Abstract: Methods and systems enable viewers of mobile TV to interact and communicate with one another in real time regarding programs being viewed. Viewers may search other viewers on the mobile TV system. Viewers may invite other viewers to join them in viewing a program or to chat. Viewers may write programs with rating since the broadcast network provider for tallying and broadcast to others. Viewers may set reminders for programs and share those reminders with other viewers. Programs may be hosted by individuals who may control the broadcast stream and communicate with viewers of the program. Viewers may also create ad hoc channels in which they can share their favorite programs with other viewers.

Abstract: A display mode switching device and method automatically switches a display mode of a television set to an overscan mode or to an underscan mode depending on a content of a screen. In a case of connecting a television set to a computer, a call from an application for an API in an OS is detected by a device driver when a user starts playing a DVD or a game. Accordingly, an output mode for the television set is switched to the overscan mode. In this way, a motion video or a game is displayed on the television set in the overscan mode. Meanwhile, when the user finishes playing the DVD or the game, a call for the API to release resources is detected by the device driver, and the output mode is restored to the underscan mode. In this way, a computer screen is displayed on the television set in the underscan mode.

Abstract: A method of a digital photo frame (DPF) with television (TV) tuning function is provided. The method includes: creating one or more preview windows on the DPF under the DPF mode; receiving broadcasts of particular channels; displaying the broadcast contents of the particular channels in each of the preview windows; switching the DPF to a TV mode if a mode switching signal is received within the display of the broadcast contents of the particular channels; determining which of favorite channels currently previewed in the preview windows is selected; and receiving and playing broadcasts of the selected particular channel. A related DPF is also provided.

Abstract: A method used in a digital photo frame (DPF) with television (TV) tuning function is provided. The method includes: receiving search parameters input by users during a DPF mode of the DPF; searching in a pre-stored TV program schedule to find TV programs matched the search parameters; determining whether any of the TV programs matched the search parameters is on or about to start at the current time; displaying a program list showing information at least on the “currently on” or “about to start” TV programs among the matched TV programs; switching the DPF from the DPF mode to a TV mode if a “currently on” or “about to start” TV program is selected to play; and receiving and playing the selected TV program. A related DPF is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a television unit including a thin platelike display unit, a stand for rotatably supporting the display unit, and a speaker. The stand has a mounting portion adapted to be mounted at a suitable position and a swiveling portion rotatably connected to the mounting portion for supporting the display unit. The speaker is provided in the swiveling portion of the stand.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transferring slideshow presentation information from a host computing device to an electronic device that typically has limited resources. A request to display a slideshow presentation on an electronic device is received, the slideshow presentation including image data corresponding to one or more bitmaps. In response to the request, a session of an application is open on the host computer that provides the slideshow presentation data. A video codec is utilized for dynamically converting the slideshow presentation data into a video data stream that represents the slideshow presentation. The video data stream is then transmitted to the electronic device for rendering the slideshow presentation on a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method used in a digital photo frame (DPF) with television function is provided. The DPF has a DPF mode for playing multimedia files stored in a storage and a television (TV) mode for playing TV programs received by a TV receiving module. The method includes: fetching TV program information from a TV program schedule when the DPF is in the DPF mode; detecting whether at least one TV program is airing soon or currently aired at the current time; displaying a TV listing menu prompt containing information on the at least one “airing soon” or “currently aired” TV program; receiving a mode switching signal and changing the operational mode of the DPF to the TV mode; and receiving and playing one of the “airing soon” or “currently aired” TV programs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of electronic devices, such as consumer electronic devices, or the like, via a digital bus. In particular, the present invention provides for improved interoperability of such devices over the digital bus. In one embodiment, the present invention transfers identifying information from a peripheral device to a display device during a discovery mode for providing a device selection screen having a plurality of device icons displayed thereon. The device icons are generated by the display, or controlling device, in response to identifying information, such as keywords stored in a configuration ROM of the peripheral device.

Abstract: The video data contained in the digital broadcasting received by a receiver are transmitted to a printer at high speed and at low cost. A receiver (STB 30) for receiving digital broadcasting, a display 31 for displaying the images of the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 and a printer 32 for printing images contained in the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 are connected to each other by way of a first signal transmission means adapted to transmit digital signals. The printer 32 obtain video data from the receiver 30 by way of the first signal transmission means.

Abstract: To perform operation check self-diagnosis of a digital terrestrial television broadcasting reception function of a multifunctional mobile communication terminal in any place without requiring addition of a special additional circuit component, or the like. When performing operation check self-diagnosis of a DTV reception unit 4, a first transmission signal of a GSM transmission/reception circuit 2 and a second transmission signal of a WLAN communication unit 3 are mixed using the non-linear characteristic of the LNA 41 of the DTV reception unit 4 while using transmission outputs of the GSM transmission/reception circuit 2 and WLAN communication unit 3. Due to the mixture, a difference signal having a frequency that is the difference between both the transmission signals in the reception frequency band of the DTV reception unit 4 is generated. On the basis of the difference signal, operation check self-diagnosis of the DTV reception unit 4 is performed.

Abstract: A digital television (TV) having two channel stereo receives two sets of readable TV signals corresponding to two selected TV channels, filters the two sets of readable TV signals to obtain a first set of audio data and a second set of audio data first Bluetooth transmitter is configured for converting the first set of decoded audio data into a first analog audio signal, and a second Bluetooth transmitter is configured for converting the second set of decoded audio data into a second analog audio signal, so as to realize two channel stereo.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a television video signal in a mobile terminal.

Abstract: The invention is related to a table with a monitor, consisting of a table board and of a support construction with at least one supporting or hanging unit, where substantive is, that the board of this table (10) is created in the form of at least one flat monitor (1). Further is concerns a data system, especially for home use and for applying in public rooms, containing at least one flat monitor, which is fixed in the table with a monitor, where this data system is adjusted for a variable data-supplying to at least one flat monitor, acting as a table board, and where the most substantive is, that the data-system contains further at least one computer (20) with a connection to Internet (21), TV-set or receiver (22), a video-recorder and video-decoder (23), for static pictures and/or movies, and a coordinating, governing and distributing central unit (24).

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus (1) includes a first casing (41) and a second casing (42) which are foldably connected to each other and have a photographic lens (31) and a display device (18) which is visible in a same field of view as the lens. A user can photograph himself/herself while verifying his/her photographed image by means of the display device, and thus is able to gain an anticipated image composition easily, and therefore reduce unsuccessful photographs. The photographed image is displayed as a mirror image, so that the user can verify the image as if looking in to an ordinary mirror, without experiencing any awkwardness.

Abstract: A method of providing one or more aspects of an ambient environment comprises receiving a video signal, processing the video signal and controlling ambient light accordingly. A corresponding device and system of devices are described.

Abstract: A method for processing trip information and dynamic data streams are provided, and includes the following steps. (1) A dynamic data stream including a plurality of video frames is received. (2) Plural batches of trip information are received. (3) At least one batch of trip information and at least one corresponding video frame of the dynamic data stream are taken to construct trip video data. Therefore, when a user playbacks the trip video data, the user can simultaneously see the video frame and obtain the corresponding trip information thereof.

Abstract: An audio-visual environment control system is provided with a function to control illumination for optimum audio-visual environment in accordance with a scene situation of an displayed image. A data transmission device is comprised of a data multiplexing portion for multiplexing scene situation data indicating scene setting situations of each scene of image data, and a transmitting portion for modulating and transmitting the image data in which the scene situation data are multiplexed. A data receiving apparatus is comprised of a data separating portion 22 for separating the scene situation data from the received image data, a CPU 23 for controlling illumination light of an illuminating device 27 in accordance with the scene situation data, and an illumination control data generating portion 24.

Abstract: An image playback system (3), to which digital R, G, B video signals (R, G, B), respectively via R, G, B line pairs (7, 8, 9), and a communication signal (SDA) may be supplied by an image source (1), includes a program memory (18) in which configuration data for a programmable module (21) are stored, said data being necessary for operation of the image playback system (3). The disclosed system improves how firmware is updated for the image playback system.

Abstract: A portable device comprises a data storage for storing avatar data defining a user avatar. The user avatar is formed by a plurality of visual objects. The portable device further comprises a camera for capturing an image. A visual characteristic processor is arranged to determine a first visual characteristic from the image and an avatar processor is arranged to set an object visual characteristic of an object of the plurality of visual objects in response to the first visual characteristic. The invention may allow improved customization of user avatars. For example, a color of an element of a user avatar may be adapted to a color of a real-life object simply by a user taking a picture thereof.

Abstract: An information display apparatus includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of information items through a network in accordance with an acquisition script in a scenario, the scenario including a conversion script and a motion addition script, an information conversion unit configured to extract one or more parts to be displayed from each information item acquired by the information acquisition unit in accordance with the conversion script included in the scenario, a motion addition unit configured to process all or some of the parts extracted by the information conversion unit, to be displayed with changing in content automatically and/or with an audio output, respectively, in accordance with the motion addition script included in the scenario.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of interrupting a data searching process quickly without detecting a user pressing a search interruption button. A system controller circuit carries out a searching process for searching least one desired data from a plurality of data stored in a nonvolatile memory or a memory card. When a change-of-status of the image pickup apparatus is detected, for example, when a shutter button has been pressed halfway, the system controller circuit interrupts the searching process and executes an interruption process.

Abstract: Image data may be processed via one or more stages by a hardware image sensor pipeline (ISP) wherein one or more software processing steps may be inserted at any point within the hardware ISP. Output from any stage of the hardware ISP may be stored in memory. Stored hardware ISP output may be retrieved from memory and processed via one or more software processes. Results from the one or more software processes may be stored in memory and communicated to any stage of the hardware ISP for additional processing. In this regard, the hardware ISP and one or more processors may simultaneously process portions of image data. In addition, the hardware ISP and the one or more processors may be integrated within a chip.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, media metering functionality may be imparted to a panelists device that was not previously capable of media metering. According to one example, a method of providing a communication device with media metering functionality includes asking a potential panelist to participate in a survey, receiving an affirmative response from the potential panelist, and providing metering functionality to a portable device of the potential panelist.

Abstract: A digital video recorder connected to a DV camcorder sends, to the camcorder upon detecting camcorder mode change from a reproduction mode to a rewind mode, a stop command to forward a DV tape toward its end until a newest time code coincides with a time code at a reproduction end position. Thereafter, upon completion of the tape forwarding, and upon camcorder mode change from a reproduction mode to a stop mode, the recorder sends a reproduction command to, and receives a response from, the camcorder, and determines, based on the response, result of the reproduction by the reproduction command. If the recorder determines the result as successful, it determines reproduction of the tape to be interrupted, while if it determines the result as failing, it determines dubbing of DV stream from the tape to be completed. This prevents omission of dubbing of DV stream from the tape without fail.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which records a digital image signal by taking a picture of an object and which transfers the recorded digital image signal to an external device. The apparatus includes a buffer memory, an image saving memory, an image memory accumulation state judgment unit, and a transfer unit. The buffer memory is adapted to temporarily accumulate the digital image signal obtained by picture taking. The image saving memory is adapted to save the digital image signal. The image memory accumulation state judgment unit is adapted to judge whether or not a new digital image signal can be accumulated in the buffer memory. The transfer unit is adapted to transfer to the external device the digital image signal accumulated in the buffer memory if the image memory accumulation state judgment unit determines that any new digital image signal cannot be accumulated in the buffer memory.

Abstract: A dynamic picture display system. The system consists of an LCD display that is approximately the size of a framed picture, a USB cable that is connected to the LCD display, and a computer system for formatting still or moving images, (pictures) for display on the computer system.

Abstract: A television set integrated with a computer is disclosed. The television set includes a display, a video/audio control unit, and a computer mother unit. A portion or whole of the display, the video/audio control unit, and the computer mother unit are integrated to incorporate the power of the computer.

Abstract: A television system that provides an on screen display menu system that allows a user to select from available input source using a graphical user interface. The television system also automatically adapts to the type on input signal selected for display. The television system and on screen display menu also support interaction between the television system and attached devices to unify the control of such devices including attached personal computers through the remote control of the television system.

Abstract: A pair of spectacles with miniature camera (122) includes a front frame (1), spectacle lenses (2) and side arms (3). The ends of the front frame (1) are extended backwards to form extending portions (11, 12) with cavities (111, 121), and an opening is formed on the front end of the extending portion (11, 12). The miniature camera (122) facing the opening is arranged on the front end of the cavity (111, 121). A shield (16) is associated to the opening for concealing and protecting the miniature camera (122). A pair of spectacles also includes a connection member (4) having two sides connect to the two spectacle lenses (2) respectively and an end portion have a groove (411) to clip columns provided on the bridge, so that the spectacle lenses (2) can be upturnable.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus that can be manipulated to provide multiple views to a single camera module. The apparatus includes a cylindrical rotating prism assembly that can be rotated about its vertical axis. A first reflective surface reflects the field of view of a lens assembly 90° along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. The camera module is positioned beneath the cylindrical rotating prism assembly to capture an image reflected by the first reflective surface along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. An illumination source is positioned above the cylindrical rotating prism assembly and emits an illumination beam along the same vertical axis that is reflected by a second reflective surface through an illumination aperture that illuminates the field of view. The entire assembly can be rotated to take advantage of multiple lens assemblies.

Abstract: A new video system and processor for computer is disclosed. In accordance to the present video processor that is capable of receiving TV signals and driving partial computer devices (such as a LCD panel) without starting the computer's operating system, the computer may display TV videos on the display panel of the computer without turning on the main power and the operating system. Furthermore, by returning the partial video processes to the CPU and VGA after the operating system is started, it may achieve the goals for displaying TV programs or working as a regular monitor when computer starts normally. The present video processor comprises an initial control unit, a data conversion unit, a panel drive, a memory control unit, a switch unit, a video compression unit, an I/O interface, and two selective modules.

Abstract: Device, system, and method of mitigating interference to digital television signals. For example, an apparatus includes a diversity-based digital television receiver having a filter controller and at least first and second channel paths, wherein the first channel path includes a first Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) reject filter, the second channel path includes a second GSM reject filter, the second channel path is parallel to the first channel path, and the filter controller is to selectively switch an operational state of the first GSM reject filter.

Abstract: A method for displaying TV program on a computer system is described. An operation system of the computer system is started and a memory-resident program is simultaneously loaded to continuously detecting whether or not a predetermined TV signal transforming device is electrically coupled with the computer system and established. A TV displaying program is executed by means of the memory-resident program when the TV signal transforming device is electrically coupled with the computer system.

Abstract: An audio-video (AV) signal transceiving processing device which includes a AV decoder, a bridge, and a bus interface, wherein the bus interface is a PCMCIA, CardBus, or Express Card bus interface. The AV decoder is used to receive an analog video signals and a corresponding analog audio signal, and output a first digital video signal and a corresponding first digital audio signal. The bridge is used to receive the first digital video signal and the first digital audio signal, and output a second digital video signal and a second digital audio signal, which are compliant to a bus interface standard, to a computer through a bus interface that is compliant to the bus interface standard.

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: In order to protect a content holder, a server device (20) holds a content and distribution control information specifying a number of terminals to which the same part of the content can be streamed at the same time. When a playback request pertaining to the content is received from a plurality of terminals, distribution of the content to the terminals is controlled such that the number of terminals specified in the distribution control information is not exceeded.

Abstract: At one of a video source device and a video sink device, an indication of video processing capabilities of the other of the video source device and said video sink device is received. Based upon the indication and an indication of video processing capabilities of the one device, one of a plurality of video processing algorithms is selected for execution by the one device. The selecting may be based upon a set of precedence rules. Categories of video processing may for example include scan-rate conversion, interlacing, de-interlacing, de-noise, scaling, color correction, contrast correction and detail enhancement.

Abstract: A buffer chip is used to isolate the internal connection between an HDMI receiver chip and a remotely-located HDMI port in a consumer electronic device. In one embodiment, an HDMI receiver/transmitter circuit is coupled to a main processor via an internal bus. The HDMI receiver/transmitter circuit, which includes one or more local HDMI inputs/outputs, is further electrically coupled to an HDMI buffer chip, which is in turn connected to one or more HDMI ports located remotely from the HDMI receiver/transmitter circuit. In one embodiment, the detection and control of the HDMI buffer chip is provided directly by the HDMI receiver/transmitter circuit. In another embodiment, the HDMI buffer chip may be electrically isolated from the device's main processor.

Abstract: A TV card with power-switching function is provided. The TV card comprises a TV card chip module, a power-switching module and a connecting interface. The power switching module is connected to the TV card chip module to transfer or block a power to the TV card chip module; the connecting interface is connected to the power-switching module and a host, wherein the host provides the power to the power-switching module through the connecting interface; the connecting interface further comprises a reserved pin to receive and transfer a switching signal to the power-switching module through the connecting interface to enable the power-switching module to transfer or block the power to the TV card chip module.

Abstract: A display-based device includes a display assembly having a first viewing portion and a second viewing portion within the first viewing portion and a docking station that removably docks a portable device having an imaging apparatus that includes a display apparatus and/or an image capture apparatus. When docked, the portable device's imaging apparatus is positioned facing a rear side of the second viewing portion. The display-based device operates in a first mode, where data from the display-based device is displayed in the second viewing portion and backlighting for the second viewing portion is provided by the portable device, and operates in a second mode, where the second viewing portion is substantially transparent so that the display apparatus of the portable device can display data through the second viewing portion and/or the image capture apparatus can capture images through the second viewing portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of recording still pictures and audio data onto a rewritable recording medium. The present method records still-picture video and audio files of the recording format of a digital till camera under a subdirectory of a DCIM (Digital Camera IMages) directory of DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) and still-picture video and/or audio files of the recording format of a disk video recorder under a subdirectory of a moving-picture directory, creates management information for searching and presentation control of the still-picture video and audio files below the DCIM directory and the still-picture video and/or audio files below the moving-picture directory, and records the created management information under another subdirectory of the moving-picture directory. Thus, efficient and convenient file management is possible through a single recording medium, which results in remarkable improvement of use convenience of a motion picture recorder and a digital still camera.

Abstract: The invention provides an external speaker control apparatus for causing only one of an internal speaker and an external speaker to output audio when a power supply of the external speaker control apparatus which controls the external speaker changes from an off state to an on state, the external speaker being a speaker outside a video and audio output apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic equipment includes a first output unit configured to output display information onto a display screen, a second output unit configured to output display information to a device to which the display information is output; and an output control unit configured to cause, if predetermined display information is output using both the first output unit and the second output unit, the second output unit to output the portion of the predetermined display information to which it is previously set that it is output to the outside as well as causing the first output unit to output the portion of the predetermined display information from which the portion output by the second output unit is excluded.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores network connection information required for establishing a connection via a network with an external device, a light emission element that emits light, a light emission control unit that converts the network connection information into an optical signal and emits the optical signal from the light emission element by controlling an operation of the light emission element based upon the network connection information stored in the storage unit, and a reception unit that receives data transmitted from the external device via the network.

Abstract: The image processing method and apparatus receive at least one of photographed image data, temporary camera control information, additional information and indication information of a desired processing content from the camera and reason out or create at least one information of information relating to photographing control, information relating to image processing and information relating to a photographed image, in accordance with the at least one which have been received and preferably supply the at least one information reasoned out or created to the camera. The camera includes an image sensor, an input unit and an information sending/receiving unit. The photographing system includes the camera and the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone which allows a user to continuously watch a television broadcast even if there is a call from the other party phone. If a call comes from the other party phone in a state of displaying television image on a main display, the television audio output part 36 stops outputting television audio corresponding to the television image while the television image display part maintains display of the television image on the main display, wherein the character information display part 38 causes the main display to display caption corresponding to the television image. Therefore, the user is allowed to continuously watch the television broadcast on the basis of the television image and caption while communicating with the other party phone.

Abstract: An information terminal device includes a main body case, a rectangular video display unit provided on the front side of the main body case, and a plurality of audio output units disposed at a specified angle relative to the video display unit which are formed in any one of rectangular, elliptical and track shape. The plurality of audio output units are disposed symmetrically about the center line of the video display unit, and a longer side of the outer shape of each audio output unit is disposed closely to one of the mutually opposing longer sides, or one of the mutually opposing shorter sides of the video display unit.

Abstract: A system and method for using scripts and selectable feature parameters to configure digital camera device features. The digital camera includes memory storing scripts for providing digital camera device features, an interface enabling a user to modify feature settings, a port connectable to a host computer for modifying or adding scripts to the memory, and a script manager for interpreting the scripts and the feature settings. The digital camera further includes an imaging device for generating a digitized image, and image processors for enhancing the digitized image according to the scripts and the selected feature settings. The digital camera still further includes command handlers for configuring the imaging device and the image processors according to the scripts and the feature settings.

Abstract: In a portable telephone which transmits and receives data having at least one of a voice signal and an image datum which are radio signals, the controlling device controls an amplifier so that a user can hear, at a first state that an ear is not near to a speaker, the voice from the speaker when the data from a base station includes a discrimination datum which represents the image datum. The controlling device controls the amplifier so that the user can hear, at a second state that the ear is near to the speaker, the voice from the speaker when the data from the base station does not include the discrimination datum which represents the image datum.