Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video/audio output method according to one embodiment includes detecting a playback volume value set in an external speaker controller for controlling an external speaker, calculating a decibel value corresponding to the detected playback volume value, generating an audio signal corresponding to the calculated decibel value, and outputting the generated audio signal to the external speaker controller, and, at the same time, outputting a video based on a video signal corresponding to the audio signal.

Abstract: The application concerns a method for transmitting video data in a data stream and associated metadata, said metadata representing associated video data structure. The method comprises the steps of—determining the structure of the video data, —splitting said structure into chunks in an incremental manner, —transmitting said chunks in the data stream at time intervals before the video data it is related to. The application concerns also a method for transmitting fingerprint information associated with video data into a video data stream. The method comprises the steps of: —determining fingerprint associated with at least one frame of said video data, —inserting at least a message into the video stream comprising said fingerprint information.

Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and other information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys/buttons on the remote controller to navigate web on TV.

Abstract: A television receiver includes: broadcast wave receiving means for receiving a broadcast wave; obtaining means for obtaining information for specifying a program being a common program of programs received in accordance with first program information related to a receivable broadcast and programs received in accordance with second program information different from the first program information, said program having starting time of broadcast earlier in said first program information than in said second program information; and recording means for recording said program specified by said information.

Abstract: A digital broadcast transmitter/receiver, and a signal processing method thereof, includes a randomizer randomizing a dual transport stream which includes a normal data packet and a robust data packet and into which stuff bytes are inserted, a stuff-byte exchanger replacing the stuff bytes of the randomized data with known data, a first RS encoder performing RS-encoding of data output from the stuff-byte exchanger, a packet formatter performing an interleaving of the robust packet of the data output from the first RS encoder and reformatting the packet, an interleaver interleaving data output from the packet formatter, a trellis encoder performing a trellis encoding of interleaved data, a second RS encoder changing a parity by performing an RS encoding of the robust data of the trellis-encoded data, and a modulator modulating data output from the trellis encoder and RF up-converting the modulated data.

Abstract: Channel numbers are provided for a digital television receiver (200) that receives multiple transmissions (100, 110, 120), such as from different regions of a country or from different countries. The channel numbers for the home country transmission are assigned based on logical channel number (LCN) data in the transmission. The channel numbers for the transmissions of the other countries are provided so that they are in a higher range than the channel numbers for the home country transmission. For different regional transmissions, the channel numbers for the transmission with the strongest service, e.g., based on quality/bit error rate, signal strength, and/or frequency, may be arranged before the channel numbers for the lower strength transmissions.

Abstract: A targeted advertising system uses a machine learning tool to select an asset for a current user of a user equipment device, for example, to select an ad for delivery to a current user of a digital set top box in a cable network. The machine learning tool first operates in a learning mode to receive user inputs and develop evidence that can characterize multiple users of the user equipment device audience. In a working mode, the machine learning tool processes current user inputs to match a current user to one of the identified users of that user equipment device audience. Fuzzy logic may be used to improve development of the user characterizations, as well as matching of the current user to those developed characterizations. In this manner, targeting of assets can be implemented not only based on characteristics of a household but based on a current user within that household.

Abstract: A television signal receiving apparatus receives television signals including broadcast data signals and outputs the received data signals to a display device. The display device displays an image that has characters and/or pictures generated from the data signals. A communication unit of the receiving apparatus is connected to and communicates with an external device. A control unit controls the image to be displayed on the display device according to results of communication with the communication unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to synchronize an audio signal and a video signal. The method includes: displaying video on a screen that corresponds to an audio signal including a high frequency component having a predetermined pattern inserted therein to indicate when a scene change occurs in a video signal, detecting a scene change in the displayed video and detecting the high frequency component having the predetermined pattern in the audio signal, calculating a time difference between a time when the scene change is detected in the displayed video and a time when the high frequency component having the predetermined pattern is detected in the audio signal, and controlling delay times of the audio signal and the video signal according to the calculated time difference. Accordingly, the audio signal and the video signal can be automatically synchronized without performing a separate measuring operation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for signal modulation. A plurality of pixels are selected in a pattern such that a first pixel group of the plurality of pixels is unpaired with a second pixel group of the plurality of pixels throughout the pattern in a portion of a video signal. The intensity of the plurality of the pixels is altered at a constant magnitude in the portion of the video signal pursuant to the pattern in a substantially invisible way.

Abstract: A video displaying system is provided which comprises: display means for displaying an output that is comprised of a plurality of displaying zones, means for providing information conveying tracks and for utilizing information conveyed along these tracks for creating the displayed output, and means operative to synchronize the information conveying tracks. Each of the information conveying tracks of the video displaying system is associated with at least one displaying zone and at least one of the information conveying tracks is associated with at least two displaying zones.

Abstract: An improvement information generating unit (11) generates a plurality of types of improvement information for improving the image quality of an image (broadcast image) broadcast as a program. An integrating unit (12) embeds one or more of the plurality of types of improvement information generated by the improvement information generating unit (11) into the broadcast image, thus integrating the improvement information with the broadcast image, and outputs an integrated signal. The integrated signal is transmitted via a transmitting unit (13). Thus, images of various image qualities are provided.

Abstract: A game machine 210 and a television receiver 250 are connected to each other through an HDMI cable 351. Additional-value image data for performing display of an additional-value added image that is, for instance, added with grain noise or converted to high resolution is transmitted from the game machine 210 to the television receiver 250 along with main image data of a game, a movie, or the like. In this case, the main image data (MPEG data) is transmitted in an IP packet by using a high-speed data line, and the additional-value image data (baseband) is transmitted by using an HDMI TMDS channel. The television receiver 250 performs image display based on the main image data and the additional-value image data. Image processing resources of the game machine 210 can be efficiently used. Also, an additional value outside the standard can be achieved without being limited by the bandwidth, or the like, of the transmission line. Also, a low-latency interface screen can be provided to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reproduction of a television signal on a distant reproduction device. The received television signal is encoded and transmitted in a digital data format over a communication link to the reproduction device. The reproduction device decodes the received video information for display on a display screen. The invention is particularly intended for use in mobile vehicles, coaches and trains, where the signal strength of a received television signal during travel is continuously varying and signal distortions occur frequently. In order to reduce the effect of signal distortions on the perceived image and audio quality, the invention inserts a compressed pre-stored video or audio data into the data stream transmitted from the television receiver to the reproduction device upon detection of a television signal distortion. Thus, the decoding procedure at the display device can be maintained in spite of a received television signal of insufficient signal strength.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing content delivery at a processing element in a dynamic content delivery architecture, the method having the steps of: receiving a content and metadata envelope at the processing element; checking the content and metadata envelope to determine whether the content and metadata envelope includes metadata for the processing element; if the content envelope contains metadata for the processing element, extracting and caching the metadata; if the content envelope does not contain metadata for the processing element, retrieving metadata for a content provider associated with the content from a cache on the processing element; and applying the extracted or retrieved metadata to the content and metadata envelope.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a modulated video signal to be presented on a digital display device, the video signal having a first frame and a second frame, the first frame and the second frame each comprised of a plurality of pixels, the system comprising a signal source for generating a video signal, an encoder, the encoder comprising a means for receiving the video signal from the signal source, a means for selectively altering luminance of the pixels of the first frame and the second frame of the video signal to represent a signal presence or signal absence and thereby creating a modulated video signal, and a means for providing the modulated video signal to a broadcast source, and the broadcast source for providing the modulated video signal from the encoder to a digital display device.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmission and reception system includes a digital broadcasting transmission apparatus and a digital broadcasting reception apparatus. The digital broadcasting transmission apparatus that includes a robust processor that codes a robust stream of a dual transport stream where a normal stream and the robust stream are combined. The robust processor includes a demultiplexer (DE-MUX) that separates the normal stream and the robust stream from the dual transport stream; a robust encoder that appends a parity to the separated robust stream; a robust interleaver that interleaves the robust stream having the appended parity; and a MUX that combines the interleaved robust stream and the separated normal stream. The digital broadcasting reception apparatus includes a robust decoder that decodes a robust stream of a dual transport stream where a normal stream and the robust stream are combined.

Abstract: A plurality of processing portions sequentially performs a plurality of processing operation on an information signal. In this case, the plurality of processing portions is provided with a control-command-added information signal to which control commands are added for controlling the processing piece to be performed by some or all of the plurality of processing portions, for each predetermined unit of the information signal. The processing portions respectively separate the control command and the information signal from the control-command-added information signal. The information signal thus separated is then processed on the basis of the separated control command for controlling the processing to be performed by this processing portion. The separated control command is added to the post-processing information signal for each predetermined unit thereof, thereby determining a control-command-added information signal to be output.

Abstract: A method for modulating a video signal. Frames are selected from a plurality of frames for modulation. Intensity of a plurality of pixels of a plurality of scan lines of a field of the selected frames is altered according to at least one pattern or as designated by an adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data broadcasting guidance system and method which guides a user and enhances the availability of the data broadcasting. The data broadcasting guidance system includes means for extracting guidance information while a data broadcasting is displayed; means for requesting a guidance on the data broadcasting; and means for notifying the extracted guidance information in response to the request from the requesting means. Accordingly, the guidance information to navigate the data broadcasting is supplied and the remote controller is controlled more exactly and faster so that the user's attention is drawn to the data broadcasting and the broadcast gets popular.

Abstract: A method for modulating a video signal. Frames of a plurality of frames are selected for modulation. A first magnitude alternation pattern is designated for each of a first area of a field of the selected frames. A second magnitude alternation pattern is designated for each of a second area of the field of the selected frames. The intensity of a plurality of pixels of a plurality of scan lines of the field of the selected frames is altered as designated by either the first magnitude alternation pattern or the second magnitude alternation pattern.

Abstract: A method for encoding a carrier signal in a video signal, the video signal having one or more frames, the frames each having a first field and a second field, the first field and the second field of each frame having a plurality of scan lines, each having a plurality of pixels with an intensity value indicating brightness, the method comprising selectively designating the plurality of scan lines of the first field of the one or more frames as up lines or down lines, calculating an optimum amount of adjustment to the pixels of the up lines and the down lines, and selectively increasing the intensity value of pixels of the up lines and decreasing the intensity value of pixels of the down lines by the optimum amount of adjustment thereby modulating the video signal with a carrier signal and creating a modulated video signal.

Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a TMDS-like link, in which video data and auxiliary data (typically including timing data associated with other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, or in which video data are transmitted over the link from the transmitter to the receiver, and auxiliary data (typically including timing data associated with other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the receiver to the transmitter. In typical embodiments the auxiliary data include one or more streams of audio data.

Abstract: A SI storage unit storing SI (program allocation information), a display program ID recording unit recording a display program ID which indicates a program displayed on a TV, an additional SI specification table recording unit recording a table for specifying an additional SI to be additionally printed together with pictures, and a print control unit obtaining a print instruction sent from a remote control, hold an image data to a screen data save unit, specify additional SI with reference to a display program ID recording unit and an additional SI specification table recording unit, read out the additional SI from the SI storage unit and send the readout additional SI to a combination unit. Further, the combination unit generates a print data by combining the image data held in the screen data save unit with the additional SI from the print control unit.

Abstract: System and method for displaying guide data on a remote control. In one embodiment, guide data may be received in a first format by the remote control. The guide data may be converted from the first format to a second format based in part on a predefined user preference. A portion of the guide data may be displayed in accordance with the second format on a display of the remote control such that guide data is displayed according to a first scale.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus comprises: an audio signal detection circuit which detects a specific audio signal from a broadcasting program including an image signal and an audio signal; a control unit which controls an image processing processor, wherein the audio signal detection circuit generates a control signal for controlling the control unit when the audio signal detection circuit detects the specific audio signal, and the control unit controls the image processing processor according to the control signal so as to display a specific image and/or text by synthesizing the specific image and/or text corresponding to the specific audio signal and an image of the broadcasting program displayed according to the image signal.

Abstract: A display device for overlaying encoded steams includes a decoder within the display device for decoding a primary encoded stream and a secondary encoded stream to produce a primary unencoded stream and a secondary unencoded stream including secondary information and overlay information. The display device includes an overlay controller for combining the primary unencoded stream and the secondary unencoded stream to produce a composite stream. The display device includes a display adapted to display images corresponding to the composite stream, the images including a primary image corresponding to the primary unencoded stream and a secondary image corresponding to the secondary information overlaid on the primary image corresponding to the overlay information.

Abstract: Characters represented within a frame of a television presentation are identified. A pattern formed by a subset of the characters is identified if the pattern is indicative of an addressing datum. A provision is made for a selection of characters that form the pattern indicative of the addressing datum. In one embodiment, a web page is displayed upon a selection of characters that form a pattern indicative of a uniform resource locator for the web page.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a plurality of digital video recorders to a plurality of video transmitters via first transmission lines and for connecting the plurality of digital video recorders to a playback receiver via second transmission lines. The playback receiver incorporates an external synchronizing generator for externally synchronizing the plurality of the digital video recorders and the video transmitters. The recorders receiving the video signals generate and inject into the output signals a signal corresponding to identification codes allotted to each video signals. The playback receiver has a selection control circuit receiving selectively and synchronously any individually coded playback or monitored signal, or multiple playback or monitored signals which are displayed individually or in a split screen, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding and storing encoded control data delivered via the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. An interactive device such as a toy performs behavior defined by control data that can be encoded into a video signal. The toy is equipped with a decoder for extracting data from the horizontal overscan portion of the video signal, and a non-volatile memory that permits the control data to be stored for use after the video signal is no longer being received. The control data are delivered as a series of words that include genus codes and sequence codes. Genus codes identify the specific toy to which the word is directed, as more than one toy may receive the video signal. Error grading is used to minimize the effect of such signal deterioration, so the toy will replace previously received words if newer words are of higher quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission system (10) comprising a transmitter (12) and a receiver (14). The transmitter (12) is arranged for transmitting a plurality of signals (13), e.g. radio and/or television signals. The plurality of signals (13) comprise mutually corresponding signals, e.g. analog and digital signals of the same channel or program. Alternatively, the mutually corresponding signals may comprise standard definition and high definition signals of the same channel or program. The receiver (14) is arranged for receiving at least part of said plurality of signals (13). The transmitter (12) is arranged for transmitting information (15) identifying said mutually corresponding signals and the receiver (14) is arranged for receiving said information (15). The receiver (14) comprises a selector (16) for selecting on basis of said information (15) at least one (17) of the mutually corresponding signals. In the way, the receiver (14) can automatically select the most appropriate signal (17), e.g.

Abstract: An image-processing device (130) includes a data access section (131) that reads composite image data (10) having one data structure in which a plurality of image data are combined, and a controller (136) that selects predetermined image data from the composite image data (10) and displays only the selected image data on a display section (140). With the above configuration, a plurality of image data are organized in one composite image data (10) to thereby significantly reduce the image data size. Therefore, in such a device as having limited capacity for saving image data or the like, such as a car navigation, mobile phone, or other devices having a small-sized movie display section, a number of images can be displayed by using the composite image data in which a plurality of image data are combined.

Abstract: A video signal processing circuit includes a frame memory to receive and store therein at a first rate each frame of a digital video signal in which additional information is assigned separately to each frame, a frame synchronization unit to read each frame of the digital video signal from the frame memory at a second rate, and a processing unit to assign the additional information to the digital video signal read by the frame synchronization unit, without repeating the additional information when the frame synchronization unit reads a same frame of the digital video signal repeatedly, and without skipping the additional information when the frame synchronization unit reads by skipping a frame of the digital video signal.

Abstract: Characters represented within a frame of a television presentation are identified. A pattern formed by a subset of the characters is identified if the pattern is indicative of an addressing datum. A provision is made for a selection of characters that form the pattern indicative of the addressing datum. In one embodiment, a web page is displayed upon a selection of characters that form a pattern indicative of an uniform resource locator for the web page.

Abstract: A data broadcasting system is provided which is capable of achieving display intended and desired by a provider of data broadcasting contents. The data broadcasting system includes a transmitting system and a receiver. The transmitting system includes an HD (High Definition)/SD (Standard Definition) converting section to convert HDTV (High Definition Television) data contents into data contents having a resolution applicable to an SDTV (Standard Definition Television) monitor to obtain SDTV data contents and a multiplexing section to multiplex the SDTV data contents, HDTV video contents, and HDTV data contents.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that controls a position of a caption. The apparatus includes: a caption processing unit, which identifies a non-signal area (B) including the caption using a control signal, identifies an image data area (A having the same size as the non-signal area (B), on a screen, and displays caption data of the non-signal area (B) on the image data area (A); a controller, which outputs a control signal positioning the captions to be lost in an enlarged presentation mode on the screen; and a signal processing unit, which performs image signal processing so that the caption data is displayed with predetermined images on the image data area (A).

Abstract: A format for accessing content such as a full-length move from an optical disc uses an XML description file stored on the disc to generate one or more screens that a user employs to access the content. The decoding requirements of a hardware or software player are reduced by discarding specific elements of an encoding standard such as MPEG4 that is used to encode the content on the disc. The maximum average and peak bitrates at which the data is transferred are limited to further reduce the demands on the player.

Abstract: A video signal has a visual image (12) and carries data for optical detection (54) via the image. The data for optical detection is encoded (52) as data bits in a plurality of lines within a defined region (14) within the image. A corresponding decoder (16, 58) uses maximal energy methods to detect the defined region prior to decoding the data.

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

Abstract: In a system for reproducing AV information from a recording medium, such as a DVD, not only are usual titles reproduced, but also related information relevant to specific stream information is acquired easily by making use of resources on a computer network. In a reproducing system with the function of reproducing the title information recorded on a DVD and displaying it on the screen of a display section, when the user clicks a Web mark on the screen, the CPU links to a Web server on the Internet via a modem and accesses the Web page related to the stream information on the screen. At that time, the related Web page is the selected information conforming to parental information, or attribute information, set in the system.

Abstract: In digital radio technology, information channels describing the properties of the associated performance channel(s) are included in the broadcast band. The digital radio determines when selected signal groups are present in the information channels. Upon identification of a selected signal group, the digital radio automatically reconfigures itself into a user-determined configuration for processing the performance channel. By way of specific example, the user can determine that the equalization of the performance channel for selected musical formats and/or selected artists.

Abstract: An apparatus for embedding secret information in an image signal transmitted with a shape signal showing the shape of an object is described. This apparatus comprises an embedding position decision unit for deciding a position in the object where the secret information is to be embedded, according to the shape signal; and a compositor for embedding the secret information in the position decided by the decision unit. Therefore, the secret information is protected against translation or clipping of image.

Abstract: A superimposing apparatus and method for broadcasting a 3DCG image can calculate and superimpose additional information such as characters and figures expressed by a 3DCG image on a TV frame in real time by combining a general three-dimensional graphics accelerator board and a conventional TV broadcasting hardware and devising a software processing. The superimposing apparatus performs a rendering process for rendering a 3DCG image datum by a three-dimensional graphics accelerator and a mixing process for mixing a 3DCG image and an input TV signal by a superimposer. The rendering process is carried out concurrently with the mixing process. A frame to be mixed is a previous frame advanced by one frame from a frame to be concurrently rendered. A system memory to be read out is changed to even frames and odd frames in accordance with an input TV signal so as to avoid an interference of rendering and superimposing.

Abstract: This invention teaches an apparatus and method for merging information transmitted in vertical blanking interval (VBIs) of several services into a single VBI. The system includes a pair of memories for each service wherein each memory is toggled between a read and write cycle. While the first memory is in a write cycle, the second memory is in a read cycle and vice versa. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) controls the first and second pairs of memory to merge the VBIs.

Abstract: In a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, a multiplexing part multiplexes a video signal and a time-base-compressed audio signal on the basis of a multiplexing control signal to transmit the multiplexed signal through a data line in the signal transmitter, and a demultiplexing part demultiplexes a video/audio multiplexed signal received through the data line into the original video signal and audio signal by a demultiplexing control signal in the signal receiver. According to the so-configured signal transmitter and signal receiver, it is possible to realize a signal transmission system compliant with the DVI standard, in which the audio signal as well as the video signal can be transmitted.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing emergency information. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a video emergency alert at a set-top box device from a video head-end. The method also includes receiving a command at the set-top box device to request information related to the video emergency alert. The method also includes receiving the information at the set-top box device from the video head-end, where the information includes data retrieved via a public data network.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for inserting overlay content into a video signal are provided. An overlay content signal containing overlay content is received. In addition, a compressed video signal is received from a video source and decoded. An insertion window portion of the decoded video signal is identified. The overlay content signal and the insertion window portion of the decoded video signal are processed to produce a modified insertion window portion of the video signal. The video signal and the modified insertion window portion are then processed to produce a modified video signal. The data rate of the video signal may be modified during the overlay content insertion process.

Abstract: A VSB communication system or transmitter for processing supplemental data packets with MPEG-II data packets includes a VSB supplemental data processor and a VSB transmission system. The VSB supplemental data processor includes a Reed-Solomon coder for coding the supplemental data to be transmitted, a null sequence inserter for inserting a null sequence to an interleaved supplemental data for generating a predefined sequence, a header inserter for inserting an MPEG header to the supplemental data having the null sequence inserted therein, a multiplexer for multiplexing an MPEG data coded with the supplemental data having the MPEG header added thereto in a preset multiplexing ratio and units. The output of the multiplexer is provided to an 8T-VSB transmission system for modulating a data field from the multiplexer and transmitting the modulated data field to a VSB reception system.

Abstract: A closed captioning configuration system is described. The system receives parameters of a digital video presentation and computes closed captioning parameters to drive a closed captions encoder, creating closed captions which are compatible with the presentation. In various implementations, the configuration system may be integrated into a video encoder, a closed captions encoder, or both. The configuration system, through analysis of the presentation parameters, can drive captioning for presentations which may differ by frame rate, interlacing, or frame encoding mode, and account for repetition of fields or frames.