Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for updating a viewer profile stored in a digital television device. The apparatus comprises: 1) receiver circuitry for receiving audio-video data packets associated with a plurality of incoming television signals and extracting therefrom at least one data request data packet containing a first data request operable to retrieve a first requested profile datum from the stored viewer profile; and 2) an update controller for receiving the at least one data request data packet from the receiver circuitry and determining if the first requested profile datum is present in the viewer profile, wherein the update controller, in response to a determination that the first requested profile datum is not present in the stored viewer profile, displays on an associated television screen information related to the first requested profile datum.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of constructing information on associate meanings between segments of a multimedia stream, which can describe the cause/effect or abstract/detail relationship between segments of the video streams to efficiently browse the video stream and a method of browsing a video using the same. The present invention defines the cause/effect or abstract/detail relationship between the segments, event intervals, scenes, shots, etc. existing within one video stream or between the video streams, and provides a method of describing the relationship in a data region based on the content of a video stream as well as a method of browsing a video by using the information on the cause/effect or abstract/detail relationship obtained by the aforementioned method. Accordingly, a video browsing on associate meanings is available with easy manipulation and easy access to a desired part, thereby providing an effective video browsing interface for easy browsing of desired segments in a short period of time.

Abstract: A system enables connection information and content description information to be separately transmitted from a broadcaster to a receiver. Thus, the description of the content may be provided to a receiver prior to the time that the information needed to specify the connection to the service such as a channel is known. By uncoupling the content description and connection information, the assignment of connection information may be managed dynamically in the broadcast network.

Abstract: A time-shifted video method has a real-time mode during which real-time video frames are delivered for display. In a time-shifted mode, time-shifted video frames are delivered for display. The time-shifted video frames are delayed relative to the real-time video frames. A real-time frame is paused during a transition from the real-time mode to the time-shifted mode.

Abstract: A method of presenting, at a client terminal, a video program stored in a server linked with the client terminal via transmission path of a limited transmission band width. Each frame of the video program comprises a basic data portion and at least one level of quality supplement data portions. In the method, in response to one of play control commands from a user, the client terminal determines a start position in the video program according to the issued play control command. The play control commands includes a play, a stop, a head search, a jump forward and a jump backward command. In response to the issued play command, the terminal obtains and uses the basic data portions for playing the video program. In response to the stop command, the terminal obtains the quality supplement data portions for the last displayed frame and uses them for displaying a quality-enhanced version of the last displayed frame.

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

Abstract: A moving image (stream data) is transmitted/reproduced between a transmission side and a receiving side. At the receiving side, an image group configuring a moving image is compressed in accordance with a predetermined compression scheme, and the compressed image group is divided into a first image group and a second image group. Then, the second image group is stored in a removably mounted storage means, and the first image group is transmitted to the receiving side via a communication line in real time. On the other hand, at the receiving side, the first image group is received and displayed in real time via the communication line. Further, a storage means having the second image group stored therein is acquired via a distribution system, thereby reproducing an image group that configures a moving image from the received first image group and the second image group read out from the storage means.

Abstract: A method for packet transmission of multimedia data in a network is provided. The method is used for transmitting a group of pictures (GOP) including a plurality of frames, wherein each frame includes a plurality of packets, and the plurality of frames are of N types of frame. The method includes the following steps. (a) Set i to one, where i is a positive integer. (b) Form an i-th transmission sequence by arranging the packets of the i-th type of frame. (c) Form an (i+1)-th transmission sequence by putting the packets of the (i+1)-th type of frame between packets of the i-th transmission sequence consecutively. (d) Increment i by one. (e) Repeat steps (c) to (d) until i is equal to N. (f) Transmit the N-th transmission sequence.

Abstract: A motion image distributing system having: file dividing means A for dividing a motion image file for predetermined time into a plurality of files for short time on the server side; file group classifying means B for classifying a plurality of the files divided by file dividing means A into a plurality of file groups F while presuming the degree of a communicating speed; and file group transmitting means C for transmitting file groups F, which are classified by file group classifying means B, stepwise in accordance with the discrimination for the communicating speed on the recipient side, and file group transmitting means C has communicating speed monitoring means D for monitoring the communicating speed of file groups F by itself, when loading file groups F on the recipient side, and allowing file groups F to be sequentially loaded in accordance with a margin.

Abstract: A method of efficiently transmitting streamed data of a program to multiple clients requesting the program at different times ranks the requests in a multilevel hierarchy, which describes merging of data streams servicing the requests. The multilevel hierarchy changes dynamically as new requests arrive or existing data streams are merged to reduce the bandwidth or other costs required to serve the requests. The hierarchy may be established by simple rules or by a modeling of the actual cost of possible hierarchies.

Abstract: The time required to review or playback multi-media program material can be controlled to reduce the time required to review a program. Segments of the program are indexed to mark their beginning and/or end. By detecting segments in the program material, segments can be selectively played back that are of interest to a viewer with other segments being skipped over.

Abstract: Video-coded information is transmitted over a network at a priority level that is determined based on feedback from the network. In an embodiment, the feedback comprises a response to a request for information on whether the network currently has the available capacity to transmit additional high priority traffic. In an embodiment, a candidate base layer frame is transmitted over the network as a base layer frame if permission to send high priority data was granted and is transmitted over the network as an enhancement layer frame if permission to send high priority data was denied. In a further embodiment, the a candidate base layer frame deleted if permission to send high priority data was denied.

Abstract: A data stream format for transmission of data frames between a computer and a video client via an interface, the data stream being a plurality of data frames transmitted sequentially, each data frame comprising: a frame header; video data, the video data following the frame header; and audio data, the audio data following the video data.

Abstract: Described herein is a technology facilitating the presentation of digital video streams. An implementation, described herein, reduces the effective start-up delay in the presentation of the first frames of the video content that occurs when a system tunes into a video stream. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A method of sending packets to a multiplicity of subscribers in a multicast subscription system includes monitoring the activity at a NACK server. The method also includes disturbing the flow of data between the sender and the subscribers. The latter may include creating a NACK generation incident in order to determine if the sender has any attentive subscribers.

Abstract: Motion picture distribution is performed by converting the motion pictures into digital video signals, combining the video signals with code elements or icons positioned in the active picture area of images formed by the video signals and sent via satellite to theaters or other receiving locations. The video signals are stored at the receiving locations and displayed repetitively to audiences by means of a projection television system. The coded areas in the pictures are used to transmit motion picture identification, theater authorization and other information which can be used to control the distribution and display of the motion pictures. Reports regarding playing of the motion picture are transmitted from each display site to the offices of the remote distributor. Motion pictures are edited by converting the film into video signals, inserting coded areas into the active picture areas of the video signals to provide time codes, edge codes and related information useful for editing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for changing channels in a digital television transport stream, which comprises accessing the digital television transport stream, itself comprising a plurality of multiplexed channels, by using a first tuner, displaying a first program channel from the digital television transport stream, detecting and storing in a buffer memory recent video data from a second channel while displaying the first channel by using a second tuner, immediately recalling and presenting a complete video frame from the stored video data of the second channel for display when the second channel is selected by the user, and displaying real-time video from the second channel when decodable real-time video data is available from the transport stream.

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: This invention relates to an information delivery system, an information delivery method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method used advantageously to deliver content stream data easily, reliably and inexpensively to the general users. A personal computer 12 prepares a content file and an order form file using software provided by a center system 4, and transmits the prepared files to the center system 4 over the Internet 1. Given the order form file from a customer device 2, the center system 4 encodes a content file accordingly to generate content stream data and causes a moving picture delivery server 25 to deliver the generated stream data to user terminals 3. This invention can be applied, among others, to systems for delivering content data over the Internet.

Abstract: A contents delivery method which eliminates the need for the prior synthesis and storing of delivery contents and thus allows a reduction in memory capacity even when the contents to be delivered consist of a plurality of pieces of material contents which are synthesized. Scenario data for defining the replay order of materials of contents to be delivered, or material contents, along a time axis is used to fetch and deliver material contents specified by the scenario data. The scenario data includes the attribute of delivery contents, and the attributes, replay times, replay modes, replay applications, source terminal operation information, destination terminal operation information, and location information of the material contents specified. There are also provided scenario templates and scenario dictionaries for scenario creation, and a function for creating scenarios automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to control of signal decoding in a set of subscriber receivers belonging to subscribers of mass distributed coded signals, such as digital satellite channels, which are conveyed via different distribution resources. By means of a central transmission of control signals to the subscriber receivers the decoding therein of the signals can be controlled, such that during certain periods a signal including a content being directed to each subscriber can be decoded in the respective subscriber receiver. Thereby commercial messages and other kinds of controlled or interest defined information can be focused to a relevant target group at the same time as the distribution resources are utilized efficiently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multi-media data, e.g., video and audio data, corresponding to television programs, movies, local advertising, etc. are described. Video on demand services such as pay-per-view (PPV) services are supported by caching initial portions of PPV programs in user devices such as cable set top boxes and satellite receivers. In response to a request for a PPV movie, the user is immediately presented with the movie by outputting data corresponding to the requested program from the cache. During the presentation of the PPV program to the user, the cached data is supplemented with broadcast data obtained from a time staggered repetitive broadcasting of the requested PPV movie. A variety of regional news programs are also made available to a user of the invention through the use of program segment caching. Regional news program segments are cached prior to presentation time.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of MPEG encoded television signals from a Video-On-Demand server (1) to a receiver (2) via a network (3). Non-linear playback functions such as ‘pause’ and ‘resume’ require a very accurate control of the bit stream, taking account of typical network aspects such as network latency and remultiplexing. In order to allow the receiver to flawlessly resume signal reproduction after a pause, position labels (p; 5,6; 7a,7b,8a,8b) are inserted into the bit stream at positions where the server can resume transmission of the signal after an interruption. Upon a pause request, the decoder initially continues the reproduction until such a position label is detected. The subsequent bits delivered by the network are ignored, i.e. they are thrown away. Upon a request to resume reproduction, the receiver requests the server to retransmit the signal starting at the detected position.

Abstract: An audio-video multiplexed data generation apparatus of the present invention multiplexes spare video data encoded at a lower frame rate than that of video data together with audio and video data through a spare-video encoder and a spare-video-data storage. An audio-video multiplexed data reproducing apparatus of the present invention decodes spare video data if video decoding is not completed within a predetermined time and, when it becomes possible to complete video decoding within the predetermined time, ordinarily decodes the video data. Multiplexing the low-frame-rate spare video data together with the ordinary video data allows irregularities in reproduced video to be minimized and synchronization between audio and video data to be restored if real-time reproduction becomes difficult to accomplish.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a video stream from a server to a client over a network include a memory for storing a forward-encoded bit-stream and a reverse-encoded bit-stream for a video data. The forward-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames encoded without inter-frame dependencies and P-frames encoded depending on forward-direction preceding frames, and the reverse-encoded bit-stream includes I-frames and P-frames encoded depending on reverse-direction preceding frames. When the server receives a request with a video cassette recording (VCR) function from the client, the server reads out and transmits frames selectively from among the first, second, third, and fourth frames in accordance with the request. The server can select the closest I-frame to a requested frame in either bit-stream for a fast-mode play or a random-access play, and switch the bit-streams to use subsequent P-frames in a different direction than that of the closest I-frame.

Abstract: A video-on-demand system encodes multiple video streams from media content, such that the video streams have staggered intra-frame intervals. When a client device requests a video stream, the video-on-demand system selects one of the multiple video streams based on the position of the intra-frames, and transmits the selected video stream to the client device.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a time reference for television services includes receiving a transport stream encoding a plurality of television services, and processing at least one of the television services by a first decoder, including receiving time reference data included in the transport stream, estimating a delay in receiving the time reference data, and maintaining the time reference according to the received time reference data and the estimated delay.

Abstract: In a processing method performed by a digital television receiver (18), a transport stream (84) is received. Data packets of the transport stream (84) associated with a selected audio/video offering are selected and sorted (90) into an audio/video component (92) and at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). Component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are assigned (100) to the audio/video component (92) and the at least one supplemental component (94, 96, 98). The component identifiers (102, 104, 106, 108) are displayed (124) to an associated user. One or more selections of components are received (126) to include in a performance of the offering. The selected components are performed (154, 156, 158).

Abstract: When transmission of on-demand video data interrupts transmission of broadcast video data from a distribution server 17 to a user terminal 18, the distribution server 17 transmits substitute I frame data to the terminal 18 after on-demand video data transmission in complete and before resuming broadcast video data transmission. The user terminal 18 decodes and displays the substitute I frame data, and then uses the decoded substitute I frame data as a reference frame to decode and display the first several frames of broadcast video data received directly after resumption of transmission.

Abstract: A personal video recorder records and plays back a television program in a user-defined playback mode while preserving content advisory rating information. A decoder parses a digital transport stream comprising transport stream packets containing the television program and generates navigation data. A source of content advisory rating information corresponding to said television program is provided. This source of content advisory rating information may be within the digital transport stream. A non-volatile storage unit is used for saving each of the frames of the television program in a transport stream file and for saving the navigation data in a navigation data file. The navigation data includes pointers that point to a location of each of the frames of the television program in the transport stream file and content advisory rating information associated with each of the frames from the source of content advisory rating information.

Abstract: A method and system of providing control by a client of a Web-cast from a telephone, the method comprising: receiving from the client Web-cast configuration data at a web server, updating Web-cast parameters in accordance with the Web-cast configuration data and storing the Web-cast parameters in a database; receiving initiation instructions at the telephony server for the Web-cast from the client via the telephone and initiating the Web-cast in accordance with the Web-cast parameters stored in the database; receiving content data at the telephony server from the telephone, formatting the content data at the telephony server, storing the content data at a file storage server and providing content pull instructions to an encoder server; receiving the content pull instructions at the encoder server, pulling the content from the file storage server based upon the content pull instructions and encoding the content into streaming content at the encoder server; and receiving the streaming content at a media server

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium are provided for modeling a personal television system. A computer implemented model of a video processing chain is formed, including processing steps performed by the personal television system on a received video signal; one or more additional functions are inserted into the model, including a first function portion that represents encoding of the video signal within the personal television system before storage and a second function portion that represents decoding of stored encoded video data within the personal television system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving video data arranged in data frames forming a data stream. Each frame has assigned a priority level. Once a data frame has been transmitted through an unreliable channel and has not been received at the receiver, the priority level of the missing data frame is compared with a priority threshold value, and is then retransmitted if its priority level is greater than the priority threshold value. The retransmission decision is performed either at the transmitting or at the receiving side. According to a preferred embodiment, the priority level of any data frame to be transmitted is compared with the threshold value. The priority decision may involve the calculation of the priority threshold value based on a measurement of the available channel bandwidths and eventually on the bit rate of previously sent frames. The retransmission decision further may include an estimation of the arrival time of the data frame to be retransmitted.

Abstract: A computing system that has access to a streamed multimedia sample that is stored on a storage medium applies a zero-based presentation timestamp numbering scheme to the data packets of the multimedia sample, on-the-fly, and after each seek operation. After seeking to a desired starting point, the computing system reads ahead a maximum number of data packets within each media stream of the multimedia sample. A smallest timestamp (normalizing presentation timestamp) is identified and then subtracted from the timestamps of the data packets that are transmitted to the appropriate rendering devices, thereby creating appropriate presentation timestamps for the data packets for synchronizing the playback of the multimedia sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system to facilitate image difference transmission for images in a video system. The system operates by receiving a video stream that includes a sequence of images. The system transforms a first frame of the sequence of images using a transform function to create a first transformed image. Note that this transform function places the image salience in the larger coefficients. The system also transforms a second frame using the same transform function to create a second transformed image. The system then subtracts the second transformed image from the first transformed image to create a difference-transformed image. The coefficients are arranged in order of size, from larger to smaller. Smaller coefficients, that are less than a specific threshold, are removed from the difference-transformed image so that this difference-transformed image can be stored and transmitted with reduced bandwidth while maintaining image salience.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for processing multimedia content from multiple sources. The system can adjust the viewable size of a video stream as well as control how additional customized graphics and text are integrated together to produce a single multimedia output stream. The layout and content of the output is completely configurable to accommodate text (ex: notices, scrollers, tickers), images (ex: logos, advertisements, banners), audio, and streaming video (ex: movies, cable, satellite, games).

Abstract: A system for monitoring a selected channel signal included within a multiplex of channel signals and for transmitting a representation of the selected channel signal to a monitoring location is disclosed. The system includes a demultiplexer which receives the multiplex of channel signals and demultiplexes the selected channel signal in response to a channel select command. A transmitter unit receives the demultiplexed channel signal from the demultiplexer, compresses the demultiplexed channel signal, converts the compressed demultiplexed channel signal to a packet signal and transmits the packet signal to the monitoring location via a telecommunications link.

Abstract: A transmitter unit for receiving a channel signal and transmitting a representation of the channel signal to a monitoring location. The transmitter unit includes an encoder unit which compresses the received channel signal to a selectable bit rate. The encoder also converts the compressed channel signal to a packet signal for transmission to the monitoring location via a telecommunication link and adjusts a packet rate of the packet signal to conform to the bit rate of the compressed channel signal. The transmitter unit also includes an infrared control unit for receiving a demultiplexer command signal from the encoder unit and transmitting the demultiplexer command signal by an infrared signal.

Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, a broadcast program stream is transmitted to broadcast programming content, and the broadcast program stream is recorded in a headend of the system to enable a user to perform network private video recorder (NPVR) functions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding) on the programming content in the recorded program stream. In accordance with the invention, a delay is introduced into the transmission of the broadcast program stream to reduce the unsynchronization between its transmission and that of the recorded program stream. In an illustrative embodiment, the amount of the delay is a function of the time required for recording the broadcast program stream and processing a user request for a recorded program stream. In another embodiment, the amount of the delay is predetermined.

Abstract: A method for controlling presentation of items of enhanced content in an interactive television system comprising at least one distribution unit and a plurality of decoder units arranged to store items of enhanced content and cause them to be presented to a user on receipt of a trigger signal from the distribution unit, the method comprising: storing the items of enhanced content at the decoder units; storing at the distribution unit a schedule indicating a desired synchronisation between the items of enhanced content and a running program with which the enhanced content is associated, the running program comprising a timing stream and a series of periodic indications of the identity of the running program; transmitting the running program to the decoder units over a transmission channel via the distribution unit; and at the distribution unit analysing traffic passing over the transmission channel so as to determine whether the said periodic indications of the identity of the running program continue to be de

Abstract: A system for the delivery of video on demand (VOD). A wireless remote control device generates keystroke signals for controlling a TV display and has a single button for restarting a selected program at a beginning of the selected program. A head-end unit supports separate downstream virtual channels for each separate TV set connected on a common TV feeder-cable; The head-end unit locally records and stores many programs, and transmits each program using a compressed digital format. The Compressed digital format may use MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. The head-end unit has means for protecting against signal theft. A set top unit encapsulates the keystroke signals and transmits the keystroke signals via a two-way channel to the head-end unit.

Abstract: An architecture for distributing digital information to subscriber units wherein selection from among multiple digital services is accomplished by transmitting a tuning command from a subscriber unit to an intermediate interface. The intermediate interface selects the desired service from a broadband network and transmits it to the subscriber unit over a bandwidth-constrained access line. The bandwidth-constrained access line may be implemented with existing infrastructure, yet the subscriber unit may access a wide variety of digital information -available on the broadband network. Universal broadband access is thus provided at low cost.

Abstract: A set-top box system and method for viewing digital broadcasts.

Abstract: A user having a certain channel-bandwidth access to an interactive digital network, such as the internet, uploads control data to an allotted multiresolution data processor of a server system that downloads, to the user image content (e.g., a motion picture requested by the user) data, which may be statistically compressed. While the server system supplies the requested content as an input to the multiresolution data processor in uncompressed form at highest, spatial, temporal and color resolutions, the multiresolution data processor calculates the downloading bit rate and reduced spatial, temporal and/or color resolutions of the downloaded content in accordance with the uploaded control data from the user that defines the user's channel bandwidth and may also define the user's desired lower spatial, temporal and/or color resolutions.

Abstract: Different types of media (text, sound, animated images, . . . ) are transmitted to a relay center. According to the invention, this data is split up in terms of common synchronization points (PS0, . . . , PS4), and packets are assembled together combing all of the data of each media type that is defined between identical synchronization points. As a result, each packet contains data that is to be executed simultaneously on the telecommunications terminal. A particular application lies with mobile terminals.

Abstract: A demand television system comprising a broadcast encoder and a storage encoder. The broadcast encoder encodes a real-time video frame sequence to form a broadcast bitstream and broadcasts the broadcast bitstream to a plurality of subscriber equipment, while simultaneously the storage encoder encodes the real-time video frame sequence to form a storage bitstream that is stored in an information server. The subscriber equipment decodes the broadcast bitstream to display the broadcast program. At any time, the subscriber equipment may request to review the information previously displayed in the broadcast bitstream. As such, the storage bitstream is transmitted to the subscriber equipment. The storage bitstream facilitates standard play of the previously broadcast information as well as trick play such as fast forward and fast reverse functions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed-change playback apparatus of a digital TV which performs better fast forward and backward performances by analyzing a transport stream inputted at the time of a time shift service and a method thereof. An MPEG decoder detects I picture location information in a TP packet by analyzing a TP packet inputted at the time of a time shift service, and a time shift software module extracts a TP packet constituting the I picture from the stored TP packets by the detected I picture location information and feeds to the MPEG decoder. Therefore, fast forward and fast backward performances can be efficiently performed by adding a simple logic which analyzes the TP packet to the MPEG decoder.