Abstract: A locking method employed by a television includes steps of: obtaining time information according to a predetermined locking time; determining whether the obtained time information matches with the predetermined locking time; requiring users input a password; receiving an input password and determined whether the input password match with a predetermined password; locking the television if the input password does not match with the predetermined password.

Abstract: An image display device and a home network system are provided. The image display device transmits a broadcasting signal including at least one of a video data, an audio data, and an additional data according to predetermined transmission conditions. The home network system includes at least one external device connected to the image display unit through a wire or wireless network to output the transmitted broadcasting signal.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes display processing components to process pixel data of digital video. The integrated circuit also includes mask-programmable logic integrated with one or more of the display processing components to receive the pixel data in a first color space and at least a second color space, where the mask-programmable logic can further process the pixel data to enhance the digital video.

Abstract: A communication method, system, and apparatus are provided that transmits supplementary communications combined with standard television or other visual media (e.g., cable, satellite, video, pre-recorded video, IPTV, Internet, print media) to a viewer/reader. The invention permits a standard television system or other visual media system to transmit supplementary digital data to the viewers along with the normal visual image to provide interactivity. The invention includes an electronic device that optically receives the transmitted supplementary digital data sent along with the visual image. Using the method described, a transmitting facility is able to transmit supplementary data to the device without interfering with its regular programming. The supplementary data can provide a means for added interactivity (e.g., by providing supplemental data for marketing, promotions games, entertainment, education, coupons, and the like).

Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a channel changing method are provided. The broadcast receiver includes a first receiver which receives broadcast data of a plurality of channels; a second receiver which receives a plurality of keys input sequentially to select one of the plurality of channels; and a controller which processes a changeable channel among a plurality of channels corresponding to at least one key input first among the plurality of keys input before a completion of the input of the plurality of keys from the second receiver.

Abstract: In a television set, image quality is adjusted in accordance with parameters calculated on the basis of adjustment values used in the past, depending on a feature of an image and an environmental status. A weight calculator determines a weight depending on the manner in which a user performs a volume control operation. A cumulative weight memory outputs a cumulative weight corresponding to the feature value. Output volume values used in past are stored in a volume value generator. The volume value generator calculates output volume values corresponding to a feature value on the basis of parameters indicating final adjustment values, the feature value, the weight, and the cumulative weight. The calculated volume values are stored in the volume value generator. Under the control of a system controller, the volume values stored in the volume value generator are output to a coefficient generator.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein are directed to an apparatus and method for relaying user input commands by a receiver to other devices connected to or in communication with the receiver. In one embodiment, a receiver receives one or more commands from a user input device and determines if the command is intended for the receiver or for a device in communication with the receiver. Based on this determination, the receiver may either execute the command or relay the command to a device that is attached or otherwise in communication with the receiver.

Abstract: A system and method in a television controller for providing user-selection of objects in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system and method in a television receiver (e.g., a television receiver external to a television) for providing user-selection of objects in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: Provided are a display apparatus and a use restriction method thereof. The display apparatus includes a media interface unit, a memory unit, and a control unit. The media interface unit detects the connection of an external device and receives unique information of the connected external device. The memory unit stores the unique information of the external device received through the media interface unit. The control unit stores/registers the unique information of the connected external device in the memory unit and determines whether to permit the use of the external device connected through the media interface unit on the basis of the unique information registered in the memory unit. Herein, upon detecting the connection of an unregistered external device, the control unit restricts the use of the unregistered external device on the basis of the registered unique information of the external device.

Abstract: A set information recording device records set information that is recorded in a recording unit of electronic equipment and equipment information indicating characteristic of the electronic equipment together. When the set information and the equipment information are input from the set information recording device to the electronic equipment, a deciding unit of the electronic equipment compares the input equipment information with the recorded equipment information in the recording unit so as to decide whether or not the input set information is appropriate.

Abstract: A system for transmitting auxiliary data within a modulated video signal from a broadcast source to a hand-held device with a slot, the system comprising the broadcast source comprises means for transmitting auxiliary data to the slotted hand-held device via the modulated video signal; an interface device electronically coupled to the hand-held device via the slot and comprises a card microcontroller, a receiver electronically coupled to the card microcontroller for receiving the modulated video signal from the broadcast source, and circuitry electronically coupled to the card microcontroller and the receiver for demodulating the modulated video signal and reproducing the auxiliary data, and transferring the auxiliary data to the hand-held device via an interface protocol, and the hand-held device with the slot comprises a microcontroller for processing the signal auxiliary data received via the interface protocol from the interface device.

Abstract: Extracting and processing video content encoded in a rendered color space to be emulated by an ambient light source, using perceptual rules for intelligent dominant color selection. Steps include quantizing the video color space; performing dominant color extraction by using a mode, median, mean, or weighted average of pixel chromaticities; applying perceptual rules to further derive dominant chromaticities via [1] chromaticity transforms; [2] a weighted average using a pixel weighting function influenced by scene content; and [3] extended dominant color extraction where pixel weighting is reduced for majority pixels; and [4] transforming the dominant color chosen to the ambient light color space using tristimulus matrices. A color of interest can be further analyzed to produce a true dominant color, and past video frames can guide selection of dominant colors in future frames.

Abstract: A generic data processing engine is operable to receive a format definition and process data formatted according to the definition, without use of formatting information in the data. The format definition includes a description of the syntax of the format, and a description of the semantics of the format. The syntax and semantics may be described in the same language or in different languages, and the engine is configured to produce an internal representation of the syntax and semantics. The engine receives queries and uses them together with the internal representation to set masks for the filters. The filters apply the masks to the data and return filtered data to the engine, which may forward a portion of the filtered data to applications, store a portion of the filtered data, set new masks based on a portion of the filtered data, or modify the existing masks based on a portion of the filtered data. The filters may also be configured to return filtered data directly to applications, bypassing the engine.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods provide for graphically annotating television images received and presented by a set top box (STB) or other television receiver. A pallette of available illustration tools is presented on the display in conjunction with the television image to be annotated, and the viewer is able to use the various illustration tools to make annotations, captions, edits or other changes to the displayed image. Viewer inputs may be provided via a touchpad, directional pad or other device capable of providing two-dimensional inputs.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a response-request transmitting unit and a response receiving unit. The response-request transmitting unit transmits a response request including an identifier of the response-request transmitting unit on a second network to an external device through a first net work. The response receiving unit that receives a response including an identifier of the external device on the first network, transmitted through the second network in response to the response request.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing channel surfing during the presentation of a commercial broadcast by returning the viewer to the desired program channel after the commercial broadcast has concluded. When a commercial broadcast is received that interrupts the presentation of a viewer's desired programming, channel surfing is facilitated based on increased audio volume levels broadcast with the commercial broadcast. During channel surfing, the present audio level of the primary channel presenting the undesired commercial broadcast is monitored. If the audio volume level drops below the level of the commercial broadcast or returns to the level set by the viewer for the desired program prior to receipt of the commercial broadcast, the desired program channel may be reselected to return the viewer to her desired program channel. The viewer may be notified that the commercial broadcast has ended prior to reselection of the desired program channel.

Abstract: A design structure for systems for switching a displayed signal for a display between a plurality of signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, the design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, and includes: a system for switching a displayed signal for a display between a plurality of signals, the system including: a microcontroller; a chooser for setting a primary signal from a plurality of program-variable signals; a monitor tuner coupled to the microcontroller for tuning the primary signal during switching of the displayed signal from the primary signal to a secondary signal; a detector coupled to the monitor tuner and the microcontroller for detecting a predetermined condition in the primary signal; and a selector coupled to the microcontroller for switching the displayed signal from the secondary signal to the primary signal upon occurrence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A video signal processor for processing input video data in accordance with an input clock signal includes: an input section for changing the format of the video data and outputting resultant data; a logic section for decoding the data output from the input section and outputting decoded data; and a frequency detector for detecting that the clock signal has a frequency higher than a given frequency and outputting a result of the detection as a detection signal. When the frequency of the clock signal is higher than the given frequency, operation of at least part of circuits constituting the video signal processor is stopped in accordance with the detection signal.

Abstract: Elements necessary for a digital television receiver are structured as a plurality of digital signal processing blocks and a host operation processing block. The blocks are connected through a general-purpose bus. Command for controlling the operations of the blocks and data of streams are transferred through the bus. Thus, by replacing only blocks, various types of digital television broadcasts that differ in carrier waves, modulating systems, and compressing systems can be handled. Consequently, the developing efficiency of a television receiver is improved. In addition, when a new service is started, by adding hardware for the service, the service can be easily handled.

Abstract: An audio controlling device generates an audio mute signal based on the level of a power-supply voltage supplied from the source equipment, whether a clock signal has been input or not, whether a digital signal has been input or not, whether a multiplier circuit is being locked or not, an error rate, whether an audio clock detection circuit is being locked or not, the presence or absence of a change in a control signal, and whether a synchronization detection circuit is stable or not. The audio controlling device applies the audio mute signal to an audio mute circuit, while applying an OSD control signal to an OSD processing circuit. The audio mute circuit is placed in a mute state or unmute state based on the audio mute signal. The OSD processing circuit provides the on-screen display of a message based on the OSD control signal.

Abstract: Integrated processing of multimedia signals can eliminate unnecessary signal processors and converters without losing the functionality of typical home entertainment system components. The integrated system includes a main player that captures and processes signals digitally, a dummy display, and a dummy speaker. The dummy display may only have a display panel and a panel driver. The dummy speaker may only have a driving unit and no crossover logic. The main player may have a PC architecture and process all signals digitally for outputting signals tailored for the display device and the individual driving units of the dummy speaker. The integrated system may generate parameters for optimizing display of a video source. These parameters can be shared among users over a network connection.

Abstract: An imaging device outputs video data with an image signal obtained from imaging an object, records video data onto a record medium, reproduces video data therefrom, outputs first time information from a clock section, communicates with another device through a first communication interface according to a predetermined protocol, and exchanges video data with the other device. A video-device automatically obtains second time information as reference from the outside of the video-device, processes a video signal, communicates with the other device through a second communication interface according to the protocol, and exchanges video data with the other device. When connected through the first and second communication interfaces, the video-device transmits the second time information to the imaging device. The imaging device receives the second time information and sets a time for the clock section with the received second time information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a receiver, a display device, and a transmission module. The receiver includes a video receiver, a video processor, a graphics processor, and a multiprocessor. The video processor converts the video signal received by the video receiver to a moving image with a first resolution. The graphics processor outputs a still image with a second resolution higher than the first resolution according to an instruction. The multiprocessor divides the still image into divisional still images with the first resolution. The display device includes a display module, a scaling processor, a restoration processor, and a blend processor. The scaling processor scales the moving image with the first resolution. The restoration processor restores the divisional still images to the original still image. The blend processor displays the moving image and the still image with the second resolution on the display module.

Abstract: A method of operating a receiver, comprising: determining a location of the receiver by analyzing a broadcast signal received by the receiver, determining information for a user, the information being dependent on the determined location, and presenting the information to the user.

Abstract: The invention defines a method for leveraging the standard conditional access module interface of a digital TV receiver to deliver IPTV or other TV content without the need of a set top box. An IP-connected interface (“probe”) is used in place of a conditional access module to establish a two-way communication link between the TV and the IPTV headend or other IP content source and to deliver IP content. In an embodiment, the invention covers the specifics of content navigation without requiring any modification of the TV receiver application software or provisioning of IPTV-specific software. Content navigation is achieved by supporting a catalog/grid browsing session on the TV receiver and enabling a flat multiplex navigation, a virtual MPEG multiplex that contains the definition of several available programs but a single video and audio channel is dynamically switched to carry the selected program.

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 control system for controlling video and audio parameters of a display device and a play device is provided. An OSD system of the play device and an OSD system of the display device receive OSD signals respectively. The OSD signals are transmitted between the play device and the display device through a bus. Therefore, the video and audio parameters are controlled synchronously by the OSD signals. Furthermore, displayed images and sound are controlled as well.

Abstract: A video processor card stores tap generation information for determining a predetermined tap coefficient when the tap generation information is used together with tap generation information stored in another video processor card, and supplies a video processing interface with the tap generation information. The video processing interface generates the tap coefficient from the tap generation information of the one video processor card and the other video processor card loaded therein. The video processing interface extracts video data having a predictive tap used to predict a target pixel and video data having a class tap used to classify the target data, and class classifies the target data based on the class tap. The video processing interface determine the target pixel based on the tap coefficient and the predictive tap of the class of the target pixel.

Abstract: A primary broadcast receiver is automatically tuned by a secondary broadcast receiver receiving a first broadcast signal corresponding to a source of an origin program by program transition detectors detecting monochrome interprogram dead frame or closed captioning for the hearing impaired text words according to user-specified tune conditions; by a tuner controller enabling the secondary broadcast receiver and a program transition detector to begin monitoring a first broadcast signal currently tuned by the primary broadcast receiver, while allowing tuning of the primary broadcast receiver by a user, and by automatically tuning the primary broadcast receiver to the first broadcast signal upon signal by the program transition detector that one or more of the user-specific tune conditions have been met.

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 TV receiver is activated at the time of a transition to a standby condition of a mobile terminal (100) with the TV receiver, data on a standby screen saved beforehand is synthesized with data on a predetermined image, and the synthesized image is displayed. Thereafter, the predetermined image in the synthesized image is switched to, at a predetermined timing, a real-time TV image received by the TV receiver and the real-time TV image is displayed. Accordingly, an image is displayed on the standby screen even in a blank period that a TV image cannot be displayed well because of a preparation for displaying a TV image right after the transition to the standby condition, thereby promoting utilization of a TV broadcasting through the mobile terminal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video display apparatus includes a video reception module, a resolution processing module, and a notification module. The video reception module receives a video signal of a first resolution from an external apparatus. The resolution processing module generates a video signal of a second resolution higher than the first resolution by creating new pixel values from the video signal of the first resolution. The notification module transmits a notification indicating that the video display apparatus comprises the resolution processing module to the external apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a smoothing module is configured to smooth and reduce grayscale differences in a plain area of an input digital image signal according to a collection parameter. A histogram acquisition module is configured to acquire a histogram value of the input digital image signal for one frame. A histogram value buffer module is configured to buffer histogram values for a plurality of frames. A luminance level transition detection module is configured to detect an interval during which an image gradually changes from light to dark or from dark to light, based on the histogram values for a plurality of frames, and to output the correction parameter.

Abstract: The portable player is connected to a first connector, and the PC is connected to a second connector. A first connection detecting unit detects whether the portable player is connected, and a second connection detecting unit detects whether the PC is connected. A central processing unit (CPU) switches to a reproduction mode in which an audio signal based on audio data reproduced by the portable player is supplied by the audio processing unit to the speaker, or a PC communication mode in which the portable player and the PC are connected to be in a state in which they can communicate with each other.

Abstract: A display processor integrated circuit (for example, for a television or for a digital camera) includes a display processor portion and an on-chip programmable logic portion. The on-chip programmable logic portion can be configured or programmed to implement custom video and/or image enhancement functions. Accordingly, an individual television or camera manufacturer can have his/her own custom enhancement function incorporated into the display processor integrated circuit by having the programmable logic portion configured or programmed appropriately. In one embodiment, the programming of the programmable logic portion involves changing just one mask, thereby reducing the cost, complexity and time associated with implementing the custom video/image enhancement function.

Abstract: A television includes a control section, an interface and an external software module. The control section includes a processor and an internal memory that is in communication with the processor. The internal memory stores original program instructions for use by the processor to operate the television in accordance with the original program instructions. The interface is accessible exteriorly of the television and is in communication with the control section. The external software module is connectable to the interface and stores additional application program instructions that are downloadable to the control section when the external software module is connected to the interface. The downloaded additional application program instructions enable the television to function in a manner differently than any of the original program instructions. A method for adding new application program instructions to a television is also described.

Abstract: Systems for switching a displayed signal for a display between a plurality of signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a microcontroller; a chooser for choosing a primary signal from a plurality of program-variable signals at the microcontroller; a monitor tuner coupled to the microcontroller for tuning the primary signal during switching of the displayed signal from the primary signal to a secondary signal; a detector coupled to the monitor tuner and the microcontroller for detecting a predetermined condition in the primary signal; and a selector coupled to the microcontroller for switching the displayed signal from the secondary signal to the primary signal upon occurrence of the predetermined condition. A user can switch between signals such as television channels or other dedicated functions without the risk of missing a portion of the program material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing differential media time calculation and display are provided. A method includes determining a time of media origination, determining a current time, and calculating a differential media time as a difference between the current time and the time of media origination. The method also includes using the differential media time to determine information update data and outputting the information update data for display.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for capturing consecutive frames in digital video are disclosed. Through adding a function of capturing consecutive frames in digital video to digital televisions or digital recording equipments, the continuous fantastic frames in digital video can be displayed on the screen for users to watch and choose. Besides, with a recording function, those fabulous frames can also be preserved for the use of the follow-up view and demonstration. Finally, the purpose of capturing and storing best frames is achieved.

Abstract: An image display delay time shortening apparatus during channel change, a method thereof and a broadcasting receiving apparatus thereof are disclosed. The broadcasting receiving apparatus extracts a sequence header from a video stream of the received broadcasting signal if a broadcasting signal of each channel is received. Henceforth, the broadcasting receiving apparatus extracts a sequence header corresponding to a changed channel from a relevant region of a channel information table in a memory to establish an initial value of a decoder, so that an image can be displayed with any time delay even if the sequence header is not received at the start of channel change.

Abstract: Shared television sessions are described. In embodiment(s), television content can be received via a tuner of a tuner device. A shared television session can be established between rendering devices that share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the television content. A tuner configuration input can be received when initiated at a rendering device, and the tuner configuration input can be communicated to the tuner device to change the television content. The tuner device can receive different television content via the tuner according to the tuner configuration input. Tuner update data associated with the tuner configuration input can then be communicated to update the rendering devices that further share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the different television content.

Abstract: There is provided a method for displaying a video signal (31; 46) on a display (20; 44), a video receiver (32; 43), and software. When the video signal is received, the video receiver displays the video pictures of the video signal within a reduced-size window (24; 50) on the display. Then, the size of the reduced-size window is gradually increased, and the video receiver simultaneously detects the format of the video pictures. Once the format of the video pictures has been detected, the size of the window continues to be increased, but taking into account the detected format, thereby finally giving a full-size window (26; 55) that matches the format of the video pictures.

Abstract: By utilizing a power frequency carrier provided by an indoor power line, multimedia data is transferred to a converter to be converted for being displayed on an output display of a television so that the multimedia data can be transferred along the indoor power line to save indoor lines.

Abstract: An audio/video separator provides a high-performance and cost-effective solution to analog TV reception with only one A/D converter and a minimum of analog IF components. The apparatus may operate on a digitized TV signal and, when integrated with a digital video processor, process video signals while separating audio signals. The resultant audio and video signals may be considered to have excellent signal quality due to highly optimized demodulation architecture and digital signal processing techniques on both audio and video data paths.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a remote controller including no operating button and an imaging instrument including a display screen portion capable of displaying a first graphical user interface in association with movement of the remote controller. Selection item of the first graphical user interface is selected and determined on the basis of anteroposterior movement of the remote controller.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a television having a controller to determine an access plan associated with a mobile communication device that is capable of wirelessly receiving broadcast video content, present one or more options for adjusting the access plan where the one or more options include wireless access for the television to the broadcast video content, and receive a selection of the one or more options, wherein the access plan is adjusted based on the selection. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable battery charger for a portable media player recharges the portable media player without needing to be plugged into a wall or other stationary power source. The portable battery charger also adds extra functionality to the portable media player by providing a command interface to control an electronic device and a wireless transmitter that operates on a frequency outside of the commonly used AM/FM bands. The portable media player preferably plugs into a cradle on the portable battery charger so that the two units seamlessly act as one unit. This combination seemingly creates a new portable media player with a longer battery life and the ability to wirelessly control devices.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use in a receiver configured to receive electronic signals, for identifying digital signals that are available for reception, includes a timing recovery device configured to receive an incoming signal, related to a transmitted signal, the incoming signal having a first symbol rate, and to re-sample the incoming signal to provide a second symbol rate, and an analyzer that is in communication with the timing recovery device and that is configured to make a determination as to whether a difference between the second symbol rate and a third symbol rate of a transmitter providing the transmitted signal is within an acceptable tolerance and to use the determination in an analysis of whether the transmitted signal is available for reception.

Abstract: De-ringing operation for image processing. A selective image processing means is presented herein by which high frequency content is preserved while also eliminating ringing within digital images, and this is achieved without introducing aliasing. Based on the analysis of neighboring pixels, one or more of multiple filter modules and/or multiple image filtering/processing means is/are selectively applied to generate an output sample for a given pixel location. Two measures (e.g., local activity (LA) and edge strength (ES)) are calculated based on processing at least two different groups of pixels near a desired output sample. One of these groups of pixels may be a subset of another of the groups of pixels. By analyzing these two measures (e.g., LA and ES), selective processing of pixels near the desired output location ensures that high frequency content within the digital image is preserved with substantially reduced and/or eliminated ringing therein.