Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for enabling control on print permission, without applying new control information or a protection method, copy control information is detected, which is added to digital information, when controlling the printing of digital information, thereby controlling on whether the printing can be conducted on the digital information depending upon the copy control information detected.

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: In a television broadcast receiving apparatus, program information data are received together with plural pieces of program data, and a print mode of the program information is, when printing the program data, determined so that the program information data are laid out just on a predetermined number of print page(s). With this contrivance, the program information sorted out in an easy-to-view form and thus printed, can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a first controlled device, such as a wireless local transmitter that accepts a plurality of digital audio signals and corresponding program information signals converted from a controlled source, such as the encoded digital data provided by a digital data signal source, typically a community antenna television (CATV) cable or direct broadcast satellite, then modulates said digital audio and corresponding program information signals on different carrier frequencies and transmits the modulated signals to a plurality of second controlled devices, such as remote digital receiver/tuners that demodulate said signals to output music in stereophonic sound and display the corresponding program information by means of an alphanumeric display. The first and second controlled devices contain microprocessor systems for communicating, controlling, storing, processing, and display of digital data within the operation of the respective system.

Abstract: This invention provides a system, a method and a computer readable medium having program code thereon for using a one-way digital broadcast medium to support interactive and personalized e-commerce applications. The broadcast data may include regular programming, e.g., a TV broadcast, and other supplemental data-streams. A set-top box receiving the transmission, demultiplexes the data streams and provides any additional data streams to personal devices that request to access the data streams. Users of these devices can then complete e-commerce and other interactive services using a secondary back channel, e.g., a cellular network, to connect back to the e-commerce provider.

Abstract: An apparatus provides multimedia content by receiving first content from a client device, the first content encoded in a digital stream, decoding the digital stream to produce decoded first content, and presenting the decoded first content in addition to the presentation of second content presented at a display device.

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: In a communication system a communication device (2) is present for receiving a wideband broadcast signal from a headend. For providing a return channel to enable interactive TV services, the communication device (2) is connected to a telephone network. In order to be able to also provide a voice mail services storage unit (50) is present in the communication device (2) for storing voice messages received from the telephone network, a retrieval unit for retrieving the stored voice messages from the storage unit (50) and a supply unit for supplying the retrieved voice messages to an audio output of the communication device for playback. In an embodiment of the invention, the communication device (2) is integrated in a TV set (3).

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes a receiving circuit for receiving data transmitted from a sender so as to be simultaneously receivable by a plurality of receivers, and a processing circuit for outputting, to a printer, print data in accordance with both of the data received by the receiving circuit and user information of a user of the signal processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding control data into the horizontal overscan area of a video signal. Because the control data is concatenated with the video signal on a line-by-line basis, the control data is temporarily synchronized with the underlying video signal. This permits the controlled devices, such as wireless mechanical characters, behave as characters in a scene defined by the programming information of the video signal. A protocol is defined for the encoded data that is addressable, forwardly compatible, error tolerant, and feasible to deploy in connection with a system that is primarily intended to be a children's entertainment product. The bandwidth of the communication link defined by the encoded data is adjustable to meet the cost and performance needs of a wide variety of consumers.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: A desired range of moving image data is designated. Then, still images obtained from a start frame and an end frames in the designated range are displayed, and an interface for designating trimming areas is provided for the two frames. The trimming areas are set in a predetermined frame to be extracted from the designated range based on the trimming areas designated by using the interface. The predetermined number of frames is extracted from the designated range of the moving image data, a partial image in the set trimming areas is extracted from the extracted predetermined number of frames, and a predetermined number of continuous still images are generated. The obtained continuous still image is printed onto a recording sheet via a printing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a network including a primary device, a plurality of remote devices, and a shared peripheral device. The network allows the remote devices to operate the peripheral device, such as a DVD player, VCR, or camcoder, via the primary device and the network. The peripheral device is typically connected to the primary device and shared among all devices. The network also includes a splitter/isolation module (SIM) that routes the signals between the primary device and the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: A broadcasting method using a PDA as a signal relay device has the steps of (a) modulating a sound file intended to be broadcast, wherein the sound file stored in a PDA is modulated in the form of a radio wave at a set frequency, (b) transmitting the modulated radio wave, (c) demodulating and (d) playing the radio wave to obtain the sound file by any radio device. A broadcasting apparatus utilizes a modulating module that is integrated into a charging base of the PDA to modulate sound files stored in the PDA. the modulated sound files can be transmitted in the form of a radio wave and then be demodulated and played by any radio receiving device.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in association with channelwise broadcasting of a series of video channels, comprising: a selector for selecting at least one subgroup of said channels as a package, a package display device for arranging displays of each package as at least part of a package channel comprising a mosaic of minimized video screens, ones of said minimized video screens corresponding to ones of said selected channels. The user can select one of the channels to be in focus, so that the sound heard using the browsing channel is that of the channel in focus. The browsing channel may also include interactive content, independently of the channels in the mosaic.

Abstract: A host device is disclosed. The host device includes a processor and a control mechanism. The processor operates to receive primary and associated data, decode and separate the associated data from the primary data, and cause the associated data to be rendered on a separate hand held device. The processor also operates the control mechanism to control a separate display apparatus to separately receive and render the primary data.

Abstract: A device that is external to a television set or other viewing appliance receives data encoded in a television program broadcast signal. The device includes visual or audible indicia that are activated depending upon the data that is received by the device. As a result, the indicia may be activated in synchronization with events that occur during the television program. The device may be a standalone unit or may include a base station that receives the encoded signal and transmits data to a remote unit that features the indicia so that the indicia is activated in a remote fashion.

Abstract: The broadcast-transmitting server in accordance with the present invention includes a separator for separating one or a plurality of broadcast provided through broadcast-distribution service, into broadcast images and broadcast data, a data transmitter for transmitting the broadcast data separated from the broadcast by the separator, to a mobile terminal, and a distributor which receives a request indicative of desired broadcast image determined based on the broadcast data, from the mobile terminal, and distributes the desired broadcast image among broadcast images separated from the broadcast by the separator, to the mobile terminal which transmitted the request to the distributor.

Abstract: An interactive program guide system is provided. The system facilitates recording of programs selected from the program guide. The system handles the recording and viewing of pay programs, parentally-controlled programs, consecutive programs on different television channels, and programs with and without copy protection. Programs may be recorded using combination television videocassette recorder (TV/VCR) units.

Abstract: A digital video receiver and a data stream creating method thereof. The digital video receiver receives and decodes a broadcasting program, creates a predetermined type of data stream and transmits the data stream to a recording/reproducing apparatus which is connected thereto through an interface. The digital video receiver includes a program information converter which converts the program information included in the broadcasting program into a format suitable for the recording/reproducing apparatus connected thereto through the interface, and a stream generator which receives the converted program information and decoded broadcasting data to generate a data stream with the received information and data. Accordingly, program information can always be added to the broadcasting program before transmission even when the received program is in a format different from the transmission format for the recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A set-top box is provided wherein an Identifier (ID) associated with the set-top box can be used to request information from a personal computer which provides the requested information to the set-top box. In particular, in a system that includes multiple set-top boxes, the ID can be used to determine which set-top box made a request and to determine which set-top box is the intended recipient of the requested information accessed by the system. For example, a request for information from a set-top box can include the ID of the set-top box. The personal computer, therefore, can use the ID to record which set-top box made the request. When the personal computer receives the information requested by the set-top box, the information and the ID of the set-top box that made the request is broadcast to all the set-top boxes. Each set-top box compares the ID broadcast with the information to its own ID to determine if the information is intended for it.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to record programs on a user's digital video recorder based upon sponsorship data. Sponsors, such as advertisers and other promoters, sponsor programs with a DVR service provider. The DVR service provider gathers the sponsors' requests and sends the sponsorship requests to the users' DVRs. The clients' DVRs receive the sponsorship data and edit schedules from the DVR service provider. The digital video recorder selects programs to record using user profile elements provided by the user. The sponsored programs are provided with increased rankings that are used to determine which program to record. The user's DVR keeps track of programs that have been recorded and sends the information back to the DVR service provider. The DVR service provider creates reports for sponsors showing which programs were recorded by different groups of people.

Abstract: A media playout system for playing out media to receiver units, the system comprising: a broadcast data channel; a playout arrangement for broadcasting over the broadcast data channel enhanced content data associated with video data; a distribution unit for receiving the broadcast data and distributing it to the receiver units, and comprising a buffer for storing enhanced content data, and a transmission controller responsive to signalling from the playout arrangement to retrieve enhanced content data from the buffer and make it available to the receiver units.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling A/V outputs of a plurality of A/V players includes a selection input unit for receiving target data that represents a target A/V display unit among a plurality of A/V display units and selection data which is used to select an A/V player from the plurality of A/V players for the target A/V display unit to thereby generate a selection signal corresponding to the selected A/V player and the target A/V display unit and a control unit receiving the selection signal to control the selected A/V player so that an output of the selected A/V player is displayed on the target A/V display unit.

Abstract: A technique for transferring data between a first device and a second device using a shared line buffer connected to a system bus which couples the first device and the second device. The technique includes (i) transferring data between the line buffer and dedicated memory associated with the first device, wherein the first device includes a data controller coupled to the system bus through a bus interface. The transferring (i) includes using the data transfer controller to effectuate a multiword data transfer between the dedicated memory and the line buffer. The technique further includes multiword data (ii) transferring between the line buffer and the second device across the system bus. When the transferring (i) precedes the transferring (ii), data is read from the dedicated memory from output to the second device, and when the transferring (ii) precedes the transferring (i), data is written to dedicated memory from the second device.

Abstract: A digital watermark is embedded in video content, like an advertisement. A digital video recorder (“DVR”) includes a digital watermark decoder to decode the digital watermark. Once decoded, an identifier is communicated to an interactive television service provider. The identifier is used to identify information related to the watermarked content (like a message, email, video email, further advertising, etc.). Once identified, the related information is forwarded to the DVR. In a related embodiment, the related information is pushed to the DVR in advance of a request. The related information is activated once a user selects corresponding content. In addition, the digital watermark can be used to control recording, fast-forwarding, skipping, pausing, and/or saving timing limits. Additionally, dynamic skip button usage is enabled for improved consumer experience.

Abstract: A video delivery system and service for use with a video presentation and methods of delivering and receiving a video representation. In one embodiment, a method of receiving a video representation includes receiving a request to program a video viewing device to record a video presentation employing a selected content. The method also includes remotely programming the video viewing device employing the selected content to provide the video representation.

Abstract: The invention is based on the task to indicate a mobile communication device, with which a multiple number of different operational modes and functions can be carried out and which can still be operated with only a few operating controls in an almost self-explanatory way. A portable communication device is provided with a display and a control block according to the invention, where operational modes, different and presettable by a user and/or based on the switching preset and self-adjusting are provided, whereby a specific allocation of the control block is defined for each operational mode and, according to the current operational mode, the appurtenant allocation of the control block is activated and an otherwise keyless control and navigation through the different operational modes of the device is provided.

Abstract: A broadcast system architecture implementing a method for distributing data for a multi-user application (e.g., a shared virtual world) between client systems. Included are a plurality of server systems communicatively coupled in a network and a digital broadcast source. A first group, a second group and a third group of client systems are communicatively coupled to the server systems, wherein a client system is coupled to a single server system. The first group and second group of client systems execute a partition of the multi-user application. Data are forwarded from a client system in the first group of the client systems to a first server system, wherein the data represent a change to the partition executed by the client system. The data are forwarded from the first server system to other server systems, wherein the other server systems each comprise at least one client system that interfaces with the partition.

Abstract: The system performs complicated processing at high speed on image data which is obtained by a camera-equipped mobile phone, thereby reducing the time required for image data processing. The system includes first equipment and second equipment, communicably interconnected each other with a first communication path. The first equipment includes: an image inputting unit for obtaining image information in the form of image data; and an image data transmitting unit for transmitting the image data, which has been obtained by the image inputting unit, to the second equipment over the first communication path. The second equipment includes: an image data receiving unit for receiving the image data, which has been transmitted over the first communication path, from the first equipment; and an image data processing unit for processing the image data, which has been obtained by the image data receiving unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus of processing input signals of a display appliance having a plurality of external input terminals and connected to a set top box with a plurality of external input terminals. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a connecting state to the set top box, a signal receiving state from the set top box, a signal receiving state via the external input terminals of the display appliance; selecting and outputting any one of signals supplied from the set top box and signals supplied via external input terminals of the display appliance; and during outputting the selected signal, if a user requests to output a signal inputted from any one of external input terminals of the set top box and the display appliance, selecting and outputting the selected signal.

Abstract: When a DVD player is to be set as a source apparatus and a television receiver is to be set as a sink apparatus, for example, a user directs a remote control toward the DVD player and continues to depress a select button. The user then directs the remote control toward the television receiver while continuing to depress the select button. The user then releases the depression of the select button of the remote control directed toward the television receiver. As a result of the intuitive operations described above, the DVD player is designated as the source apparatus and the television receiver is designated as the sink apparatus.

Abstract: An audio/video (AV) network, system, and method is provided which prevents audio blackout in an AV home system. The AV network includes a first device configured to decode an audio signal which comes on the transport stream with a standard definition signal as well as a high definition signal, while a high definition video signal is passed through a digital connection, for example an i.LINK™, to a second device for decoding. In one embodiment, the first device is a set top box and the second device is a high definition television. In another embodiment, the first device and the second device form an audio/video network through the digital connection. In a further embodiment, the AV network forms a part of the home AV system.

Abstract: A voltage controller increases a DC input voltage in response to a ring instruction received from a processor in a control signal. The increased voltage is converted to an AC ring signal that causes a telephone to ring. The ring signal voltage is generated at a battery high node (“VBH”) and may be routed to a SLIC before being sent to an on-hook telephone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the configuration of telecommunications networks and/or computer networks with proximity keys. A proximity key can be embedded in or removably coupled to a cable. Data can be stored in the key that uniquely identifies the cable to which the key is attached. A proximity key reader can be placed on a network device or in a portable device. A reader coupled to a network device can contain information that identifies the device to which it is attached. When the proximity key on the cable and the proximity key reader are brought near each other the reader reads the data in the key. A control unit can use the cable and device identification data to confirm a proper connection between a cable and a device and to document which devices are connected by which cables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing a television to display a reminder message previously entered by a user and stored into a handheld device or another device having memory. The user uses a keyboard on the handheld device to enter reminder information into the handheld device, which may be a remote control electronic device. The entered reminder information is stored and transmitted at the appropriate time for display on the television which generates a visual text message signal superimposed on a portion of the television's normal programming.

Abstract: In an information filtering unit connected with user's video equipment by a communications line, a program content analyzing section analyzes the contents of broadcast programs from a broadcasting station in terms of substantial information such as video and sound. A collation evaluation section evaluates the similarity between the analyses and a user's profile stored in a profile storage section. A program selecting selection transmits the result of program selection to the video equipment in the form of time information. The video equipment receives and records a program from the broadcasting station in accordance with the time information sent from the information filtering unit.

Abstract: A home network is controlled as a super state machine consisting of a plurality of state machines of electronic consumer appliances attached to the home network. Setting the state of the home network results in setting the states of multiple appliances that are connected to the network. The system can automatically determine whether a particular network state would be reliable. For example, the system may present the user with a selection of reliable network states and the user can select a reliable network state that is meaningful to the user. The selected meaningful state may be stored or may be immediately implemented upon the user selection.

Abstract: A multimedia storage and control system for storing multimedia content includes a multimedia interface for receiving the multimedia content from a multimedia stream. The multimedia storage and control system further includes a personal computer. The personal computer is adapted for communicating with the multimedia interface and may be configured to perform operations such as selectively storing at least a portion of the multimedia content received from the multimedia interface in response to a storage request, and transmitting at least a portion of the multimedia content stored in the memory associated with the personal computer to the multimedia interface in response to a retrieval request.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a system and controller for distribution of audio/video signals on a pay-for-use basis, to a customer in a controlled environment such as a motel, hotel, bus station, bar or apartment building. The system includes a global authorization computer which transmits authorization to the customer over a telephone line. The customer has a telephone line/television control interface which receives the dual-tone multi-frequency authorization and allows the customer to select the authorized channel for a defined length of time. Without authorization, the telephone line/television control interface will deny the customer's attempt to tune his television to a pay-for-use channel. When the authorized time expires, the telephone line/television control interface tunes the customer's television to a non-pay-for-use channel. Additional options and embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

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 digital broadcast reception device comprises: a broadcast receiving unit 11 that receives a digital broadcast; a TS processing unit 12 and a decode unit 14 that separate video contents and data contents from the received digital broadcast; a image memory unit 15 that stores the separated video contents and data contents in a special-purpose plane and memorizes the separated video contents and data contents temporarily; an image output unit 16 that synthesizes the video contents and data contents stored in the image memory unit 15, generates image data, and output the image data; a remote control 26, an operation reception unit 13, and a processing control unit 20 that acquire a print instruction from an operator; and a print image generation unit 18 that selects and synthesizes the video contents and data contents stored in the image memory unit 15, generates a print data, and outputs the generated print data to a printer 30 in response to the print instruction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for producing a frequency modulated picture and/or sound signal on the basis of execution of multimedia content, wherein the system comprises a first unit configured for receiving a sound signal and a picture signal from a multi-media terminal like a PC, computer, etc. configured for executing multimedia content, wherein the first unit is further configured for frequency modulating and combining said sound signal and picture signal to one single combined picture and sound signal, and a second unit configured for receiving said combined picture and sound signal and configured for combining said combined signal with at least one further signal resulting in a first signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for repurposing a physical structure to enable the delivery of interactive services and, more specifically, to a method and system of creating a competitive gaming environment within a repurposed movie theater structure. The modification of existing facilities in accordance with the present invention creates an Interactive Services Facility with an operational environment capable of delivering interactive services, such as competitive gaming, to users. The operational environment is enabled by the present invention through novel systems and methods of modifying the infrastructure of an Existing Facility and providing novel operational systems for the delivery of interactive services.

Abstract: A system (and method) assists consideration of selection that recommends selection candidates to a considerer who is considering selection in a certain field in order to assist determination of selection of a considerer with which the considerer is satisfied. At least one question concerning a field of consideration is sent to a considerer one after another and answer data is received from the considerer by a question-and-answer transmitting and receiving portion. A degree-of-significance representing how much significance the considerer attaches to each evaluation item in the field of consideration is estimated from the answer data by a degree-of-significance estimating portion.

Abstract: Video programs are identified by watermark data subliminally conveyed within the picture data. By reference to such program identification data, video recording devices can automatically identify desired programs, and respond accordingly. For example, if a desired television program is originally scheduled to air at 5:00 p.m., but is delayed until 5:10 due to a sporting event that exceeded its broadcast slot, a video recorder equipped with the disclosed technology can sense the delayed start, commence recording at 5:10, and continue recording until the (delayed) end of the program. The program identification can also identify the program's subject matter, allowing automated recording of programs that match a viewer's profile.

Abstract: A subject is to record a program by directly using a TV program schedule obtained through information networks such as the Internet. A program video recording apparatus of the present invention comprises a transmission/reception section (9) for establishing a communication line with an information provider, a TV set (1) for displaying TV program information provided by the information provider, and a control section (7) for instructing a recording reservation for a program in accordance with program designation from the TV program information displayed on the TV set (1).

Abstract: A system and method for storing and processing data for display on a display device are described. Encoded data is received through a first digital connection. The encoded data is then processed in response to a request from a user to obtain multiple signals. Finally, the signals are transmitted to the display device through a second connection.

Abstract: A video recorder programming device has a telephone interface and includes telephone answering machine functionality and video recorder programming functionality. The device operates, by default, as a telephone answering machine. When a user enters a programming code using the telephone keypad, the device switches to a video recorder programming mode and prompts the user to enter a channel number, start time and a stop time or duration. The device stores the received programming data and, in the programming mode, allows the user to edit or delete the stored data.