Abstract: A language learning system comprises a video recording and playing system for playing a recording media, such as a VCR tape, which records a first voice signal of a first speaker and a second voice signal of a second speaker. The video recording and playing system has a first channel and a second channel which are exclusively responsive to the first voice signal and the second voice signal, respectively. A channel selecting device selects at least one of the first voice channel and the second voice channel so that at least one of the first voice signal and the second voice signal is reproduced. As a result, the user can practice conversation with the selected speaker in place of the non-selected speaker.

Abstract: When the time is to be set to a clock in a video tape recorder (VTR) utilizing time information that is interpolated in a broadcasting signal, a broadcasting station for this time setting can easily be selected by using broadcasting station tables containing identification codes of broadcasting stations which transmit time information of the areas (countries) separately for each area. A microprocessor in the VTR successively searches broadcasting stations and selects the broadcasting station which has the broadcasting station identification code contained in its broadcasting station tables in VPS or Teletext as the broadcasting station desired for time setting. Not only are the broadcasting station identification codes to be stored in memory but also a priority order may be stored in the broadcasting tables to enable the selection of a broadcasting station having the highest priority from among the received broadcasting station identification codes as the determined broadcasting station for time setting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for implementing an interactive program guide on an information network. A plurality of database pages are communicated over the information network. Each page corresponds to a time slot over which events are available on the network. Schedule data for each event to be included in the interactive guide is inserted into the database page for the time slot during which the event is to be provided. The database pages are transmitted via the information network at a transmission rate selected to enable the recovery of a particular database page within a predetermined acquisition time limit, for retrieval of schedule data for the time represented by that page. Schedule information for a current time period can be provided in a trickle data stream with future scheduling information provided in a demand data stream. The demand data stream is transmitted at a substantially higher rate than the trickle data stream.

Abstract: Apparatus in a receiver, for processing transmitted entitlement control information, includes a packet transport processor for selecting signal packets having payloads containing a conditional access payload header and a remaining payload of entitlement data. Respective payload headers include groups of bytes which are coded in a manner to allow or disallow the respective receiver from processing the entitlement data. A conditional access filter preprogrammed with a subscriber specific conditional access codeword examines respective byte groupings of the conditional access header for a match with the subscriber specific conditional access codeword. Only if a match occurs is the processor permitted to process the entitlement data. The entitlement data is thereafter utilized to generate decryption keys for descrambling portions of the transmitted signal.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for decoding an input transport signal, such as an MPEG transport signal, and inserting closed caption data presents an analog video encoder with decompressed video data and closed caption data at a single interface. This avoids polling by a microprocessor and the hardware and software expense.

Abstract: Transmitting data includes grouping the data into one or more packets, constructing a segment of data packets, and transmitting the segment more than once. Control information indicating that the segment is about to commence may be transmitted prior to transmission of the segment. Similarly, control information indicating that the segment has ended may be transmitted after transmission of the segment. The transmission may be performed by superimposing the segment and control information onto a video signal.

Abstract: Television schedule information transmission and utilization systems (50A-50D) transmit TV schedule data and associated network control messages provided by computer (54) as packets via the Video Blanking Interval (VBI) lines in the TV signal from various television program providers (51). This data is acquired by regional data processing systems and forwarded by the regional data processing systems to subscriber units (52) and used to construct an internal database. This internal database can be accessed by the subscriber unit (52) to display a TV schedule for the channels that are received by the user's TV.

Abstract: An audio system has an attacher station for attaching to and decoding an audio representation channel, which also has a first auxiliary information sub-channel. A user station is fed by the attacher station through a unidirectional interface and receives the auxiliary information in an application context under control of a user interface for selective displaying. The attacher station extracts the auxiliary information from the channel. The system also has a framework data generator that is instantiatable by information from the information sub-channel, and a framework packetizer fed by the generator for supplementing the audio representation channel on said unidirectional interface in a second auxiliary information sub-channel by packetized and instantiated application information for the user station.

Abstract: Moving-picture processing apparatus and method wherein image data and special effects data are transmitted in common in a time-division manner includes receiving structure and method for receiving, in a time-division manner, (i) coded digital moving-picture data which represent a moving picture and (ii) command data for commanding image modification processing to be applied to the digital moving-picture data. Decoding structure and method is provided for decoding the coded digital moving-picture data. A processor is provided for subjecting the digital moving-picture data received by the decoding structure to the image modification processing. Image forming structure forms an image in dependence upon the digital moving-picture data processed by the processor. The digital moving-picture data and the command data are transmitted through a common transmission line. This avoids the prior art problem of performing image modification processing before the data is encoded for transmission, thus causing, e.g.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for displaying a uniform network resource locator embedded in a time-based medium. In one embodiment, the time-based medium can be a movie file having an uniform network resource locator embedded by association with a track in the movie file. In another embodiment, the time-based medium can be a video signal having encoded information defining an embedded uniform network resource locator. An output for display is generated based upon the time-based medium where display of the output shows the embedded uniform network resource locator to a user such that the embedded uniform network resource locator is active during display of the output. The user is then allowed to activate the embedded uniform network resource locator. In response to activation by the user, the embedded uniform network resource locator is followed to retrieve a resource addressed by the embedded uniform network resource locator.

Abstract: A mapping system for producing event identifying codes includes a plurality of video-audio-data (VAD) marker channels representative of a method for coding and/or encoding signals such as video and non-video signals. At least one of the VAD marker channels includes a plurality of sub-bands indicative of video transform components. The processing method is implemented at least in part by modulating the non-video signals, if any, onto the transform components, and by generating video transform components therefrom; generating video transform components from the video signals, if any; selecting desirable video transform components corresponding to the non-video signals and to the video signals, if any; and allocating the selected desirable video transform components to the sub-bands.

Abstract: A smart card is disclosed which receives, decodes, and stores encoded data signals comprising redeemable coupons. Encoded data coupons are embedded within television segments and are transmitted along with the normal television segments. The smart card receives the luminescent signals which comprise the encoded data coupons directly from the display. The smart card decodes the data coupons. The coupon is then stored within the smart card for future use. The smart card is equipped with an LCD which enables UPC codes corresponding to each of the stored coupons to be utilized. A scanner reads the UPC codes at the coupon redemption site. Once redeemed, the coupon is erased from the memory in the smart card. Advantageously, all of the functions including receiving, decoding, and storing the data signals are performed by the smart card.

Abstract: A system for automatically editing commercial messages within a television broadcast. Connection of the apparatus to a video system is simplified over the prior art by requiring only one video input connection. The video input of the apparatus can be connected to the video output jack of either a television receiver or a VCR. The apparatus determines the beginning of a commercial message by detecting the absence of video information, above a dynamic bias level, for the duration of two consecutive composite video fields. The end of a commercial message is determined by an intelligent decision making process. This process takes advantage of movement characteristics inherent in video commercial advertisements along with the type of event being recorded. Based on the event type, a dynamically updated run time list is accessed to compare the current commercial run time against high percentage historical run times.

Abstract: An improved tuner for recovery of data having a data bandwidth embedded in a video signal transmitted in association with a video carrier frequency is disclosed. The entire video signal is shifted to the intermediate frequency bandwidth, thereby shifting the data bandwidth to an IF data bandwidth. The IF data bandwidth is then filtered to block as much of the spectrum of the IF signal that is outside of the IF data bandwidth. The filtered IF data bandwidth is then demodulated again using an IF carrier generated by a local oscillator that tracks frequency drift in the carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating a data signal uses a phase shifting transformer function to phase shift the lower and upper sidebands of the data signal so that the sidebands of the data signal have a 180.degree. phase shift with respect to each other (i.e., are complementary). The phase shifted sidebands are added to a standard video signal and then transmitted. A television or other video receiver demodulates the video signal with a simple demodulator circuit, which causes the upper and lower sidebands to be summed together. The data signal, with complementary sidebands, cancels out so that the data signal does not interfere with normal video operation. The upper and lower sidebands of the data signal are processed separately from the video processing circuitry of the television receiver. An inverse phase shifting circuit performs a second phase shift operation on the upper and lower sidebands of the data signal so that the data signal can be demodulated and the data signal recovered.

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: In the present invention, an ancillary code is added to a composite video signal in its active video portion. The ancillary code may be spread over several frequencies and summed at the output of a decoder to enhance the legibility of the ancillary code at the output of the decoder. Frequency-stepping may be used to add the ancillary code at ones of a plurality of selected frequencies within the bandwidth of the composite video signal. The ancillary code may be hierarchically apportioned between respective uniquely specified sequential segments corresponding to many distribution points of the composite television signal. This hierarchical ancillary code may be frequency-interleaved between harmonics of the horizontal sync frequency of the composite video signal. The ancillary code may be redundantly added above and below the roll-off frequency of a VCR.

Abstract: In the present invention, ancillary data is modulated onto a carrier frequency which is within a low energy density portion of a frequency band of a video signal, and the modulated carrier data is combined with the video signal so that the modulated carrier is in an overscan region of the video signal. The ancillary data may be spread over several frequencies and summed at the output of a decoder to enhance the legibility of the ancillary data at the output of the decoder. Frequency-stepping may be used to add the ancillary data at ones of a plurality of selected frequencies within the frequency band of the video signal. The ancillary data may be hierarchically apportioned between respective uniquely specified sequential segments corresponding to many distribution points of the video signal. This hierarchical ancillary data may be frequency-interleaved between harmonics of the horizontal sync frequency of the video signal.

Abstract: A tuner specifically adapted for recovery of a data signal injected into a video signal and then subsequently transmitted over a television channel or cable is disclosed. The tuner includes an IF local oscillator that is phase locked to the input signal sync pulses and has filters that are designed to pass through only the data bandwidth. In addition, the circuit has a low noise figure of about 1.5 dB and a third order intercept point of +35 dBm.

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: A system and method for inserting a data signal into a preexisting video signal in a transmitter so that the data signal is transmitted along with the video signal. The data signal is inserted into an unused portion of the video signal spectrum. The data signal is separated from the video signal in a receiver and may be used for any purpose, even purposes unrelated to the video signal. The data signal is filtered to create a filtered data signal having spectral characteristics that correspond to the unused portion of the video signal spectrum. The filtered signal modulates a carrier signal whose frequency is selected to permit direct insertion of the modulated filtered data signal into the video signal spectrum. In the receiver, the video signal is processed in a normal manner; and the data signal is undetected by normal television receivers. A signal separator separates the filtered data signal from the combined video signal, and an inverse filter recovers the original data signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for ordering supplemental information about programs playing at a broadcast receiver. One embodiment is a method for providing information to a user from an information depository. The method includes the steps of reproducing in the vicinity of each of a plurality of users, programs from one of a plurality of broadcast stations, recording upon command by a user, an identification of a station and a time of a program on the station for which supplemental information is desired by the user, entering the recorded station identification and time into one of a plurality of information exchange terminals, coupling the information exchange terminal to the information depository to transmit information therebetween; and identifying a correspondence between the entered station identification and time and a program in a station log to obtain the desired supplemental information.

Abstract: A system and devices for publication of newspapers and the like. The system uses an electronic memory/display unit (24) which preserves the convenience of printed material, but which has the advantages of a computer display. The system utilizes a cable television (CATV) network to distribute the information. Data are transmitted over the system from a newspaper publication facility (2). The newspaper publication facility is provided with a data processing facility (4) that transmits newspaper data (6) to a satellite transmitting facility (8). The transmitted data are provided to a cable television satellite receiving station (12) by way of satellite link (14). Signal generators (16) are coupled to the satellite link and provide appropriate signals to a CATV network transmission facility (18). Network transmission facility (18) transmits newspaper signals over a CATV line (20) to a plurality of subscriber facilities (22) with the electronic memory/display units.

Abstract: An interactive video system by which an operator is able to select an object moving in a video sequence and by which the interactive video system is notified which object was selected so as to take appropriate action. Interactive video is achieved through generation and use of video object descriptors which are synchronized to objects in the video sequence. Video object descriptors are generated by a generating tool which decomposes frames of video sequences and tracks movement of objects in those frames so as to generate a frame sequential file of video object descriptors. The file of video object descriptors are then used by an event interpreter which detects a match between the position of a pointing device on a display containing the video sequence and the position of a video object descriptor. When a match is detected, an interactive video operation is performed, such as jumping to a new video sequence, altering flow of the interactive video program or the like.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is shown for transmitting one or more audio frequency signals on a television video signal including an encoder comprised of a pulse modulator responsive to the audio frequency signals and a combiner to combine modulated pulses from the modulator with the video signal. Also shown is a decoder for use with video signals output from above encoding apparatus and method for decoding the modulated pulses to recover the audio frequency 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 multiplex broadcasting method and system which limits an object district for broadcasting of district information such as a commercial message relating closely to the district is disclosed. On the broadcasting station side, multiplex data such as animation are broadcast with a district code such as a postal code number added thereto. On the receiving set side, a district code of the location is registered as an identification number of the multiplex broadcast receiving set in a memory in advance, and the district code of received multiplex data separated by a data extraction circuit and the identification number stored in the memory are compared with each other. Only when they coincide with each other, an image corresponding to the received multiplex data is displayed on the receiving set.

Abstract: The instant application is directed to a cable facsimile machine which implements the upper vestigial chrominance sideband of a standard video signal for data transmission.Signal processors for permitting the transparent, simultaneous transmission and reception of a data signal in the video bandwidth is disclosed. The signal processor in the transmitter rasterizes the data at the horizontal scanning rate and modulates the data with a data carrier at a non-integral multiple of the horizontal scanning rate to obtain frequency interleaving. The data is transmitted during the active video portion of each video line.

Abstract: Digital information is encoded in the video portion of a television signal such that "n" (n is an integer) bits of the digital information are carried by each successive frame in a group of frames. The digital information is encoded by modulating a carrier signal, using, for example, either amplitude shift keying (ASK) or frequency shift keying (FSK), and the modulated carrier is then added to the video signal selectively, only in portions of the television program that (a) are not likely to be perceptible by a viewer, and (b) are of sufficient intensity to transmit the data. The video signal including the encoded digital data, may be transmitted, in real time, to a television receiver, or recorded for later playback.

Abstract: The video cassette recorder selects channels in succession, determines the presence or absence of additional information included in the broadcast signal for the selected channel, and stores the selected channel regarded as a reception channel for the additional information when detecting the presence of the additional information in the broadcast signal. Further, the recorder extracts station identification information included in the broadcast signal for the selected channel, provides a VCR Plus guide channel corresponding to the station identified by the station identification information, and stores in its memory the relationship between the selected channel and the VCR Plus guide channel. Moreover, the recorder compares a remaining recording time available with the program continuation time extracted from the broadcast signal, and controls a recording speed mode appropriately based on the comparison.

Abstract: A video transmission apparatus for a video teleconference terminal for displaying video signals with a proper aspect ratio in a video teleconference terminal which transmits and receives video signals representing pictures of different aspect ratios. The video transmitter determines, from among the video signals generated by the cameras having different aspect ratios, which signal should be transmitted to the receiving terminal by a key operation on the operation pad. The result of selection by the operation pad is sent via a video controller to a transmission video signal selector, which selects one of the outputs from the cameras according to the result. The video signal from the selected camera is output to a video signal transmitter as a transmission video signal. A CPU of the video controller recognizes the selecting operation on the operation pad and, accordingly, generates a display control signal which indicates an aspect ratio corresponding to the camera thus selected.

Abstract: In a picture display arrangement, for example, a personal computer and a monitor coupled thereto, the PC generates control signals for adjusting monitor settings (brightness, contrast, picture position, picture dimensions). The control signals are transmitted to the monitor by modulating the synchronizing signal (preferably by pulse-width modulation). The monitor includes a demodulator for deriving the control signals. This enables manual controls on the monitor to be dispensed with. For this, the interface between PC and monitor is not modified. Pulse-width modulation of the synchronizing signals is possible by means of a utility program loaded into the PC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method of serially transferring a sequence of data bits between a computer and a portable information device such as the Timex Data Link.TM. watch, using the CRT of the computer as a transmission medium. The computer is programmed to display sequential display frames on a frame-scanning graphics display device and to illuminate line segments within the display frames to represent individual data bits. Each line segment has a continuous length on the display device which produces an optical pulse of a corresponding duration. Each data bit is encoded as a different line segment length to produce an optical pulse for each data bit having a duration which is dependent on the value of the data bit. For example, a pulse representing a binary value of 0 has a duration which is relatively longer than that of a pulse representing a binary 1. A receiving device monitors the optical signal created by the CRT and detects rising signal edges.

Abstract: In the apparatus for processing a color image, a data signal representing another information differs from the color image is generated by a generating means. The another information is embedded into the color image by varying one of a color difference and a chroma of the color image in accordance with the data signal by an image processing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, applicable to variable bit rate video and constant bit rate video, is disclosed for replacing "stuffing bytes" with private data. The invention takes advantage of the otherwise wasted resources dedicated to "stuffing" in a data stream in order to insert private data. This is accomplished by inserting useful private data in a Transport Stream instead of the stuffing bits. That is, effectively, a re-multiplexing operation occurs where, based on the existence of certain conditions in a Transport Packet (e.g., stuffing bytes exist), the information necessary to replace stuffing bytes with private data yet still comply with established standards is accomplished. This data generally is referred to as privatestuff data in order to distinguish it from typical private data which may otherwise be encoded into a Transport Stream. The stuffing bytes removed from the Transport Packet may come from an adaptation field in the Transport Header or directly from the Transport Payload or both.

Abstract: A program receiver for displaying a graphical interactive picture by receiving a program transmitted from a program transmitter, the program receiver comprising: a storage unit for storing a plurality of basic picture elements in advance, the plurality of basic picture elements being figures composing the graphical interactive picture manipulated by a user; a signal receipt unit for receiving a signal transmitted from the program transmitter, the signal being a multiplex signal including a program and data specifying a structure of the graphical interactive picture; a signal separation unit for separating the signal received by the signal receipt unit into a program signal and a graphical-interactive-picture-structure specification data signal; a first graphical interactive picture generation unit for generating the graphical interactive picture by combining the basic picture elements stored in the storage unit based on the graphical-interactive-picture-structure specification data signal from the signal sepa

Abstract: BPSK modulation of suppressed carrier in quadrature with a video carrier amplitude-modulated by composite video signal is used for transmitting a serial-bit digital signal, which is subjected both to "pre-line-comb" and "pre-frame-comb" partial-response filtering prior to conversion to BPSK modulating signal. The "pre-frame-comb" partial-response filtering of the serial-bit data is done on a continuous basis, rather than transmitting frames of the BPSK twice, once in positive logic and once in negative logic, during successive pairs of consecutive frames of the NTSC television signal. This results in the full luminance bandwidth below chroma frequencies being available on average for the transmission of BPSK, rather than half that bandwidth.

Abstract: A subliminal video instructional device comprises circuitry for receiving an underlying video signal and presenting this signal to horizontal and vertical synchronization detection circuits, circuitry for generating a subliminal video message synchronized to the underlying video signal, and circuitry for adding the subliminal video message to the underlying video signal to create a combination video signal.

Abstract: A device for identifying and memorizing television stations which respectively transmit television signals is provided. The device includes a receiver for selectively receiving the television signals and a control circuit for evaluating the television signals to automatically identify the television stations which transmit the signals. Furthermore, the control circuit enables the television stations to be memorized in an established order which is independent from a transmission frequency of the television stations. Also, the device contains a memory for memorizing a plurality of different rules for identifying the television stations. In order to identify the stations, the control circuit executes a first identification attempt to identify the television stations, and the first identification attempt is executed according to one the plurality of different rules.

Abstract: A broadcast reception apparatus can detect a changed reception channel without using an extra memory. A signal from an antenna (1) is supplied to a tuner (2), and the tuner (2) is connected with a reception channel preset device (3) and a channel setting device (4). A signal received by the tuner (2) is supplied to a PDC decoder (6) and a decoded television program ID is supplied to a control microcomputer (7). A network code in the television program ID is supplied to a comparator (72), and a network code provided when LUF="1" is detected is supplied to a memory (73). Compared results are supplied to a controller (74) which sequentially outputs a channel selection control signal to the channel setting device (4) if the compared results do not agree. If the compared results agree, a signal representing the reception channel provided at that time is supplied to a television program reserve circuit (71).

Abstract: An ancillary signal is injected into a program signal within the frequency band normally occupied by the program signal alone. The program signal includes a modulated carrier having a carrier frequency and a low energy density portion of the frequency band. The ancillary signal is selectively added at an injection frequency within the lower energy density portion of the frequency band so that the injection frequency is locked to the carrier frequency and to the frequency of a local oscillator.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and decoding biphase coded signals individually representing separate data services and inserted in the line blanking interval of a video signal greatly increases the probability of avoiding the effects of anticoincidence errors. A unique start code is allocated to each of the data services prior to transmitting the video signal. The video signal is separated into the separate data services without field or line windowing. Every pair of biphase elements occurring after the start code is checked for anticoincidence errors, and all wanted bits are stored in a buffer memory. The wanted bits are transferred from the buffer memory to an output memory only when no anticoincidence error has occurred between the start code and the last wanted bit.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating a data signal uses a phase shifting transformer function to phase shift the lower and upper sidebands of the data signal so that the sidebands of the data signal have a 180.degree. phase shift with respect to each other (i.e., are complementary). The phase shifted sidebands are added to a standard video signal and then transmitted. A television or other video receiver demodulates the video signal with a simple demodulator circuit, which causes the upper and lower sidebands to be summed together. The data signal, with complementary sidebands, cancels out so that the data signal does not interfere with normal video operation. The upper and lower sidebands of the data signal are processed separately from the video processing circuitry of the television receiver. An inverse phase shifting circuit performs a second phase shift operation on the upper and lower sidebands of the data signal so that the data signal can be demodulated and the data signal recovered.

Abstract: A controlled element for spectrum attenuation or a controlled filter is disclosed that is used to aid in the insertion of a secondary signal into a video signal without distorting the blanking intervals or close captioned data contained in the blanking interval of the video signal.

Abstract: A system for processing a television signal including a data component, such as extended data services data, includes a decoder for processing the data component to provide data representing time information. A control device responds to the data for modifying time information, e.g., time of day, that is maintained in the system. The time information decoded from the video signal is compared to the time information maintained in the system to determine a time difference. If the time difference is in a predetermined range, the time difference indicates that the time information from the television signal is invalid. The control device responds to the time difference being in the predetermined range by preventing modification of the time information maintained in the system. A user may provide an input via a device such as a remote control to control the manner in which the control device responds to the time difference.

Abstract: A smart card is disclosed which includes an optical receiver for receiving promotion data encoded in a television signal and transmitted through a cathode ray tube of a television. The smart card also includes circuitry for storing the promotion data and circuitry for executing the promotions associated with the promotion data, including circuitry for displaying a promotion in the form of a UPC code on an LCD display. The smart card further includes circuitry for interacting with a user through the LCD display and a plurality of buttons.

Abstract: A data decoding device capable of decoding plural kinds of data superimposed in a vertical blanking period of a video signal.

Abstract: Signal processors for permitting the transparent, simultaneous transmission and reception of a data signal in the video bandwidth is disclosed. The signal processor in the transmitter rasterizes the data at the horizontal scanning rate and modulates the data with a data carrier at a non-integral multiple of the horizontal scanning rate to obtain frequency interleaving. The data is transmitted during the active video portion of each video line.

Abstract: A system for simulcasting a fully interactive program with a normal conventional program in the same standard video signal bandwidth. It allows active participation by subscribers who have interactive components connected to a television or personal computer display, as well as normal viewing of the conventional program by viewers with conventional television sets. Interactive participants are not limited to any particular reception system. Users can participate using an interactive program box connected to a standard television set or with a multimedia personal computer with an interactive board. An important feature is that interactivity is offered as an option, without any degradation or interruption in program content to users who choose not to interact or do not have the interactive components. Interactivity is personalized through the use of alternative audio responses and/or graphic displays.

Abstract: A video camera is adapted to provide an asynchronous computer-friendly output signal instead of a standard analog video format. The output signal becomes a digitally-encoded message wherein each video frame becomes a serialized string of digital data demarcated by a digitally-encoded initiator identifying the ensuing data as characterizing that entire frame. The beginning of the entire set of frames that comprise the total video message is identified by a special header comprising a time stamp code and a format code.