Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast. An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: Internet-based printing to a home printer in which the print job is pre-rasterized at the cable head end and sent in rasterized format to the set top box. Because the print job is pre-rasterized at the cable head end, and not at the set top box, resources are not wasted at the set top box when they are more readily available at the cable head end. In addition, because of the high speed communication network already in existence between the cable head end and the set top box, even large pre-rasterized print jobs can be transmitted to the set top box in reasonable amounts of time, meaning more quickly than a situation in which it was the set top box that performed rasterization.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: A method for generating commercial information using a data recording device can provide commercial sponsors with feedback regarding the effectiveness of their commercials. According to the method, program data including a commercial is recorded. The recorded program data including the commercial is played back. A trigger event for the commercial is detected during playback. Information identifying the commercial is stored in response to detection of the trigger event.

Abstract: In order to allow an advertisement company to register advertisement information using the Internet and conduct publicity activities aimed at specified target users, profile data of a plurality of users is managed using a database, selection conditions for selecting specific users to whom advertisement information should be distributed are received, specific users to whom the advertisement information should be distributed are selected based on the received selection conditions and the managed profile data, and the advertisement information is distributed to the selected specific users utilizing a digital broadcasting system.

Abstract: A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus includes an attribute collecting unit collecting attribute of data managed by an equipment connected to a network, a transfer control unit selecting a method of data transfer based on the attribute information of data collected by the attribute collecting unit, a data receiving unit receiving data by the method of transfer selected by the transfer control unit, and a data transmitting unit transmitting data by the method of transfer selected by the transfer control unit. As the transfer control unit selects the method of data transfer based on the data attribute information collected by the attribute collecting unit, it becomes possible for a user or an application program to receive data by the same operation.

Abstract: A local user issues recording instructions via the Internet to a remote computing device. The remote recording device includes a computer daughter board that records broadcast programs available to it according to the received recording instructions and encodes the recorded program into a specified media format. The daughter board further adds a first field identifying the user and a second field listing some of the received recording instructions on the recording. If the recording is video, then the fields are placed on visible sections of the recording. The file holding the encoded broadcast program may be subdivided into multiple smaller files before being moved into another computer specified by the user and accessible via the Internet. The remote computing device may receive recording instruction via a pulse telephone and may be incorporated into existing video cassette recorders.

Abstract: Terminal equipment has a master terminal (1) and a slave terminal (2), the master terminal (1) includes a first tuner (TA) receiving the cablecast signal for television programming delivered from the cable television station, and applying an image signal produced from the cablecast signal to a first television receiver (3); a second tuner (TB) receiving a cablecast signal, and applying an image signal produced from the cablecast signal; and a transmitter/receiver (RT) radio-transmitting the image signal output from the second tuner section, the slave terminal (2) includes a radio-receiving section for receiving the image signal transmitted from the transmitter/receiver (RT) of the master terminal (1), and applying the image signal, received by the radio-receiving section, to a second television receiver (5).

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: The video data contained in the digital broadcasting received by a receiver are transmitted to a printer at high speed and at low cost. A receiver (STB 30) for receiving digital broadcasting, a display 31 for displaying the images of the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 and a printer 32 for printing images contained in the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 are connected to each other by way of a first signal transmission means adapted to transmit digital signals. The printer 32 obtain video data from the receiver 30 by way of the first signal transmission means.

Abstract: A method including integrating information regarding receiving, transmitting and converting capabilities of each device in a network with regard to signal formats, so that a pertinent transmission path can be determined. Such possible transmission paths can be specified in terms of the order of devices involved in the transmission paths and a signal format between these devices involved. One of the possible transmission paths that match the transmitting device and the transmitted signal format is selected as a pertinent transmission path. The method displays the selected transmission path on a monitor. Commands are issued to devices involved in the pertinent path, and the input/output of these devices is controlled according to the commands to establish the selected transmission path automatically. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a means for storing device capability information. Also included is a memory for storing capability information of other devices.

Abstract: Broadcast information is classified in categories to facilitate user selection and filtration of the broadcast information which is processed for presentation to the user. The broadcast information is transmitted in the form of a meta frame and one or more category frames which are repeated in a continuous cycle. Meta frames and category frames are distinguished and identified by major and minor codes following a frame starting delimiter. The meta frame contains a description of each of the available categories, together with an identification of respective category major and minor codes, the frequency on which the respective category frame is transmitted if multiple frequencies are employed, and the relative position of the respective category frame within transmission cycle.

Abstract: A remote control adapted for use with a releasable readable media storage device. A readable media storage device having data and target indicators. Electrical contacts provide releasable connection with the remote control.

Abstract: A system and method for managing graphics display associated with an embedded system where multiple application programs reside and the graphics display is accessible by the multiple application programs. The system includes a graphics resource manager which prevents the application programs from accessing the graphics display at the same time.

Abstract: A television system allows extraction of a sub-image and streaming of the sub-image contents to an external device during a sequence of successive screen refresh intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides for controlling a controlled apparatus, which is controlled by a remote control signal. The remote control signal transmitted from a remote control apparatus is received, and the controlled apparatus or a second controlled apparatus is selected according to the remote control signal. A control command corresponding to the remote control signal is transmitted to the second controlled apparatus, if the second controlled apparatus is selected. An operating state of the second controlled apparatus is checked before the control command is transmitted to the second controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus is controlled according to the remote control signal, if the controlled apparatus is selected.

Abstract: An information receiving apparatus instructs a storage device to be ready to perform a downloading operation. For example, the information receiving apparatus instructs the storage device to perform a setup for a recording wait status when the information receiving apparatus has the storage device start the downloading mode, and instructs to start and stop recording on a recording device by detecting the start and stop timing of recording data which a data transmitting section transmits. The information receiving apparatus also requests the storage device to report an operation condition at the storage device during the downloading mode. The information receiving apparatus determines a downloading-operation condition according to the operation-condition report sent from the storage device and appropriately controls the downloading operation.

Abstract: A method of transmitting an image from a remote server to a portable device and dynamically viewing, by a human observer, the transmitted image on a display of the portable device. On a remote server, a master set of data representative of a graphic image (30) is processed to form a first subset of data representative of a portion of the graphic image. The data is transmitted to the portable device (49) and drawn on the display (34). The user selects a portion of the image to be further expanded and the master database is again processed to form a second subset of data representative of the selected portion of the image. The second subset of data is transmitted to the portable device and drawn (36) on the display.

Abstract: A transmit device and method, a record/play device and method, a record system as well as a media allowing selection of the ideal record media by the receiver. The EPG data generator of a transmit device generates an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) showing the scheduled transmission of the program to be broadcast An editor generates supplemental information containing information indicating the program data quantity, adds the supplemental information to the EPG and a multiplexer transmits the EPG added with the supplemental information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in interconnecting consumer electronic devices in an entertainment system that allow for switching between composite video and S-video formats. The systems and methods support left audio, right audio, and can be selectively adapted to support either composite video or S-video signal formats. The systems and methods further allow for a determination that a consumer electronic device is connected, the type of device that is connected, and the type of signal format that is being utilized for the transmission.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a filtering process is based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator monitors the current play position of the multimedia content and compares that position with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start position, a stop position, and an filtering action to perform on the portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular navigation object, the navigator activates the filtering action that was assigned to the navigation object. Filtering actions include skipping, muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined by a navigation object. A variety of systems may be used to implement the present invention, such as computer systems (consumer and server), television systems, and audio systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for compensating a viewer for viewing of a designated channel with reduction of telephone charges. The system comprises a signal input port to which image signals from a plurality of channels are accessed; a signal output port for supplying the image signals to a picture receiving device for displaying them; a telephone network port to which an external telephone network is accessed; a telephone connection port accessed to a telephone set; a channel filtering unit connected between the signal input port and the signal output port, for outputting only the image signals from a single channel among the plurality of channels to the signal output port; and a controller for controlling the channel filtering unit so that the designated channel is output when making a phone call. With this configuration, an audience rating of the designated channel can increase and the telephone charges of the user can be reduced.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a filtering process is based on the output side of a multimedia decoder. A navigator, located at a server system, monitors the current play position of multimedia content at a consumer system and compares that position with navigation objects. Each navigation object defines a start position, a stop position, and a filtering action to perform on the portion of the multimedia content that begins at the start position and ends at the stop position. When the current play position falls within the portion of multimedia content defined by a particular navigation object, the navigator sends the filtering action to the consumer system for processing. Filtering actions include skipping, muting, reframing, etc., the portion of multimedia content defined by a navigation object. Alternatively, the navigator may be located at a consumer system and the server system may provide access to the navigation objects (e.g.

Abstract: A digital video recorder is described. In one embodiment, the digital video recorder includes a feature detector configured to derive a set of features from content within a television commercial. The digital video recorder also includes a television program identifier coupled to the feature detector. The television program identifier is configured to identify, using the set of features, a television program associated with the television commercial. The digital video recorder further includes a television program recorder coupled to the television program identifier. The television program recorder is configured to establish a recording session for the television program.

Abstract: A system for transferring data from a television receiver to a display device and a shared data device includes a digital television receiver, a display device, at least one shared data device, and a communications channel coupled to the television receiver and the shared data devices. The television receiver receives, decodes, and processes a digitally encoded television signal (e.g., MPEG). This processed signal is provided to a display device (e.g., television monitor). In addition, an auxiliary data signal, sent with the digitally encoded television signal, is sent to at least one shared data device. Each of the shared data devices may be a printer, another television receiver, a digital video tape recorder, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). With a system as described herein, the auxiliary data may be an electronic program guide such that a viewer may print a program menu for subsequent review.

Abstract: The video data contained in the digital broadcasting received by a receiver are transmitted to a printer at high speed and at low cost. A receiver (STB 30) for receiving digital broadcasting, a display 31 for displaying the images of the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 and a printer 32 for printing images contained in the digital broadcasting received by the STB 30 are connected to each other by way of a first signal transmission means adapted to transmit digital signals. The printer 32 obtain video data from the receiver 30 by way of the first signal transmission means.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling devices with digitally stored content. Devices such as home electronic appliances, lighting systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, home security systems and home entertainment systems are controlled from a single, centralized device. A set top box (STB) stores scripts that include program content for controlling the operation of a plurality of these devices from the STB. A user of the STB selects the desired scripts, and the STB accesses the selected scripts from storage based on a triggering mechanism such as time, content, event, etc. The STB selectively controls operation of certain devices designated in the script. The method provides ease of control over multiple and diverse devices, applications and media within a user's own home environment, with more functionality and flexibility than currently available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and playing high definition content is disclosed. This invention provides a mechanism for storing and playing back high definition content on a medium such as DVD optical disc. One aspect of the invention is that elementary streams may be multiplexed and processed in a high definition media player instead of at authoring time. Another aspect of the invention is that it provides for extended real-time features such as inserting watermarks into the content stream, decrypting selected sections of the content stream, and performing trick playback display modes.

Abstract: A method for generating an image in a virtual space seen from a predetermined viewpoint, has: judging whether to start a motion of a first object placed in the virtual space; if it is judged to start the motion of the first object, automatically controlling the motion of the first object in a predetermined moving direction; if it is judged to start the motion of the first object, locating a plurality of effect objects at a front side in the moving direction from a location of the first object; and making the plurality of effect objects sequentially not displayed in proximate order from the location of the first object at time that it is judged to start the motion of the first object.

Abstract: 1. A multi-media receiving device, comprising a contents input unit that receives contents data input from multiple connected external devices, a contents transmission unit that transmits input contents data to a terminal device, a storing unit that stores multiple application programs corresponding to the types of multiple connected devices, and an application transmission unit that transmits an application program, selected from the multiple application programs, based on the types of multiple connected external devices, to the terminal device. The application transmission unit transmits an application program to the aforementioned terminal device, the program being selected from the multiple application programs based on the type of the recording/playback device that is supplying the contents data to the contents input unit, thereby providing an environment wherein various operations can be performed with portable equipment while the user is viewing and listening to contents.

Abstract: By providing a function of converting one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999 into an MPEG-4SL stream (single data stream), and a function of transmitting that MPEG-4SL stream to a host (20) using Isochronous or a bulk transfer complying with USB2.0, one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999 can be transmitted to another apparatus (host or the like) using Isochronous or a bulk transfer complying with USB2.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for distributing information. The system can include one or more set top boxes that can function as normal set top boxes, but can also conduct two way communications with other set top boxes. Users can send text, audio, and/or video messages to other users. The set top boxes can include provisions that permit two way communications, using video cameras, microphones and other inputs that can receive keyboard or text information.

Abstract: An interactive game having a pre-determined outcome (e.g., a game of finite poker) that displays an initial hand of cards, receives a player-specified designation as to which cards are to held and which are to be discarded, and then displays an intermediate hand generated in accordance with the player-specified designation. Then a final hand is shown, and in those cases where the player-specified designation (Hold/Discard) is inconsistent with a transition from the intermediate hand to the final hand, an entertaining display is shown, such as a sequence of alternative playing cards. In some cases, the initial hand is a winning hand according to a predetermined payout schedule, and the final hand is a winning hand with a higher payout than the initial hand according to the same payout schedule. The disclosed methods can be used with other games, including reel-type games.

Abstract: A method and device for decoding a packetized data stream comprising packets is disclosed. Each packet comprises a header and a payload encapsulating an elementary stream. The method includes selecting an object header in the elementary stream, inserting a packetized data stream packet header before the object header and transferring the inserted packet header, the object header, and data of the packetized data stream consecutive to the object header to a packetized data stream parser. This is applicable to digital video systems and in particular to digital television decoders.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter is so constructed that when a group menu representing a combination of individual functions is selected by operation of an operating part, a controller effects display of the individual functions of the group menu in parallel with the group menu. Since the correspondence between an overview of the plurality of group menus and the individual functions of the specified group menu is easy to understand, the remote control transmitter obtained allows easy setting of the function.

Abstract: A TV signal switching system (10) including a switch (12) configured to be connected to two or more signal sources such as a DVD player, VCR, satellite receiver, cable TV connection, VHF/UHF antenna, computer, Web TV and other internet interfaces, TiVo and other digital recording and playback systems, game console, a live feed from a video camera or other image capture device, or other TV signal source, and connectable to a remote TV monitor (28) by a coaxial cable (22) or equivalent, and a switch controller (34) located adjacent the remote TV configured to select a signal source for the remote TV monitor by signaling the switch over the coaxial cable to connect the desired signal source (14 16 18, or 20) to the remote TV monitor.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a broadcast tuner and a broadcast system, which are capable of showing a broadcast picture transmitted by a broadcasting station and a game picture of a video game simultaneously on a receiver. The present invention comprises a broadcasting-reception means to receive a broadcast signal transmitted by a broadcasting station, a picture-reproducing means to reproduce a broadcast picture from the received broadcast signal, a first picture memory to store the broadcast picture reproduced by the picture-reproducing means, a game picture-reception means to receive a game picture generated by a game machine which executes a game program in which the contents of the game are described, a second picture memory to store the game picture, and a picture-combining means to combine the broadcast picture stored in the first picture memory and the game picture stored in the second picture memory, and to output the combined picture to a receiver.

Abstract: A stand-alone digital media player is provided in connection with a removable media storage device which includes an audio panel (start/stop, forward, reverse, eject buttons), audio control circuitry, audio output and power source. The removable media storage device may be used as an internal/external storage device and as a digital media player by virtue of audio playback functionality added to the removable media storage device and/or a portable adapter housing coupled to the removable media storage device. Where the power source is a rechargeable batter included in the removable media storage device, the battery will recharge when attached to the portable computer when running on AC Power and provide additional backup power to the portable computer when needed.

Abstract: A removable memory device is inserted into a channel information source computer, such as computer connected to the Internet, and channel map information is downloaded to it. The removable device is then removed from the source computer and engaged with a television to download the channel map into the television, thereby avoiding prolonged autoprogramming by the television's receiver.

Abstract: A media control system comprises a memory accessible by a processor and a content manager stored in the memory and adapted to receive media content from a media source. The content manager is further adapted to automatically identify, from the received media content, primary media content for directing to a primary media device and ancillary media content for directing to an ancillary media device.

Abstract: A multimedia optical disc for recording main video data which is composed of sets of frame data that is processed beforehand to allow compatibility with displays of a plurality of aspect ratios. The disc has a stream area storing streams made up of the main video data and a plurality of sets of sub-picture data, with each set of sub-picture data including a set of tel-op data and a set of coordinate information showing a display position of the set of tel-op data. The disc also includes a control area storing a plurality of pairings of a set of display mode information and a set of sub-picture indicating information. Each set of display mode information shows a species of display method according to which the frame data is to be processed for a case when the frame data decoded from the main video data is displayed at one of the plurality of aspect ratios.

Abstract: A game-program distribution system includes a broadcasting station for transmitting a signal containing first data representative of a television program and second data representative of a game program related to the television program. A receiver operates for receiving the signal transmitted from the broadcasting station, and demodulating the received signal into the first data representative of the television program and the second data representative of the game program. The second data representative of the game program are downloaded from the receiver into a game machine.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system includes a gaming console, which comprises a processor and a storage medium, and is in connection with a network, a monitor and a sound system, the method. First instruction data are received from an external storage medium read by the gaming console. These instruction data and include one of set-top instruction data for receiving and decoding digital broadcast data and set-top applications when executed on the gaming console, and communication data for use in retrieving via the network the set-top instruction data for receiving and decoding digital broadcast data and set-top applications when executed on the gaming console. The set-top instruction data are executed on the gaming console, and encoded digital broadcast data is received via the network. The received, encoded digital broadcast data are decoded and displayed on the monitor and on the sound system. The gaming system is therefore functioning as a set-top box.

Abstract: An entertainment device includes a general-purpose signal processor 103 made up of an assembly of component-processors 103A to 103D each of which can operate in parallel under operating environments independent of others component-processors. A management processor 101 controls a cross bar 104 so as to change the operating environments of the respective component-processors 103A to 103D in accordance with a demand for signal processing which is given from a CPU 11, and to change over any one of the component-processors which receives a signal to be processed which is inputted through the cross bar 104 or outputs a processed signal in accordance with the demand for signal processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and resolving interference between two IR signals in a remote control system. The two IR signals may include primary signals emitted from a remote control device to a first consumer electronics device and relayed signals sent from the first consumer electronics device to a second consumer electronics device using an IR blaster, or emitter. In order to minimize the likelihood of interference between the signals at the second consumer electronics device, the IR emitter does not begin transmitting the relayed signals until the primary signals are no longer being emitted. If, however, the remote control device begins to send another primary signal while the IR emitter is sending the relayed signals, the systems and methods include provisions for resolving any data loss that may result. Upon sensing the interference, the IR emitter sends a reset signal that places the secondary consumer electronics device in a known state.

Abstract: In a processing terminal, operational request information inputted from an operational request unit is transmitted as additional information to a communication unit of a CATV distributor. In the CATV distributor, the additional information is received in the communication unit, and when the additional information is the operational request information, an operational command generator generates operational command information corresponding to the operational request information. The operational command information is transmitted to a communication unit of a receiver through the communication unit. In the receiver, as the communication unit receives the operational command information for the receiver, an operating unit operates the receiver to perform the desired operation in response to the operational command information.

Abstract: A digital media system includes a digital media station operable to access a collection of digital media content, and a digital media player communicably coupled to the digital media station and operable to receive user commands and further access and decode digital media content specified by the user for playing on one or more components of an entertainment system coupled thereto.