Abstract: A control method and device of a video signal combined with interactive control data are proposed, wherein interactive control data are added into or extracted from a video signal. The adding method adds the interactive control data into the front and rear blocks in the video signal exceeding the image display area. The image display area means a frame in the video signal. The front block means a plurality of image scan lines in front of each frame, and the rear block means a plurality of image scan lines behind each frame. Similarly, the extraction method extracts the interactive control data from the front and rear blocks exceeding the image display area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provides viewers access to a library of movies, or any other audio/video content available for viewing at anytime. Specifically, the method involves transmitting movies wirelessly to a set-top box in one's home and allowing movies to accumulate. A hard disk drive in the set-top box is used to store movies. In an exemplary embodiment, movies are wirelessly transmitted to the set-top box using a datacasting technology which allows data to be encoded onto standard television signals and transmitted using existing television transmitters and broadcast towers. Movies are transferred to the set-top box using a broadcast file transfer protocol and stored on the hard drive. Movies are “packetized” and these packets are continuously transmitted to the set-top box where they are incrementally reassembled. The user is not aware of what data is being sent to their set-top box.

Abstract: A media system which includes logic configured to provide a user interface that provides a user with a plurality of media content selections available at various times, and a portable client media drive configured to receive over a secured transmission medium the media content selected by the user.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system with digital storage is provided. The program guide gives users the ability to store information associated with recorded programs in a directory in the digital storage device thereby providing easy access to program information. The program guide may also provide a global media library for indicating the programs stored on removable storage media used with the program guide. The guide may also allow the user to manage and maintain a user media library to do the same. Non-time-sensitive data associated with recorded programs may be stored in a way that allows the user to interact with the data on playback as if the program were being originally aired. The program guide also allows the user to define “super-programs” for playback of a sequence of stored programs or program segments.

Abstract: A broadcaster generates programming content and a carousel containing chunks of data defining one or more interactive applications. The programming content and carousel are received by a local gateway which distributes the carousel and content to receivers at end-users via a distribution network. A carousel proxy in the local gateway receives the inbound carousel from the broadcaster and modifies it to produce an outbound carousel suited for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The modifications performed by the carousel proxy include filtering chunks and/or data within the chunks from the inbound carousel and transforming data within the chunks to customize the interactive applications for the distribution network, receivers, and/or end-users. The carousel proxy also caches chunks in a cache of a local data store. The carousel proxy uses the cached chunks to send the outbound carousel at a rate optimized for the bandwidth available on the distribution network.

Abstract: A television has an encoder, a random access memory buffer, and a decoder in addition to components of a conventional television receiver. The encoder encodes television signals to a digital format and the random access memory buffer stores the encoded television signal in response to activation of a pause function. The random access memory buffer outputs the stored digital television signal and the decoder decodes the digital television signal output from the random access memory buffer in response to deactivation of the pause function.

Abstract: A television broadcaster (which could be a satellite, cable or terrestrial, digital broadcaster) broadcasts from their broadcast head end via radio waves or a cable, as appropriate, linear digital television content to users' remote terminal digital television receivers or set top boxes. As well as broadcasting the linear television content, the broadcast head end also broadcasts as a continuous loop or carousel, software such as operating system software, application program interface software and television interactivity enabling software, that can be used by the set top boxes. This software is transmitted alongside and/or within the linear television signal, and uses the redundant space that is present in the digital television signal.

Abstract: A receiver is provided for an information system that provides selected information to individual users. A high speed digital program signal is broadcast and contains program data that begins at a reference time and is repeated at set intervals. An index signal that contains the receiver's identifier associated with the reference time and interval information is also broadcast. The receiver monitors the index signal for its identifier. When the receiver detects its identifier, the receiver downloads the time and tuning information to receive, download, and store the user's selected program. In some embodiments a transceiver replaces the receiver to allow the user to make remote program requests.

Abstract: A tuner receives service information SI for each of a plurality of channels included in a digital broadcasting signal at one carrier frequency. A service information extraction unit extracts and stores the received service information preset into a memory. The operator selects the service information stored in the memory and acquires a program. The tuner may have a function of automatically scanning the carrier frequency all over the receivable frequency bands and store it. The temporary service information having irregular broadcast time is stored in the memory through an operation of an operation input unit. When the temporary service information is not broadcast, such temporary service information is deleted from the memory.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

Abstract: A system and method supporting the communication of indication of activity in a communication network are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit a first user to send an activity indication to a pre-defined group of other users, to enable members of the group of other users to engage in additional media exchange activities with the first user. The activity indication sent to the other users may comprise information descriptive of the media consumption activity of the first user. A user of an embodiment of the present invention may define a set of conditions in which received activity indications result in a notification of the user. Notification of the user may comprise displaying a graphical image, generating a sound, or lighting an indicator on a set top box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the exchange of personal streaming media channels are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit the exchange of media such as, for example, audio and video, in a real time manner via a personal media channel in a media exchange network. The media channel may be established based upon input from a user, and its establishment may be initiated based upon input from sensors such as, for example, a smoke or fire sensor, a motion detector, a swimming pool disturbance detector, and a door bell button. A personal streaming media channel may be a one-way or a two-way channel. The media may be consumed using a set top box, and may be produced by a media peripheral such as, for example, a digital camcorder, a microphone, a video camera, and a MP3 player.

Abstract: A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel.

Abstract: A system supporting the remote management of options related to media consumption in a media exchange network is disclosed. Such a system may comprise a set top box communicatively coupled to a television display and storage. The set top box may be used for the consumption of media via a communication network. In such an embodiment, server software may enable the remote modification, via a communication network, of options related to the consumption of media by a user of the set top box. The media consumed may be one or more of digital audio, a digital still image, digital video, and digital data. Other aspects of the present invention may be seen in a personal computer monitor and personal computer circuitry, communicatively coupled to a storage and a communication network. An embodiment of the present invention may also enable the modification of TV viewing options via a telephone voice response system.

Abstract: A system and method for the management of common consumption of media in a media exchange network is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for control by a first user at a first location in a media exchange network of the simultaneous consumption of media content by other users at other locations in the media exchange network. The media content consumed may comprise audio, still pictures, video, and data. The first user may consume the media content simultaneous with the consumption of the other users, and the media content may be stored at the location of the first user, or at other locations in the media exchange network.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting the playback of user captured media when in an idle state is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit a user to select media content to be displayed or played at one or more display devices interfaced to a media processing system, when the media processing system is in an idle state. The media content may comprise audio, still images, video, and data, and may be pushed to the media processing system via a communication network that may be the Internet. A user of a media processing system may select the media content using a media guide interface, and may choose when the media processing system enters an idle state.

Abstract: A system providing search functionality supporting the exchange and consumption of media is disclosed. The searching of media on storage belonging to any of a pre-defined group of users of a personal media network is provided. In addition, media stored on designated servers may also be included in a search. The media stored may include audio, still images, video, and data. A user may search the stored media using a number of criteria including the time period of the media, the type of device, and the type of media. The system also provides support for the search of one or more media peripherals, which may be searched when the media peripherals are communicatively coupled to the system.

Abstract: A system and methods for communicating activity information to support user interaction during media broadcasts in a media exchange network are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first user may associate a second user with particular media characteristics. Media characteristics may comprise, for example, subject and title keywords, a media channel type, a mode, a genre, an artist, a time period, and a language. The second user may be notified when the first user consumes media having pre-defined characteristics matching those associated with the second user. The second user may keep records of the consumption of media with particular media characteristics, and may provide services or incentives to the first user. A system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention may comprise a first and a second set top box, each having storage with an associated network address.

Abstract: A system and method for managing multimedia display content in a communication network is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the selection, scheduling, and delivery of media from a set top box at a first location to a multimedia display at a second location, using a communication network. The selection and scheduling may be performed via a user interface having at least one view comprising a representation of at least one media channel. The media delivered may comprise at least one of audio, a still picture, video, real time video, and data. The multimedia display may comprise a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, “electronic paper”, or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The multimedia display may be communicatively coupled to a set top box at the second location via a wireless link, and may comprise at least one sensor for detecting conditions such as, for example, the movement of a viewer. The display may change if the sensor detects the condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery of media to authorized vehicles are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may support the delivery of selected audio, still images, video, real time video, and data to a vehicle system. The media may be selected via a user interface comprising graphical representations of the media available for delivery. Example vehicle systems comprise navigation systems, video systems, music systems, and entertainment systems. In addition, the vehicle system may be communicatively coupled to a media peripheral including, for example, a digital camera, digital camcorder, or personal computer, to support the delivery of media to the media peripheral. Authorization information in the form of a digital certificate may enable the secure delivery of media.

Abstract: A system and method support the exchange of media between friends, family members, and 3rd party media providers over a closed and secure media exchange network. The media may include, for example, digital video, digital audio, digital images, digital data, or any form of digital information.

Abstract: Apparatus for video gaming includes a box having a slot with an interface that connects to a game card providing a platform to run a software video game. The game card outputs video game data through the interface at a data rate of approximately 200 Mbps or greater. A unit processes the video game data for output to a display device. A wireless transceiver is included to receive the software video game via a wireless local area network (WLAN) and to transmit game information to a remote player having access to the WLAN during interactive play of the software video game. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A list of video programs downloadable via a digital subscriber line, including a presently-unavailable video program and its associated date of download availability, is presented to a user. A user selection of the video program is received. Based on the user selection, an entry is added to a download schedule to schedule downloading the video program on or after its associated date of download availability. The video program is downloaded via the digital subscriber line based on the download schedule.

Abstract: Personal computers send the IDs of viewed tiles constituting screens viewed by the users to a content server through a packet communication network. The content server replaces specific tiles among the tiles constituting the screen of an image sent from a digital video camera with tiles in another image, and sends the resultant image data to the personal computers through the packet communication network.

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: There is provided a broadcast receiving apparatus which is capable of performing a tuning process in a short period of time even in the case where a large number of tuning requests are issued. A tuning request reception section 204 receives an issue tuning request. A tuning request storage section 205 stores the tuning request received by the tuning request reception section 204. A tuning process section including a tuning request acquisition section 206 and a tuning execution section 207 performs a tuning process for the broadcast signal corresponding to the tuning request, and if a next tuning request is issued during a tuning process, performs a next tuning process in accordance with one of the tuning requests stored in the tuning request storage section 205. A tuning request which is stored in the tuning request storage section 205 during a tuning process is erased by a tuning request erasure section 208 after the tuning process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for reproducing contents information in an interactive optical disc device and a method for providing contents information in a contents provider server. The interactive optical disc device is connected with the contents provider server via the Internet to receive a variety of contents information provided from the contents provider server. When the sending of the contents information from the contents provider server to the interactive optical disc device is suspended or delayed due to a network connection loss on the Internet or an insufficient storage capacity of a buffer memory in the interactive optical disc device, contents information re-sent from the contents provider server and a data stream read from an interactive DVD are re-synchronized and reproduced. Therefore, a user of the interactive optical disc device can normally watch more various contents information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building and maintaining a database in a digital television receiver from information received in MPEG and PSIP tables uses the MPEG tables as a master to facilitate creating, updating, and deleting the database. Each database entry is encapsulated in a memory chain control structure such that freeing memory does not-require consideration of the specific content of data in the database.

Abstract: In a data transmission apparatus, a program management table control section generates and manages a program management table which is used for presentation of an advertisement program at a data reception apparatus, where the table is generated from program identification data for identifying program data, program storage area data for designating where the program data is stored in the data reception apparatus, and program guidance position data for indicating the geographical position of the location guided in the program. In addition, in the data reception apparatus, a program data storage section takes out the program identification data, the program storage area data, and the program guidance position data by using the program management table received from the data transmission apparatus, and stores, in association with the program guidance position data, the program data identified by the program identification data in area designated by the program storage area data.

Abstract: A playback apparatus that is used for receiving and continuously playing back a plurality of video sources delivered via a network. Video sources Vm continuously played back in content and the display time of the video sources Vm are extracted from playback information described in a playback scenario read into a scenario management section via the network. The video sources Vm are rearranged in order of display time. The distribution of the video sources Vm among a plurality of decoder modules Dn, a playback schedule, and a schedule of switching a changeover switch are determined. By doing so, the plurality of video sources Vm are continuously played back.

Abstract: Electronic television program guide information is downloaded, stored and searched by a local device. A plurality of linked lists are used to remove redundancy, increase search speed, and allow dynamic categories. When a new category is encountered a new head node for a link list data structure is created. When a first program guide object containing information related to that category is downloaded, a link is made (i.e., a pointer is stored) from the head node to the guide object. When subsequent program guide objects containing information related to that category are downloaded, links are added to the end of the list or inserted in alphabetical order. As guide objects expire the links are removed. When no links remain in a particular category the head node for that category is deleted.

Abstract: A method and program wherein the whole received integrated data stream representative of the entire set of scheduled television programs for the time period on a corresponding set of designated frequency channels is provided by a service provider, received and stored within a user's personal video recorder in its integrated and compressed form. As a result, for at least a period of time until the storage capacity of the disk drive apparatus on which the integrated data stream is stored, and the data stream has to be dumped on a first-in/first-out basis, the viewer is enabled to extract any stored television program from the integrated data for viewing or for conventional rerecording for future viewing.

Abstract: The content-recording apparatus comprises the display-control unit generating the signal-for-display device, based on the network connection unit acquiring the contents data via the network, the content-recording unit recording the contents data, and the content data recorded in the content-recording unit. When the content data acquired via the network by the network connection unit is recorded in the content-recording unit and is reproducible, the display-control unit generates the signal for the monitor notifying a user the reproduction of the content data.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first bus to transfer various data. A first processor is provided to manage, as a file, data recorded in the storage device. A receiver is provided to receive externally supplied streaming data. A second bus is provided to transfer the streaming data received by the receiver. A third bus is electrically connected to the storage device. A second processor is electrically connected to the first bus, the second bus, and the third bus. Streaming data from the receiver via the second bus is stored in the storage device via the third bus. File management information from the first processor via the first bus is also stored in the storage device, in response to an access request from the first processor via the first bus.

Abstract: Protection against unauthorized access to stored content on a video appliance such as a set-top box/PVR (Personal Video Recorder) is provided by encrypting stored content using an event key derived by hashing a base key unique to the set-top box/PVR with event-specific information unique to the stored content. A content handle derived from the event-specific information (and optionally identical thereto) is stored along with the encrypted stored content, identifying it. To decrypt an item of stored content, the event key is recreated by once again hashing the base key (securely stored within the set-top box) with the event-specific information associated with the item of stored content (re-derived from the content handle, as necessary). This event key, identical to the event key used to encrypt the stored content, is then used to decrypt it, making it available for playback. Unauthorized access to deleted content is prevented by erasing (e.g.

Abstract: In order to maintain continuity before and after interruption of a streaming broadcast, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes: a reception unit which receives data on a stream broadcast; a memory which is capable of storing a predetermined amount of the received data on a stream broadcast; a data processing unit which processes the data on a stream broadcast to generate video data for the stream broadcast; a video output unit which outputs the video data to a display apparatus; and a detection unit which detects interruption point data indicating a position where the stream broadcast should be interrupted out of the received data on a stream broadcast; when an abnormality is detected, the output of the video data is stopped at a position instructed in the interruption point data detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A system for packet parsing and data reconstruction in an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network includes a network interface unit, a processing unit, and a memory wherein an operating system resides. The operating system includes a streaming services module and a multimedia Application Program Interface (API) module. The network interface unit receives a stream of packets from a transmission device. Each packet includes a header portion, and may also include a data portion. The data portion, if present, stores data content generated from source data organized in accordance with a predetermined format. The streaming services module stores and then parses the received packets. A method for packet parsing and data reconstruction includes the steps of receiving a packet stream; storing a first and a second packet; locating a header portion within the first packet; and determining whether a header portion within the second packet immediately follows the header portion within the first packet.

Abstract: To precisely adjust a playback reference time counter in a host device by transmitting a time adjustment signal included in a broadcast signal from a broadcast reception apparatus to the host device so that transmission delay inequalities do not occur in a broadcast receive/play system constituted by the host device, which is a portable information terminal or the like that functions to playback stream data based on the MPEG-2 system standard or the like, and the broadcast reception apparatus, which has a card configuration or the like, is mountable in a card slot or the like of the host device, and operates when mounted in and having power supplied from the host device, the broadcast reception apparatus conducts transmission/reception of reception control commands, response data and so forth with the host device via a connection terminal in a first group in sync with a clock signal from the host device, and also, in sync with a clock signal generated within the broadcast reception apparatus, extracts stream

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a variable compression factor to an incoming video stream in an STB. An increased amount of video may be stored within a PVR or disk on a STB by reducing the data storage requirements of incoming video based on available storage space and the type and size of the incoming video bit stream. Included are real time compression, or reduction in storage space requirements, by various data reduction methodologies including removing bits from the incoming video stream to reduce the amount of storage required to store the video stream. A background data reduction or compression technique is also provided wherein the incoming video stream is stored and data is reduced or further compressed at a later time to reduce data storage requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for managing recordings of data originating from a broadcasting network. The process analyses whether recording resources are available at the moment envisaged for executing the task envisaged, and as appropriate, for reporting the execution of this task during a next re-broadcasting of the data. An improvement consists in instigating a search for the equivalent resources, then instigating a negotiation with the current users of the resources when no equivalent resource is available. The invention also relates to a device and a centre for the implementation of the process.

Abstract: A system for the identification of commercials within a video.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a virtual video on demand services is disclosed. The method and apparatus disclose the storing of a segment of the video program in advance for VOD viewing at a later time. When the subscriber selects VOD service, a pre-stored video segment is retrieved for presentation to the subscriber. Remaining video program segments simultaneously broadcast on a plurality of channels are recorded in parallel while the pre-stored video program segment is retrieved and presented to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to download a main program from a memory card in a digital receiver. The digital receiver includes a central processing unit, a memory, a memory card interface, and a key input unit. The method executes a boot program to initialize the digital receiver, detects a memory card insert signal triggering a search of a file having an predetermined file extension in the memory card through the memory card interface, reads and stores the file in an auxiliary memory, reads a header of the file read having the predetermined extension, determines whether the file read is the main program, downloads the main program to the memory, and determines whether the main program is downloaded by checking information of the file recorded in the header and a capacity of the main program recorded in the memory.

Abstract: The invention, generally addresses problems associated with, for example, providing on a device having limited graphical, memory or processing capabilities, a “ticker” service, i.e. an automated display of textual information, such as news related items, news stories, stock prices, weather, sports information, etc., especially, for example, one over an interactive television medium. A system and method for providing a ticker service that implements a preferred embodiment of the invention is used to advantage in an interactive television medium. A viewer or subscriber is able to watch information displayed by the ticker service on his or her television, while watching regular television programming. In its preferred embodiment, the system does not degrade the performance of the interactive television network. This preferred embodiment also demonstrates an efficient user navigation mechanism for interacting with the service using, for example, a television remote control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission reception multimedia apparatus (20) comprising a circuit for communication (9, 8, 10, 3, 7) with means for connection to an audiovisual communication network (21) characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: An asset provider can identify a segment of a broadcast stream to be extracted at a distribution endpoint and formatted for on-demand viewing by cable subscribers. An asset provider can use a start time code and a stop time code to identify the start and end of the segment in the broadcast stream. The asset provider can also insert tags into the broadcast stream identifying a segment to be extracted at the distribution endpoint. Upon receiving the broadcast stream, the distribution endpoint can then extract the segment identified by either the start and stop time codes or the tags.

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 and structure manage a database. A first device that includes data is coupled to a second device that includes metadata relating to the data. The second device is removed from the first device and the metadata is modified. The second device is again coupled to the first device and the modified metadata on the second device modifies the data on the first device.