Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for recording purchased programming by a recording device which communicates instructions back and forth with an order processor. The order processor communicates with the user recording device as well as with a program source device to automatically ensure recording of purchased programming by a user pursuant to a user's order. The program delivery may occur at a time different from when the user views the program. The system may verify that the user recording device is capable of recording the program and may reschedule the delivery of the purchased program if the user device is unable to record the program.

Abstract: Because of limitations of a display area allocated on a mobile telephone or a remote controller, even if a program table is displayed according to the EPG information, the browsability of programs is mostly insufficient, and it is likely for a user to miss the program. In a case where a user updates recording reservation information of a program reserved for recording by using a mobile telephone of the present invention, the mobile telephone acquires the recording reservation information and information of broadcasting schedule, and displays point of difference between the recording reservation information and the information of the broadcasting schedule. Consequently, the user can easily and surely find the change of the broadcasting schedule, and match contents of update with the change.

Abstract: The invention consists of a process for displaying audiovisual transmissions recorded in a digital television receiver. The process is characterized in that it consists in configuring a sequential list of transmissions and, in displaying the elements recorded in an order defined during configuration. Advantageously, the invention takes into account the updating the new versions of the transmissions.

Abstract: Improved enhanced TV programming provides the capability for event driven recording of TV programs and program segments. Recording a selected program segment of a digital TV program includes receiving a digital TV stream including the digital TV program, automatically starting recording of the selected program segment of the digital TV program when a first event notification is received, and automatically stopping recording of the selected program segment when a second event notification is received.

Abstract: In a recording apparatus for enabling the user to keep calm in viewing a recorded program, when change is made in PID information for the recorded program, a recording apparatus stores an index indicating that change is made in PID information. The program is played back based on the stored index. Since the program and a CM differ in PID information, the index can be used easily to skip the CM at the playback time, the operability of the user is enhanced, and the user can keep calm in viewing the played program.

Abstract: Generating a still image from a sequence of video frames comprises the steps of receiving a sequence of video frames and storing a predetermined number of the sequence of video frames temporally adjacent to an user initiated capture event, the predetermined number of frames being defined as a cliplet. Video capture is performed using cliplets, which are short video segments, preferably in compressed data format. A crop-and-process instruction is added to the cliplet. All processing, handling or storage of the data is cliplet based. Editing instructions are stored with the cliplet allowing editing to be performed by a user at one resolution and then re-performed at a higher resolution at a server where it is printed. Modified reprints of an image can be obtained without resending the images and adequate storage for the cliplets can be assured. Encryption of the cliplets during transmission and storage is facilitated by cliplet-based processing.

Abstract: A method for receiving digital content data on a user's system for playing or recording, the content data being compressed and encrypted with a first encrypting key, said method comprising the steps of: tuning a receiver to a selected frequency; receiving content data through a broadcast transmission at the selected frequency; assembling the content data that is received; and transferring the content data to a player for playing the content data after all the content data has been received.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver (10) containing an embedded computer (26) receives digital content such as news, sports, weather and stocks. The broadcast receiver personalizes, i.e. filters and processes, the content received according to the user-chosen configuration software (82) loaded from a removable storage device (80), such as a compact flash card. The broadcast receiver displays, announces or writes to the same removable storage device the desired content. Without needing any user interaction, this broadcast receiver is well suited for the mobile environment. An interactive computer (70), as instructed by its user, writes the configurable software, including parameters, software and firmware updates to the removable storage device. The interactive computer optionally downloads the configurable software, for example, the personal stock portfolio of its user, from Internet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metal welding, comprising a shielding element (1) which allows visual monitoring of the working process but protects the eyes from light radiation. The device comprises a video camera (5) which is directable towards the welding zone for recording the welding process in the form of video signals transmitted, via an image processing unit, to a video display unit (7), which the user is able to view and which is placed in or on the inside of the shielding element (1). The image processing unit reads process data from the video signals and presents the same via the video display unit.

Abstract: An entertainment system has a personal computer as the heart of the system with a large screen VGA quality monitor as the display of choice. The system has digital satellite broadcast reception, decompression and display capability with multiple radio frequency remote control devices which transmit self identifying signals and have power adjustment capabilities. These capabilities are used to provide context sensitive groups of keys which may be defined to affect only selected applications running in a windowing environment. In addition, the remote control devices combine television and VCR controls with standard personal computer keyboard controls. A keyboard remote also integrates a touchpad which is food contamination resistant and may also be used for user verification. Included in the system is the ability to recognize verbal communications in video signals and maintain a database of such text which is searchable to help identify desired programming in real time.

Abstract: A method of processing a catalog of electronic programming information, in which the catalog contains information for a program, including a start time and end time of the program, and in which the program is represented by characteristics data gathered from the program, where the processing includes monitoring a programming video input for the characteristics data from the start and/or end times of a program to control the display and/or recording of the program.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit or module and ENTERTAINMENT, COACH, and INTERNET modes of operation. Operation of the system may be controlled with a dedicated remote unit. The ENTERTAINMENT mode of operation allows a user to watch television or play an audio or video disk, and the COACH mode gives a user access to user-selected information stored on a disk of the character just described. In the INTERNET mode, the user can log onto and surf the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling reproduction of video contents, wherein a user can readily move a play position to a desired scene within a brief period of time to reproduce video contents from the moved play position. The user can pause or replay a desired scene without requesting separate skipping. In particular, in the case where the user requests a pause mode or a normal play mode during a quick browsing mode, rather than during the normal play mode, the present system exhibits many differences from existing systems and excellent performance over them.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved receiver capable of receiving either a satellite broadcast signal or a cable TV signal associated with a TV. The inventive receiver comprises a first BPF for filtering received broadcast signals, a first local oscillator for generating a first oscillation signal, a first mixer for generating a first IF signal, a SAW filter producing a waveformed band signal, a second local oscillator, for generating a second and a third oscillation signal, a second mixer for generating a second and a third IF signal, a switching block for switching the second and the third IF signal, a second BPF for producing a baseband channel signal selected from the cable TV signal, a first LPF for producing a baseband I signal of satellite broadcast channel, a shifter for shifting a phase of the third IF signal, a third mixer for generating a phase-shifted third oscillation signal, and a second LPF for producing a baseband Q signal of satellite broadcast channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an interactive television system for recording television programming. The interactive television system may include components for providing personal video recorder (PVR) functionality, such as an interactive television program guide (IPG), PVR extensions, PVR application programming interfaces (APIs), a PVR device, any suitable hardware or software, or a combination thereof. These components may be implemented in, for example, an arrangement having an integrated PVR-compliant device with a PVR device, or in an arrangement having a PVR-compliant device (e.g., a set-top box) coupled to PVR equipment (e.g., a remote PVR server or a PVR sidecar) with a PVR device. The PVR-compliant device may include software and hardware configured to implement the IPG. The PVR APIs may be a library of intelligent vendor-specific and vendor-independent APIs able to determine the type of PVR device being used.

Abstract: Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application (“application”) may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recordings, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming.

Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as a method of permitting a viewer to view alternative subject matter data (e.g., an advertisement) on a display while receiving streaming video data without loss of the streaming video data. The method receives streaming video data and displays the streaming video data as a program of a first content. Upon selection by a viewer of the alternative subject matter data, the method stores the streaming video data on a personal video recorder. When the viewer selects returning to viewing of the streaming video data on the display, the method displays the streaming video data stored on the personal video recorder on the display while continuing to store incoming streaming video data on the personal video recorder. This method allows a viewer with “one click” to select and view the alternative subject matter data and with “one click” to return to the first content where it was left.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing radio frequency (RF) modulated broadcast television signals from a broadcast signal source to networked appliances connected to the source through a plurality of single conductor coaxial cables, simultaneously with distributing unmodulated digital signals and RF modulated video signals exchanged between the networked appliances over the same network coaxial cables.

Abstract: Data receiving device and method in which data is received through a broadcast network, the data is reconstructed into packets usable on a computer, and the packets are output to the computer, directly or through a local area network. The reconstructed packets are preferably in the format of Internet Protocol (IP) packets. A destination address allocated to the data receiving device on the broadcast network is converted, via the data receiving device, to an IP address allocated to a personal computer on the Internet.

Abstract: In a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, digital broadcast signals provided by a digital broadcast method are supplied to various types of external units and are effectively utilized. In the above apparatus, a descrambler descrambles a transport stream output from a front end unit and supplies it to a digital interface and a demultiplexer. The demultiplexer extracts from the transport stream a compressed video signal and a compressed audio signal of a program specified by a user, and supplies the extracted signals to an MPEG decoder. The MPEG decoder decompresses the supplied video signal and the audio signal and supplies them to the digital interface, an NTSC encoder, and an audio signal D/A converter. The digital interface supplies either of the transport stream or the decompressed data to a digital external unit under the control of the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for video query processing. Video query processing software is dynamically linked to video content and configured to receive a query keyed to a segment of the video content. The video content is real-time or recorded video content. The software is within a video processing system that may operate in a stand-alone mode or in a service mode. The software is configured to determine an answer to the query and to communicate the answer to a user of the software. The software is coupled to a database that may be utilized to determine the answer to the query. The database may be external to the video processing system and coupled to an Internet web site or to a remote server. Multiple databases may be utilized such that information derived from the multiple databases may be merged to arrive at the answer to the query.

Abstract: In a system for receiving a television broadcast, when a printer is connected to a receiving apparatus for use, a printer driver which controls the printer is automatically registered. For this purpose, a television broadcast receiving apparatus includes a unit for setting download information for a printer driver to be retrieved, a unit for retrieving a printer driver file which is specified by the set download information with the television broadcast, and a unit for installing the printer driver file into a storage unit so as to be executable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for viewing a secondary television program simultaneously with a primary program. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving a primary program and one or more secondary programs transmitted by a transmission source; a monitor adapted to display at least one of the primary program and the secondary programs; and a handheld device adapted to display at least a portion of one of the primary program and the secondary programs, wherein the program displayed on the handheld device is that which is not displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A musical rhythm is expressed by the number of the timing marks (for example, three timing marks when in simple triple time); and a musical tempo is expressed by the distance among the timing marks and a timing ball that moves at a fixed speed among those timing marks. Accordingly, a player may easily grasp the tempo of the music and easily determine the rhythm of the music in a sound game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting a scheduled interactive application to a plurality of users via respective user interfaces. Initially, setup data is placed on a broadcast carousel prior to a scheduled start time of the interactive application whereby setup data is repeatedly broadcast to the user interfaces. A status flag is broadcast to the user interfaces to indicate that the setup data has been placed on the broadcast carousel. Real time data is broadcast to the user interfaces at the scheduled start time. Electronic programme guide (EPG) data indicating a scheduled start time for the scheduled interactive application is further broadcast to the user interfaces.

Abstract: A system is described for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals from a display device 10 by a hand-held device 12, such as a smart card, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or mobile phone. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The users directs the hand-held device 12 toward display device 10 by placing leading edge 18 in the path of the video signal. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device 12. Aiming light 24 and/or audio transducer 34 alert the user of hand-held device 12 that auxiliary data is being received. The auxiliary data is then utilized by hand-held device 12.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording a channel included in programming content without degrading or lessening the quality of the channel. Programming content is received at a set top box where a tuner is used to tune a group of channels included in the programming content. A transport is used to demultiplex the group of channels such that the channel to be recorded is produced. Instead of being decoded, the channel is directed to a storage medium where it is recorded in a digital form. The channel is not degraded because it has not been converted to an analog equivalent and re-encoded. The channel is stored as it was received by the tuner. Because the tuner may be used to record a channel, the set top box may either display the channel being recorded by simultaneously decoding the channel or the set top box has the option of retrieving a previously recorded channel that is subsequently decoded and displayed to a user.

Abstract: An interactive entertainment system (game) that provides rewards to a player by accumulating clues, wherein one or more clues provide a revenue node is described. Revenue nodes from various sources provide financial incentive for game generation, while complexity of play, team interaction, and rewards provide incentive for player involvement. A game engine is provided to provide core functionality for the use of game developers including the players themselves, thereby creating their own games.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a digital television service where a Preview Program is transmitted along with associated Broadcast Scheduling Information (BSI) so that a viewer can easily reserve an associated Main Program for later viewing and/or recording. Different formats are provided for coding an MPEG-2 digital television signal which incorporate the Preview Program along with the associated Broadcast Scheduling Information (BSI) for the associated Main Program. Different functional architectures for Associated Digital Television Receivers (ADTVR) are also described which allow viewers to reserve the Main Programs for later viewing and/or recording. In the preferred embodiments, an RSVP Icon is simultaneously displayed with the Preview Program to inform the viewer that they may utilize the service of the preferred embodiments to easily reserve a related Main Program for later viewing and/or recording.

Abstract: Wireless communication protocol for enabling unidirectional communications in a simplex environment, or bidirectional communications in a duplex environment, between a controller and one or more controlled devices. The controller transmits video data and control data that may include voice synthesis coefficients and motor movement coefficients for processing by the controlled devices. The video data drives a display device to depict a scene, and the control data drives the controlled devices so that the controlled devices behave as characters in the scene depicted on the display device. Each controlled device is operable for recognizing messages directed to the device and for parsing these messages into control signals for a number of end effectors, such as speech synthesizers, servo motors, lights, heat sources, pumps, etc.

Abstract: A video source provides information to a communication device that results in an icon being displayed on the communications device during a preview of a television program or segment of a television program. The icon indicates to the user that a single button on a remote control or other user-controller device can be used to program the communication device, including television, video-cassette recorders, cable boxes, network computers, or the like, to display or record the desired program or program segment as the program segment is being televised or communicated. Specifically, during operation, the exact date, time, and source of the actual television program or program segment is encoded in an unused portion of a teletext data stream when the icon is present. If the communication device receives an appropriate command from its user-controlled device while the icon is displayed, a central processing unit within that communication device, saves the information together with a channel presently being viewed.

Abstract: A digital portable communications device (1) for communication via a communications network (28) has circuitry for exchanging video signals between the device and an external video apparatus (25; 31). The circuitry for exchanging video signals is arranged to exchange the video signals in the form of analog video signals. When analog video signals are used, the exchange of video signals with external video apparatuses is not limited to apparatuses adapted to a specific protocol for the exchange of digital video signals. Thus, it is not needed to have specific software drivers for different digital protocols in the communications device in order to communicate with a camera or a display unit. Any digital or analog camera, video recorder or video display unit can be used as an accessory to the communications device.

Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated microphone and a wireless transmitter for transmitting audio information captured by the microphone to the interactive television system. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the audio information and a converter for transforming the audio information into a network-compatible audio stream for transmission over a network.

Abstract: A system for viewing broadcasts from a plurality of different broadcasting companies at a plurality of desirable places can be easily constructed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus obtains a first image and display timing information of the first image via a first channel, and a second image via a second channel different from the first channel. The information processing apparatus includes a main CPU for processing the obtained second image in accordance with the contents of the first image, and a CRTC for outputting the obtained first image, the processed second image and the display timing information to a predetermined display unit to display a combined image obtained by combining the first and second images on the display unit.

Abstract: A remote response system utilizes portable response devices that receive user input and transmit user input over existing communication systems. Certain response devices communicate over wireless systems such as paging systems, while other response devices communicate over plain old telephone systems by sending data bursts or by dialing different, established telephone numbers. A user of a remote response device can communicate with a presenter of programming that is broadcast over audio/visual mediums in real time without requiring a personal computer.

Abstract: A hard-disk recorder receives a broadcasting content distributed from a satellite broadcasting service system and records it. The satellite broadcasting service system generates degree-of-exposure control data for the broadcasting content, and sends it to the hard-disk recorder through a server system. The hard-disk recorder receives the degree-of-exposure control data, and controls the degree of exposure of the recorded content according to degree-of-exposure designation included in the received degree-of-exposure control data.

Abstract: A media recording system may be provided. The recording system may include features for reducing recording cut-off of a particular media event due to changes in the start time and end time of what is scheduled to be recorded. The recording system may provide a user with an opportunity to select a program by for example, selecting a listing, to have that program automatically recorded at a scheduled time for presentation to viewers. Changes in the schedule of programs may be compensated manually or automatically when the recording system receives information about actual or predicted time changes. In a manual mode, a user may adjust start or end times based on time change information that is displayed. For an automatic mode, the recording system may automatically compensate for predicted or actual time changes that are known by automatically adjusting the start and end times of recording.

Abstract: The present invention is a programmable broadband downstream module, comprising, a bus interface, a programmable CPU, and a programmable logic. The bus interface is configured to receive a plurality of control data packets and a plurality of transport packets. The plurality of transport packets include a plurality of video transport packets, a plurality of data transport packets, or a plurality of voice transport packets. The programmable CPU is operatively coupled to the bus interface. Additionally, the programmable CPU is configured to combine the plurality of transport packets to generate a programmable CPU output. The programmable logic is operatively coupled to the programmable CPU and is configured to generate a synchronous output for said plurality of transport packets. In operation, a destination address is provided so that transport packets are submitted to a particular downstream module. The downstream module receives transport packets which are intended for the downstream module.

Abstract: A television control system for controlling different models of hospital televisions, has an input device for receiving an input from a person, and a controller for interfacing with hospital televisions. The controller generates command signal groups reflective of the input, and the command signal groups include a plurality of sequentially-generated, individual command signals for specific operational function of a plurality of different models of hospital televisions including ON/OFF, CHANNEL UP, CHANNEL DOWN, SELECT/MUSIC, PREVIOUS CHANNEL, MUTE, CLOSED CAPTION, and CHANNEL DIGIT operational functions.

Abstract: There are provided: a communicating unit (transmitting and receiving unit) that is capable of transmitting and receiving information wirelessly to and from a plurality of electronic cameras and receives identification information peculiar to a device from the electronic cameras; an inputting unit that a user uses to input the identification information peculiar to a device; and a collating unit (information processing unit) for collating the received identification information peculiar to a device with the inputted identification information peculiar to a device.

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a user-selectable icon for causing the DSS processing circuitry to present on the television a decimated video region for simultaneously displaying, in reduced form, programs that are currently being broadcast as well as a program guides logo in which there is displayed a miniature video of the current tuned channel.

Abstract: A signal output apparatus automatically determines which of a plurality of signals output from an apparatus is effective, and outputs the effective signal. For this purpose, the signal output apparatus comprises an output signal inquiring section configured to inquire an apparatus which outputs a plurality of kinds of signals about a kind of a signal output therefrom, an effective input signal determining section configured to determine which of a plurality of signals output from the apparatus is an effective input signal based on a result of inquiry by the output signal inquiring section, and a data outputting section configured to output data corresponding to the effective input signal based on a result of determination by the effective input signal determining section.

Abstract: A multimedia device for a motor vehicle includes a housing that defines a recess sized to accept a multimedia player. The multimedia player includes a front loading side through which recording media is loaded into and removed from the multimedia player. The multimedia player is pivotally fastened to housing so said multimedia player may pivot out from said housing at an angle of at least 90°. The multimedia device is preferably situated in the center console or mounted the front seats of the vehicle. Consequently, the front loading side of the multimedia player can be swung forward or backward in the vehicle, thus allowing the multimedia player to be operated conveniently both from either the front or rear seats. In addition, the multimedia player can conveniently be loaded and unloaded with recording media from either the front or rear seats.

Abstract: The digital image output apparatus comprises a digital image decoder (1a) for decoding encoded digital image data and outputting image data update information (V2); an image data transfer area control unit (7) for determining a portion of the image data which has been updated in encoding according to the image data update information (V2) and outputting a result of the determination (VCT); an image data transfer unit (2a) for transferring digital image data (V1A) from the digital image decoder (1a) to an LCD memory (4) on the basis of the output signal (VCT) from the image data transfer area control unit (7); and the LCD memory (4) for storing the digital image data (V1A). A low-power digital image output apparatus is implemented by transferring image data depending on whether the image data has been updated in encoding of a digital image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus of providing supplementary service information for A/V contents written in a recording medium. This method has a recording medium containing Presentation Language data, which have to be included like as in a digital television signal for supplementary service information in accordance with Advanced TV Enhancement Forum or Digital TV Application Software Environment standard, and reproduces, if a disk reproduction is requested, the Presentation Language data as well as requested A/V data and provides them for a connected external device such as a digital television. As a result, various video information and functions provided with Presentation Language data by a recording medium can be realized at a digital television set being able to accept Presentation Language data.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.

Abstract: An architecture for convergence systems is disclosed. The architecture includes a hardware component providing a convergence environment. A channel map services component includes a listing of receivers of programming associated with the convergence environment and a listing of channels associated with the receivers. A content services component includes a listing of programming associated with the channels of the receivers. A TV services component uses the channel map services component, and the content services component to control the hardware component of the convergence environment to manage the hardware component of the convergence environment. The TV services component controls the audio/video multiplexer to reroute programing signals from receivers to outputs audio/video multiplexer and various devices attached to the outputs. Conflicts are resolved with minimal user intervention.

Abstract: A display device consisting of an LCD or the like is provided on the front of a set-top box employed as an entrance to receive push type data, and information of a push type data service representing sports, news, weather forecast and so forth are displayed thereon. Such information is displayed by sequentially presenting the data transmitted by the push technology or in accordance with the contents selected previously by each user. Push type data can always be displayed continuously without the necessity of operating a personal computer and so forth.