Abstract: A controller device of one manufacturer discriminates whether or not SDD data of a newly network-connected target device is SDD data of target device of the same manufacturer, if the number of records in a table in the controller device is already at maximum value. If this discrimination indicates that the SDD data of the newly network-connected target device is SDD data of target device of the same manufacturer, then the controller device deletes, from records stored in the table, a record having ID code of a different manufacturer, and stores, in the table, a record based on and edited from the SDD data of the newly network-connected target device. Thereby, it becomes possible for the controller device to store, by priority in the table, DCM code units storing control programs of target devices of the same manufacturer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports hoarding having at least one contact sensor and at least one actuator with the actuator initiating an advertising message when the sensor produces a signal as a result of an impacting body.

Abstract: A remote cable system for wirelessly transmitting an input wired signal to a remote playback device having a transmitting component for receiving the input wired signal and transmitting the input wired signal as a wireless RF signal and a receiving component for receiving the wireless RF signal and transmitting the wireless RF signal as an output wired signal to the remote playback device.

Abstract: A method includes 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 (305), to assist a user to manually establish a pertinent transmission path. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a means for storing device capability information. Also included is a memory (306) for storing capability information of other devices. An analog input terminal (302) and a digital input/output terminal (300) are included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing a rack mounted computer system which transmits a digital video signal through multiple computers. The computer system includes a plurality of computers and a plurality of cables connecting the plurality of computers in a serial manner, where the plurality of cables transmits a digital video signal from one of the plurality of computers. By transmitting the video signals in a digital format, signal degradation is decreased, providing a clearer video signal at the display. Multiplexers internal to each computer are provided, allowing a more cost effective use of space than conventional rack mounted systems where external multiplexers are required. The preferred embodiment utilizes a cabling scheme where the computers are connected in a serial manner. By connecting the computers serially, short cable hops between the computers may be used, decreasing the cost in cable length. Such short cable hops are also physically easier to wire.

Abstract: Described is a display monitor comprising a receiver to receive compressed graphics data and a graphics decompression device to provide decompressed graphics data based upon the compressed graphics data. A display device may then generate an image in response to the decompressed graphics data.

Abstract: A transport stream with embedded projector configuration data 208 being carried along with the video for use in digital cinema projector setup. The embedded configuration data consists of sub-packets 304 of setup data information for such parameters as gamma tables, color management system information, relative luminance level, format and range of the sampled data, 3D/2D presentation information, frame rate, image size, aspect ratio, font tables, and language provision. This approach assures that the projector 404 is setup properly and also permits on-the-fly changes to the projector's parameters, which may be used for artistic effects in the movie.

Abstract: A method is described for scheduling a playlist from digital content supplied to a server in a multi-screen digital cinema theater, where the playlist includes components of the content stored in the server and represents a digital entity that is subsequently projected in the digital cinema theater.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a central content management system for providing digital content to one or more movie theatre complexes, each complex having one or more electronic display devices. The system includes a central management content assembly for assembling and transmitting the digital content and an instruction set associated with the digital content; a theatre complex assembly located at each movie theatre complex for receiving, storing and queuing the data pursuant to the instruction set, and a audio/video/graphics matrix for routing the digital content to one or more electronic display assemblies pursuant to the instruction set. The electronic display assemblies can include screens of a movie theatre, video walls, plasma screens, monitors, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An end-to-end global distribution system that can produce and deliver live content as well as pre-recorded content and other content, to commercial passenger aircraft via a satellite and ground-based infrastructure. The content can include live television, pre-recorded content, advertisements as well as other content such as software applications, internet material, etc. The delivered content can be tailored based on distribution criteria such as airline, aircraft, origin and destination, flight number, cabin class, and others. Such system can be advertiser-supported and include targeted and distribution specific advertisements. Furthermore, access to the content can be controlled by various conditional access parameters at the server level, to various aircraft zones, and at the passenger level.

Abstract: A video system includes a plurality of frames of video each of which is defined by a plurality of scene elements. The scene elements for a respective frame together define an image of the frame. First auxiliary data is descriptive of a first scene element of the frame and second auxiliary data is descriptive of a second scene element of the frame. A sending device sends the frame of video, including its scene elements, the first auxiliary data, and the second auxiliary data, from the sending device to a receiving device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a system propagating wireless home networking communication signals to a system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable system to a device capable of receiving television signals that includes a three-port adapter having an antenna port, a first coaxial cable port and a second coaxial cable port. The antenna port is coupled to the system propagating home networking communications signals. The first coaxial cable port is coupled to the system propagating television signals over a coaxial cable. The second coaxial cable port is coupled to a device capable of receiving television signals.

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

Abstract: A digital personal video stream manager (102) includes a control processor (202), a media interface (204), and one or more control interfaces. The media interface (204) can receive broadband audio and video and convert it into digital file format for transmission on a LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11 based wireless LAN, to a personal computer (110). The media interface (204) can likewise receive digital media files from the personal computer (110) via the wireless interface, and convert them to a format for playback by the audio system (118) or television (116). Further, the digital personal video stream manager (102) can receive controls from remote users to supervise media recording. The control interfaces allow control of the digital personal video stream manager, such as via infrared remote controls.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a digital transport stream on a digital settop box has independent properties in network construction between a broadcasting HE equipment or VOD server and the settop box, by controlling network interfaces and streams for both an ATM network and an IP network on one xDSL settop box. The apparatus can smoothly cope with network construction by providing services in an ATM mode in an environment requiring high quality of service, and in an IP mode in an environment requiring a low network building cost. When the broadcasting is connected to the ATM network and the VOD is connected to the IP network, the apparatus can provide services without incorporating the networks. In addition, as compared with the ATM mode, the IP mode processes decapsulation and IP routing of an MPEG transport stream packet in a software type, and thus does not require special hardware. That is, both the ATM mode and the IP mode can be controlled in the same hardware construction as the ATM mode.

Abstract: A control command, which has a command header sequence and a sequence of n parameters, is generated in a data source of a local network. The control command has a variable length defined by the data source. The control command is passed to the ring data line of the local network and is forwarded to a data sink. This data sink contains a control unit, a picture output unit, an interface and a memory, in which video data are stored. The video data can be read out and displayed on the picture output unit. The control command has n parameters of which the first m parameters are interpreted by the control unit. The number m is determined by the properties of the data sink and is independent of the properties of the data source. Using the m interpreted parameters, specific video data are read from the memory and are reproduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicular wireless audio/video record/playback unit, wherein the unit detects satellite, AM/FM radio and television broadcasts including new music release and live music and entertainment events and upon detection of a commercial break, station break, distortion or satellite interruptions, the unit pauses a recording function until the commercial or station break, distortion or satellite interruptions are eliminated. The unit supports internet access, on-line banking, stock market trading, commodity and precious stone/metal trading.

Abstract: Systems and methods of billing and authentication of a communication device in a communication network are provided. In one embodiment, the system may comprise, for example, at least one communication device, a communication network, information content, and a card. The communication device may be deployed at a location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to that location. The information content may reside on the communication network and the location. The card may carry information related to one or more user-defined selections of the information content and may allow the communication device to access the user-defined selections.

Abstract: A library of video advertisements are stored at a clearing house for distribution to a plurality of geographically separated theaters along with display schedules of the transmitted video advertisements. A network such as the Internet connects the clearing house to the theaters. At the theaters, the transmitted video advertisements are displayed according to the schedules. A log of the displayed advertisements is compiled at each theater and transmitted by the network to the clearing house. In addition, one or more parameters representative of attendance and/or demographics at the theater are also transmitted by the network to the clearing house.

Abstract: A variable-rate compressed multimedia data stream is typically characterized by relatively short intervals of relatively high local bitrate between relatively long intervals of relatively low bitrate. Typically, the perceived quality of the presentation at playback depends heavily on this data with locally high rate. However, it is this segment that is also most susceptible to stalls in bandwidth, and most limited by underflow constraints imposed by most current streaming techniques. This invention provides a novel simple solution to maximize use of all available bandwidth to pre-stream such data in an auxiliary channel while streaming the rest of the presentation along a main channel, called Tortoise and Hare Streaming. This method also realizes high robustness in the face of jittery bandwidths with minimal additional memory or computation resources at both the server and the client. Methods to decide which channel a given block of data should be allocated to for transmission are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for installing and operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system preferably includes installing an entertainment source on the aircraft; installing spaced apart signal distribution devices, each generating audio signals for at least one passenger in an audio-only mode, and generating audio and video signals to at least one passenger in an audio/video mode; installing a cable network connecting the entertainment source to the signal distribution devices; and operating the aircraft in-flight entertainment system with at least one predetermined signal distribution device in the audio-only mode. In addition, the method preferably includes later upgrading the aircraft in-flight entertainment system by connecting at least one passenger video display to the at least one predetermined signal distribution device to operate in the audio/video mode and while leaving the cable network unchanged.

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 communication node for enabling interworking of a first network in which data transfer is based on a combination of request and response and a second network in which data transfer is not based on a combination of request and response is disclosed. In the communication node, a packet conversion processing is applied to a first packet received by the first interface on the first network side so as to obtain a second packet corresponding to the second network at a time of executing an application across the first network and the second network, and a correspondence between the first packet and the second packet is stored in a packet correspondence memory. Then, a destination node on the first network to which a response packet is to be transferred is identified by referring to the packet correspondence memory using an information of the response packet at a time of receiving the response packet corresponding to the second packet by the second interface on the second network side.

Abstract: An integrated receiver with dual channel transport stream decoding and delivery substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides multiple time-base clocks for two transport streams. Transport processor circuitry uses multiple PCRs to track transport streams through decoding, storage and or delivery of the decoded signals for display. Provision of a multiple time-base clock for decoding and delivering multiple transport streams allows display of the two de coded audio-video signals on independent monitors.

Abstract: An interactive bed display for use in a retail setting to provide product information to a person, the interactive bed display comprising a bed including a mattress adapted to support the person, and a self-contained audio/video unit positioned to encourage the person to lie on the mattress such that the person is in a position to experience the benefits of the mattress, wherein the self-contained audio/video unit includes multiple stored audio/video segments and is adapted to receive an input generated from the person on the mattress, and wherein the self-contained audio/video unit is adapted to deliver at least one of the multiple stored audio/video segments to the person on the mattress based on the input.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing content to an event attendee. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to capturing event content at an event venue, storing the captured event content, and wirelessly transmitting content to the event attendee within the event venue, the wirelessly transmitted content including at least a portion of the captured event content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a primary device that detects the proximity of additional remote devices, which are intended to be within the same local network. The primary device communicates with the remote devices using wireless communication. In the event that the remote devices are outside of a predetermined range, the remote devices are disabled.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring digital visual interface (DVI) signals to a remote location. In one embodiment, a computer in a first location is coupled to a digital display device (e.g. a digital flat panel display) in a remote second location. The computer system generates DVI signals. The DVI signals may be converted into analog video signals by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and transmitted to the second location. An analog to digital converter (ADC) at the second location may reconvert the analog video signals into DVI signals. The DVI signals may then be sent to the display device to generate images presented on the display device. Control, clock, and/or human interface device (HID) (e.g., mouse, keyboard, etc.) signals may be transmitted with the DVI signals to the second location. HID signals may also be transmitted from the second location to the computer over the same transmission medium.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of remote control devices receives user-initiated video selections of any of direct broadcast satellite (DBS) channels, digital subscriber line (DSL) video content, and combinations of DBS channels and DSL video content. Based on the selections, each of a plurality of video processing modules is responsive to a corresponding one of the remote control devices to request any of a DBS channel, DSL video content, and a combination of a DBS channel and DSL video content, and to generate a television signal based thereon. A DBS distribution module simultaneously receives and distributes all DBS channels requested by the video processing modules. A DSL modem receives any DSL video content requested by the video processing modules. A networking module distributes the DSL video content to those of the video processing modules requesting same.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of parental control subsystems within an entertainment system is provided. The system includes a computer interfaced to a plurality of audio and/or audiovisual devices, wherein at least two of the audio and/or audiovisual devices within the system each comprise a native parental control subsystem or locking mechanism having adjustable parameters. A software locking mechanism operates the computer to allow a user to input one or more general parental control parameters and then sets the adjustable parameters of each native parental control subsystem within the system by mapping the parental control parameters onto each separate, native mechanisms for each device.

Abstract: An integrated home network system for providing multimedia services enables each subscriber to view a high definition television (HDTV) broadcast and to use high-speed Internet by connecting one external line to only one terminal device and to provide an integrated terminal device for the integrated home network system.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which may comprise an upstream source of broadband communications and a downstream local area network, wherein the upstream source of broadband communications is coupled to the downstream local area network through a notch filter. In some embodiments, the upstream source of broadband communications may be a cable television service provider, and the local area computer network may use existing cable television wiring as communication cable.

Abstract: A system for permitting an interface between a centralized in-home computing apparatus and a plurality of remotely situated in-home communications stations is provided. The system includes a two-way signal path for facilitating communication between the centralized computing apparatus and the communications stations, and a connection to an external signal distribution system such as a cable television (CATV) system. A frequency sensitive splitter/reflector is employed for reflecting input signals generated from the communications stations, and output signals, generated from the computing apparatus, along the signal path. The splitter/reflector blocks signals from the communications stations and the computing apparatus from moving onto the CATV system while allowing signals from the CATV system to move through the splitter/reflector, onto the signal path to the communications stations and computing apparatus.

Abstract: A video/audio system includes an interface device that receives a plurality of audio and video signals from a plurality of sources. The interface device combines these signals into various combinations and transmits the combinations to a receiver. The receiver is configured to interface one of the combinations of signals with a user. In this regard, the receiver allows the user to select one of the combinations, and in response, the receiver separates the video signal(s) of the selected combination from the audio signal(s) of the selected combination. Then, the receiver renders the video signal(s) via a display device and produces a sound defined by the audio signal(s) via a speaker. Accordingly, the user is able to control which set of audio and video signals are interfaced with the user.

Abstract: In-flight passenger entertainment system for an aircraft or other vehicle, utilizes a distributed network server architecture to host and support a variety of audio/visual content providing applications. A communications management unit provides connectivity between the distributed network architecture and various satellite, wireless, or ground broadband signal sources. A distributed server architecture implemented in a wireless LAN configuration, allows passengers to access World Wide Web functionality, e-mail functionality as well as multimedia content, broadcast television, cellular telephone communication, and the like. Individual nodes of the distributed network architecture host individual ones of the various communication applications such that a central server and centralized distribution network is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A transmission system according to the invention comprises a wireless access point (7) having a coverage area covering at least part of the site (1) at which an event is taking place, intended to receive video streams relating to said event and to relay them to spectators (S1, S2, S3) who are physically present at said event and equipped with a portable display device.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture suitable for transmitting a programmable message in place of or intermixed into a streaming media data stream to a receiving device upon receipt of an event is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for self-contained, low-power re-broadcast and reception of content signals at least contains a content signal transmitter adapted to transmit/re-broadcast a content signal which it has Frequency Modulated (FM), at least includes one receiver adapted to receive the FM content signal, a cable infrastructure with cables adapted for transmitting in-building content signals, and an antenna connected to a cable and placed in the effective range of the receiver, given predefined maximum antenna power limits (such as those defined by the Federal Communications Commission). Consequently, receivers which do not have (or have available) coaxial cable jacks, or those which do have coaxial cable jacks but are not physically reachable by coaxial can still receive re-broadcast content signals. In the preferred embodiment, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit is connected between the cable and the antenna to maintain the signal transmitted power level close to the allowable maximum, while not exceeding it.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gateway providing an open software interface to control in-home communications and to enable in-home devices of various divergent technologies to selectively access external communication features. An in-home communication network utilizes any one or more of several available in-home digital networking media to connect the gateway to device interfaces. The gateway comprises interfaces to a plurality of external communication networks, and one or more in-home communication media, a router coupled to the various interfaces and a controller. Each device specific accessing the in-home network connects to media through a device interface. There will be different interfaces for enabling access by different types of customer premises devices. Each device interface provides physical access to the media as well as functional interfacing, to enable operation with the particular type of customer premises device.

Abstract: In a method for the transmission of audiovisual signals between at least one source node and at least one destination node of a home audiovisual network, said source node or nodes insert a piece of information, into said audiovisual signals, to control the copying and/or broadcasting of said audiovisual signals by said destination node or nodes.

Abstract: A conventional display system carried on a railroad train has the problem that it cannot distribute image signal to the cars of the train when image information output means mounted in a lead car breaks down.

Abstract: The invention allows easier determination of a cooperative operation for devices connected to a LAN (50). A control unit (11) in an information processing device (10) connected to the LAN provides to a display, in accordance with selection of devices (10, 20, 30, 40) by a user, data representative of cooperative operations executable by using the selected devices. The control unit provides, to the display, data representative of cooperative operations executed in the past and recorded in a memory (12). The control unit provides to the selected devices, via the LAN, a necessary command to execute one of the executable cooperative operations that is selected by the user. The control unit provides, to the display, data representative of a device which is connected to the LAN and substitutable for a necessary device.

Abstract: A communication method and system are provided which enables the communication of data and television signals on a residential gateway network while avoiding the degradation of VDSL signals. This invention employs a new directional coupler that permits coupling between input and output ports, but only limited coupling to a television port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for exchanging data between a data provider and a data user. The starting point for the invention is a system which is known by the term “video on demand”. The system according to the invention affords a user significantly further-reaching possibilities in that the user can control from home the recordings which he intends to have stored in a database of the provider. These recordings may be, in principle, any desired data which the provider receives by various routes, e.g. via cable connection, satellite antenna, Internet, etc.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture suitable for automatically generating recommendations of a set of entertainment options from a larger set of entertainment options based on user preferences for those options. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of automatically generating recommendations for viewing television programs based on past viewing patterns and preferences of a plurality of television viewers, all of whom do not need to be physically present in front of the television. The present invention creates a composite user profile based on individual profiles for each user detected who is to be used in the composite user profile, some of whom need not be present in front of the television. Each user's preferences may be weighted the same as each other user's or users may have differing weights assigned to their preferences.

Abstract: A multicast network including a network controller for selectively merging a first data stream with a second data stream to create a third data stream. The network is designed to multicast the third data stream to a predetermined number of receivers. A number of displays are operationally coupled to the receivers. Each of the displays is mounted in a publicly accessible location. In the illustrative embodiment, the first data stream is a network television feed and the second data stream is a proprietary, third party feed with advertising content. The system is designed to simultaneously display the first data stream and the second data stream on onscreen. In the preferred embodiment, the screen is split vertically or horizontally on multiple screens.

Abstract: In a residential environment with more than one analog television set a residential gateway has a network interface module which receives signals from a telecommunications network. The signals contain compressed digital video information which is routed within the gateway to a video module for the generation of an analog video signal for a television set located near the residential gateway, and to a wireless module for transmission to a remote receiver using spread spectrum communications.

Abstract: An in-home network for distributing data is provided comprising a set-top box for connecting the in-home network to the access network. The set-top box includes memory units for storing configuration data from the access network and is connected on the home side via a digital broadband matrix to a control unit.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data across a telecommunication network, includes: partitioning a data stream into a plurality sub-streams; transmitting each sub-stream across an associated circuit switching channel in one communication session; and reconstructing the plurality of sub-streams into a single data stream. An apparatus for transmitting data from a source to a destination, includes: a channel bundler and de-bundler capable to partition a data stream into a plurality of sub-streams, the data stream transmitted from the source, the channel bundler and de-bundler capable to reconstruct the sub-streams into a single data stream for transmission to the destination; and a plurality of circuit switching channels communicatively coupled to the channel bundler and de-bundler and capable to transmit an assigned sub-stream.

Abstract: A transmission network system includes a head end for generating a downstream signal having a substantially expanded range of frequencies, a communication medium, such as a fiber optic cable and coaxial cable coupled to the head end section for routing the signal through the transmission network to a plurality of subscribers, and compensation units coupled to operative components of the system for receiving the transmitted signals, selectively amplify and attenuate the signal levels within the substantially expanded range of frequencies, and forwarding the signals to the subscribers.