Abstract: Prior art methods of decoding a vertical blanking interval (VBI) scan line decoded each scan line within a given VBI using the same operational parameters, such as filter coefficients and run-in clock recovery parameters. The problem with these prior art methods is that each scan line was treated the same, even though certain scan lines within a given VBI typically exhibit different signal and content characteristics. The present invention provides for line-specific decoding of VBI scan lines. As such, each scan line within a given VBI is decoded using a set of operational parameters unique to that scan line number. These operational parameters are adjusted and maintained on a scan line by scan line basis.

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

Abstract: A video signal transmission apparatus has the encoding means 2, operative when a predetermined unit of video signal is compressively encoded, for multiplexing identification data unique to this video signal in a user data region within an encoded bit stream, and the storing/decoding means 4 for storing the encoded bit stream data having the unique identification data multiplexed therein, and, when transmission is requested from the outside, for decoding the encoded bit stream data and simultaneously reading the multiplexed unique identification data to verify whether it is unique identification data of a video signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: A channel is inserted into a sequence of frames for an image, by varying one or more display characteristics of the resulting image across the display in accordance with a spatio-temporal pattern applied to, for example, successive lines of each modified frame. In some cases, a reverse of the pattern is applied to a successive frame, and the frames modified are preferably B-frames if the image may be encoded in accordance with an MPEG standard. The channel may be employed to watermark the image, and the watermark may correspond to the presence of the channel or may be data in accordance with watermark information carried within the channel. For most display devices, display variations are minimized during the design process, but human viewers may still tolerate and accept subtle variations in a displayed image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for generating VBI data coding waveforms. The present invention utilizes a single look-up table that stores sampled values of sine waves in direct waveform synthesis for both color burst processing and VBI data coding processing. Furthermore, the present invention utilizes a 2T pulse as a signalling waveform in direct synthesis to overcome the problem of overlap for conventional unit pulse durations.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an additional information superposition method and a video signal outputting apparatus, wherein the additional information superposition method for superposing additional information spectrum spread with spread codes synchronized with a vertical synchronizing signal on a second video signal for forming an image of an aspect ratio of N:n which is to be converted into and outputted as a first video signal for forming an image of another aspect ratio of M:m, comprising the steps of setting a size of a unit block before conversion in the second video signal based on a size of a unit block after conversion to which one chip of spread codes for despreading determined in advance is allocated and contents of a conversion process into the first video signal, and superposing the additional information spectrum spread with the spread codes of one chip allocated for each unit block before conversion having the set size in such a manner as to allow the additional information to be extracted from the f

Abstract: On the occasion of superimposing a spectrum spread additional information signal obtained by spectrum spreading the additional information such as a duplication preventing control information and a copy right information, etc. to a video signal, the edge portion of an image of the video signal is detected to set the level of a part of the spectrum spread additional information signal higher than the other part in the part corresponding to the edge portion for the purpose of superimposing such additional signal to the video signal. Thereby, the additional information signal can easily be detected, without deteriorating the reproduced image.

Abstract: An additional information signal is superimposed on a video signal at a very low level so that it does not stand out on the reproduced image. Spectral spreading code sequences are generated corresponding to different predetermined parts of the video signal. Bit information signals of the additional information signal made up of plural bits are spectrally spread by the spreading codes to generate spectrally spread bit information signals corresponding to the plural bits. The spectrally spread bit information signals are superimposed on corresponding different predetermined parts of the video signal. Because high priority bit information signals of the spectrally spread additional information signal are superimposed on high priority parts of the video signal, high priority information in the additional information can be protected even if the video signal is modified.

Abstract: In so-called multi-angle broadcasting for broadcasting one program by using a plurality of broadcast channels, attendant information is transmitted which indicates the composite display position and the size of a video picture. A receiver produces a composite display of the video picture in accordance with the attendant information. This produces, for example in an automobile racing program, a composite display of video pictures of respective cars in combination with a video picture of the entire racing course in accordance with the positions of the respective cars racing along the race course, to allow a viewer to enjoy viewing the positions of the respective cars and the video pictures of the respective cars at the same time.

Abstract: A client system and a dedicated server are provided, the client system having an internet module providing communication with the server, a television tuner operative to receive a plurality of video channels carrying video data, and a video processing unit operative to provide a video output signal for displaying images on a television.

Abstract: A frame conversion device for switching between a plurality of image signals that are not synchronous and outputting each image signal continuously and synchronously. In addition, a desired signal is extracted from the continuous image signals and then output in parallel with the continuous image signals. The frame conversion device utilizes a frame conversion unit for recording an image signal optionally selected from a plurality of input image signals. A frame unit is utilized for reproducing a recorded signal outputted from the frame conversion unit independent of the operation of the frame conversion unit. The frame conversion unit includes an identification signal assigning part which assigns an identification signal to a non-image region of an image signal selected from a plurality of input signals. Frame-converting storage parts store the selected image signal. A signal output part selectively reads the image signal stored in each frame-converting storage device.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses for tuning television channels that transmit either PSIP Transport Streams or non-PSIP Transport Streams. Specifically, PSIP Transport Streams contain PSIP sections that include a major channel number and minor channel numbers, whereas non-PSIP Transport Streams do not contain such PSIP sections. However, both PSIP and non-PSIP Transport Streams contain PAT sections. Upon receiving a PSIP Transport Stream from a television channel, the present methods and apparatuses directly obtain the major channel number and minor channel numbers from the PSIP section contained in the PSIP Transport Stream. Upon receiving a non-PSIP Transport Stream from a television channel, the present methods and apparatuses form the major channel number and minor channel numbers based on the information contained in the PAT sections. In so doing, the methods and apparatuses can process both PSIP and non-PSIP Transport Streams.

Abstract: A subtitled electronic cinematic feature includes a series of image data packets (21-29) residing in a signal structure that may be electronically transferred over a communication link (33). The subtitled electronic cinematic feature also includes subtitle data (50) inserted into the series and associated with at least one of the image data packets (21-29). More specifically, the subtitle data (50) include text data (206) and style data to be used to display the text data (206) with data from the at least one of the associated image data packets (21-29). In a further embodiment, the subtitle data (50) include at least one caption packet (100-110).

Abstract: This invention provides a method of managing the navigation data for a rewritable recording medium which are referred to for control of recording, editing, and reproduction. It enables to access to each information table in the navigation data directly by referring to the start address, which is kept in the first information table in the navigation data. When data are recorded to the rewritable recording medium, the management data which are relevant to the data to be recorded are created and written to the relevant information tables, which are accessed directly based on the start addresses. When data on the recording medium are reproduced, the information tables which contain management data required for reproduction of the requested data are located directly by the start addresses. Then, the data are read out from the rewritable recording medium and reproduced in reference to the management data.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes: a receiver circuit for receiving a broadcasting signal in which information signals of a plurality of programs are multiplexed; a program information input circuit for inputting program information on a program selected from the plurality of programs, from an external apparatus; and a program table generating unit for generating a program table in accordance with the program information input to the program information input circuit and outputting data representative of the program table.

Abstract: A closed-caption broadcasting and receiving method and apparatus. According to the closed-caption broadcasting method and apparatus, character information and control information are inputted, and a control code of 2 words and a character code of 2 words including a syllable character completion type code are produced. The control code is obtained by combining the control information with a mode control bit and a parity bit, and the character code is obtained by combining the character information with a mode control bit and a parity bit. A digital-modulated caption signal is produced by inputting the control code and the character code, and is coded on a scanning line which does not affect a television video signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: A system that automatically captures one or more local news program broadcasts and separates the broadcasts into the individual news stories or segments. The system then compares the stories to historical data concerning the competitive characteristics of the stories for each station and determines the topic (local, national, crime, etc.), talent (newscaster 1, newscaster 2, etc.) and production (live, studio, voice-over-tape, etc.) characteristics of the stories. Other characteristics that affect the popularity and therefor the competitive characteristics of the broadcasts can also be displayed, such as pacing, average story length, news-to-advertisement ratio, broadcast ordering (news then weather then news then sports, etc.), etc.

Abstract: The analog-to-digital converter device (24) provided for processing teletext signals is used for two purposes. In time slots in which no sync signal or teletext signal is separated from the video input signal (CVBS), the analog-to-digital converter device (24) is used for other tasks, e.g. for interrogating keypad inputs of an operator control unit (30).

Abstract: A broadcast reception apparatus is provided with a reception unit for receiving broadcast data as a transport stream. The transport stream includes video data and a plurality of navigation information sequences. Each navigation information sequence includes navigation information which includes graphics data to be combined with the video data for display. A TS (Transport Stream) decoder unit extracts the video data and navigation information from the transport stream. A reception control unit controls the TS decoder unit so that the TS decoder unit extracts navigation information from a navigation information sequence which is suitable for the the broadcast reception apparatus. A navigation information storage unit stores the navigation information extracted by the TS decoder unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting glitches in video signals, including the steps of humanlessly sampling pattern information from a frame of video signals, the frame being characterized by known pattern information, comparing sampled pattern information from the frame to the known pattern information, and detecting a glitch if the sampled pattern information differs from the known pattern information.

Abstract: A multi-function TV receiver capable of performing the processing related to an object transmitted through the broadcasting and an object which is derived from accessible means other than the broadcasting and improving utility value for users and (broadcasting station) providers and achieving convenience. A first object data multiplexed in the vertical blanking interval is captured by communication means of a tuner 112 and a VBI decoder 120. A second object data which is used in a network including servers is captured by communication means of a CPU 133 and a modem 131. An linking operation associated the first and the second object data is executed by linking means using an I/O interface 137, a graphic controller 135, memories 134 and 136, a received optical data processor 138, a specification table 142, etc.

Abstract: An analog video tagging and encoding system. The invention inserts an analog tag frame into the analog video stream such that the luminance (Y) values are made to approach zero, i.e., black, allowing a potential tag frame to be quickly identified. Tag information is then encoded as a structured color pattern into the chrominance (Cb and Cr) portions of the frame, making the tag itself invisible to the casual viewer and contains program start/stop information, program segment identification, or data downloads. The color pattern is chosen such that when it is converted into digital form, the digital signal so produced may be easily and minimally parsed to recognize the presence or absence of a tag within a normal frame time period.

Abstract: The contents authoring unit classifies a program information into any one of the “information effective only in viewing”, the information effective only in recording/reproducing, and the “information effective in viewing and recording/reproducing”, and describes it on the basis of the classification. The contents controller of the receiving unit processes to classify the program information contained in the service information. The VCR control unit controls a VCR. Thereby, the invention utilizes the program information.

Abstract: A video signal processing system including a scaler and a VBI decoder is provided. The video signal processing system includes a control signal generator for generating a mode select signal for selecting one of a normal mode for reading or writing the active video data from or to the memory, and a VBI mode for reading or writing the VBI data from or to the memory. A control signal is also generated for enabling data to be read or written from or to the memory in each of the modes. A multiplexer multiplexes active video data and VBI data in accordance with the mode select signal.

Abstract: A video encoding system combines the processing of image data and closed caption data in the formation of a raster television signal. By combining the processing of image data and closed caption data, a single discrete time oscillator (DTO) can be used to generate oscillation signals that are required for each process. In a preferred embodiment, the DTO generates the 500 kHz signal that is used as the “run in” clock for closed caption data, and also generates the subcarrier signal that is used for the modulation of the chrominance components of a composite video signal.

Abstract: A closed-caption broadcasting and receiving method and apparatus. According to the closed-caption broadcasting method and apparatus, additional information is inputted and the input of word information is checked. If the word information is inputted, it is selected, while if not, the additional information is selected. Thereafter, character information and control information of the selected information are inputted. A control code of 2 words is obtained by combining the control information with a mode control bit and a parity bit, and the character code of 2 words including a syllable character completion type code is obtained by combining the character information with a mode control bit and a parity bit. A digital-modulated caption signal is produced by inputting the control code and the character code, and is coded in a scanning line which does not affect a television video signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding a continuous (i.e. QAM) signal into a (non-continuous) video signal is achieved in a manner to obviate noise problems normally introduced by breaks in the (video) signal due to horizontal and vertical pulses, low fidelity circuits, timing errors and time shifts. The apparatus employs a circular First-In-First-Out buffer with an address counter. The continuous signal is samples and coded on to a active portion of a video line and an address pointer in the address counter is adjusted back a given number of samples at the end of the video line. On the next video line, that (adjusted) number of samples (from the previous line) are output from the buffer before new data is output. By adjusting the number of samples and adding extra samples to the next video line, noise problems are virtually eliminated.

Abstract: An extended play radio video cassette recorder (EPRVCR) capable of receiving and recording audio and video signals transmitted over a radio frequency channel is provided. The EPRVCR includes a videocassette recorder (VCR) and a tuner capable of receiving of radio frequency signals and television frequency signals electrically connected to the VCR. Method for broadcasting and receiving a composite video and audio signal over a radio frequency for subsequent recording by an extended play radio video cassette recorder is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a VCR having a tuner capable of receiving radio frequency signals; broadcasting audio on a preselected baseband radio frequency; broadcasting a visual image on a subcarrier sideband of the preselected baseband frequency; and receiving the audio and visual image using the tuner of the VCR. The VCR is also capable of recording the audio and video image simultaneously onto a single video cassette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently embedding data into a video signal modulates a particular carrier frequency with a randomized pattern representing the data. The randomized pattern may be a combination of the data with the output from a pseudo-random binary sequence generator, or the data may be converted first into a bi-orthogonal pattern selected from among a plurality of such patterns and then randomized. The resulting modulated carrier frequency is then amplitude modulated based upon a human visual model so that the modulated carrier frequency amplitude is greater in areas of high image complexity and lower in areas of low image complexity. The subliminal data represented by the modulated carrier frequency is added to the video signal.

Abstract: A decoding system comprises a software-oriented implementation of the decoding process for extracting binary teletext and closed caption data from a signal. The decoder system according to one embodiment includes a processing unit which implements both a closed caption module and a teletext module. The decoder system calls the closed caption module to detect a clock synchronization signal associated with closed caption data. Upon finding the clock synchronization signal, the closed caption module synchronizes to the signal, identifies a framing code, and extracts the closed caption data. Similarly, the decoder system may call the teletext module for the teletext lines, which also synchronizes using a teletext clock synchronization signal. When the clock synchronization signal is detected, the teletext module interpolates the incoming data to reconstruct the data signal.

Abstract: A television receiver for receiving data signals, particularly teletext, associated with a television signal, has a page memory (13) for storing a plurality of pages for display on a display screen. In order to use the memory with maximum effectiveness, a queue is formed in order of priority of requests for allocation of memory locations for storing pages. Various features, such as FASTEXT, TOP, EPG, WST level 2.5, each require a certain minimum number of pages to allow the feature to be achieved. Each feature has a dedicated page request generator (PG-1 to PG-n) which each provide an ordered list of page requests. These page requests are fed to priority setter (P) which allocates for each of the page request generators, a given priority based on a priority scheme (PS) and a list of connected page request generators (PGL). The page request generators (PG-1 to PG-n) react to system events source (S1), broadcast event sources (S2), and/or user event sources (S3).

Abstract: A method of encoding data in the visible portion of a transmitted video signal without degrading display of the received video signal, and for decoding the data in the received video signal. Each group of data bits to be transmitted, referred to a data symbol, is associated with one of a number of longer predetermined sequences of chips. Each chip sequence is divided into a multiplicity of lines of chips, and each line of chips together with its inverse are embedded, in pairwise fashion, in respective pairs of line scans of the video signal prior to its transmission. Received pairs of line scans are operated upon to detect the lines of chips they represent, and each of the number of chip sequences is correlated with the detected line of chips to derive a correlation magnitude. The chip sequence with the largest correlation magnitude is selected as the chip sequence whose data symbol was transmitted.

Abstract: A system is provided for dispatching one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, messages, appointment reminders, confirmations, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients at a remote location. The system utilizes a remote receiver and printer having a unique identification number and bit-string code based on predetermined characteristics of the subscriber. The steps included in the system include: (1) developing a subscriber directory containing unique identification information for each of the potential recipients; (2) creating a packet to be dispatched to at least one of the recipients; (3) identifying the potential recipients for a particular packet by identification number or bit-string code; (4) transmitting the packet through a pager network to all of the potential recipients; and (5) receiving and selectively processing and printing only those packets intended to be processed and printed by the appliance.

Abstract: A printer appliance is provided for use in receiving and printing packets of information transmitted by wireless means, particularly by a pager network. The appliance includes a receiver module for receiving the packets of information transmitted over the network; a microprocessor for analyzing the packets received to determine whether the packets are intended to be processed and printed by the appliance; and a printer for printing the packets of information.

Abstract: When adding logos or other imagery to compressed digital video bitstreams, logos are inserted into only disposable frames. Since disposable frames are never used as references for decoding other frames, the logos can be added without adversely affecting the playback of any other frames. Preferably, the compressed data for disposable-frame macroblocks corresponding to the desired location for logo insertion are extracted from the compressed bitstream and replaced by intra-encoded logo-inserted data. As a result, logos can be inserted into compressed digital video bitstreams without having to completely decode and re-encode the bitstreams, while maintaining the overall quality of the video display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for control access to, and user interaction with, a branch structured narrative entertainment (70). Selected paths (parallel lined portions BC, DE, GY) are locked to a user and may only be accessed on presentation of predetermined access data. The access data may comprise user identification codes or may be the time of day, with such paths only being made available at specific times.

Abstract: An analog video tagging and encoding system is disclosed. The invention inserts an analog tag frame into the analog video stream such that the luminance (Y) values are made to approach zero, i.e., black, allowing a potential tag frame to be quickly identified. Tag information is then encoded as a structured color pattern into the chrominance (Cb and Cr) portions of the frame, making the tag itself invisible to the casual viewer and contains program start/stop information, program segment identification, or data downloads. The color pattern is chosen such that when it is converted into digital form according to the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard. In a simple embodiment of the invention, the structured analog color pattern may appear as a pattern of colored blocks aligned with the macroblock segmentation performed on the analog signal by the MPEG encoding process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently embedding data into a video signal modulates a particular carrier frequency with a randomized pattern representing the data. The randomized pattern may be a combination of the data with the output from a pseudo-random binary sequence generator, or the data may be converted first into a bi-orthogonal pattern selected from among a plurality of such patterns and then randomized. The resulting modulated carrier frequency is then amplitude modulated based upon a human visual model so that the modulated carrier frequency amplitude is greater in areas of high image complexity and lower in areas of low image complexity. The subliminal data represented by the modulated carrier frequency is added to the video signal.

Abstract: A soft scrolling method and apparatus of closed-caption words whereby caption information which is encoded in a horizontal line of each field of a television broadcasting signal which does not affect the broadcasting signal is displayed on a display screen of a receiver, as being scrolled line by line by selection of a viewer. According to the method, whether or not the present mode is a soft scroll mode is discriminated, and if so, character data is read out from a display memory, in which decoded caption information is stored, for a line or several lines at predetermined intervals into which a one-row scrolling time is equally divided. The readout character data is converted into a video signal to be displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system includes an ultrasonic transducer having an image data array and a tracking array at each end of the image data array. The tracking arrays are oriented transversely to the image data array. Images from the image data array are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of the target. The relative movement between respective frames of the image data is automatically estimated by a motion estimator, based on frames of data from the tracking arrays. As the transducer is rotated about the azimuthal axis of the image data array, features of the target remain within the image planes of the tracking arrays. Movements of these features in the image planes of the tracking arrays are used to estimate motion as required for the three-dimensional reconstruction. Similar techniques estimate motion within the plane of an image to create an extended field of view.

Abstract: An interactive broadcast may include television programming and associated services such as closed caption scripts. The audio portion of the broadcast television programming, in closed caption script format, is parsed and compared to a key word database which may be preprogrammed by the user. The closed caption text may be displayed in real time. When a match is identified, an event is fired. The particular event which occurs and the key word may be programmed by the user.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting a time difference for a video instrument is disclosed, which includes a first step for setting and storing a time difference adjusting data, a second step for selecting a corresponding channel in accordance with a key input of a user, a third step for detecting a broadcasting station ID and a time data from the selected channel broadcasting signal, a fourth step for reading a time difference data corresponding to the detected broadcasting station ID from a memory, a fifth step for adding the read time difference adjusting data and the detected time data, a sixth step for performing a time adjusting operation in accordance with the added time data, and a seventh step for performing a time adjusting operation in accordance with the added time data.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided by which television signals may be transmitted from adjacent NTSC and DTV channels. The NTSC television signals for a first channel are selected from a frequency band including a plurality of channels and wherein this first channel includes NTSC aural and NTSC visual signals. A source of DTV television signals are selected for a second channel in the same frequency band and wherein the second channel is adjacent the first channel. The NTSC visual signal and the DTV signal are combined to provide an intermediate combined signal. The intermediate combined signal and the NTSC aural signal are then combined to provide a combined output signal for application to antenna means for transmitting television signals.

Abstract: A technique is used in a selective call communication system (100) and in a broadcast communication system (106) to provide additional information about a broadcast to a selective call device (111). A broadcast receiver (109) receives a broadcast that includes a prompt (220), such as a FLEX.TM. logo, and an information address signal (305), such as an inaudible portion of the sound portion of the broadcast. The prompt indicates that additional information is available in a message to be transmitted by the selective call communication system. The selective call device receives the information address signal when activated to do so in response to the prompt. The selective call device receives and decodes an information address from the information address signal and uses it to recover the message at a protocol position indicated by the information address. The additional information is then recovered from the message.

Abstract: Video signals are converted into one or more blocks for each predetermined unit amount of data, and a discrete cosine transform (DCT) process is performed in the blocks to convert a video signal from a time-base area signal to a DCT coefficient in a frequency area for data compression. One chip of a spread spectrum signal is allocated to each block of the video signal or to each of a plurality of blocks, and additional information is superimposed on the video signal at a constant level corresponding to a chip value for transmission. The video signal on which the additional information consisting of the spread spectrum signal transmitted has been superimposed is received, and from this received signal, a DC component of the DCT coefficient is extracted. Inverse spread spectrum processing is performed for the DC component of the DCT coefficient extracted to detect the additional information.

Abstract: A digital waveform generator complies with different vertical blanking interval (VBI) standards, and is inserted into VBI portions of a digital component video signal. A buffer receives symbols carrying VBI data for a particular VBI service according to a user data syntax, which identifies a television line into which the VBI data is to be inserted. A symbol processor is responsive to information provided by the syntax. This information indicates the number of pixels represented per symbol, a symbol transition time, and the number of symbols carrying data to be inserted into the VBI portion. The symbol processor provides the VBI data in a format according to the particular VBI service. A timing circuit is responsive to a start time provided by the syntax for inserting the VBI data. A level control circuit adjusts the level of the VBI data prior to insertion into the VBI portion in response amplitude values provided by the syntax.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating control data (such as configuration, adjustment, or alignment data) to an internal digital processor of a display device from an external processor, and for communicating status data from the internal digital processor to the external processor. In accordance with the invention, a display signal (e.g., an analog video signal or a synchronization signal associated therewith) is encoded with digital control data. An internal digital processor in the display device receives the encoded display signal and extracts the control data therefrom. In preferred embodiments, the display device is a video monitor, and one or more of the video and video sync signals supplied to the monitor are encoded with control data, which can include a video test signal from a video signal generator, or configuration, alignment, or adjustment data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for embedding watermark information into a cover signal, such as an audio signal, video signal, or still image signal, in a manner that prevents the watermark information from being removed without degrading the quality of the cover signal. This is accomplished by subjecting the cover signal to a phase modulation prior to being embedded with the watermark information, wherein the amount or degree of phase modulation is changed at least for each different watermark to be embedded in a particular instance or copy of the cover signal. As such, if two copies of the same cover signal, each containing a different watermark, are averaged or combined in an attempt to obliterate the watermark information, the cover signal will be subjected to phase cancellation, rendering any illicit copy of such signal so derived to be valueless.

Abstract: There exists a problem of backwards compatibility and future proofness of data transmission systems and, more particularly, interactive television broadcast transmissions. In view hereof, service providers must take into account that their service is to be processed by receivers having different capabilities. To this end, operational signals for different receiver types are identified by respective level data (operation.sub.-- level) defining which receiver capabilities are required to perform the operation. Two operation levels (full.sub.-- operation.sub.-- level and minimum.sub.-- operation.sub.-- level) are sufficient. More levels can be defined by means of chaining techniques. In a practical embodiment, a plurality of operations is packed in a transmission block. Events (e.g., user actions) are represented by an index to the list, the index depending on whether the receiver has full or minimal capabilities.