Abstract: Methods for providing fast channel change in a digital display system. Spare tuners can be provided for predicting a next channel that may be viewed. These spare tuners may be used to capture information that is used to provide a fast channel change to an accurately predicted next channel. A spare tuner may be a PIP tuner. A three tuner system can be used where multiple tuners are applied to multiple predicted channels. Also, a spare tuner can be used to scan available channels and cache information on a set of channels to provide a fast channel change to a cached channel. The information cached can include program information, e.g., table information. Spare decoders (e.g., virtual decoder) can also be used to predict a next channel and provide fast channel change thereto.

Abstract: An image display system includes a memory for storing at least one scanning line of an inputted video signal of the interlace scanning system, and reading means for repeating to read the video signal of one scanning line from the memory at a speed which is n (n is an integer of 2 or more) times of the writing speed of the video signal for the memory for a horizontal scanning period which is 1/n of the writing period and to stop reading for a horizontal scanning period of the remaining (n−1)/n for each scanning line of one field which is sequentially inputted and reading each scanning line so that the continuous fields interpolate the period of stopping of reading from the memory each other.

Abstract: A multiple information decoding system and method are provided in which multiple information content is decoded sequentially and provided to a viewer such that the viewer perceives the information content as being simultaneously decoded. One embodiment of the system and method is in a video display system where RF channels are decoded by a single tuner for concurrent presentation to a display.

Abstract: A web television includes a display, a tuner, an internet module, and a PIP module. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display on the display and to select television audio for display by a speaker of the web television. The internet module is arranged to supply internet video for display on the display and to supply internet audio for display by the speaker of the web television, and the internet video and audio are derived from internet communications between the web television and internet content providers. The PIP module is arranged to provide a PIP area within a main area of the display. The internet video and the television video may be swapped between the PIP area and the main area of the display, and the speaker of the web television may be swapped between the internet audio and the television audio.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: A video display appliance capable of adjusting a sub-picture independent from a main picture using an on-screen display menu in PIP mode and a method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and displaying video and/or data in a picture-in-picture, or multi-picture image format. Some of the systems include a video and data stream that are selected by a selecting device. The video and data streams are formatted and transferred to a network interface device via a transmission device. Various of the methods include receiving a selection input and, based on the selection input, selecting multiple video and/or data streams for transmission. The streams are formatted, and transmitted to a network interface device that creates a composite video signal based on the input data and/or video streams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring visual displays in a picture-in-picture, or other multi-picture format. Some of the systems include two video inputs, with one being generated remote from a display, while the other is being generated local to the display. The systems include a selecting device that receives a selection input indicating one of the video inputs as a full screen display and the other input as a partial screen display. A compositing device combines the two video inputs as a single video output, where the single video output includes one of the video inputs layered over the other video input. Some of the methods include receiving the video inputs as selected, and combining the video inputs into a single video output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing picture-in-picture, or other multi-picture displays. Some of the systems include two video signals that are coupled to a transmission device along with a selector signal. The transmission device further includes two video outputs associated with each of the respective video inputs. Based in part on the selector signal, one of the video outputs includes a derivative of one of the video inputs transmitted at a first bandwidth, while the other video output includes a derivative of the other video input transmitted at a second bandwidth. Some of the methods include supporting multi-picture displays by receiving two or more video inputs and a selector input. Based on the selector input, the video inputs are formatted and transmitted as video outputs that correspond to the respective video inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting picture-in-picture displays, or multi-picture displays. Some of the systems include two video signals that are coupled to a compositing device. The compositing device is also coupled to a selector input that originates remote from the compositing device. The compositing device provides a video output that is a combination of two or more video inputs arranged in a picture-in-picture format, or a multi-picture format. The methods include receiving two or more video inputs and providing a composite output arranged in a picture-in-picture format, or a multi-picture format.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating and manipulating a video window on a display associated with a television are disclosed. A set of parameters identifying a source region and a destination location in a source coordinate system are obtained where the source coordinate system includes a source origin at a location of the source coordinate system. A destination origin is set at a location of a destination coordinate system. The source region is then translated to a location within the destination coordinate system equivalent to the destination location in the source coordinate system.

Abstract: A television apparatus and method provides visual/audio feedback to a user via the auxiliary image (i.e., PIP window) simultaneously during the menu selection process for configuring the television system. The apparatus enables a user to verify the connection between an auxiliary video/audio source device (e.g., DVD player, satellite receiver, VCR etc.) and a desired input source of the television receiver during the configuration process of the television system. The television apparatus includes a television receiver suitable for generating video output signals for displaying a multi-image on a display device. The multi-image displays comprise a main image corresponding to the currently tuned/selected input signal and an on-screen display (“OSD”) of a configuration menu. The multi-images comprise the main image, the configuration menu and an auxiliary image, such as picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-outside-picture (POP) displays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing TV advertising contents and inserting interstitial advertisements on TV programs which is primarily used to interstitially insert the DIY audio, video, graphics, and texts onto ordinary TV programs, where the Data Storage Unit can record these audio/video and graphic/text data of ad contents. Users can store pictures and sounds captured by digital cameras or digital camcorders in the Data Storage Unit. The data of audio/video and graphic/text stored in the Data Storage Unit can be provided to the Video and Graphics Processing Unit for blending or overlaying, and be incorporated into the TV programs that are transferred from the Audio and Video Input Unit. The way to incorporate video for broadcasting includes to broadcast with two (or more than two) pictures (the pictures from Data Storage Unit and the picture of TV programs) blended, and to broadcast with Picture-in-Picture (PIP) overlay.

Abstract: A routing device is provided for transporting digital data from demodulated digital television signals. The routing device includes a network that routes the digital data to demultiplexers via at least one decoding module. The network includes means for connecting to at least two independent demodulation channels, with each of the demodulation channels producing digital data from a demodulator. The network allows individual routing of the digital data from each of the demodulation channels to the demultiplexers via at least one decoding module. Also provided are a corresponding routing method and a host device that includes such a routing device. Exemplary applications of the routing device and method are a digital television receiver with an image incorporation (picture in picture) function, and a digital television combined with a recording device.

Abstract: A method for processing moving pictures in response to the user's actions. A variable moving picture creation module, variation moving picture reproduction module and variable moving picture transmission module are employed in the method. The variable moving picture creation module creates a variable moving picture to be created in response to the user's actions. The variable moving picture reproduction module reproduces the variable moving picture so that the variable moving picture is realistically reproduced. The variable moving picture transmission module transmits the variable moving picture to a receiver's E-mail server, personal data assistant (PDA), mobile communication terminal, computer or etc. over the Internet so that the variable moving picture is reproduced in response to the actions of the user being a receiver. Accordingly, an idea and intention of a transmitter user can be implemented in an enjoyable and interesting manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for displaying appropriately on the display area for each processing unit such as an application according to the applied equipment. The CPU 12 processes display area acquisition requests from a plurality of processing units R1-Rn according to a display management program. The display management program decides whether use of the display area is allowed to each processing unit, considering the relationship of the plurality of display areas requested from each processing unit R1-Rn. Each processing unit R1-Rn executes display processing for the display area for which use is allowed. In this way, whether use is allowed is notified from the display management program to each processing unit R1-Rn after each processing unit R1-Rn sends the display area acquisition request. As a consequence, display in a plurality of areas by each processing unit R1-Rn can be controlled appropriately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual mode signal processing apparatus using a picture-in-picture (PIP) window. In particular, the present invention relates to a display apparatus and a function switching apparatus that display two views for DSPs performing different functions in use of a PIP window so that two functions are simultaneously performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for deriving an ancillary signal from a compressed digital video signal (e.g. MPEG). The ancillary signal comprises selected parts of the main signal, for example, the DC coefficients of I-pictures, or the unscrambled parts. The ancillary signal thus obtained can be used for display in a (multi-) picture-in-picture television receiver, or as an “appetizer” in order to encourage the user to pay a subscription fee. The ancillary signal can separately be recorded in digital video recorders so as to assist the user in finding the beginning of a scrambled program on tape. The ancillary signal can also be generated at the transmitter end and transmitted at a low bit rate. A decoder for decoding such an ancillary signal is considerably simpler and less expensive than a full-spec MPEG decoder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding broadcasting information of a TV is disclosed, in which various and detailed information is provided to permit a user to easily identify a program and fulfill the user's visual desire.

Abstract: A video system and method for combining multiple video signals on a single display is provided. The video system includes a video processor to process a second video signal and generate a processed video signal. The processed video signal has the same resolution and scan rates as a first video signal. A multiplexer is used to selectively display either the processed video signal or the first video signal on a display.

Abstract: Device and method for displaying a PIP on a TV, the method including the steps of (a) generating a PIP if a user selects a PIP mode, generating menus for the generated PIP in a form of an OSD, displaying the generated PIP and PIP menus on the same time, (d) if a user desired menu is selected from the displayed menus, controlling according to the selected menu, and displaying the PIP and the PIP menu according to the control, whereby providing a variety for PIP window screens according to user's requirements owing to the simultaneous movement of the PIP screen and the PIP menu, and permitting the user to obtain desired information easily when the user identifies the picture source and selects the PIP, owing to the display of relevant source control information and PIP control information in a form of rim information, if the TV is used, with a variety of external devices connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to the insetting of a moving picture in a moving main picture when the picture signals are in an encoded digital format. The main idea is that the picture signals are combined prior to decoding. The frames of the picture to be inset are scaled down by reducing the number of macro blocks in them in such a manner that the picture whole is retained. The macro blocks of a certain area of the main picture are replaced by the macro blocks of the reduced picture and the combined video signal is decoded. The video signals (ES1, ES2) to be combined may be picked up from different sources or extracted from a transport stream where they are in packets. The system according to the invention requires only a single decoder (210), which considerably reduces the amount of computation required by the combination of the pictures. The advantage is emphasized if there are several pictures to be combined.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a receiving apparatus for receiving image data. The configuration of the receiving apparatus is disclosed. That is, the receiving apparatus includes a reception circuit for receiving first image data for displaying an image in a first display area in a maximum display area of a display apparatus, second image data for displaying an image in a second display area in the display area, and information related to image displaying in the first display area, and a control circuit for generating a signal for requesting transmission of the first image data of an apparatus for controlling the transmission of the first image data, on a basis of the information. The information is information specified by a transmitter of the second image data.

Abstract: In a television receiver having Picture-In-Picture (PIP), a controller analyzes the content of a video signal forming a main picture, and automatically adjusts the size and position of a PIP image to correspond to regions of the main picture exhibiting the least amount of motion, texture, and/or a repeating texture. The controller also prevents the PIP image from being positioned over text or faces or other important objects in the main picture.

Abstract: In a television receiver having Picture-In-Picture (PIP), a controller analyzes the content of an auxiliary video signal forming a PIP image, and automatically adjusts the shape and transparency of the PIP image in accordance with the content of the auxiliary video signal.

Abstract: A television system comprises an electronic program guide (EPG) including a picture-in-picture (PIP) window and means for returning to a last channel viewed full screen (LCF) in a television viewing mode prior to entering the guide mode. The EPG displays a program list including a listing for the LCF and text identifying it as such. This last channel listing is positioned at the top of a program list area in the guide. The viewer returns directly to the LCF in the television viewing mode by setting a cursor to the last channel listing prior to exiting the guide mode. In guides including listings for future programs, the last channel listing remains in a designated position of the program list area.

Abstract: A system and method for generating high-luminance windows on a computer display device includes a video amplifier which provides video signals to a cathode ray tube, a window generator which provides a window signal to the video amplifier to generate the high-luminance window, and an automatic beam limiter which controls the beam current provided to the cathode ray tube during period of the high-luminance window.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiver for realizing a picture-in-picture (PIP) screen using a plurality of decoders is provided. The digital broadcasting receiver includes a first decoder 30 and a second decoder 80 for decoding each of a plurality of broadcasting signals, and outputs two broadcasting signals on a PIP screen. That is, each of the broadcasting signals which are input simultaneously is decoded in the first decoder 30 and the second decoder 80, and the decoded image signals are output on the PIP screen. Thus, the digital broadcasting receiver provides an effect of performing a PIP screen function in which a plurality of decoders decode each of the broadcasting signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a digital video picture is proposed. In this case, the video picture comprises a main picture and a secondary picture. The secondary picture serves to provide information about the status of the apparatus or else for operational guidance. The data of the picture are supplied digitally. Data for the subpicture are additionally contained in the bit stream for the main picture. The subpicture can likewise be displayed together with the main picture and provide information such as, for example, subtitles with respect to the main picture. Decoding apparatuses for the main-picture data and the subpicture data are provided. Also provided is a multiplexing device for the correctly timed outputting of the decoded data and, consequently, of the joint representation of main picture and subpicture. The apparatus has a storage device, in which data for the secondary pictures are stored in coded form.

Abstract: The two dimensional sample rate conversion capabilities of a video display system are used to produce three-dimensional effects. Linear and non-linear scaling is applied to a video image to convey a sense of depth. The three dimensional effects are used to increase the visual appeal of existing and new feature sets in display systems. A multi-faceted object representation, such as a representation of a cube or a pyramid, can be used to display different video images on each facet of the representation. By appropriately scaling each image on each facet, an impression of depth is achieved. The images on the different facets can be selected to represent different aspects of a common theme, such as datacast information related to a primary source of information. Channel changing on a television can be presented as a rotation of the multifaceted object.

Abstract: The described arrangements and procedures anti-alias a character for display on a monitor such as an interlaced television monitor. In one implementation, an expanded character is generated by increasing a character's original dimensions. The expanded character includes multiple sub-blocks and each sub-block includes multiple pixels. The pixels of each sub-block are mapped to a single destination color that is based on specific numbers of foreground pixels in the sub-block and a particular number of gray levels used to represent the character. Subsequent to this mapping, the expanded character is scaled back to its original size.

Abstract: A television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day. An input device allows the viewer to browse through the schedule information area and/or obtain more information about programs of particular interest. In one aspect, the viewer may watch a program on the currently-tuned channel, while browsing through the other channels on a portion of the television screen. In another aspect, the viewer may watch programs currently being shown on the television, while he or she browses through the program guide. In yet another aspect, the system includes a database, a processor and associated software for automatically customizing the television schedule guide to an individual viewer or a group of viewers, e.g., a family, to facilitate use of the television schedule.

Abstract: A web television includes a display, a tuner, an internet module, and a PIP module. The tuner is arranged to select television video for display on the display and to select television audio for display by a speaker of the web television. The internet module is arranged to supply internet video for display on the display and to supply internet audio for display by the speaker of the web television, and the internet video and audio are derived from internet communications between the web television and internet content providers. The PIP module is arranged to provide a PIP area within a main area of the display. The internet video and the television video may be swapped between the PIP area and the main area of the display, and the speaker of the web television may be swapped between the internet audio and the television audio.

Abstract: A method for displaying video information, and a program and apparatus that operate in accordance with the method. The method comprises the steps of combining first and second video information to form combined video information. The first and second video information represents first and second video frames, respectively. At least one first program segment is represented by a first number of the first video frames, at least one second program segment is represented by a second number of the second video frames, and the first and second numbers are predetermined to correspond to first and second predetermined frame display rates, respectively. The method also comprises a step of displaying at least a portion of at least one of the first and second program segments represented by the combined information, at one of the first and second predetermined frame display rates.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide picture-in-picture timebase management are provided. In one example, a method may include the steps of sending a first video signal and a second video signal to a video decoder; sending a first audio signal to the audio decoder, the first audio signal being associated with the first video signal; locking a single timing mechanism to program clock references (PCRs) of the first audio signal; and decoding the first audio signal and the first video signal according to a timebase of the single timing mechanism.

Abstract: In double tapered rollers of a thrust scroll bearing, a structure free from generation of edge load at both ends of a section straight line on conical or tapered surfaces, and appropriate in contact stress with the bearing race is presented. To be used as a rolling element of thrust bearing interposed between positions making relative scroll motions, it is a conical body having a pair of conical surfaces (Ra, Rb) matched coaxially and coupled at bottoms mutually, and the entire surface of the conical surfaces (Ra, Rb) is processed by crowning. As a result, edge load is not generated at both ends of the section straight line of the conical surfaces (Ra, Rb), and the maximum contact stress at the apex side is held at a low value within an allowable range.

Abstract: An interfacing method and system for a stream source apparatus and a display device, which includes a stream source apparatus receiving analog/digital signals from external analog/digital equipments to generate a plurality of transmission packet streams corresponding to the analog/digital signals, the stream source apparatus synthesizing a plurality of the transmission packet streams into a single synthesized transmission packet stream to transmit the synthesized transmission packet stream by wireless, a display apparatus receiving the synthesized transmission packet stream transmitted from the stream source apparatus, the display apparatus separating the synthesized transmission packet stream into a transmission packet stream corresponding to a main screen and a transmission packet stream corresponding to a sub-screen, the display apparatus decoding the transmission packet streams corresponding to the main screen and the sub-screen respectively to generate digital video/audio signals to display on a display

Abstract: A method and device for adapting an existing analog television receiver to receive and decode both analog and digital television signals. A digital module is provided within the analog television receiver and its output is provided to the picture-in-picture (PIP) interface of an analog module within the receiver. The digital signal then has the benefit of using the picture improvement circuitry located within the analog module and there is no need to modify the analog module which has been in the cost optimization process for years.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video-signal, for instance a TV-signal for transmitting via the broadcasting system which is adapted to represent a scene for transmitting via the broadcasting system and which is adapted to reproduce in the scene a part-image which fills a part of the image and which is independent of the scene, wherein the part-image represents an advertising message. This structure provides the option of presenting such a form of advertising instead of an identification symbol of a broadcaster or in addition to such a symbol. The part-image will of course provide only a limited area. It is therefore only possible here to present an identification symbol or logo, brand or the like. In view of the fact that many advertisers only seek brand awareness. this does not have to form a problem per se. According to a first preferred embodiment the part-image is placed in a corner of the image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auto channel search apparatus for a TV and a method thereof capable of easily recognizing a broadcast channel of a user. The above-described method includes a step for displaying a channel list in accordance with a channel search instruction of a user and performing a search in the sequence of the number stored in the channel list, and a step for performing an indication operation for separating a channel number which does not have a broadcast signal with respect to a channel number which has a broadcast signal in the channel list.

Abstract: A method for controlling a video display device having multiple signal sources, which comprises the steps of: detecting whether a synchronous signal is input to a microcomputer; detecting a signal source selection state if the synchronous signal is not input; converting a present mode to a power-saving mode if the signal source selection state indicates the computer as the selected signal source; and maintaining the present mode if the signal source selection state indicates a signal source other than the computer to be the selected signal source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for changing a channel or a varying a volume level of a television receiver having a normal screen mode function and a multiple screen mode function. According to the method, it is first checked whether or not a control signal for the channel or volume level conversions of the main picture or sub-picture is input from a remote controller having plurality of channel changing keys and plurality of volume level changing keys. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the input control signal is a signal corresponding to either the plurality of channel changing keys or the plurality of volume level changing keys. Afterwards, it is determined whether or not the television is in the multiple screen mode when the input control signal is the signal corresponding to either the plurality of channel changing keys or the plurality of volume level changing keys.

Abstract: A DV camera 38 provides DV data recorded on a tape 52 to a PCI bridge 43 through a DV data output terminal 57 while decompressing the DV data. The DV data thus decompressed are converted into analog signals with a video encoder 58 and outputted through an analog video signal output terminal 59. A video decoder 42 converts the analog video signals into digital signals. The PCI bridge 43 outputs the digital data to a graphic card 34. In this way, moving pictures provided from the DV camera 38 are displayed on a CRT 32. The PCI bridge 43 transfers the DV data provided by an interface 41 to a memory. The data stored in the memory 27 is written into the hard disk 26 under control of the CPU 23.

Abstract: A television screen (24) is displayed as a window (25) within a larger displayed image (21), also referred to as a “picture-in-picture.” A control program associated with the window (25) provides additional functions to the window, including the ability to view the time, title, and other information about future programs, in the window (25). A user can switch between various preset lists of channels, and can dynamically edit such lists to add or delete channels. The control program senses the location of a cursor (37) relative to the window (25) and a control region, as defined therein. Depending upon the location of the cursor (37), the window (25) is either in a reduced-size state with fewer controls visible, or in an expanded-size state with greater controls visible.

Abstract: A digital video system includes a sample rate converter and an inverse-sample rate converter. The sample rate converter converts video data from a non-orthogonal pixel domain to an orthogonal pixel domain. The inverse-sample rate converter converts the video data from the orthogonal pixel domain to the non-orthogonal pixel domain. The inverse sample rate converter utilizes a timing signal generated by the sample rate converter when converting the video data from the orthogonal pixel domain to the non-orthogonal pixel domain.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide and method using the guide. Under one aspect, the program guide features a layout having a plurality of sectors of program information, with each sector in the layout relating to a different genre of program information. Each sector in the layout extends from a generally central area of the layout to a generally peripheral area of the layout. Each sector includes a cell to display one or more program listings. The program guide also features an indicator that one of the cells in the layout is selected. A user of the program guide can pan between program listings within a single sector and can also pan between sectors to navigate through the program guide.

Abstract: A television screen (24) is displayed as a window (25) within a larger displayed image (21), also referred to as a “picture-in-picture.” A control program associated with the window (25) provides additional functions to the window, including the ability to view the time, title, and other information about future programs, in the window (25). A user can switch between various preset lists of channels, and can dynamically edit such lists to add or delete channels. The control program senses the location of a cursor (37) relative to the window (25) and a control region, as defined therein. Depending upon the location of the cursor (37), the window (25) is either in a reduced-size state with fewer controls visible, or in an expanded-size state with greater controls visible.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating the camera position, direction, and field of view in a map or panoramic image comprises a map image window which displays a map or panoramic image of the site to be studied (house, apartment, city, etc.). A detailed view window displays a portion of the map image, taken from a point in the site. A highlighted sector in the map image represents the viewing position, direction, and field of view that the detailed view window displays. When the user changes the field of view in the detailed view window, the highlighted sector in the map image changes in synchronism. The resulting interactive windows allow a person to easily and quickly view and understand the field of view, position, and direction of the image being displayed in the detail view window.

Abstract: A software application, which presents aggregated content including broadcast, Internet, and local media on a single HDTV display screen. For the most part, this information is pulled from existing databases and supplied by means of an entertainment portal, and then synchronized, resized, and displayed on a single HDTV display screen. This allows mixed entertainment content from creators, broadcasters, advertisers, manufactures, websites, and home consumers to be viewed on a single HDTV display screen, thereby creating a single-screen home entertainment experience. In operation, the screen is divided into multiple areas 200, 202 where web content, which can be continuously updated, is displayed at the same time live video is being aired. This can include any and all types of content; such as news, stock quotes, weather forecast, sports scores, on-line shopping, on-line multi-player games, local community information, etc.

Abstract: An analog television is digitally enabled so that both analog video received in an analog broadcast signal and data received in data packets of a digital broadcast signal can be displayed on the same display. The analog television is digitally enabled by including digital television tuning and demodulation equipment either in the cabinet of the analog television or in a set top box coupled to the analog television.