Abstract: A device that detects and displays similar programs within a video system includes a memory, a display and a receiver that receives an input stream of television program content and electronic program guide data, wherein. the program guide data includes a plurality of attributes characterizing television programs within the television program content. The receiver separates electronic program guide data from the input stream while the memory stores the electronic program guide data separated from the input stream. Upon receiving a first user request, a controller compares a first set of attributes relating to at least one television program within the television content with second sets of attributes relating to further television programs within the television program content to determine a correlation between the first television program and each of the further television programs.

Abstract: An interactive transmission system having a data management module that identifies at least one transmission characteristic of at least one transmitter module. The transmitter module transmits data over a transport medium. The data management module modifies its behavior based on the identified at least one transmission characteristic.

Abstract: A transmission/reception system for data broadcast comprising: a transmission apparatus transmitting audiovisual stream data for a series of plural programs and plural data broadcasting contents relating to programs, which are multiplexed to each other, and a receiving apparatus receiving the audiovisual stream data and presenting the corresponding program, while superimposing and presenting the data broadcasting content to the audiovisual data. The transmission apparatus starts to transmit the data broadcasting content relating to the program 2, before the time “t0” when audiovisual data should change from the program 1 to 2, and transmits the presentation start instruction message at “t0”. While, the receiving apparatus receives the data broadcasting content relating to the program 2, and performs a process for forming an image, and invisibly presents the data broadcasting content.

Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts data using a carousel method, to a reception apparatus which stores the data into a memory and reproduces the data stored in the memory. A storing unit stores first data and second data. A detecting unit detects an event which prohibits the reception apparatus from reproducing the first data. A broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the first and second data stored in the storing unit, and stops broadcasting the first data when the detecting unit detects the event. An instructing unit has the broadcasting unit broadcast a switch instruction, which instructs the reception apparatus to stop reproducing the first data and start reproducing the second data when the broadcast of the first data is stopped.

Abstract: A system is provided that can easily capture the same broadcast stream from an arbitrary application. An interface between application and a reception route selection mechanism describes in a unified mode a broadcast resource capture specification method and a communication resource capture specification method. The interface employs a description scheme in which an application does not recognize whether or not a broadcast stream is captured through broadcast or communication. In the reception route selection, the reception route selection mechanism checks for a broadcast time contained in the identifier of a broadcast stream to be input so that a zone where a broadcast time is earlier than the current time by using a communication resource receiver while a zone where the broadcast time is later than the current time is selected by using a broadcast resource receiver.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for broadcasting information from a server to a client which includes the steps of: (a) broadcasting information at predetermined starting times; (b) receiving a request for the information from the client at an arrival time different from the predetermined starting times; and (c) transmitting a time-scale modified version of the information to the client for a period of time.

Abstract: In a networked client/server system, live presentations can be streamed from an encoder or other server to a client computer. Additionally, information describing the presentation is registered with a search server. This information is made available for user searches only for as long as the information properly describes the live presentation. When the information no longer describes a current live presentation, the information is no longer available for searching.

Abstract: A transfer rate controller, has input means of inputting a picture or sound stream; packet rate adjusting means of controlling a transfer rate of the stream by adjusting an interval between packets respectively belonging to each frames of the inputted stream; and output means of outputting the stream outputted from the packet rate adjusting means.

Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by a transmission apparatus, the transmission apparatus transmits control sub-information to a receiving apparatus separately from video data which is actually distributed, and eliminates redundant distribution of video data. The receiving apparatus stores the received video data and creates content in accordance with the control sub-information.

Abstract: A switching apparatus of a camera server switches to down-load advertisement for a predetermined period at predetermined intervals while down-loading an image sensed by a camera, in response to a request for the image sensed by the camera.

Abstract: In a CATV system, a digital head end transmits both an area code and such data containing a management number and a channel contrastive table to a terminal of each of areas; each terminal stores thereinto both the area code and the channel contrastive table; and the digital head end retrieves the corresponding management number by comparing a channel display number of an analog program set every area with the channel contrastive table based on this area code, and then, displays the analog program of this retrieved management number.

Abstract: A system for providing video-on-demand service, broadband internet access and other broadband services over T-carrier systems including a pull multiplexer cherrypicker at the head end is disclosed. The pull multiplexer receives upstream requests and cull out MPEG or other compressed video packets, IP packets and other data packet types to satisfy the requests or to send pushed programming downstream. The downstream can be DSL or HFC. Each customer has a cable modem, DSL modem or a gateway which interfaces multiple signal sources to a LAN to which settop decoders, digital phones, personal computers, digital FAX machines, video cameras, digital VCRs etc. can be attached. Each gateway can coupled the LAN to a DSL line or HFC through a cable modem or a satellite dish through a satellite transceiver. A PSTN and conventional TV antenna interface is also provided.

Abstract: A centralized resource manager for distributed networks manages resources available on the network, such as network bandwidth, CPU allocation, TV tuners, MPEG encoders and decoders, disk bandwidth, and input/output devices. The centralized resource manager also allocates the resources of network clients and a network-associated media server, in response to requests for media services via the distributed network. The centralized resource manager may include means for discovering when devices are added or removed from the network; a current, IR, or electromagnetic field sensing system for determining when video devices are turned off so that resources associated with any device not in use may be reallocated elsewhere; or a power switching system for controlling the ON or OFF state of such devices so that resources associated with any device in the OFF state may be reallocated elsewhere.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing multi-media information from a satellite broadcast system. A hub receives a signal from the satellite broadcast system, wherein the signal represents video information and audio information associated with multiple broadcast channels. The hub centrally demodulates and decodes the received signal for distribution to one of a number of access point devices. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decoded signal represents uncompressed video and audio information corresponding to one of the broadcast channels. The access point devices convert the received decoded signal for output respective displays (e.g., television sets). The hub can also be equipped with an interface to provide access to a public data network, such as the global Internet. Further, the hub can be supplied with a digital video recording capability.

Abstract: Flexible systems and methods are disclosed that may be used for provisioning, configuring, and controlling a host embodied in a cable set top box or other digital device attached to a digital communication network, such as cable distribution network. An enhanced services system maintains various host files for various types of hosts that a cable subscriber may purchase and connect to the cable network. The Enhanced Services Server interacts with the host using the host files. The host files may be downloaded from the host manufacturer into a database that distributes the modules as required to the various enhanced services systems. The host may be purchased by the cable subscriber and provisioning may be initiated by the retailer at the time of purchase using a provisioning network interacting with the appropriate cable system serving the subscriber. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A centralized resource manager for distributed networks manages resources available on the network, such as network bandwidth, CPU allocation, TV tuners, MPEG encoders and decoders, disk bandwidth, and input/output devices. The centralized resource manager also allocates the resources of network clients and a network-associated media server, in response to requests for media services via the distributed network. The centralized resource manager may include means for discovering when devices are added or removed from the network; a current, IR, or electromagnetic field sensing system for determining when video devices are turned off so that resources associated with any device not in use may be reallocated elsewhere; or a power switching system for controlling the ON or OFF state of such devices so that resources associated with any device in the OFF state may be reallocated elsewhere.

Abstract: A system of dynamic video mode switching and a method for transmitting the same that, according to the communication environment detected by the detection parameter, the mode of the linear transmission won't be changed if the communication environment is good, and the redundant data generated by the image grabber is removed for reducing the volume of data transmitted and increasing the communicating distance of wireless transmission if the communicating circumstance is poor. In addition, other compress method may be adapted for cooperating with the present invention for further compressing the data.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and transmitting both video and graphics portions of an interactive program guide (IPG). For an IPG that comprises a graphics portion and at least one video portion having audio associated with the video portion, the apparatus separately encodes the video and audio portion and the graphics portion. The video portion is slice-base encoded using a predictive encoder that produces a bitstream comprising intra-coded picture slices and predictive-coded picture slices. The graphics portion is separately slice-base encoded to produce encoded slices of the graphics image. To transmit an IPG, a transport stream is created containing the intra-coded and predicted picture streams as well as the encoded slices that comprise a graphics image that is to be included in the IPG. The receiver reassembles the components of the IPG into a comprehensive IPG.

Abstract: A Video Server (VS 100) encodes a video stream according to the values of parameters and transmits the video stream over a Network to a Video Client (VC 200) that decodes the received video stream for presentation to a user. As the video stream is being received, (VC 200 continually gathers data regarding at least the condition of Network sends this data to (VS 100). (VS 100) modifies the values of the parameters based on the data received from (VC 200), which in turn modifies the encoding of the video stream.

Abstract: In a cable return path system, a method for performing digital companding adds a predetermined offset to the digital value to be companded, and employs a modified &mgr;-law or a-law companding technique to obtain a reduced bit length digital value. One embodiment of this modified approach adds a predetermined offset (e.g., 129 for a 12-bit implementation) to the digital value before companding and then employs a two-bit chord and a 5-bit step for the 12-bit implementation. The end result is that the performance metrics are not significantly compromised by this bit reduction when compared to current transmission methods without this technique.

Abstract: A media content distribution system comprising a media source unit for transmitting media content, a media destination unit for receiving media content, and a media management unit for accepting inputs from the media source unit and outputting to the media destination unit. The system allows for redirecting media content directly from the media source unit to the media destination unit by an alternating path when the media management unit fails. The distribution system further includes a set of protocols and behaviors in the media source unit and the media destination unit to insure that in the case of failure by the media management unit, the media source unit and the media destination unit will become aware of the failure and redirect the media content along an alternate path to the user.

Abstract: VISUAL IMAGE MARKETING (VIM) is a system whereby the visual image on a film or television program is utilized to market that specific product. In VIM, film\television is combined with computer technology to provide real-time or delayed access to product data. Viewers identify a product or object displayed in a video, television show or movie and by merely pointing and clicking on the object to obtain marketing and other data.

Abstract: VISUAL IMAGE MARKETING (VIM) is a system whereby the visual image on a film or television program is utilized to market that specific product. In VIM, film\television is combined with computer technology to provide real-time or delayed access to product data. Viewers identify a product or object displayed in a video, television show or movie and by merely pointing and clicking on the object to obtain marketing and other data.

Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts broadcast data to a reception apparatus which stores the broadcast data into a memory and reproduces the broadcast data stored in the memory, according to a carousel method. An acquiring unit acquires a plurality of sets of broadcast data which each have a specified reproduction start time. A generating unit generates carousel data including the plurality of sets of broadcast data. A carousel data broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the carousel data according to the carousel method, beginning at the earliest reproduction start time of the plurality of sets of broadcast data. An instruction broadcasting unit broadcasts, for each set of broadcast data, an instruction that indicates to the reception apparatus to start reproducing the set of broadcast data at a reproduction start time specified for the set of broadcast data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting media service providers are described. A type of service to be performed on an item of content is identified. The item of content is identified during a session with a client device. Information regarding current resource availability is received from a plurality of service providers. The information is ascertained from ongoing resource measurements. A service provider is selected from the plurality of service providers based on the information that is received. Information is provided for transferring the session to the service provider. The service provider performs the service on the item of content.

Abstract: A plug-and-play video transmitting device comprises a converting main machine and a receiver. Wherein the converting main machine includes a first station-selecting control unit, a first control unit, a compressing unit and a first signal receiving and emitting unit; the receiver includes a second signal receiving and emitting unit, a second control unit and a decompressing unit. With these elements, a power line in a socket of a district power supply system carries the television signals and transmits them after they are compressed by the converting main machine; so that a normal television set can synchronically obtain power from a socket of a district power supply system directly through the receiver and decompress the compressed signals. In this way, the effect of convenient assembling and the effect of plug-and-play without arrangement of lines can be obtained.

Abstract: A remote control unit can operate a server capable of transmitting contents data, and accept a recording medium. The remote control unit includes a controller for generating a control signal to control the server and the remote control unit, an operation section for switching an operating mode of the remote control unit, a transmitter/receiver operable to transmit the control signal generated by the controller to the server, and to receive the contents data from the server, and a recorder/reproducer. The recorder/reproducer is operable to accept the recording medium, record the contents data received by the transmitter/receiver into the recording medium, reproduce data from the recording medium, and output the data to the transmitter/receiver. According to the control signal generated by the controller based on the operating mode, the recorder/reproducer is operable to switch a function of the remote control unit between a drive belonging to the server and a drive independent from the server.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing capabilities of streaming content including video on demand to multiple users are provided. The system includes a central broadcast station and at least two user locations for receiving streaming content from the central broadcast station. Each user location includes receiving equipment capable of tuning into more than one channel simultaneously and capable of capturing content from a first channel in a first in first out buffer as it presents content from a second channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent broadcasting control system mounted with a number of sound devices, wherein the system includes: a main controller for checking the state of the system and controlling devices connected to the system; a digital audio processor controlled by the main controller for adjusting the level of a sound source inputted from external sound source devices to a designated output level and for outputting sounds; an amplifier fault detector for self-detecting any fault in an amplifier connected to the system and automatically switching a faulty amplifier to an auxiliary amplifier; a relay group disposed between the amplifier fault detector and a speaker for controlling the speaker to which osund signals ouputted from the digital audio processor are outputted; and a permanent digital recorder and player for recording a broadcasting program under the control of the main controller in case broadcasting itself becomes impossible and broadcasting inputis required from the outside, whereby a pre-recor

Abstract: A method of video splitting and distributed placement scheme for clustered video servers including defining a network packet format for the streaming media and the distributed control file formats for the clips; obtaining the information of streaming media files, getting the basic information of streaming media files and accepting the preliminary splitting requirements of users; defining the placement strategy of clips, obtaining the placement requirements configured by users; analyzing the streaming media files and generating the lists of splitting tasks; running the splitting tasks. According to the number of the clips requested by users, the job is to created multi-threads and each thread processes a splitting task; clips transmission and storage. According to the placement strategy of clips, the job is to transfer the clips to the corresponding storage nodes.

Abstract: A method for selecting and transmitting selected screen control data for screen displays of a terminal from a server to a client computer uses a first and second screen content array memory each comprising screen cells representing a given screen display. By selectively comparing the contents of the screen cells in the first and second screen content array memory an efficient transmission of selected screen control data from the server to a client computer is achieved.

Abstract: A program guide system is provided in which local advertisements may be distributed to interactive television program guides implemented on the user television equipment associated with a television distribution facility such as a cable system headend. The local advertisements contain information that is directed toward the particular users in a local area. The local advertisements may be displayed when a user selects a related global advertisement. The local advertisements may also be displayed automatically by cycling global advertisements and local advertisements. Advertisements may be blocked based on content or time shifted. Policies regarding advertisement usage may be enforced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmitter identification system, which utilizes an identification signal embedded into a digital television signal, enabling the transmitter of origin to be identified at a receiving station. Ideally the identification signal is an orthogonal pseudo-random sequence time synchronized to the signal frame structure of the digital television signal. Particularly designed for single frequency networks, identification of the various transmitted signals enables the network to be tuned to eliminate or minimize multi-path effects at certain locations, which receive transmissions from various transmitters.

Abstract: A method of scheduling pre-show feature presentations in a theatre by providing content items in a theatre server. A plurality of advertising contract records are stored at the theater server, where each advertising contract record identifies at least one content item. The advertising contract records include scheduling data associated with that particular content item, wherein the scheduling data includes at least one item of information that correlates to a particular presentation criterion that must be satisfied when the content is presented. Theatre schedule information indicates particular feature presentations that will be presented in particular auditoriums and includes the scheduling information including at least one attribute of the feature presentation.

Abstract: A method of scheduling digital content presentations in a theatre by providing content items in a theatre server. A plurality of scheduling records are stored at the theatre server, where each scheduling record identifies at least one content item. The scheduling records include scheduling data associated with that particular content item, wherein the scheduling data includes at least one item of information that correlates to a particular presentation criterion that must be satisfied when the content item is presented. Optionally, theatre schedule information indicates particular events, other than the digital content presentation, that will be presented in particular auditoriums and includes the scheduling information including at least one attribute of the feature presentation.

Abstract: A television user selectively configures one or more control options, and a compliance means ensures that the operation of application programs on the television user's programmable television controller will be compliant with the selective configuration of the control options. The control options pertain to the operation of the application programs on the programmable television controller. A variety of compliance strategies include voluntary compliance by application programs and/or application providers, locally-enforced compliance by a TV Control application, application program certification, and application provider registration. Further, a data claim authentication and processing means enables the television user to control or limit the exploitation of user data objects provided to agents of interactive television application programs.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical isolation between two ports prevents a potentially interfering signal input from one port from reaching the other port. A first circuit path passes a first signal in a first direction from a first port of the two ports to a second port of the two ports. A second path inverts the potentially interfering signal attempting to pass in a second direction opposite the first direction from the second port to the first port and adds the inverted signal to the potentially interfering signal at the first port to thereby cancel any affect the potentially interfering signal might have at the first port. According to one exemplary embodiment of the apparatus, the first circuit path includes two directional couplers—a first directional coupler coupled to the first port and a second directional coupler coupled to the second port. A delay line is coupled between the first and second directional couplers to match a time needed for a signal to pass through the second path.

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: A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting—method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer.

Abstract: A program information transport apparatus comprises a update unit for accepting a request for a change in either one of program information and transmission control information stored in a memory, and for updating the contents of the memory according to the change at predetermined update times to update the program information. An information management unit can acquire the program information from the memory and then furnish the acquired program information at predetermined transport times to transport the program information. A transport unit then transports the program information from the information management unit to receivers.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for providing telecommunication services to a plurality of users connected to a loop-through cable distribution architecture. The system includes a signal collection and transmission circuit or headend circuit for collecting and transmitting telecommunication signals to the user. In addition, the system comprises a signal distribution system or circuit operatively connected to the signal collection and transmission circuit for receiving and transmitting telecommunication signals therefrom and thereto. The system includes a user or customer interface device operatively connected to an associated signal distribution circuit for both receiving telecommunication signals from the associated signal distribution circuit and transmitting telecommunication signals to the associated signal distribution circuit. The signal distribution circuit is formed by a node having a plurality of output lines and a service module operatively connected to one of the node output lines.

Abstract: A data broadcast apparatus repeatedly broadcasts broadcast data to a reception apparatus which stores the broadcast data into a memory and reproduces the broadcast data stored in the memory, according to a carousel method. An acquiring unit acquires a plurality of sets of broadcast data which each have a specified reproduction start time. A generating unit generates carousel data including the plurality of sets of broadcast data. A carousel data broadcasting unit repeatedly broadcasts the carousel data according to the carousel method, beginning at the earliest reproduction start time of the plurality of sets of broadcast data. An instruction broadcasting unit broadcasts, for each set of broadcast data, an instruction that indicates to the reception apparatus to start reproducing the set of broadcast data at a reproduction start time specified for the set of broadcast data.

Abstract: An image processing system including an image encoder and image decoding system is provided. The image encoder system includes an image decomposer, a block encoder, and an encoded image composer. The image decomposer decomposes the image into blocks. The block encoder which includes a selection module, a codeword generation module and a construction module, processes the blocks. Specifically, the selection module computes a set of parameters from image data values of a set of image elements in the image block. The codeword generation module generates codewords which the construction module uses to derive a set of quantized image data values. The construction module then maps each of the image element's original image data values to an index to one of the derived image data values. The image decoding system reverses this process to reorder decompressed image blocks in an output data file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method transmitting images of an on-line publication wherein images with appropriate resolution are automatically selected and transmitted to the client according to a response of the client, thereby largely increasing the transmission speed without interfering the client's reading of the publication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for validating recommendations generated by a television program recommender using programmed viewing agents. A viewing agent is programmed with a set of rules that characterize the viewing preferences of a modeled viewer. During a training phase, the programmed rules of a viewing agent are applied to a set of training programs to obtain an agent viewing history. The method and apparatus estimates the required size of the viewing history to provide a given level of accuracy. The viewing agents can be programmed to introduce one or more random shows into the viewing history, or to change the preferences of the viewing agent over time, thereby allowing the television program recommender validator to evaluate how the program recommender processes such non-stationaries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing digital services in a peer-to-peer environment in which broadband back-channel communications from a client to a central server and broadband peer-to-peer (client-to-client) communications are not available. A plain old telephone service (POTS) is utilized to enable relatively slow modems associated with client set top boxes to communicate latency tolerant information with one another at relatively low data rates. An application is broadcast from a head end server to client device subscribers. The application creates or includes a data structure comprising a state for an interactive game, bulletin board or other application in which a number of users are interested in being apprised of changes to the data structure representing the game or bulletin board.

Abstract: A television network broadcast system includes a scheduling component that includes a user interface accessible by all users who contribute to the creation of a schedule and a plurality of nodes configured to perform actions based on receipt of messages. The nodes include at least one of groups, filters, clients, and servers. The actions include at least one of pass the message along, take a specific action based on receipt of a specific message, block certain types of messages, and initiate new messages.

Abstract: A restricted reception device enabling a subscriber receiver to selectively receive broadcasting data transferred via a digital cable broadcasting network, includes: a demultiplexer for receiving broadcasting data and an ECM including a CW from the subscriber receiver, and demultiplexing them, the broadcasting data and the ECM being transferred through an in-band channel; an out-of-band channel signal processor for receiving an EMM from the subscriber receiver, and processing the EMM, the EMM being transferred through an out-of-band channel; a restricted reception processor for descrambling the scrambled broadcasting data using the ECM and the EMM received from the out-of-band channel signal processor; and a remultiplexer for multiplexing the descrambled broadcasting data received from the restricted reception processor, and sending the multiplexed broadcasting data to the subscriber receiver.

Abstract: A multiple channel data recorder and a method for recording data on multiple wireless communications channels includes a transceiver, a display, and a processor programmed to selectively record the user's transmission for playback by at least one of the user and another user and, if another new transmission starts to be received by the user during the user's transmission, to continue transmitting the user's transmission and to record the new transmission at least from a beginning of the new transmission for playback, or to stop transmitting the user's transmission and to start recording at least a remainder of the user's transmission at least from the beginning of the new transmission for playback, and to receive the new transmission by the user.

Abstract: A package service management system and method in digital cable broadcasting comprises: a host having middleware for receiving broadcast signals of a headend and bidirectional service information, and executing a package application program for providing a package service; a POD for analyzing data, and decoding a package subscription and termination message using an encoded key so as to allow or disallow watching channels; and a headend for defining package-setting information, transmitting it to the host or the POD, generating entitlement test messages on a paid channel, transmitting them to the POD, and transmitting the subscriber's encoded key according to a request by the POD. Therefore, the subscriber can watch TV and remotely subscribe or terminate a paid package service, thereby increasing user's convenience.