Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source 71 performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink 72 using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 so that, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit 131 and, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver 82. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line 84, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source 71 or the receiver 82 is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).

Abstract: An overlay application provides users with opportunities to block or cover portions of the display area by displaying an overlay. The overlay may be displayed to block or cover PRI or may be used to block or cover any portion of the display area, even in the absence of PRI. The overlay may be displayed automatically based at least in part on the type of program, a particular scene, etc., or upon user request.

Abstract: A transmitter includes: a transmission data generation section generating transmission data having a format of video field period as a unit including a horizontal blanking period, a vertical blanking period and an active video period which are separated by vertical synchronization signals, the active video period including a main video area and an auxiliary video area; and a transmission data transmitting section transmitting, in a differential signal format, the transmission data generated in the transmission data generation section to an external device through a transmission path and through a plurality of channels. The transmission data generation section allocates picture data to the main video area and allocates, to the auxiliary video area, additional information relating to the picture data allocated to the main video area.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting image content. In an embodiment, tags are used to identify how to alter image content. A graphics processor is configured to process the tags and to alter the image responsive to the tags. In another embodiment, a graphics processor is configured to alter image content unless a key is provided to the graphics processor.

Abstract: A digital movie screening system in which a movie subtitle can easily be used with protection of the copyright on the subtitle. A character information generating apparatus includes an encryption unit to encrypt a font file including data for displaying characters in a specific font, and a character information file generator to generate a character information file including a main file describing therein text data representing the content of characters to be displayed on a display unit and control data for displaying the characters and a font file encrypted by the encryption unit. The character information file generator also describes, in the main file, information on whether a font file indicated with a pointer, if any, described in the main file is an encrypted file.

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

Abstract: An image processing device includes a synchronizing signal separation section, a counting section, a synchronizing signal determination section, and a video format determination processing section. The synchronizing signal separation section separates a horizontal synchronizing signal from a received broadcasting signal. The counting section counts the pulse number of the separated horizontal synchronizing signal. The synchronizing signal determination section determines presence/absence of a synchronizing signal based on the counted value by the counting section. The video format determination processing section determines a video format of the received broadcasting signal based on the number of scan lines. The video format determination processing section determines the video format only when it is determined that there is a synchronizing signal by the synchronizing signal determination section.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for modifying video signals. The system may comprise at least one decoder that decodes a video signal that comprises embedded picture setting data, and a video processor that is adapted to detect whether the system is operating in an on-screen display (“OSD”) mode, apply the embedded picture setting data if the system is not in the OSD mode, and withhold the embedded picture setting data if the system is in the OSD mode. The method may comprise the acts of decoding a video signal that comprises embedded picture setting data, detecting whether a system is operating in the OSD mode, applying the embedded picture setting data if the system is not in the OSD mode, and withholding the embedded picture setting data if the system is in the OSD mode.

Abstract: A display system including a plurality of display units shall be supervised as to its proper functioning as well as the right content to be displayed. Therefore, there is provided a display device and a corresponding method for monitoring the presentation of a video signal on a display screen having a plurality of screen drivers. A mark signal is added to the video signal and a mark (13) is displayed within a picture on the basis of the video signal including the mark signal. The mark is sensed by a specific sensor and a corresponding sensing signal is provided. In order to supervise the functioning of each screendriver a specific mark signal is added for each screendriver into the video signal. Each of the plurality of marks is sensed and specific sensing signals are provided for each of the plurality of marks.

Abstract: Systems for generating and transmitting a video stream that is encoded with program data such that when decoded can be executed to update non-volatile storage within a video based electronic device. Typically video based electronic devices are controlled by processors running software stored in writable, non-volatile storage. It is often desirable or necessary to update the software after the device has been shipped from a factory in order to correct a software failure discovered after shipment or to incorporate a new set of features. As many video based electronic devices have no common interface available to connect a computer, there is no ability to receive a software update. However, most video based electronic devices can be connected to a video source. Therefore, systems that allow a video based electronic device to receive, decode, and execute program data that is encoded within a video stream are presented. A method for encoding program code into a video stream is also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, circuit and system for transmission of video data between a video source and a video sink. A video source transceiver may include: (1) a video source interface for receiving video data, optionally including one or more video synchronization signals functionally associated video source device; (2) a video source clock sampler for sampling a video clock parameter of received video data; (3) a video data buffer for buffering received video data prior to transmission; and (4) a video transmission circuit including packet size timing logic adapted to generate and transmit to a functionally associated video sink transceiver a value correlated to an expected data packet size based on video data stored in the video buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a transmitter, a receiver, a communication method, a program, and a communication cable for providing high-speed bidirectional communication while maintaining compatibility. When an HDMI (R) source 71 performs bidirectional IP communication with an HDMI (R) sink 72 using a CEC line 84 and a signal line 141, a switching control unit 121 controls a switch 133 so that, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a converting unit 131 and, when data is transmitted, the switch 133 selects a constituent signal forming a differential signal output from a receiver 82. When bidirectional communication is performed using only the CEC line 84, the switching control unit 121 controls the switch 133 so that the CEC signal output from the HDMI (R) source 71 or the receiver 82 is selected. The present invention is applicable to, for example, HDMI (R).

Abstract: Image processing in mobile devices is optimized by combining at least two of the color conversion, rotation, and scaling operations. Received images, such as still images or frames of video stream, are subjected to a combined transformation after decoding, where each pixel is color converted (e.g. from YUV to RGB), rotated, and scaled as needed. By combining two or three of the processes into one, read/write operations consuming significant processing and memory resources are reduced enabling processing of higher resolution images and/or power and processing resource savings.

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: The conversion of Mobile Display information used in a wide variety of Mobile Devices into Unified Image Formats is disclosed to enable viewing on a desktop computer system in addition to manual and automated testing of Mobile Content. In order to support the variety of Mobile Displays available, and to process the Mobile Display information in real-time, a configurable emulation system may be employed to model the Image Commands being used for each type of available Mobile Display. This emulation system can then provide a representative view of the image as it would be displayed on the Mobile Display, but in a format that can be utilized by other manual or automated systems.

Abstract: A storage medium storing a multimedia image stream and a text-based subtitle stream, and a reproducing apparatus and a reproducing method therefor are provided to reproduce the text-based subtitle data stream recorded separately from the multimedia image stream such that the subtitle data can be easily produced and edited and a caption can be provided in a plurality of languages. The storage medium stores: image data; and text-based subtitle data to display a caption on an image based on the image data, wherein the subtitle data includes: one style information item specifying an output style of the caption; and a plurality of presentation information items that are displaying units of the caption, and the subtitle data is separated and recorded separately from the image data. Accordingly, a caption can be provided in a plurality of languages, and can be easily produced and edited, and the output style of caption data can be changed in a variety of ways.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining and providing color metadata for a downlink data channel. In accordance with the present invention color metadata is determined such that gamut mapping is defined by a transmitted source gamut which enables adapted mapping that preserves saturation and contrast levels of the source for a downlink data channel. The metadata is then provided to a downlink data channel for color management.

Abstract: A file for storing digital data with high compression rate stores digital data for video and audio signals in multiple streams interleaved with each other. Each track has a stream descriptor list and a stream data list. The stream descriptor list includes a stream header chunk, a stream format chunk, and a stream name chunk. For a video stream, the stream descriptor list also includes a stream header data chunk if the video stream is under digital rights management (DRM) protection. The file format is compatible with high level data compressing algorithms, such as MPEG-4, which provide data compression ratio about six to ten times higher than a standard DVD format.

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 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: The audio-video synchronization process ensures continuity of displayed AV data. To initialize the process, a transport processor determines whether an occupancy criterion of a buffer storing received audio and video frames has been met. If the criterion is met, the transport processor obtains an initial time stamp value from an initial frame, and a subsequent time stamp value from a subsequent frame. Initial and subsequent parameters are computed from these respective time stamp values, and are compared against each other. If the parameters coincide, the frame is valid, and corresponding audio or video frames may be decoded and displayed. If the parameters do not coincide, a recovery process is initiated. In either event, the invention makes it possible to achieve audio-video synchronization for both live and playback modes of a digital video recorder (DVR).

Abstract: Television schedule information transmission and utilization systems transmit TV schedule data and associated network control messages provided by computer as packets via the Video Blanking Interval (VBI) lines in the TV signal from various television program providers. This data is acquired by regional data processing systems and forwarded by the regional data processing systems to subscriber units and used to construct an internal database. This internal database can be accessed by the subscriber unit to display a TV schedule for the channels that are received by the user's TV.

Abstract: A digital watermark embedder reduces a watermark signal as a function of time varying properties of video such that a watermark that would otherwise be static over frames is selectively reduced to make it imperceptible. The method computes a watermark signal corresponding to locations within a frame, where the watermark signal is mapped to locations in the video frame and is computed based upon attributes of the video within the frame. The method varies the strength of the watermark signal over time. The process of varying the strength includes reducing the strength of the watermark signal to make the digital watermark less perceptible in the video in locations where the video has time varying properties. The method embeds the watermark signal into the video at the locations with the varying strength.

Abstract: A display data packet contains identification information. A display unit communication system includes a control unit, a terminal adaptor to which a terminal adaptor ID is assigned and which is connected to the control unit, and a display unit to which a display unit ID is assigned and which is connected to the terminal adaptor in series and drives a display element according to the display data packet supplied from the control unit. The terminal adaptor receives a display data packet, the terminal adaptor ID of which agrees with that contained in the identification information, and transfers the display data packet to the display unit. The display unit receives the display data packet, the display unit ID of which agrees with that contained in the identification information, and drives the display element to display an image.

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: An integrated information processing system for geospatial information processing. The information processing system includes a scheduling module, an acquisition module, a production module, a distribution module, a geospatial data specification, and a geospatial media recorder. Each module incorporates a common object database management system. The scheduling module is configured for processing requests for media acquisition. The acquisition module is configured for acquiring visual, audio, textual, and geospatial entity information. The production module is configured for producing integrated digital media datasets and information. The distribution module is configured for distributing integrated digital media datasets and information. The geospatial data specification includes an object class which serves to provide geospatial referencing of an entity or object. The concatenated data attribute of geospatial data serves to geospatially reference entities or object in a video segment.

Abstract: Advertising is marked with a code in a way which makes it difficult to fool the system. The advertising is marked with a code at the time the advertising is produced. Then, when the advertising is broadcast, the code on the advertising is analyzed. Different security measures can be used, including producing the code in the closed captioning so that many different people can see the code, or comparing codes in one part of the signal with a code in another part of the signal. Measures are taken to prevent the code from being used to detect commercials. According to another part of this system, a paradigm for a clearinghouse is disclosed in which the user signs up with the clearinghouse, obtains a line of credit, and the advertiser, the agency, and the ad producer also subscribe to the service. When the ad is actually aired, the payment can be automatically transferred.

Abstract: A display data packet contains identification information. A display unit communication system includes a control unit, a terminal adaptor to which a terminal adaptor ID is assigned and which is connected to the control unit, and a display unit to which a display unit ID is assigned and which is connected to the terminal adaptor in series and drives a display element according to the display data packet supplied from the control unit. The terminal adaptor receives a display data packet, the terminal adaptor ID of which agrees with that contained in the identification information, and transfers the display data packet to the display unit. The display unit receives the display data packet, the display unit ID of which agrees with that contained in the identification information, and drives the display element to display an image.

Abstract: A system and method for converting text data having a Teletext format to text data having an Electronics Industries Associations-608 (EIA-608) format are illustrated herein. A video stream with embedded text data having a Teletext format is received by a dual mode text processing system. The dual mode text processing system, in one embodiment, extracts the text data and filters the text data to identify a desired portion using an identifier, such as a page identifier or number. The desired portion (or a copy thereof), once identified, is sent to a line break parser. The line break parser, in one embodiment, eliminates some or all of any unnecessary or unintended line breaks, as well as some or all of any extra space characters, to generate a character stream. The character stream, in one embodiment, is then converted into a EIA-608 format by a line convertor, wherein the character stream is parsed into one or more subtitle lines with a maximum character length.

Abstract: A communication station and communication method for effectively multiplexing data into a combined data stream by adding a special header to the combined data packet. The bit positions of this special header indicate the presence of data packets in a data stream in a combined data packer. The combined data packet is transmitted from the first to the second communication station through a first communication channel. Changes in the data streams can be communicated to the receiving communication station through a second communication channel, so that the second communication station can restore relations between data streams and recreate stripped headers.

Abstract: A method of adding auxiliary data, e.g., audio data, to a high-speed serial video link in such a way that it is invisible to existing receiver and such that auxiliary data, e.g., audio, can be transmitted without any knowledge of the capabilities of the display to receive the auxiliary data. Some of the DC balancing bits are used to transport the auxiliary data information over the link in a manner that does not change the data recovered by a DVI-CE receiver, or a legacy receiver (installed base). DC balancing is also maintained, but with differences over known techniques. Since the auxiliary data bits (which are occupying the time slots of the DC balance bits) will be interpreted by legacy receivers as DC balance bits, the data must be optionally inverted to remain consistent with the value of the auxiliary data bit being transmitted.

Abstract: A method of formatting data to maximize the readability of song identification (ID) information displayed on a monitor screen and a method of formatting data to maximize the amount of song ID information displayed on a limited number of lines on the monitor screen. The monitor screen is used to view in-band audio broadcast channel song ID information and out-of-band audio broadcast channel song ID information. The in-band ID information is associated with a song that is currently being played on a selected one of a plurality of channels. The out-of-band ID information is associated with all of the plurality of channels. To maximize readability, in-band ID information is abbreviated if the amount of information exceeds a maximum number of lines determined for the in-band ID information. To maximize the amount of in-band ID information, wraparound and abbreviation techniques are performed.

Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts broadcast data to a reception apparatus which stores the broadcast data into a memory and reproduces the broadcast data stored in the memory, according to a carousel method. An acquiring unit acquires a plurality of sets of broadcast data which each have a specified reproduction start time. A generating unit generates carousel data including the plurality of sets of broadcast data. A carousel data broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the carousel data according to the carousel method, beginning at the earliest reproduction start time of the plurality of sets of broadcast data. An instruction broadcasting unit broadcasts, for each set of broadcast data, an instruction that indicates to the reception apparatus to start reproducing the set of broadcast data at a reproduction start time specified for the set of broadcast data.

Abstract: A television caption data and a method for generating the TV caption data are disclosed. In the present invention, before a caption information is input to a packet, the size of a block remaining in the packet is compared with the size of the caption information. If the size of the block is larger than the size of the caption information, the caption information is input to the remaining block of the packet. Otherwise, the caption information is input into a following packet which does have a size of a remaining block larger than the size of the caption information.

Abstract: An interface, e.g., a modem-like interface for converting a digital information signal into an analog signal for use within an analog television studio infrastructure. Namely, the present invention employs a novel modulator that conveys compressed video data into analog video lines by creating an analog “video” signal that contains video gray-scale levels which correspond to digital data values, instead of containing an image.

Abstract: A communication system in which a transmitter transmits cyclically a plurality of mutually related objects to a terminal. If the objects are used in the terminal there is no mechanism to establish whether the objects are consistent, e.g. that they are originated at the same time. To ensure that the objects are consistent, they are combined in a common transport entity. The receiver is arranged to extract only the complete set of mutually related objects from the common transport entity. Consequently, the consistency is always ensured.

Abstract: A communication system is desccribed which comprises a transmitter which transmits a standard broadcast format with an associated text string and a receiver for the reception and processing of the standard broadcast format and associated text string. The associated text string has close caption text in addition to other program or station specific text. The other program or station specific text is separated from the associated text string, decoded, processed and stored in function specific memories. When one changes a channel, or presses a button on a remote or has programmed in specific information requested, the program or station specific text is displayed. This text may be displayed on the televison screen with the picture, or it may be displayed on a separate display.

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

Abstract: When an image having an aspect ratio of 16:9 is compressed in a vertical direction to be displayed on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 4:3, a gray scale signal is inserted into a top and a bottom of an image signal and a brightness level of the inserted gray scale signal is made to correspond to an average brightness level of the image signal. In addition, when an image having an aspect ratio of 4:3 is compressed in a horizontal direction to be displayed on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16:9, a gray scale signal is inserted into a right edge and a left edge of an image signal and a brightness level of the inserted gray scale signal is made to correspond to an average brightness level of the image signal. Accordingly, a boundary line between a video image area and a non-video image area due to the difference in luminous characteristics of phosphors becomes hardly recognizable.

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving data, such as teletext, multiplexed with the television signal, includes a data acquisition circuit (6) for acquiring at least selected pages of the data signal and a memory (13) for storing a plurality of pages. A non-volatile memory (11) holds a Favorite Pages List for the user for each of a plurality of channels, and a microprocessor (7) causes the receiver to tune to each channel, in turn, to acquire and store in the memory (13) the favorite pages for all of the channels. The microprocessor (7) causes the receiver to tune to each of the channels in turn on switch-on and acquires the favorite pages for that channel. The receiver is tuned to each channel, in turn, for a period long enough to acquire the favorite pages either by allowing a set time or by monitoring the receipt of the favorite pages. Alternatively, a second tuner is used to scan the non-viewed channels.

Abstract: When transmitting encoded video data and audio data, a transmitter 201 also transmits a decoding method 107 generated by decoding-method generation means 203. In the case of a receiver 202, decoding control means 111 controls decoding means 208 in accordance with a received decoding method 113 and thereby, decodes video data and audio data 115. Thus, it is unnecessary for the receiver 202 to previously prepare all of a plurality of decoding methods and the transmitter 201 does not need to encode video data or audio data in accordance with the decoding method owned by the receiver 202.

Abstract: A system (1; 49; 65) comprising a data source (2, 4; 50; 66) for supplying an information packet stream containing digital data coded in accordance with a first coding method and/or a second coding method, a processing device (3; 51; 69) for processing an information packet stream, and a data sink (4, 5, 6; 52, 53; 67) for receiving an information packet stream comprises insertion means (37; 62; 71), which the insertion means (37; 62; 71) comprise detection means (38) adapted to detect digital data contained in a sub-stream of the information packet stream and coded in accordance with a second coding method and to supply control information upon detection of such data, and a packet stream generator (16) which, when control information appears, is adapted to insert further digital data coded in accordance with the first coding method and containing additional information about the sub-stream into further information packets of the information packet stream.

Abstract: A video data transmitting method fortransmittin a video data from a transmitter to a receiver comprises the steps of dividing one screenful of video data into specified rectangular areas, generating at least two types of video data (first and second video data) each having different resolution from video data existing in the rectangular areas, and transmitting the two types of video data as one video data (video data for transmission).

Abstract: A digital data distribution system that comprises a broadcasting station and an end station. The broadcasting station broadcasts a broadcast signal repetitively modulated with a digital information signal. The digital information signal includes a file group composed of body files containing any or all of audio, graphics and text information. The end system includes a receiver, a user interface, a memory, a controller and a reproduction section. The receiver receives the broadcast signal from the broadcasting station and demodulates the digital information signal from the broadcast signal to generate a digital bit stream. The user interface allows a user to select at least one of the body files for storage as a selected body file. The memory is substantially smaller than the file group. The controller identifies the selected body file in the digital bit stream and causes the selected body file to be stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method for generating an OSD message by constructing an OSD bitstream defining a single field of OSD data. The OSD bitstream contains an OSD header and OSD data. An OSD unit retrieves pixel control information from the OSD header which is programmed by a processor of a decoding/displaying system. The OSD header contains information including various pointers, that are used to provide instructions as to the treatment of the OSD data. If a top field pointer and a bottom field pointer are set to an identical value in the OSD header, then the OSD unit will repeat each OSD line in the other field for an OSD region.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing time and frequency information to a plurality of studios such that the studios can then use the time and frequency information frequency and timelock their studio components to the global reference. The apparatus includes various embodiments for facilitating the distribution of time and frequency depending upon the type of digital network that is used for distributing the television signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for communicating HBI user information in digital television data streams via a generic syntax. The syntax allows the digital transport of virtually any type of user data that may be carried in the HBI or overscan portion of an analog television signal. A pixel generator is used to insert HBI data into a digital video signal using information provided in the user portion of the digital data stream. The syntax provides the pixel generator with the start time of the first symbol, the number of pixels per symbol, the high and low levels to insert, the fraction of the symbol time that is transition time, the number of symbols to insert and the first frame line number on which to insert the data.

Abstract: An interactive television system for selectively retrieving video images or teletext pages from a remote transmitter (1). User requests are communicated to the transmitter through the telephone network (5). The selected images (e.g., teletext pages) are provided with an image address (a personal teletext page number) and transmitted through a broadcast medium (4). A broadcast receiver (6) captures, stores and displays images having a particular address in a further autonomous manner. In order to prevent co-viewers from tracing the image address and thus watching personal information intended for an individual user on their broadcast receivers (3), the image address is modified whenever a new image is transmitted. Prior to transmitting the image, the address is communicated to the individual user through the telephone network and applied (84,61) to the broadcast receiver.

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