Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a communication mode for a communication terminal are provided. An embodiment of a method for implementing a communication mode includes receiving a first type of data over a first type of communication channel, determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, and responsive to determining that the first type of data is subsequently not available over the first type of communication channel, receiving the first type of data over a second type of communication channel.

Abstract: A method and system for including non-graphic data in an analog video output signal of a set-top box. Graphics data is generated from and represents non-graphic data using software or firmware that is executed by a processor, system-on-a-chip integrated circuit, or some other component of the set-top box. The graphics data is alpha blended with video data that is extracted from a digital television signal. This alpha blending results in an alpha blended digital video signal. The alpha blended digital video signal is converted into the analog video output signal by a digital encoder function, which is preferably included in the system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The alpha blending is also preferably performed by the alpha blending function of the system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The analog video output signal can then be input into an analog video recorder.

Abstract: A video program broadcasting apparatus includes a program table storage unit and a program-URL matching table storage unit. The URL of a video program which is being broadcasted at the present is acquired by a URL generation unit with respect to a plurality of video programs which are sequentially broadcasted depending on the time schedule of a video program table. The URL of the video program which is being broadcasted at the present and the URLs of video programs which were broadcasted are invisibly embedded by steganography. The video program URL is converted into a simple code, and the code is invisibly embedded by steganography in a video program which is being broadcasted.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation of interactive programming using captions. A caption and program information extractor monitors a broadcast media signal having captions and program information encoded in the broadcast media signal. The captions and program information are extracted and stored in a content database. A moderator accesses the content database to retrieve captions and for a program specified by the program information. The moderator uses the services of a moderator server to generate interactive programming from the captions and the moderator's own comments. The interactive programming is transmitted to a plurality of viewers who interact with the interactive programming by entering viewer comments. The viewer comments are received by the moderator along with additional captions and new interactive programming is generated using the viewer comments, additional captions, and additional moderator commentary.

Abstract: A system for presenting advertisements to a user during video presentations is described. The system includes a memory with logic and a processor configured with the logic to detect a trick mode activation during a media content instance presentation and then present an advertisement during a trick mode display of the media content instance presentation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system that displays notifications to a user on a television system. The notifications comprise recent events occurring in subjects of importance to the user. The user may view data and video clips of the recent event, web pages, enhanced web pages, and alternate channels. Access is provided through the Internet, to enhanced web pages designed specifically for television, and regular web pages. Users can switch from the current broadcast to another channel, such as the channel displaying the recent event.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture for generating a video signal having an auxiliary data payload complying with a data payload protocol selectable from at least two available data payload protocols is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method comprises the steps of generating a data reference signal (which describes an auxiliary data payload protocol including an auxiliary data payload clock speed) at a baseline clock speed compliant with both of the two data protocols; appending the auxiliary data payload signal at the auxiliary data payload clock speed to the data reference signal; and inserting the data reference signal and the appended auxiliary data payload signal in a portion of at least one line of a video frame. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus comprises a generator, for generating at least one line of a video frame having a data reference signal at a baseline clock speed compliant with two data protocols and an appended auxiliary data payload.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system that renders enhancement images onto receptor sites of a scene of a pre-existing program. A receptor site defines an area of a scene onto which an enhancement image may be rendered and provides information that may include size, scale, rotation, perspective, contour and coloration. Rendering processes may be direct, planar, conformal, blended, or migrated and may produce photo-realistic images that appear to be a natural part of a scene. Selection of enhancements may be targeted or opportunistic and may employ secondary selection criteria including demographics, viewer preferences, pricing and other information. Receptor site identification may employ human or software resources, or a combination thereof. Receptor site information may be determined through human or software resources or a combination thereof and may include the acquisition of characteristics of a displayed object image that then may be applied to an enhancement image.

Abstract: A system and method by which programming is delivered via the internet to an end-user. The delivered programming can be based on specified selection criteria. The programming can be supported by information generated by support tools, including, but not limited to: ebooks, articles, games, content summaries, links to websites, telephone numbers, learning confirmation sessions, recommended reading and resources, etc. The service can be provided through a variety of revenue models. If a subscriber revenue model is used, the user can elect to pay for this programming in a number of ways, including either as a time-based subscription or on a pay-per-view/pay-per-topic basis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, commercials are provided to a subscriber at the start of or during their use of an interactive television application. Further in accordance with the invention, a subscriber may select to pay for use of the interactive television application by watching a specified amount of commercials in connection with use of the application. The subscriber can thereby reduce or avoid any additional payment for such services. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the subscriber is prompted to determine the payment method preferred by the subscriber payment method includes receiving commercials as an option in lieu of or in addition to traditional payment methods such as pay-per-view, pay-per-use pay-per-play and subscription based.

Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an improved interactive television system and method for t-commerce. In this embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for facilitating transactions by a user through a television system including a playback device. The method includes providing a first storage medium with pre-recorded content stored on the recording medium; storing an interactive advertisement on the first storage medium; generating a trigger for the interactive advertisement; displaying the interactive advertisement on the television system in response to the trigger when the first storage medium is played by the playback device; prompting the user to respond to the interactive advertisement; generating a transaction request from the user response; and transmitting the transaction request through the television system.

Abstract: A method of generating a program signal stream comprises creating a sequence of serial programs that include a first event and a second, later occurring event and inserting a plurality of messages in the sequence of serial programs, between the first event and the second event. The messages may be indicative of a time to the second event, as measured from each respective message of an elapsed time since the first event, to each respective message. Alternatively or in addition, the messages may be at equal time intervals between the first event and second events. The first and second events may be the start and end of a program or a program portion, such as a chapter, an advertisement, unscheduled content or an entire program, for example. At least one message indicative of the time to the second event may be inserted in the sequence of serial programs prior to the first event.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting presentation data from a controlling computer to a remote projector through a wireless connection, such that the controlling computer is not connected to the remote projector by a wire or cable, or other physical transmission medium. The presentation data may optionally include text, graphic images, video and/or audio data, and is created at the controlling computer. The controlling computer then transmits the presentation data to the remote projector, which displays the presentation data to an audience.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a message in an interactive television system, comprising receiving at a receiver unit a video stream including video data and a timing stream indicative of the timing of the video data; receiving at the receiver unit an instruction from a user to transmit a message from the receiver unit and in response to the instruction forming the message so as to include a timing indication based on current data from the timing stream; and transmitting the message from the receiver unit.

Abstract: The present invention uses multiple broadcast television channels to distribute high volume of data to a client device from a server. Multiple analog channels are broadcast, at least one of which contains video/audio programs and control data inserted into the analog signal's VBI; and at least one separate channel contains a digital data stream which is modulated onto an analog channel and associated with channels containing those video/audio programs. STBs designed to implement this invention are equipped with at least two tuners in order to tune to two of those channels simultaneously. One tuner is used to tune to the video/audio channel, and extract the control data in the VBI. The second tuner is used to tune to the channels containing the data itself.

Abstract: A user can perform secure transactions via an interactive television ticker. While viewing an advertisement scrolling in the ticker, the user can select that advertisement to initiate an on-line transaction. That resulting transaction can be performed within the ticker. A visual indicator (such as an icon) can be displayed in the ticker to indicate to the viewer that the transaction is secure, so as to allow confidential information to be safely exchanged. Security can be provided by way of a security application integrated with software of the ticker or by way of another security component with which the ticker software communicates.

Abstract: Interactive television content can be classified as either disconnected content or as connected content. An interactive television system involves some receivers that cannot establish connections to the Internet and therefore cannot properly process triggers to connected content. The system also involves other receiver units that can establish connections to the Internet and can process triggers to connected content. A trigger in accordance with the invention involves a “connected content/disconnected content” attribute that identifies the trigger as either a trigger to disconnected content or a trigger to connected content. Receiver units that cannot process triggers to connected content can therefore use the attribute to identify triggers to such connected content and can then ignore such triggers, while those receiver units that can process triggers to connect content can use those triggers to make the desired Internet connection.

Abstract: Television transmitters often transmit auxiliary operational signals to provide additional services in addition to the conventional television program. An example hereof is interactive television which allows the public to participate in a program, inter alia, by answering questions in a quiz show or voting for the best performance in a song contest. The operational signals identify actions to be taken by the receiver, such as sending the user's response to the transmitter through a modem. To inform the public that a particular service is being offered, the transmitter (1) transmits a logo (150) to indicate the transmission of the operational signals. The receiver (3) is equipped to receive the transmitted logo, compare (352) it with a locally stored logo (350) and process (36) the operational signals only if the transmitted and locally stored logos are perceptibly identical. The logo may be separately encoded or embedded in the conventional television signal.

Abstract: The ticker for an interactive television system has navigational features, including a feature to lock elements of the ticker topics dynamically from the display screen while the ticker is being presented and without the need to navigate to a static preferences screen. This allows the user to view only ticker elements of interest, where the ticker loops through a specific category, subcategory, or item only. Locked ticker elements are readily re-included without the use of a static preferences screen by performing additional navigation.

Abstract: Video signals broadcast on a multiplexed channel of a broadcast network are received and there is extract therefrom a closed captioning stream of textual data that is searched for occurrences of textual data matching one or more search parameters. A partial portion of the closed captioning stream of textual data that includes each of the occurrences of textual data that matches the one or more search parameters can be directed to a television receiver.

Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: A data file containing metadata and/or control data is synchronized with associated audio/video data by subliminally embedding a key in a frame of the audio/video. The key indicates the location of the data file and a time after the embedded frame in which the data file is to be activated to be in synchronism with the audio/video. The data file is accessed via an alternate channel and held in a buffer until the time indicated by the key. The metadata from the data file is played out for display in synchronism with the associated audio/video data, and instructions contained in the control data are executed in synchronism with the associated audio/video data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a channel changing method in a digital broadcasting service. According to the channel changing method, a subscriber device provided with a channel change protocol that operates on a TCP/IP layer transmits an input channel change message through the channel change protocol, and a channel change server that received the channel change message receives a confirmation message that includes channel information according to channel change information included in the channel change message, and transmits data of a requested channel to the subscriber device.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of items of enhanced content in an interactive television system comprising at least one distribution unit and a plurality of decoder units arranged to store items of enhanced content and cause them to be presented to a user on receipt of a trigger signal from the distribution unit, the method comprising: storing the items of enhanced content at the decoder units; storing at the distribution unit a schedule indicating a desired synchronisation between the items of enhanced content and a running program with which the enhanced content is associated, the running program comprising a timing stream and a series of periodic indications of the identity of the running program; transmitting the running program to the decoder units over a transmission channel via the distribution unit; and at the distribution unit analysing traffic passing over the transmission channel so as to determine whether the said periodic indications of the identity of the running program continue to be de

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information -available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost.

Abstract: A signal formatting apparatus for use in a television transmission system, the apparatus comprising: an enhanced content input for receiving enhanced content streams in a predefined input format; a plurality of enhanced content outputs for outputting enhanced content data in a plurality of formats for transmission to receivers of respective types; and a signal formatter for forming the enhanced content data by processing the enhanced content streams to put each of the enhanced content streams in the respective format.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus for receiving a television broadcast wave including broadcast data described by a structured document, capable of processing the structured document of the received broadcast data to generate image data for display, selecting an arbitrary area in a display image of the broadcast data and generating selected structured document data for displaying the selected area in the structured document of the received broadcast data, on the basis of the structured document of a portion corresponding to the selected area.

Abstract: A display information program for laying out the screen of a television set includes a part which defines a plurality of display areas and lays out the display areas and a part which defines a external information source at which information to be displayed in the defined display areas is originated and allows other information to be attached thereto. The displaying of information from a particular external information source is defined. Using the rule of URI, the external information is laid out on a display screen with layout freedom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a t-commerce platform, which is linked to the content from a video signal that the user is currently watching. At some point during the broadcast of the content, a close-up of the product is shown. Simultaneous with this, a VBI-based trigger is added to the video signal of the broadcast. This trigger causes the television, a set-top box, or a similar device to capture in a memory, a “freeze-frame” of the image being shown. This action is transparent to the user while the video being displayed on the television is continuing normally. If the user chooses to perform an interactive “buy” transaction the saved image data is used as part of the interactive screen display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing, implementing and using interactive applications and content that are digitally recorded and viewed in real-time and/or a time-shifted mode are provided. The interactive applications may be associated with television programs or may be unrelated thereto, and may be transmitted together with television programs or separately therefrom. Interactive applications that are employed in a time-shifted mode can be matched to current conditions and interactive content may be updated to include current data. Users may view and manipulate highlights of television programs and receive alerts of occurrence of real-time events during viewing of recorded material. Additional manipulations of interactive applications and content are also enabled. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying broadcast history information of a plurality of episodes of a program on an audio-visual system, which enable a viewer to select a program for which the history information of each episode will be stored. In response to the viewer's selection, the audio-visual system stores the history information for the episodes of the selected program that has been received by the audio-visual system. The audio-visual system can display the history information when the viewer watches the current episode of the program in a future time.

Abstract: An interactive technique for generating a supplementary, program-related output. A programming signal and a supplementary, program-related data signal are combined into a broadcast signal which is then broadcast from a program signal source. The broadcast signal is received, and the programming signal of the received broadcast signal is performed with reproduction equipment for an audience. The supplementary, program-related data signal of the received broadcast signal is stored, and retrieval of the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is enabled interactively with the programming signal being performed. In response to a control signal being actuated by a member of the audience tuned to the programming signal being performed, the stored supplementary, program-related data signal is retrieved and used to generate the supplementary, program-related output.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing direct automated access to an online information services provider through an address embedded in a video or audio program, commercial message, or news story. The system operates with video or audio programs which are received through broadcast, cable or pre-recorded media, and which are encoded in either analog or digital formats. The address of an online information provider is encoded in a vertical blanking interval or other non-displayed portion of an electronic signal which represents the video or audio program so as not to interfere with the program as displayed or transduced on a television or audio sound system. The online information provider address is detected and decoded from the electronic signal and used in establishing a direct digital communication link to the online information provider. Upon detecting an online provider address, the system indicates to the user that more information is available.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the rate at which electronic program guide (EPG) data is scrolled within a video signal corresponding to an EPG display, includes first circuitry for receiving first and second signals, and second circuitry for incrementing and decrementing the scroll rate of EPG data within an output video signal responsive to the first and second signals, respectively. Methods and corresponding software for operating the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A system and process for incorporating, retrieving and displaying an Enhanced Flash Movie (EFM) is provided. One embodiment of the system utilizes an URI decoder to extract from a combined signal an address identifying a provider of an EFM. The EFM may provide a Flash Movie, a Movie Player and at least one trigger, wherein the trigger provides a mean value pair data structure having a variable segment and a value segment. The trigger identifies when and from whom Enhanced Content related to the Flash Movie is available for presentation to the client via a client device with a Flash enabled Web browser. In another embodiment, a direct connection between a client device and a provider of an EFM is utilized to obtain the EFM. The EFM and/or the Enhanced Content related to a Flash Movie provided with the EFM may also be obtained directly from a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method for processing auxiliary information, such as closed caption or teletext data, in a video system enables an increased number of characters to be displayed per line. According to an exemplary embodiment, a video system (100) includes a tuner (10) operative to receive a video signal including auxiliary information representative of a first number of characters to be displayed per line. A memory (13) is operative to store display list data representative of the received auxiliary information. A controller (11) is operative to retrieve the stored display list data in accordance with a format representative of a second number of characters per line, the second number being less than the first number.

Abstract: A video signal and an audio signal are time division multiplexed, encrypted, and transmitted. A transmission side time-compresses the audio signal, multiplexes, encrypts, and transmits the time-compressed audio signal in a blanking period of the video signal. Control is performed using an audio signal data enable signal ADE, and a audio signal/video signal switch signal.

Abstract: A system for selling digital video information over a communications network such as the Internet basically includes a filtering server and a service administration system. The filtering server includes a commerce server, a streaming server and a world-wide web information server. The world-wide web information server provides customers with a list of available videos, the possibility to customize specific versions and a method for calculating the price for a specific version. The service administration system includes a management tool for the merchant to define price classes and payment schemes and a meta-data editing tool for the merchant to prepare the content for the filtering. The system will connect to external systems to have the payment information verified. If the payment transaction is accepted the system will pass the selected video through a sequence of service filters to generate the edition that the customer selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing personalized supplemental programming is provided. In a first embodiment, an apparatus comprising a first component for supplying supplemental programming, a second component operative to receive primary programming from an external source, and a processor agent coupled to the first and the second components. The processor agent being operative to evaluate the received primary programming for predetermined content criteria, and to provide appropriate ones of the supplemental programming based on the results of the evaluation.

Abstract: A device for provisioning, retrieving, and using data guide information transmitted in a digital broadcast signal is disclosed. A receiver receives the digital broadcast signal which includes digital television programming packets multiplexed with data packets and thereafter routes the received signal to a demodulator. The demodulator provides a demodulated signal to a detector which identifies data packets contained therein. A processor then determines the types of data in the data packets, as well as the respective channels on which the identified types of data are transmitted. The processor prepares a menu for a display screen enabling a user to select the channel of interest, and enables the user to be connected accordingly.

Abstract: An interactive display system is provided for use with (i) a program source having an associated video output signal and a digital data stream, the digital data stream being modulated on the video output signal, and (ii) a monitor in communication with the program source for displaying the output, the display system. The system in a preferred embodiment has a data decoder, for separating the digital data stream and a viewer control box. The control box has a user input for receiving user selections, a data input in communication with the data decoder for receiving the digital data stream, and a program execution module in communication with the user input and the data input. A video cassette for use in such a system is also provided.

Abstract: An extender transmits red, blue and green signals, and vertical and horizontal sync signals over a single transmission medium. The extender generates a subcarrier reference frequency signal from the vertical and horizontal sync signals and combines the subcarrier reference frequency signal with the vertical and horizontal sync signals and the green signal to generate a green portion. The extender then quadrature amplitude modulates the blue signal and the red signal by the subcarrier reference frequency signal to generate a color portion, and combines the green portion and the color portion to generate an enhanced video signal. The enhanced video signal is transmitted over the single transmission medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying product information linked to a digital TV program are provided. The method for displaying product information linked to a digital TV program includes the steps of (a) displaying an AV scene of the digital TV program, (b) displaying a first icon overlapping the AV scene if there is product information linked to the current AV scene, and (c) if the first icon is clicked on, displaying a first product information scene in which a reduced AV scene which is reduced from the AV scene, linked product information, and a second icon for product information linked to the previously displayed AV scene. Thus, a user can use a user-friendly interface for additional information linked to the digital TV program. Furthermore, product information on an object which was already broadcast can be watched later.

Abstract: A reviewer edits a media program stored in digital form. Such “editing” does not directly change the media program; rather, editing information is stored in a separate meta data file. The reviewer can be a person or an automated system. The meta data can include supplemental content, indicia defining highlight segments, skipped-over segments, content categorization, etc. The meta data files can be distributed to other users via various networks, or manually, including a decentralized, peer-to-peer network or a centralized, client-server network.

Abstract: Interactive television content can be classified as either disconnected content or as connected content. An interactive television system involves some receivers that cannot establish connections to the Internet and therefore cannot properly process triggers to connected content. The system also involves other receiver units that can establish connections to the Internet and can process triggers to connected content. A trigger in accordance with the invention involves a “connected content/disconnected content” attribute that identifies the trigger as either a trigger to disconnected content or a trigger to connected content. Receiver units that cannot process triggers to connected content can therefore use the attribute to identify triggers to such connected content and to ignore such triggers.

Abstract: A system and method to provide a display for a client terminal for a television communicatively coupled to an interactive video casting network are provided. The display can present indicia related to events available through the client terminal. Operational features of a client terminal can also be displayed. User preferences can play a role in the appearance and/or content of the displayed indicia. Indicia can appear in the form of text, graphics, or sound and be related to any events such as, but not limited to, news headlines, e-mail and voicemail announcements, miscellaneous reminders, program alerts, and emergency alerts. With the use of the display, information may be displayed therein at least alternatively to being displayed on a screen of the television, thereby reducing crowding on the screen of the television.

Abstract: In a one way broadcast digital video network, Internet HTML Web page data is formatted to fit within a standard MPEG-2 data packet structure, and multiplexed along with other MPEG-2 digital video signals for transport within a multiple channel digital video system. In particular, the headend server broadcasts a rotating carousel comprising an ensemble of Web pages in HTML format. The rotating carousel contains both broadcast Web pages and simulcast Web pages and a control map permitting the viewer to navigate among the HTML Web pages of the rotating carousel. In particular, the control map contains the locations of the HTML Web pages in the rotating carousel that correspond to broadcast Web pages. The control map further contains the locations of the HTML Web pages in the rotating carousel that correspond to simulcast Web pages.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying information pertaining to broadcast content such that the system is robust and stripping or blocking data is rendered relatively difficult. A broadcast component encodes the content with a digital watermark or embeds an icon or other visibly or audibly transparent object (e.g., audio jingle) in the content. A TV or radio that has a microprocessor decodes the content to retrieve the watermark or analyzes the image/jingle to determine an ID. Using the ID a database is accessed to retrieve information pertaining to broadcast content. Alternatively, the watermark may represent the actual data itself. The information can include, e.g., Web site hyperlinks, and/or UPC codes, and/or advertising data.