Picture In Picture Patents (Class 348/565)
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Publication number: 20020057372Abstract: A device for automatically providing program information to a television display upon detection of an event in the program. The event being a user definable event. The device also provides automatic PIP display of the program having the event and a delay of the event so that it is not missed by the viewer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: Philips Electronics North America CorporationInventors: Alan P. Cavallerano, Richard C. Shen, Claudio Ciacci
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Patent number: 6388700Abstract: A television set having the option of displaying main and one or more auxiliary pictures, ratings control capability which includes means for an authorized person to limit the display of programs having ratings beyond a selected level, closed captioning capability which includes means for a viewer to choose to display closed captioning along with a picture, and a single stripper for slicing data from the vertical blanking information (VBI) portion of one or more broadcasts wherein the single stripper processes ratings control information for both main picture and auxiliary picture when the ratings control option has been invoked by cycling between main and auxiliary; and the auxiliary picture capability is disabled when the closed captioning option has been invoked.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Billy Wesley Beyers, Aaron H. Dinwiddie
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Publication number: 20020054239Abstract: The present invention relates to an image signal transmitting/receiving apparatus and method for selectively performing transmission and display of a main image signal. The present invention transmits and display an sub-image signal instead of the received main image signal in case that the cut-off mode with respect to the main image signal has been set.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kyoung Sup Shin
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Patent number: 6384868Abstract: When a sub-image (A) and a sub-image (B) are displayed as semi-moving pictures on a multi-screen, the fields of the input sub-images (A) and (B) are determined. By setting the field determination result as one condition for a write to the memory 114, the sub-images (A) and (B) can be stably written to the memory 114 in either odd fields (ODD) or even fields (EVEN), and can be read and displayed on the screen without flickering characters due to line flicker. Furthermore, when video signals are switched for a channel switch or an input switch, the operation remote controller 501 can issue a switch instruction so that a write to the video memory 509 is stopped according to the generated switch signal, and the image is displayed as a still image. In response to a new input video signal, the number of write increase lines or picture elements for a write to the video memory 509 is set to n. The writing operation is performed m times (m is a natural number) for every other field.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Tadashi Oguma
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Publication number: 20020047928Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (2) for generating a composite output picture signal (6) such as a picture signal comprising a PIP (Picture-in-Picture) signal or a DW (Double window) signal on the basis of at least two input picture signals (4.1, 4.2), the circuit comprising a color decoding unit (8) for decoding the at least two input picture signals (4.1, 4.2), and a composing unit (10) for generating the composite output picture signal (6) on the basis of the decoded at least two input picture signals. According to the invention, the color decoding unit (8) comprise a combining unit (14) for combining the at least two input picture signals (4.1, 4.2) into one combined picture signal (16), and one color decoder (18) for decoding the combined picture signal (16) to obtain a single decoded picture signal (12), the composing unit (10) being arranged to generate the composite output picture signal (6) on the basis of the single decoded combined picture signal (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: Erik De Meersman
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Image processing apparatus and method for reproducing at least an image from a digital data sequence
Patent number: 6377309Abstract: Upon implementing multi-functional TV broadcast and the like, it is desired to obtain information that pertains to a main image or that the user wants occasionally, if it does not pertain to the main image, in the form of an image as sub data with a small information size which is appended to the main image. For this purpose, MPEG4 data of sub TV information multiplexed in an MPEG2 datastream of the received and selected digital TV broadcast program is detected, and it is checked based on that detection result if MPEG4 data is included in the MPEG2 datastream. If MPEG4 data is included, an MPEG4 datastream is demultiplexed from the MPEG2 datastream, MPEG2 and MPEG4 data are respectively demultiplexed into sound, image, and system data, the demultiplexed data are decoded, and the output formats of MPEG2 image and sound data and MPEG4 scene and sound data are set.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masamichi Ito, Koji Takahashi -
Patent number: 6373500Abstract: An apparatus simultaneously displays the output of two or more computers on a single monitor in a manner similar to the manner in which television sets provide picture-in-picture (PIP) viewing. In one embodiment, computer video is converted to a format such as NTSC so that existing television set PIP circuits may be employed with little or no modification. In another embodiment, the PIP circuit accepts computer video inputs. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a processor to control the content of the main display area and PIP window using cursor position. The apparatus also supplies input device signals, such as mouse and keyboard signals, to the computer corresponding to the main screen area and transmits dummy keyboard and mouse signals to other computers attached to the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Ted Daniels
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Patent number: 6367080Abstract: An Internet information displaying apparatus, comprising: a video intermediate frequency detector (11) for extracting a first picture signal from a video signal and outputting it; a gate array (36) for converting the digital data taken in from the Internet into a second picture signal, and for compressing the second picture signal in the horizontal direction of the screen of a CRT (17); a TV picture horizontal compression unit (18) for compressing the first picture signal in the horizontal direction of the screen of the CRT (17); the gate array (36) for compressing the second picture signal in the horizontal direction of the screen of the CRT (17); a picture right and left composing unit (19) for composing the picture signals compressed by the unit (18) and the gate array (36), respectively, in a row; and switching units (14, 23) for switching the picture signal to be displayed on the screen of the CRT (17) into any of the first picture signal, the second picture signal, and the picture signal composed by theType: GrantFiled: August 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsunobu Enomoto, Nobuo Kuchiki, Yuji Hase
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Publication number: 20020033899Abstract: When a sub-image (A) and a sub-image (B) are displayed as semi-moving pictures on a multi-screen, the fields of the input sub-images (A) and (B) are determined. By setting the field determination result as one condition for a write to the memory 114, the sub-images (A) and (B) can be stably written to the memory 114 in either odd fields (ODD) or even fields (EVEN), and can be read and displayed on the screen without flickering characters due to line flicker. Furthermore, when video signals are switched for a channel switch or an input switch, the operation remote controller 501 can issue a switch instruction so that a write to the video memory 509 is stopped according to the generated switch signal, and the image is displayed as a still image. In response to a new input video signal, the number of write increase lines or picture elements for a write to the video memory 509 is set to n. The writing operation is performed m times (m is a natural number) for every other field.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 1998Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: TADASHI OGUMA
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Patent number: 6351291Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises an image memory comprising a first storing area for storing first image data for a background and a second storing area for storing second image data for an on-screen-display; a display buffer memory for storing data in a format used for display based on the first and second image data read from the image memory; and a controller for controlling accesses to the image memory and the display buffer memory, the controller reading the first image data from the first storing area in the image memory and writing the first image data into the display buffer memory and reading the second image data from the second storing area in the image memory and writing the second image data into a designated area in the display buffer memory.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masanari Asano
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Patent number: 6346971Abstract: A picture synthesizing system includes a main picture decoding section, sub-picture decoding section, color table conversion section, sub-picture data conversion section, and picture synthesizing section. The main picture decoding section decodes main picture data by a first picture compression scheme. The sub-picture decoding section outputs a color table and frame data by decoding sub-picture data by a second picture compression scheme. The color table conversion section converts the color table from the sub-picture decoding section on the basis of a display format in which a synthesized picture is displayed. The sub-picture data conversion section converts the frame data from the sub-picture decoding section.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kohji Numata
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Patent number: 6337717Abstract: An alternate display content controller provides a technique for controlling a video display separately from and in addition to the content displayed on the operating system monitor. Where the display is a computer monitor, the alternate display content controller interacts with the computer utility operating system and hardware drivers to control allocation of display space and create and control one or more parallel graphical user interfaces adjacent the operating system desktop. An alternate display content controller may be incorporated in either hardware or software. As software, an alternate display content controller may be an application running on the computer operating system, or may include an operating system kernel of varying complexity ranging from dependent on the utility operating system for hardware system services to a parallel system independent of the utility operating system and capable of supporting dedicated applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: xSides CorporationInventors: D David Nason, Thomas C O'Rourke, Scott Campbell
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Patent number: 6335764Abstract: A video output apparatus comprises: video data processor for processing plural pieces of video data of different types and outputting the resulting video data to a monitor; video processing delay detector for detecting whether processing for the plural pieces of video data performed by the video data processor is completed in real time when it is output to the monitor; and video data processing controller for controlling the video data processor so that the processing performed by the video data processor which is allocated for on line period is reduced when the video processing delay detector detects delay in processing.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Hashimoto, Masaru Iwasa, Eiko Fujii
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Patent number: 6333731Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously displaying TV and PC images capable of displaying a single image selected between PC and decoded TV images in a picture tube, or alternately displaying the PC and decoded TV images for a cycle of a horizontal synchronous signal, thereby displaying the TV image and the PC image of a high resolution as a double screen.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kwan-Seung Baek
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Patent number: 6334217Abstract: A channel selecting method and apparatus. In addition to selecting a current viewing channel by using one of two tuners, a channel predicted to be selected is selected by using the other tuner. If a channel change to the channel predicted to be selected is requested, a signal of the selected channel is selected as a signal of the viewing channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pan-Jin Kim
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Publication number: 20010046367Abstract: An image recording apparatus and plural image devices are connected through a serial bus based on the IEEE1394-1995 standard. Each image device transmits digital image data, encoded according to the SD format of the DV standard, to the image recording apparatus in the encoded state. The image recording apparatus decodes the digital image data transmitted from one of the plural image devices, thereby generating a main frame. Also it extracts a DC component from the digital image data transmitted from the image devices, thereby generating sub frames. The image recording apparatus thus generates and outputs an image signal including the main frame and the plural sub frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: Tetsuya Shimizu
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Patent number: 6323913Abstract: The circuit configuration provides for the combined color decoding and decimation of a video signal, particularly for picture-in-picture insertion in television sets. The color subcarrier is determined from a video signal for the purpose of recovering the chrominance signal components. The video signal is multiplicatively combined with orthogonal color subcarrier components and then filtered through low-pass filters. For the luminance signal components, the video signal is filtered by a further low-pass filter. In order to obtain decimated luminance and chrominance signal components, subsampling is carried out after the low-pass filters. Given suitable dimensioning of the low-pass filters matched to the decimation factor, a single low-pass filter in each of the chrominance signal paths is sufficient and, in the luminance signal path, an otherwise necessary notch filter is obviated.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Stefan Prange
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Patent number: 6317164Abstract: Multiple scaled videos are created using a single video decoder. A plurality of digital video data streams may be displayed in scaled or full-size on a video display. A viewer may select one or more of the scaled videos for display using a remote control. Downsampled frames may be scrolled into view using the remote control. A viewer may select a video to view in real time at full size or in scaled format.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David A. Hrusecky, Bryan J. Lloyd, Chuck Ngai
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Patent number: 6313880Abstract: A television with multiple display windows and placement dependent cursor and function control is configured to receive and simultaneously display video and graphics input from multiple devices, including but not limited to personal computers, video cassette recorders, settop boxes, video cameras and video disk players, as well as display video input signals from cable, antenna and satellite sources. The size of each display window is adjustable to encompass a predetermined amount of the display screen of the television. Multiple input windows driven by multiple devices can be viewed simultaneously. One or more cursor control and input devices are used to control the operation of the television and of the devices driving the display windows. The cursor control and input devices control the position of the cursor on the television screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Scott Smyers, Hisato Shima, Chenchu Chilamakuri
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Patent number: 6310656Abstract: In a divider, a ratio of a magnification or a reduction of an image is set from a writing range and a reading range. In a horizontal interpolating circuit and a vertical interpolating circuit, an interpolation is performed on the basis of the magnification ratio. In the horizontal interpolating circuit and the vertical interpolating circuit, an interpolation is performed on the basis of the reduction ratio. In a field memory, a portion of the image of an arbitrary size at an arbitrary position is written on the basis of a control signal which is supplied from a write memory control circuit. The image is read out from the memory on the basis of a control signal which is supplied from a read memory control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shinichiro Miyazaki, Yoshinobu Tsunetomi, Akira Shirahama
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Patent number: 6307597Abstract: Apparatus for displaying a combined image of an auxiliary image and a main image includes a source of a main image signal and a source of samples representing an auxiliary image signal. A quincunx subsampler is coupled to the auxiliary image sample source and the quincunx subsampler. The sample combiner combines the main image signal and a signal representing the quincunx subsampled samples to generate a signal representing a combined image of the main and auxiliary images.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Steven Wayne Patton, Mark Francis Rumreich, Donald Henry Willis
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Patent number: 6295094Abstract: A method and device for providing instant replay in an MPEG video decoder. The method and device provides non-MPEG frame tags for correlation of the frames in the decompressed domain to the frames in the compressed domain.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: David W. Cuccia
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Patent number: 6288751Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image corresponding to an image signal selectively inputs a first image signal and a second image signal having an aspect ratio different from that of the first image signal. When the second image signal is input, the second image signal is converted into an image signal corresponding to the aspect ratio of the first image signal, and the converted image signal is supplied to an image display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the aspect ratio of the first image signal. Thus, it is possible to display an image in a manner easy to observe, and to effectively utilize the display picture surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiya Yatomi, Masahiko Enari
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Patent number: 6285409Abstract: A method for producing a frame around a video image includes the step of placing subframes around a base frame. The subframes have an offset with respect to the base frame, in order to generate a plastic impression of the frame. The base frame and the subframes are produced from the same frame signal. A device for producing such a frame is also provided. The method and the device are in particular used in picture-in-picture systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Maik Brett, Matthias Burkert
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Patent number: 6285408Abstract: A digital audio/video system and method is disclosed. The digital audio/video system of the present invention integrates the operations of several digital devices into one simplified system by eliminating duplicative elements required in each digital device. The combination of operations allowed by the digital audio/video system and device generally includes simultaneously viewing two TV programs, viewing one TV program while recording the other TV program, simultaneously viewing two TV programs while recording one program, viewing one TV program and another program received from a storage device such as a video tape or a DVD disc, or viewing two programs received from a storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Jong Choi, Jin-Kyeong Kim, Hwa-Young Lyu
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Patent number: 6272680Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Zenith Electronics CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Gaughan, Thomas J. Zato
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Publication number: 20010008427Abstract: Disclosed is a method for supporting a picture-in-picture (PIP) type time shifting which enables a live broadcasting picture or a time-shifted SD stream to be viewed simultaneously with a time shifting of another SD stream on a PIP screen. The method includes a first display step of receiving a plurality of broadcasting programs received through a broadcasting network and displaying the respective live broadcasting programs through a PIP structure on a screen, a second display step of selectively storing in a storage section one among the plurality of broadcasting programs displayed at the first display step and selectively reproducing the stored broadcasting program through the time shifting to display the stored broadcasting program on the screen, and a third display step of displaying through the PIP structure on the screen a plurality of currently received other live broadcasting programs simultaneously with the second display step.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Inventor: Bum Joo Seo
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Patent number: 6243645Abstract: To provide an audio-video output device that can simultaneously output video and audio information from multiple input sources and which can constantly display the video or audio information from one of these sources. Input-side selector 55 which can select car navigation video information 2a, TV video information 3a, or video information 4a from a video player, and output-side selectors 56 which supplies the output from said input-side selector 55 and car navigation video information 2a as video display signals to liquid crystal panel 11 which can be split for display, are provided. Consequently, car navigation video information 2a is always displayed on panel 11 even when it is split for display. For audio information, monitoring speaker 19 through which car navigation audio information 2b can be output is provided, in addition to terminal 37 through which the audio for the video being displayed on panel 11 can be output as FM sound.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Moteki, Mamoru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6239794Abstract: A television viewer uses a PIP format for display of program related information such as television program listings from a program schedule data base in the background and moving, real time or stored video clip images of a program selected from the displayed listings in the PIP window. All the text of the background information lies outside the PIP window. In one embodiment, as the viewer selects a particular program from the display of current television program listings by means of a cursor or a code number, the corresponding program automatically appears in the PIP window.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: E Guide, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Daniel S. Kwoh, Roy J. Mankovitz, Elsie Leung
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Patent number: 6229573Abstract: In a synchronization control circuit according to the present invention, an image can smoothly be switched to another without distortion due to switching between sync signals to be displayed. The phases of sync signals of input video signals A and B are compared with each other in a phase difference detecting section, and the sync signal of one (B) of the signals is matched with that of the other signal A. When signal A is switched to signal B, an image is displayed in response to the corrected sync signal of signal B (corresponding to the sync signal matched with that of signal A). As a result, the synchronization state of signal A is maintained on a display screen, and the image can smoothly be switched without distortion.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Koichi Sato, Takashi Suzuki, Riichiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 6226040Abstract: Apparatus for generating at least a selected area in a picture is disclosed herein. The picture and the selected area are displayed on a video display means, and the user can optionally adjust the position and size of the selected area. The apparatus including the following devices. A first converting device that is used to generate a digital signal and a pointer defining signal according to a computer video signal. The picture is transferred from the computer video signal, and the selected area is defined in the pointer defining signal. A first adapting device that is utilized to adapt the format of the computer video signal to suit a digital display format corresponding to the pointer defining signal. A storage device determines said display timing of all the pixels of the picture. A pointer generating device generates a plurality of edge of the selected area according to the pointer defining signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignees: Avermedia Technologies, Inc. (Taiwan Company), Avermedia Technologies, Inc. (U.S.A. Company)Inventors: Chung-Song Kuo, Yung-Che Chang, Kun-Chou Chen, Hsien-Wen Cheng
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Patent number: 6219837Abstract: According to the invention, channel surfers are aided by summary frames appearing on the screen along with the regular program. These summary frames are embedded in the broadcast and appear in a small window on the screen at some point in the future as the video is broadcast. The summary frames depict key scenes from the past which aid the viewer in quickly ascertaining the current plot or theme of the video program. In an interactive television environment, a short video segment may be associated with each shot such that when the shot is selected, the past video segment is played in a larger window on the screen complete with sound. Once the segment is viewed, the video program is rejoined in progress with the viewer having a better sense of what is going on in the video. Hence, a when a channel surfer arrives at a new channel, rather than only having what is currently playing to catch the eye, summary frames are also available to catch the surfer's attention and aid in understanding the programming.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Boon-Lock Yeo, Minerva Ming-Yee Yeung
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Patent number: 6211921Abstract: A user interface for a screen oriented electronic device includes a rotating menu of options. Options are highlighted and therefore selectable as they rotate past a fixed position on the screen. A remote is shown for use with the menu.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Philips Electronics North America CorporationInventors: Lisa Cherian, Robert Andrew Lambourne, Guy James Roberts
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Patent number: 6204887Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing data representing multiple image sequences, e.g., TV programs, and displaying multiple images from different video sequences in different windows of a single display screen are disclosed. The amount of system resources required to process and display the image data are a function of the size of the windows in which the images are displayed. In accordance with the present invention demand for system resources is assessed and compared to the amount of available system resources. If the demand for system resources will exceed the available system resources, the size of one or more of the windows used to display secondary images, e.g., the small PIP windows, is reduced to reduce the burden, e.g., processing or bus bandwidth burden, on one or more system resources. In one embodiment, the system suggests a set of window sizes to the user which will allow for the decoding and display of programs without exceeding the available system resources.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Hitachi America, Ltd.Inventor: Kazushige Hiroi
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Patent number: 6195692Abstract: An internet on-demand system for television presents internet content and traditional television programming as part of a single coherent interface. The system includes a server and a client capable of providing a dynamic graphical user interface. The server queries tLe client regarding its available data stream connections, including telephone modems, cable modems, and digital satellite broadcasting, in order to determine the most efficient delivery of different types of data through all of the available bandwidth connections. The system can display an internet gateway interface which actively scrolls through and highlights links to selected web pages which are organized according to templates corresponding to their content. The web pages are presented on the graphical user interface as channels as part of the same milieu as channels of traditional television programming. The user can select a channel from a rotary menu wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.Inventor: P. Robert Hsu
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Patent number: 6177931Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over previous Electronic Programming Guides (“EPG”) in that it provides, among other things: Improved viewer interaction capabilities with the EPG; improved viewer control of video recording of future-scheduled programming; improved features to the EPG display and navigation; parental control of the EPG display; improved television program information access by the viewer; improved opportunities for the commercial advertiser to reach the viewer; improved product information access by the viewer; creation of a viewer's profile; utilization of viewer profile information to customize various aspects of the EPG; and utilization of viewer profile information to provide customized presentation of advertising to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Alexander, Stephen Dias, Kenneth S. Hancock, Elsie Y. Leung, Douglas Macrae, Arthur Y. Ng, Shawn O'Neil, Peter Christopher Schoaff, Jonathon Sutton, Thomas Edward Ward, III, Thomas Westberg, Henry C. Yuen
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Patent number: 6175387Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting a video received in a digital TV to process video data with different formats using the same ports. The apparatus and method includes a process to convert the video data from one format to another format and a process to convert the sync signals of one video format to correspond to the sync signals of another video format. Thus, different videos such as NTSC or VGA signals can be interfaced using signals of a small number of ports, thereby to reducing an overall size of the necessary hardware.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Dongil Han
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Patent number: 6172715Abstract: A picture-in-picture (PIP) control method and apparatus for use in a video television system (TVCR) selectively controls the operation of a video cassette recorder (VCR) according to a PIP control signal. A TV broadcasting signal is displayed as a parent picture and a playback signal output from the VCR is displayed as a child picture. When the PIP control signal indicates that the VCR is to be turned off and a PIP display mode is to be turned off, only a parent picture is displayed and at the same time a playback operation of the VCR is stopped, thereby reducing a cumbersome manipulation of a key to control the VCR.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Soo Cho
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Patent number: 6166777Abstract: The PIP type video signal processing circuit for a multi-picture display circuit in which a sub-channel video signal is compressed in accordance with a discriminated mode and a reading period is synchronized with a period of the video signal of a main-picture region when the sub-picture video signal is selectively selected of the TV video signal provided from the TV and the PC video signal provided from the PC.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Soo Ock
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Patent number: 6163316Abstract: An electronic programming guide (70) operates on a computing platform (12) associated with a television (40). The platform (12) accesses a program listing database (48) containing program listing information (6) for a plurality of television programs. The electronic programming guide (70) includes a profile database (80) that stores a viewer profile (84) and a suggest module (76) that is coupled to the profile database (80). The suggest module (76) accesses the viewer profile (84) and the program listing information (6) and, in response, generates a preferred schedule (100) according to the viewer profile (84) and the program listing information (6). The preferred schedule (100) indicates the desirability of a particular program relative to other programs.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Robert T. Killian
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Patent number: 6147715Abstract: A television system has a television viewing mode (50) and a guide mode (56, 58). The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette (16). In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window (50) on the television screen and guide information (56, 58) is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Henry C. Yuen, Roy J. Mankovitz, Daniel S. Kwoh, Elsie Y. Leung
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Patent number: 6144415Abstract: Apparatus for combining an auxiliary image and a main image includes a source of a main image video signal and a source of samples representing an auxiliary image video signal having successive fields. A quincunx subsampler is coupled to the auxiliary image sample source and subsamples the auxiliary image samples in either a first sample pattern in which samples are taken at a first set of horizontal locations, or a second sample pattern in which samples are taken at a second set of horizontal locations substantially midway between the first set, all in response to a control signal. A signal combiner is coupled to the quincunx subsampler and the main image signal source, and combines the main image signal and a signal representing the quincunx subsampled auxiliary image samples to generate a signal representing a combined image of the main and auxiliary images.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Steven Wayne Patton, Mark Francis Rumreich, Donald Henry Willis
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Patent number: 6144362Abstract: A image displaying and controlling apparatus for displaying a computer graphics image in square-shaped pixels in an MPEG2 image format in rectangular-shaped pixels at a regular roundness. A graphics processor block produces the data of 640.times.480 pixels, two-line data of which are stored in two 1H buffers, and are multiplied respectively by weights output by a weight control circuit through a line conversion circuit. As a result, data of 640.times.432 are produced. A delay circuit delays a vertical synchronizing signal output by the graphics processor block by 14H. A phase comparator circuit compares the 14H delayed vertical synchronizing signal in phase with a vertical synchronizing signal output by an MPEG2 video decoder. The timing of the generation of the vertical synchronizing signal at the graphics processor block is set to be earlier by 14H than the timing of the generation of the vertical synchronization signal of the MPEG2 video decoder.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Toshihiko Kawai
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Patent number: 6141059Abstract: An implementation efficient video decoder suitable for use as a picture in picture decoder is described. In one embodiment, the video decoder receives primary and secondary bitstreams with the secondary bitstream including the video data intended to be displayed as inset pictures. The decoder uses many of the same circuit components on a time shared basis to decode both the main and inset pictures reducing the amount of circuitry required to implement the decoder. In one embodiment a preparser discards the majority of DCT coefficients in the secondary bitstream and the remaining data is variable length decoded and then variable length encoded using a non-MPEG compliant coding scheme prior to storing the inset picture data in a coded data buffer. Re-encoding of the selected inset picture data in this manner greatly reduces data storage requirements and simplifies the circuitry required to subsequently decode the inset picture data.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Hitachi America, Ltd.Inventors: Jill MacDonald Boyce, Larry Pearlstein, Frank Anton Lane
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Patent number: 6141062Abstract: A method and apparatus that combines video streams to reduce interconnection between video processors and rendering devices is presented. Multiple video streams are multiplexed at particular phases of a clock signal so that, at the rendering device, the desired video stream is selected by selecting the appropriate phased clock signal. In a preferred embodiment, the combined signal is compatible with conventional single-port rendering devices, such as displays, video recorders, and video encoders. Also presented is a means for selecting among multiple video streams that minimizes the number of interconnections that are switched.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: ATI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Oswin Hall, Marinko Karanovic
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Patent number: 6122011Abstract: A channel map is created and/or edited with the aid of a PIP window in which a real time television program is displayed. The PIP window is displayed on a monitor screen at the same time as a channel map of pairs of network names and local channel numbers. The local channel numbers can be individually changed to create the channel map or edit the pairings of network name and local channel number. When the local channel numbers are changed, the tuner for the PIP window also automatically changes so the television program displayed in the PIP window corresponds to the television program telecast on the local channel number displayed on the screen. This provides verification of the accuracy of the pairing of network names and local channel numbers in the channel map.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Index Systems, Inc.Inventors: Steve Dias, Ken Hancock, Roy J. Mankovitz, Jamey Rallis, P. Christopher Schoaff, Thomas E. Ward
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Patent number: 6118492Abstract: A system and method for displaying a simplified electronic program schedule guide on a user's television monitor is provided. In one embodiment, the program schedule guide is abbreviated to include only the programs currently available for viewing on a subset of the available channels. In another embodiment, the program guide screen visually distinguishes between programs for the convenience of the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Starsight Telecast, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Milnes, Steven M. Schein
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Patent number: 6115080Abstract: The invention comprises a method of selecting for further processing (e.g., display) a desired television channel suitable for use in a television receiver capable of receiving both analog (e.g., NTSC, PAL or SECAM) and digital (e.g., ATSC or DTB) television signals. The method provides appropriate user feedback such that channel selection is effected in a relatively rapid manner utilizing one of a direct channel selection, an electronic program guide selection process, a picture in picture montage selection process or a combination thereof. One embodiment of the invention implements a method for masking the channel selection latency period inherent in ATSC-like television systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Sarnoff CorporationInventor: Glenn Arthur Reitmeier
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Patent number: 6097383Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Zenith Electronics CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Gaughan, Thomas J. Zato
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Patent number: RE37679Abstract: A signal selection circuit is disclosed for use in an intelligence TV. The intelligence TV can display a signal prioritized in the order of a TV OSD signal, a PIP signal, an information signal, and a TV signal. The structure for carrying out this prioritization includes a TV signal processor for processing a TV signal and outputting a TV signal, an information signal processor for outputting an information signal by decoding the received information data from value added networks and for outputting a first switching control signal by recognizing a selection mode, and a PIP signal processor for processing the TV signals as a main picture signal and a sub picture signal and for outputting a PIP signal and a second switching control signal. A TV microcomputer generates an OSD for the operation of the TV. Plural switching devices operate responsively to switching control signals from the TV microcomputer, the information signal processing unit and the PIP signal processor.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon-hwan Suh