Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting a seamless, frame accurate splicing of MPEG-like transport streams by constructing a transition stream or clip with portions from each stream proximate respective splice points.

Abstract: A method for generating a transition stream and processing video, audio or other data within the transition stream using, respectively, pixel domain processing, audio domain processing or other data domain processing.

Abstract: An optical system for forming an image of at least a portion of an illuminated area on an object may comprise a lens positioned a spaced distance from the illuminated area on the object and an aperture stop positioned so that it is substantially co-planar with the image side focal plane of the lens. An occluding element is positioned between the lens and the illuminated area on the object so that the occluding element blocks a predetermined amount of light from a brightly illuminated region in the illuminated area but does not substantially block light from a less brightly illuminated region in the illuminated area.

Abstract: An information handling system controls a signal processing device by providing a control signal to the signal processing device. The control signal may be transmitted to the signal processing device as an infrared or R/F signal that is received and decoded by the signal processing device. The signal processing device is capable of receiving and processing an input signal, and is further capable of providing an output signal to the information handling system. In response to the control signal, the signal processing device encodes data onto the output signal provided to the information handling system, and the information handling system is capable of decoding the data from the output signal. The data encoded onto the output signal may include status information from the signal processing device, including the status of execution of the control signal.

Abstract: An additional information processing apparatus and method selectively processes and stores additional information contained in a TV broadcast signal according to specifications set by a user, subdivides information of the type of additional information received in real time, and displays the information on a screen. Additional information contained in a broadcast signal is classified by type before transmission. Only additional information of the type(s) desired by a user is selected and acquired from the received additional information. The type(s) of additional information acquired is (are) displayed on a screen in real time. Accordingly, only the additional information needed by the user is selectively stored in memory and memory can be efficiently used. Since the type(s) of additional information received is (are) displayed on the screen in detail, the user can easily understand the type(s) of additional information being received currently so that the additional information can be effectively used.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a video screen having a display thereon, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area corresponding to a feature of a first graphical display on the screen.

Abstract: A reproduction route composed of a still image section and a motion image section is recorded on a recordable DVD. A drive device (93) reads picture data from the DVD-RAM. An MPEG decoder (95) decodes and displays the read picture data. By referring to cell information, the judgment is performed as to whether the read picture data belongs to the still image section or the motion image data. If the read picture data belongs to the still image section, the next picture data is read out after a predetermined wait time.

Abstract: A broadcast system composed of a first broadcast apparatus and a second broadcast apparatus. The first broadcast apparatus broadcasts a broadcast program composed of contents stream data and attachment data, and provides the second broadcast apparatus with the broadcast program. The attachment data contains information that indicates timing with which the attachment data is to be reproduced in synchronization with the contents stream data. The image sync information contains PCRs generated by the PCR generating apparatus of the first broadcast apparatus based on the standard time for the first broadcast apparatus. The image sync information replacing apparatus of the second broadcast apparatus replaces the PCRs with other PCRs which are newly generated based on the standard time for the second broadcast apparatus so that it can correctly reproduce the attachment data in synchronization with the encoded contents stream data.

Abstract: Portions of a single channel can be received from two separate sources and combined for simultaneous display. Thus, for example, a channel with video stream and two different language streams might be received from a TV transponder, but the viewer might elect to receive a third language stream from, e.g., the Internet. The third language stream is combined with the video. By providing an alternate source for additional channel portions, broadcast bandwidth can be conserved.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver, referring to program information obtained by a program information acquiring section (9), identifies icons associated with programs, and displays the icons on a user interface screen with establishing correspondence with the arrangement of a ten-digit keypad (21) of a remote control (13).

Abstract: Video contents are presented in the forms requested by viewers in a quick and accurate manner based on a request condition at a video viewing side. In a content delivery server 5, a content extraction part 5A inquires the presence or absence of video contents, which belong to a requested classification, to a content database 4 based on a content classification request 1E-1 in query information 1E, converts the video contents into the form of a content URI list 5C, and sends them to a content processing part 5D along with a content view form request 1E-2. The content processing part 5D requests, based on the content view form request 1E-2, the whole or parts of video contents needed to be presented according to the requested view form among the video contents of view candidates designated by the URI list 5C to the content database 4, grabs and processes video contents comprising video data 3A and metadata 3B, so that a content delivery part 5F delivers the video contents thus processed to a user terminal 1.

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 television system and method for facilitating use of closed caption text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. The system includes a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal, and a television display for displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal. A data slicer coupled to the tuner extracts the XDS signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for processing a data broadcast signal, additional information contained in a TV broadcast signal can be easily selected and acquired without a time limit by using a still picture. Additional information corresponding to the still picture from additional information transmitted in real time with a moving picture broadcast program is processed, and the additional information is stored, together with still picture information matched with the additional information, so that an object of the additional information included in the moving picture or a picture swiftly changing can be accurately selected from the still picture without a time limit. As a result, additional information corresponding to the selected object is easily acquired. In addition, additional information can be easily searched using still pictures corresponding to additional information stored in a memory.

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 system and method for creating a virtual media channel including video, audio, multimedia, or other data, at or near the point of reception by end users remotely controls an operation of an end user receiving device. The present invention remotely controls an input source selection at the end user receiving device in a coordinated manner. These input sources may include terrestrial digital broadcast stations, direct broadcast satellites, other broadband data networks, data stored at the end user receiving device, internet content, multimedia files, and other programs or programming. By synchronizing the delivery of programs and programming from various sources and by remotely controlling the input source selection of the end user receiving device, the present invention provides for highly efficient integration of local and national broadcast signals, programs or programming available on other broadband networks, and programs and programming stored at the end user"s receiving device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transmission of audio signals over a dedicated video transmission line in which the analog audio signal is inserted into and becomes a part of the video signal. Samples of the audio signal are inserted into the active video line, either at the beginnings or endings, or both, of each active video line scan signal. A defined amount of the active video interval is reserved from the active video line, and is replaced with samples of the analog audio signal. An analog switch in the modulator of the invention toggles to pick up the samples of audio and place them at the designated location (either at the beginnings or at the ends) of each active video line scan signal. A corresponding switch in the demodulator of the invention toggles to retrieve the audio samples from the active video line scans for output to the user. Stereo and/or bi-directional audio signals can be transmitted by insertion into both the beginnings and the endings of the active video line scan signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for transmitting digital data within an analog TV signal. Digital data are received from a data source. The digital data are then multilevel encoded and a plurality of data symbols in dependence thereupon is provided. Each of the plurality of data symbols is modulated in frequency domain onto a carrier of a plurality of carriers such that each carrier carries a different data symbol. The modulation step is based on an OFDM method and is performed using a serial to parallel converter. After modulation a digital data signal is provided. Some carriers of the plurality of carriers are turned off in the modulation process in order to shape the spectrum of the digital data signal such that the spectrum of the digital data signal comprises notches at locations coinciding with locations of spectral components in the vestigial sideband of the video carrier of the analog TV signal.

Abstract: A multimedia optical disc for recording main video data which is composed of sets of frame data that is processed beforehand to allow compatibility with displays of a plurality of aspect ratios. The disc has a stream area storing streams made up of the main video data and a plurality of sets of sub-picture data, with each set of sub-picture data including a set of tel-op data and a set of coordinate information showing a display position of the set of tel-op data. The disc also includes a control area storing a plurality of pairings of a set of display mode information and a set of sub-picture indicating information. Each set of display mode information shows a species of display method according to which the frame data is to be processed for a case when the frame data decoded from the main video data is displayed at one of the plurality of aspect ratios.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing the content information contained in the digital broadcast received by an STB, in which flexible printing is achieved efficiently at a low cost. The digital broadcast is received by an STB 30 and demonstrated on a display device 31 as the contents information comprehended in the ddb is printed by a printer 32. The contents information comprehended in the digital broadcast is converted by a contents information conversion unit 68 into contents suited for printing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for post-synchronizing an information stream. Original lip-objects (lo) are obtained (2) from a video signal (V). These original lip-objects (lo) are replaced (3,4) with new lip-objects (lo*), which correspond to a translated audio signal (A*). Lip-objects (lo) can be obtained from the video signal (V) by using an object-oriented coding technique, e.g. MEG-4. The coding standard MPEG-4 offers the facilities to manipulate the lip-objects (lo). Several configurations are presented. The new lip-objects (lo*) can be obtained by tracking a further video signal or by using a database with visemes or lip-parameters. The invention is suitable for a communication network, e.g. for video-conferencing. A multi-language information stream comprises a plurality of audio signals (A,A*) and a plurality of lip-objects (lo,lo*) that are each linked to one of the audio signals (A,A*). This gives the possibility to select at the receiver a desired language.

Abstract: A system for transmitting digital programming includes a program source providing digital information, circuitry for modulating the digital information onto a visual carrier modulated with analog television programming, and a visual transmitter coupled to the modulating circuitry. Using a phase modulation method, the system phase modulates the digital information onto a visual carrier, reduces the baseband frequencies of the phase modulated visual carrier, and amplitude modulates the phase-modulated video carrier onto a video signal. The amplified and encoded video signal are combined with an amplified sound signal and transmitted. Using an additive method, the system modulates the sidebands of the video carrier with the digital information and amplitude modulates the video signal onto the video carrier. The data-modulated sidebands are phase-shifted such that they will be in quadrature with the amplitude-modulated video signal.

Abstract: A method for inserting live video broadcast into a pre-produced video is provided. A pre-produced video is first stored. An insertion point in the pre-produced video is then identified and stored. Next, a video clip from a live broadcast is saved. The video clip is then combined with the pre-produced video via the insertion point. Finally, the result of the combination is displayed. Alternatively, a feed of the live video broadcast is directly combined with the pre-produced video without having to perform the step of recording the live event.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding control data into the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. Because the control data is concatenated with the video signal on a line-by-line basis, the control data is temporarily synchronized with the underlying video signal. This permits the controlled devices, such as wireless mechanical characters, behave as characters in a scene defined by the programming information of the video signal. A protocol is defined for the encoded data that is addressable, forwardly compatible, error tolerant, and feasible to deploy in connection with a system that is primarily intended to be a children's entertainment product. The bandwidth of the communication link defined by the encoded data is adjustable to meet the cost and performance needs of a wide variety of consumers.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

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: In preferred embodiments, a system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which the transmitter is configured to transmit video data, embedded-clock auxiliary data (or auxiliary data derived from embedded-clock auxiliary data), and a video clock over the link to the receiver. The transmitter is configured to extract a sample clock from the auxiliary data without use of a phase-locked loop, and to generate time stamp data in response to the sample clock and the video clock. Typically, the auxiliary data are SPDIF (or other) audio data, and the sample clock changes state in response to codes that occur periodically in the audio data. Other aspects of the invention are a transmitter for use in such a system, a time stamp data generation circuit for use in such a transmitter, and a method for generating time stamp data in response to a stream of embedded-clock auxiliary data and a video clock.

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: The adaptive timing module is configured for recovering data encoded in a field of a video signal, and further configured for counteracting horizontal phase or picture shift. An adaptive timing processor defines a timing window where the expected prescan portion video signal is expected to be in an encoded video signal. The timing window is divided into sub-portions with a set of sampling points. The adaptive timing processor conducts a sweeping operation over each sub-portion of the prescan portion of the encoded video signal for the presence of a pre-data encoding zone. When a pre-data encoding zone is detected, the adaptive timing processor stores the position of the sub-portion with the pre-data encoding zone, or sets a flag to indicate the presence of a pre-data encoding zone for that particular sub-portion in a particular field.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus for an interactive communication system using a broadcast wave is provided. The transmitting apparatus comprises a first storing unit for storing a plurality of frames of image data, a second storing unit for storing control information, for each frame of image data, showing a link to another frame of image data stored in the first storing unit, and a transmitting unit for repeatedly transmitting a predetermined number of frames of image data together with corresponding control information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture for generating a video signal having an auxiliary data payload complying with a data payload protocol selectable from at least two available data payload protocols is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method comprises the steps of generating a data reference signal (which describes an auxiliary data payload protocol including an auxiliary data payload clock speed) at a baseline clock speed compliant with both of the two data protocols; appending the auxiliary data payload signal at the auxiliary data payload clock speed to the data reference signal; and inserting the data reference signal and the appended auxiliary data payload signal in a portion of at least one line of a video frame. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus comprises a generator, for generating at least one line of a video frame having a data reference signal at a baseline clock speed compliant with two data protocols and an appended auxiliary data payload.

Abstract: Audio data of at least two audio data groups is embedded in an ancillary data space of a serial digital video data stream by multiplexing the audio data groups to provide a serial multi-group audio data stream, and inserting the serial multi-group audio data stream into the ancillary data space of the serial digital video data stream.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a viewer of the arrival or presence of one or more video input signals in a video display system, such as a personal computer (PC) or television (TV) system. If a video signal is already present, the system may optionally notify a viewer of the termination or absence of the video signal. The invention further provides the viewer with the opportunity to dynamically select the video source to view. Upon sensing the presence of a new video signal, the system alerts the viewer who may then select whether to view the new video signal or maintain prior viewing status.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically displaying program guide information for television programs using information from the Extended Data Services (EDS) or similar type data services. The system allows for the automatic display of program related information automatically as a user scrolls (surfs) through various program channels. The information is displayed in an unobtrusive manner.

Abstract: In a baseband video transmission system (BTS1) for transmission of a video signal (SV) at a baseband based on the DVI standard, a transmitting device (100) multiplexes a data signal (SD) representing data other than video during at least one blanking period of component video signals (SB, SG, SR) of the video signal (SV) to generate a DVI signal (Sdvi). A receiving device (104) receives the DVI signal (Sdvi), and extracts the data signal (SD) from the received DVI signal (Sdvi).

Abstract: A multiplexed video signal interface in accordance with the present invention provides a multiplexed component video signal in which, in addition to the component video signals with OSD data and user-controllable contrast and video gain, includes control signal components for image brightness and CRT bias along with the ability to individually control such control signal components. This advantageously minimizes the complexity of the necessary signal interfaces and allows for greater integration of circuit functions, thereby significantly reducing circuit complexity, size and costs.

Abstract: A data file containing metadata and/or control data is synchronized with associated audio/video data by subliminally embedding a key in a frame of the audio/video. The key indicates the location of the data file and a time after the embedded frame in which the data file is to be activated to be in synchronism with the audio/video. The data file is accessed via an alternate channel and held in a buffer until the time indicated by the key. The metadata from the data file is played out for display in synchronism with the associated audio/video data, and instructions contained in the control data are executed in synchronism with the associated audio/video data.

Abstract: A command controller reads and extracts predetermined key words and parameters from a configuration file. The command controller inserts digital data into a television signal according to the extracted predetermined key words and parameters. The command controller initiates a self-recovery operation to purge stored data and re-initialize the VBI inserter based on the extracted predetermined key words and parameters and time or access time. The command controller also extracts digital data from another video signal to be compared to stored diagnostic data or transmitted to another external source.

Abstract: An additional information transmission method for transmitting an information signal and additional information in the form of an electronic watermark. The electronic watermark information is generated and superimposed on the information signal for transmission so as to form a superimposition/non-superimposition pattern corresponding to first additional information and transmitting second additional information on the information signal such that one value of one-bit information is expressed by a period in which electronic watermark information is superimposed on the information signal and other values of one-bit information are expressed by a period in which the electronic watermark information is not superimposed.

Abstract: Control command processing apparatus has first decoding means which decodes a predetermined set of control commands. When a first end command is processed, the address of the end command is compared with an address information item with regard to the beginning of the next control command sequence and, from the difference between the addresses it is identified whether the end command is additionally followed by further control commands of a second set of control commands. These commands are then processed by further decoding means. Undefined states are thereby prevented.

Abstract: A CATV system including a CATV network, a multiplicity of subscriber units, apparatus for transmitting over said CATV network encrypted information individually addressed to a subscriber unit and apparatus associated with each of said multiplicity of subscriber units for decoding the encrypted information addressed thereto.

Abstract: A transmitting method serializes two series of signals into one series of signals, and transmits thereof. The two series of signals are produced through this way: a total number of bits of a luminance signal of an HDTV signal to be transmitted within a frame is divided into units corresponding to a total number of scanning lines ‘K’ per frame of one channel of an SDTV signal. Then K pcs. of transmission units per frame including a luminance signal and a color signal are produced in two series. Among the transmission units, at least the following data are inserted into the units corresponding to active scanning lines: (a) a given word of the control signal, (b) a signal comprising samples of N timed by a number of words of luminance signal within a given period of one horizontal scanning period of the SDTV, which includes a luminance signal and color signal of the SDTV, and (c) words corresponding to a given level. A transmitter realizing this method is also provided.

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

Abstract: At least one program is selected from MPEG encoded transport streams carrying a plurality of packets, and is recorded/reproduced without a need to determine the contents of those transport streams. When an MPEG encoded transport stream containing at least one program is selected, additional data is attached to each packet of this transport stream. The additional information indicates how many programs are contained in the selected MPEG encoded transport stream; indicates an error in the MPEG encoded transport stream; and indicates a transition point representing a beginning of a program in the MPEG encoded transport stream.

Abstract: An interactive display system is provided for use with (i) a program source having an associated video output signal and a digital data stream, the digital data stream being modulated on the video output signal, and (ii) a monitor in communication with the program source for displaying the output, the display system. The system in a preferred embodiment has a data decoder, for separating the digital data stream and a viewer control box. The control box has a user input for receiving user selections, a data input in communication with the data decoder for receiving the digital data stream, and a program execution module in communication with the user input and the data input. A video cassette for use in such a system is also provided.

Abstract: In a receiving device (17) for receiving a television signal (FS2, FS3) which contains character codes (CC) and additional information (CI, NI, UCSI) in VBI lines, having character set storage means (22) for the storage of character codes (CC) and associated reproducible character information (CHI) of a character set and a plurality of character sub-sets, and having VBI read-out means (27) for reading out character codes (CC) and additional information (CI, NI, UCSI) contained in VBI lines of a received television signal (FS2, FS3), and having detection means (20) for the detection of character sub-set information (UCSI) contained in read-out additional information (CI, NI, UCSI), which character sub-set information identifies the character sub-set to be used for the decoding of read-out character codes (CC), and having display signal generating means (21) adapted to generate a display signal (AS) which contains reproducible character information (CHI), taking into account received character sub-set informati

Abstract: A television receiver apparatus has large versatility to adapt itself to newly offered services or new modes of use. An external memory element loaded with a flash memory is connected to the receiver apparatus through an external memory interface having a connector and an interface circuit. The external memory element stores information such as a program for implementing an additional function or data such as video and audio data. The information stored in the external memory element is taken up by the receiver apparatus through the external memory interface. The information from the external memory element is processed by a controlling portion of the receiver apparatus so as to be subjected to use.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcast advertising includes a broadcast receiver that receives a broadcast signal. In addition to the usual video and/or audio data, the broadcast signal includes embedded product or service data. Moreover, the broadcast receiver includes a memory slot that is sized and shaped to receive a portable memory media. In response to a signal received at the broadcast receiver, e.g., from a remote control unit, the embedded product data is extracted from the broadcast signal and downloaded to the portable memory media forming a virtual shopping list. To facilitate shopping, the portable memory media can then be installed in a shopping computer, e.g., in an information kiosk at a shopping mall to determine where a particular product can be found, how much it costs, etc.

Abstract: In a MPEG or other video coding system, regions of each frame may be independently coded for later, independent extraction or processing directly from a compressed bit stream. An encoder/transcoder receives raw video, standard compressed video or compressed video already having independently coded regions (“ICRs”) that are to be edited in some manner. The encoder/transcoder permits user creation of regions, and provides automatic tracking features to identify and select those objects or regions through multiple frames (notwithstanding object movement). The encoder/transcoder re-uses as much compressed input data as is available in generating an output, and so, may be used for real-time encoding and editing processes. To this effect, the encoder/transcoder re-uses original bit stream data as well as original or new motion vector data in compiling an output, or any mix of them as appropriate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ordering supplemental information about programs playing at a broadcast receiver. The method includes reproducing programs from one of a plurality of stations, recording an identification of a station and a time of a program, entering this information into one of a plurality of terminals, coupling the terminal to a depository and identifying a correspondence between the entered station identification and time and a program in a station log to obtain the desired supplemental information.