt of a discontinuity indicator, the transport packet headers are parsed and transport packet payloads are stored in memory. Subsequently, upon receipt of a next program counter reference (PCR) value, a counter is loaded with the received program counter reference value. Next, the data stored in memory is searched for a time stamp and, when one is found, the time stamp is retrieved. Finally, a timer interrupt is set for a point in time approximately one frame time before the time stamp value, and, when the timer interrupt occurs, the program counter reference value is sent to the decoders, thereby providing sufficient time for the decoders to process data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting variable oversampling ratios when decoding vertical blanking interval data receives an indication of an oversampling ratio being used to sample a signal received during the vertical blanking interval. The sampled signal is also received. Then, based on the indication of the oversampling ratio being used, the data embedded in the vertical blanking interval is identified.

Abstract: The disclosure is an automatic programming method for a tuner of a television and/or video recorder that makes use of data received by cable or terrestrial or satellite radio, and a device implementing this method. The method involves the transmission of a set of channel tables, each corresponding to a broadcasting station, using the CEEFAX standard. The television or video recorder memorizes the table corresponding to the postal ZIP code previously input by the user, then automatically programs the tuner. The invention is applicable for all types of television standards (PAL, PAL+, SECAM, NTSC, D2MAC, HDMAC, digital standards, etc.) and to all types of signal formats transmitted with the video signals.

Abstract: To reduce the time required to access serially transmitted teletext data, such data is often stored in memory. The present invention reduces the otherwise required memory size by storing the characters in proportional form and/or with duplicated characters not stored a plurality of times but stored with information on the number of times a character is duplicated.

Abstract: A system for providing interactive services in a subscription television system includes a system controller for controlling the interactive services, a video signal source for transmitting a video signal and a subscriber terminal for receiving a downstream transaction from the system controller and the video signal. The system controller comprises a memory for storing subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a processor for generating a downstream transaction including subscriber terminal address data and transaction data, a transmitter for transmitting the downstream transaction, and a receiver for receiving an upstream transaction. The subscriber terminal includes memory for storing the downstream transaction, an on screen display generator for overlaying data in place of or superimposed on the video signal, data input circuitry for generating upstream data, and an upstream transmitter for transmitting the upstream data to the system controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for compressing video information including digital data in horizontal or vertical blanking intervals of analog video signals includes circuitry (210) for retrieving such digital data. The retrieved digital data is formatted into auxiliary digital data packets. The analog video signal is compressed (214) according to, for example, the MPEG compression protocol and the auxiliary digital data packets are included (212) in the frame/picture headers of the compressed video signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting source identification data into a video signal prior to its transmission, recording or display. The source identification data (Finger Print) is injected into the active picture area of a video signal without disturbing the viewing of the video signal and the data is retrieved by a data reader, called a Fingerprint Reader. The data injection or "fingerprinting" process consists of dynamically offsetting the video pedestal to carry information which can then be read back from any videotape made from the output of the data-injecting unit. In particular, the fingerprint carries the ID number of the unit used and the current date. The offset lasts for one entire field and has an amplitude of approximately 0.5 IRE-- that is, a given field either has the nominal setup or a setup value differing from nominal by 0.5 IRE. The data is repeated every 128 fields in order to provide ample samples for the reader to detect and display the source identification data.

Abstract: A start code detecting apparatus for detecting a start code which indicates the start position of each layer from the bit stream of a compressed image according to the MPEG-standard is provided. The start code detecting apparatus includes two registers, a barrel shifter, a start code detector, a state machine, a code length generator and an accumulator. The start code detecting apparatus adopts the barrel shifter and the start code detector, so that the start code designating the start position of each layer can be effectively detected from the compressed bit stream.

Abstract: Digital data comprised of bytes formed of a predetermined number of data bits are encoded for representation in a video frame. Each byte of digital data, or a portion thereof, is represented in a respective region of the video frame by one or more video component levels that are assigned to the region and which correspond to the numerical value of the data bits of the byte or of the portion. The digital data are represented in the video frames in place of a video image or, alternatively, are represented in the same frames in which video images are recorded but in the areas of the frame in which the video image is not ordinarily recorded. Digital data represented in the video frame are decoded from the video component levels assigned to the regions.

Abstract: An extractor for digital data transmitted at a first determined frequency (f0) through a video channel after a burst of 0s and 1s emitted at a first frequency (f0). A comparator (1) compares the input signal with a threshold level. A threshold level is provided by an up/down counter (12) operating at a frequency (F0) multiple of the first frequency, the up/down counting input of which is connected to the output of the comparator (1), and a digital/analog converter (16) receiving the output of the up/down counter and supplying the threshold level (V.sub.T).