CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR DETECTING SIGNAL PRESENCE OR ABSENCE

... 1427928 Video playback system RCA CORPORATION 13 April 1973 [19 April 1972] 18041/72 Heading G5R In a video disc play-back system the presence of the vertical sync component in the playedback signal is used to close a switch in the video output signal path and the absence of the component is used to actuate a video pick-up arm return mechanism and also to open said switch and mute the output signal circuit.

DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF ADVERTISEMENT IN A VIDEO DATA STREAM

PROCEDURE FOR THE USE OF BANNER ADVERTISEMENTS DURING ADVERTISING SPOTS

SWITCHING CONFIGURATION FUER A REPRODUCTION OF THE PICTURE EQUIPMENT

VIDEO PROGRAM SYSTEM CODE CONTROLS V.T.R.

AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR EDITING COMMERCIAL MESSAGES FROM TELEVISION SIGNALS

AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED COMMERCIAL MESSAGE TIMER

A commercial message timer stores data indicative of a first tuned station in response to a channel change command and begins repeatedly timing a predetermined time period. Upon each expiration of the time period, the user is reminded that the commercial message on the first tuned station may be over. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet be reminded to return (e.g. by use of a PC (previous-channel) key) to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing a videocassette recorder (VCR) the commercial timer is activated upon pressing the PAUSE key of the VCR so that the user may avoid recording the commercial message on videotape.

Procédé et appareil d'enregistrement sélectif d'une diffusion d'un programme sonore et/ou visuel.

L'INVENTION CONCERNE UN PROCEDE ET UN APPAREIL DE RECEPTION ETOU D'ENREGISTREMENT SELECTIFS D'UNE DIFFUSION DE PROGRAMME SONORE ETOU VISUEL. DANS CET APPAREIL, UN SIGNAL DE DIFFUSION, PRODUIT PAR UN ELEMENT 10, RECOIT UN CODE DE TONALITE 11 PRECEDANT CHAQUE SEGMENT DE PROGRAMME ET AUQUEL UN DISPOSITIF DE CONTROLE, DE RECEPTION ET D'ENREGISTREMENT EST SENSIBLE. CE CODE EST COMPARE A UN CODE PREALABLEMENT MEMORISE, DE MANIERE A AUTORISER OU PERMETTRE L'ENREGISTREMENT DE L'INFORMATION TRANSMISE PAR UN ELEMENT 12. DOMAINE D'APPLICATION: MAGNETOSCOPES, MAGNETOPHONES, ETC.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSING AND DECOMPRESSING A HIGHER ORDER AMBISONICS SIGNAL REPRESENTATION

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a higher order ambisonics signal representation

Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, dominant sound directions are estimated and the HOA signal representation is decomposed into dominant directional signals in time domain and related direction information, and an ambient component in HOA domain, followed by compression of the ambient component by reducing its order. The reduced-order ambient component is transformed to the spatial domain, and is perceptually coded together with the directional signals. At receiver side, the encoded directional signals and the order-reduced encoded ambient component are perceptually decompressed, the perceptually decompressed ambient signals are transformed to an HOA domain representation of reduced order, followed by order extension. The total HOA representation is re-composed from the directional signals, the corresponding ...

VIDEO REPLAY AUTOMATION WITH MANUAL CONTROL TRACK EDITING

A video recording and playback device has a control track recorder for recording a control track signal including timing edges recorded on a tape or other storage medium together with the video program. A decoder is coupled to the control track signal and to the tape drive for switching among a forward play mode, a forward skip mode and a rewind mode, as a function of play, skip and rewind codes inserted into the control track as phase variations of edges other than those used for timing, or preferably as pulses with sloping edges distinct from the timing edges. In addition to selectively skipping sections of the video program preceded by a skip code and followed by a play code, such as commercial breaks, the device permits user editing of play and skip codes and selective multiple replays of sections of the video program preceded by a play code and followed by a rewind code. Replay can be continuous or for a predetermined number of replays, encoded in the control track signal with the ...

Method for programming a recording device and programming device

Program related data contained in the broadcast signal of an advertisement for a future television show are evaluated and compared with the current TV set tuning when a LEARN button on a remote control is pressed. A VCR tunes to the present TV channel and stores the program related data for the future television show. The apparatus also ensures that a program to be recorded will start and end at the right time and that broadcast advertisements will be skipped during recording, are disclosed.

METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE EXTINCTION OF ADVERTISING CONTRIBUTIONS

SWITCHING CONFIGURATION FOR A REPRODUCTION OF THE PICTURE EQUIPMENT

BROADCAST MONITOR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING AND ELIMINATING SPECIFIC MATERIAL FROM VIDEO SIGNALS

BROADCAST MONITOR

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a Higher Order Ambisonics signal representation

Abstract Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a 5 high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for decompressing a compressed HOA signal that includes an encoded directional signal and an encoded ambient signal, the method comprises: receiving the compressed HOA signal; perceptually decoding 10 the compressed HOA signal to produce a decoded directional HOA signal and a decoded ambient HOA signal, wherein an inverse spatial transform is applied in order to determine the decoded ambient HOA signal; performing order extension on the decoded ambient HOA signal to obtain a representation 15 of the decoded ambient HOA signal; and recomposing a decoded HOA representation from the representation of the decoded ambient HOA signal and the decoded directional HOA signal.

AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR EDITING COMMERCIAL MESSAGES FROM TELEVISION SIGNALS

AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR EDITING COMMERCIAL MESSAGES FROM TELEVISION SIGNALS In order to delete commercial messages during the viewing and/or video tape recording of broadcast television signals a control circuit is disclosed for producing a commercial editing control signal at the beginning of one or more television commercial messages, which signal continues for the duration of such messages and terminates after the end of the last of such messages The control circuit incorporates detection circuitry for automatically detecting each of series of fade breaks in the video and audio components of the television signal, wherein such fade breaks normally mark the beginning and end of each of one or more commercial messages that have been inserted in the program content. The first of a series of detected fade breaks marks the beginning of a single commercial or the first commercial in a consecutive block of commercials, and succeeding fade breaks occur at time intervals that correspond ...

PROCESS AND APPARATUS Of SELECTIVE RECORDING Of a DIFFUSION Of a SOUND AND/OR VISUAL PROGRAM

System for editing commercial messages from recorded television broadcasts

A system for producing an editing control signal for a video tape recorder at the beginning of one or more television commercial messages and which continues for the duration of the commercial messages. The system incorporates a detector circuit for automatically detecting each transition in a received television signal between the program itself and the commercial messages and for producing a control pulse indicating such transition. The video tape recorder receives a television signal, after the television signal has been delayed a predetermined time interval to permit a decision to be made as to whether or not a portion of the television signal is to be deleted and the duration of the deletion. Only when a first control pulse from the detector circuit is followed by a second or more control pulses within a predetermined time interval is the commercial portion of the television signal deleted, and the deletion occurs precisely from the start of the first commercial in a group and continues ...

AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED INTERVAL TIMER FOR COMMERCIALS.

SCHALTUNGSANORDNUNG FUER EIN BILDWIEDERGABE- GERAET

CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS

Electric service to record transmissions without recording commercials

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING BROADCAST SIGNALS IN CLOSED CIRCUIT SYSTEMS

Electric service to record transmissions without recording commercials

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED COMMERCIAL MESSAGE TIMER

CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR A VIDEO DISC PLAYER

AUTOMATIC COMMERCIAL ELIMINATOR FOR USE WITH VCR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELIMINATING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL MESSAGES

A video recording and playback device (10) incorporates a processor (114) for processing the video signal to detect the presence of commercial messages. Video and audio event detectors (102, 104) detect the presence of events in the signal as it is recorded. The timing relationship of the detected events is analyzed to classify the video segments between events as program material or as commercial messages. After a program is recorded, control marks are generated (132) to indicate the beginning and end of commercial groups so that they will be skipped during subsequent replay of the recorded program.

Method and apparatus for controlling a videotape player to automatically scan past recorded commercial messages

An automatic editing device is coupled between a conventional VCR and a conventional television monitor/receiver. During recording of a television signal, data is accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data is stored in the device. At a time subsequent to the recording process, the stored data is analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events. The recording is made on a tape which has timing reference data permanently encoded thereon. During playback, the stored data for each event is compared to the timing reference data read from the tape and the VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning time of a portion of the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback. The VCR is then automatically commanded to return to the normal "play" mode when the tape reaches the ending time of ...

Video recording system

A video recording system includes a combination of a cassette type video recorder and a portable video camera, in which the recorder is provided with a battery for supplying power to both parts. The camera has first and second switches which are so made that the switches are operated in sequence for controlling an operating condition of the recorder and camera. When the first switch is actuated, a shooting operation of the camera is started and the recorder is set into a stand-by state for recording. Then by an actuation of the second switch a recording operation of the recorder is started.

Image recording/reproducing apparatus

A video recording/reproducing apparatus capable of discriminating commercial message portions even when a broadcasting mode is the same. A magnetic head records television broadcasting signals to a magnetic tape and reproduces the television broadcasting signals from this magnetic tape. When the television broadcasting signals are reduced by recording/reproducing apparatus, an audio-free portion detector detects audio-free portions from audio signals in the television broadcasting signals. Commercial message (CM) portion detector detects the commercial message portions in the television broadcasting signals by the time intervals among a plurality of audio-free portions detected by the audio-free portion detector, and a CM information memory circuit stores the information of the recording positions of the commercial message portions detected by this commercial message portion detector to the magnetic tape. When the television broadcasting signals are reproduced from the magnetic tape, reproduction ...

System for editing commercial messages from recorded television broadcasts

A system for producing an editing control signal for a video tape recorder at the beginning of one or more television commercial messages and which continues for the duration of the commercial messages. The system incorporates a detector circuit for automatically detecting each transition in a received television signal between the program itself and the commercial messages and for producing a control pulse indicating such transition. The video tape recorder receives a television signal, after the television signal has been delayed a predetermined time interval to permit a decision to be made as to whether or not a portion of the television signal is to be deleted and the duration of the deletion. Only when a first control pulse from the detector circuit is followed by a second or more control pulses within a predetermined time interval is the commercial portion of the television signal deleted, and the deletion occurs precisely from the start of the first commercial in a group and continues ...

Method and system for editing unwanted program material from broadcast signals

An improved method and system for the editing of unwanted content from transmitted program material. The system may be operated manually or automatically and its program recognition means may be positioned either locally at the controlled receiver or in a remote location. The system also has expanded editing capability to allow coordinated control of accessory devices and may be programmed without the necessity of an initial reception of unwanted content at the controlled receiver. It also simplifies and improves the reliability of previously disclosed methods for automatic program identification.

Устройство для автоматического выключения видеовоспроизводящего устройства

Zeitgeber zum Unterdrücken von Werbemitteilungen.

SELECTIVELY RECEIVING AND/OR RECORDING A BROADCAST

INTERVAL TIMER FOR SUPPRESSING REPORTS OF ADVERTISING.

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

Video replay automation with manual control track editing

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELIMINATING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL MESSAGES

A video playback device includes video and audio event detectors (102 and 104) which detect the presence of events in the video signal as it is played. When the viewer commands the device to skip past a portion of a recorded program, a processor (114) monitors the detect events to locate an event corresponding to the beginning of a next program segment. The device then returns to that location and begins normal play. Alternatively, the viewer may manually terminate the skipping process, at which time the device automatically returns to the location of the most recently detected event.

RULES FOR A DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER

The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream (402) comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field (404) of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification (410) responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio- visual content. © KIPO & WIPO 2007 ...

RESETTABLE FIXED DELAY COMMERCIAL SQUELCH CIRCUIT

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a Higher Order Ambisonics signal representation

Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, dominant sound directions are estimated and the HOA signal representation is decomposed into dominant directional signals in time domain and related direction information, and an ambient component in HOA domain, followed by compression of the ambient component by reducing its order. The reduced-order ambient component is transformed to the spatial domain, and is perceptually coded together with the directional signals. At receiver side, the encoded directional signals and the order-reduced encoded ambient component are perceptually decompressed, the perceptually decompressed ambient signals are transformed to an HOA domain representation of reduced order, followed by order extension. The total HOA representation is recomposed from the directional signals, the corresponding ...

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE TIMER

RCA 85,079 ABSTRACT A commercial message timer, when enabled by a user, stores data indicative of a first tuned station and begins timing a predetermined time period. Upon expiration of the time period, the first tuned station is automatically reselected if it had been deselected after the timer was enabled. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet have the receiver return automatically to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing PIX-IN-PIX circuity, the subject apparatus is responsive to the sequence of (1) enabling the timer and (2) changing channels for automatically moving the desired channel to the inset position. In response to the expiration of the timer period, the program displayed in the inset position is automatically r turned to the main display position.

Apparatus for Recording and Playback Television Broadcast Signal Capable of Playback with Commercials Skipped by Simple Operation

METHOD AND DEVICE TO ELIMINATE TELEVISION MESSAGES COMERCIAIR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSURING COMPLETE RECORDING OF A TELEVISION PROGRAM

The duration of a recording is automatically extended in the event that a televised program extends beyond the scheduled end of the television broadcast. Groups or "clusters" of commercial messages are detected. If no such group is found at the end of a scheduled broadcast, it is presumed that the broadcast has been extended and the recording is likewise extended. The invention again looks for a group of commercial messages at the next hour or half-hour. The recording is extended until such a group is found or until the recording has been extended by a predetermined maximum amount of time.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOCATING A COMMERCIAL DISPOSED WITHIN A VIDEO DATA STREAM

L'invention concerne un appareil de détection de pubs comprenant une unité d'exécution d'un numériseur vidéo qui acquiert des trames d'un flux de données d'entrée à analyser par une unité d'exécution d'un détecteur de coupure et d'une unité d'exécution d'un filtre. Une unité d'exécution de détection de pubs détermine si une pub vient de données créées par l'unité d'exécution du détecteur de coupure et l'unité d'exécution filtre mémorisée. Un facteur utilisé par l'unité d'exécution de détection de pubs détermine si la trame noire est apparue. Le flux de données d'entrée est divisé en plusieurs zones et une valeur maximale et minimale pour une section de ces zones est déterminée et comparée. Si les valeurs maximale et minimale sont suffisamment proches et si la valeur maximale est inférieure à un seuil, la trame est supposée être noire. L'unité d'exécution de détection de pubs tient compte aussi de la distance de trame de la coupure moyenne, de la vitesse de coupure, des variations de la ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLASSIFYING PATTERNS OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS AND COMMERCIALS

A method and apparatus for classifying patterns of television programs and commercials, based on learning and discerning of broadcast audio and video signals (12), wherein the signals might be incomplete and the number of discerning features is large. The apparatus uses a discerner device (10) containing feature extraction (22), an artificial neural network (27) and control mechanisms (26). The discerner device classifies signal patterns into classes and stores, records or displays them accordingly on different storage, recording or display devices (20) using the appropriate control mechanisms. The method is operable for classifying many types of signal patterns, but most importantly, those patterns of programs and commercials of television broadcast audio and video signals.

Reciprocating recording method and apparatus for controlling a video recorder so as to edit commercial messages from a recorded television signal

In order to edit commercial messages from an off-the-air video recording of a television signal, method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically operating a video tape recorder (VTR) so that it alternates between a normal forward record mode, and a rewind or backscan mode in response to the detection of audio and video fade conditions in the television signal which occur at the beginning and end of each commercial message. A fade detection circuit receives the television signal, while it is being recorded on the VTR, and develops a control signal in response to each detected fade transition such that a single commercial interruption in the television program will be accompanied by a first and then a second fade transition control signal marking the beginning and end of the interruption. Two consecutive commercial messages are accompanied by a first, second, and then a final or third fade control signal. Cooperating with the fade detection circuit is a reciprocating editing control ...

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a Higher Order Ambisonics signal representation

Abstract Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a 5 high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, dominant sound directions are estimated and the HOA signal representation is decomposed into dominant directional signals in time domain and related direction information, and an ambient component in HOA domain, followed by 10 compression of the ambient component by reducing its order. The reduced-order ambient component is transformed to the spatial domain, and is perceptually coded together with the directional signals. At receiver side, the encoded directional signals and the order-reduced encoded ambient 15 component are perceptually decompressed, the perceptually decompressed ambient signals are transformed to an HOA domain representation of reduced order, followed by order extension. The total HOA representation is recomposed from the directional signals ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RECEIVING AND/OR RECORDING A BROADCAST OF AN AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO PROGRAM

A selective receiving and/or recording technique for broadcast audio and/or video programs where the broadcast signal has a tone code preceding each program segment to which a monitoring-receiving-recording device is responsive, either matching the tone code with a prestored list of orders for receiving and/or recording that broadcast segment or responding to a particular code so as to disable its associated recorder to thus protect copyrighted information.

AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED COMMERCIAL MESSAGE TIMER

A commercial message timer stores data indicative of a first tuned station in response to a channel change command and begins repeatedly timing a predetermined time period. Upon each expiration of the time period, the user is reminded that the commercial message on the first tuned station may be over. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet be reminded to return (e.g. by use of a PC (previous-channel) key) to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing a videocassette recorder (VCR) the commercial timer is activated upon pressing the PAUSE key of the VCR so that the user may avoid recording the commercial message on videotape.

Rules for a digital video recorder

CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR DETECTING SIGNAL PRESENCE OR ABSENCE

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSING AND DECOMPRESSING A HIGHER ORDER AMBISONICS SIGNAL REPRESENTATION

Telecommunications device having a remote controller

A telecommunications device having a remote controller, which device contains a circuit arrangement for automatic identification of additional information in a program channel by means of which circuit arrangement a transmission of the program channel is classified into a first type for a desired transmission and into a second type for additional information. An additional button on the remote controller gives a user of the remote controller the capability to correct an incorrect classification of the transmission by means of the circuit arrangement. The circuit arrangement can be equipped with automatic-learning logic which, when a button is operated, revises previous decisions relating to the classification and redefines its criteria for the correct changeover time.

SCHALTUNG ZUR FESTSTELLUNG PERIODISCH WIEDERKEHRENDER SIGNALE

Zeitgeber zum Unterdrücken von Werbemitteilungen.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE ELIMINATION TIMER

VIDEO PROGRAM SYSTEM CODE CONTROLS V.T.R.

Video replay automation

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELIMINATING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL MESSAGES

During recording of a TV signal on a VCR, data is accumulated representing time of occurrence and duration of events in the television signal, and is stored in memory (42). A time code generator (50) generates time codes which are written on the tape as it is recorded. After recording, the stored data is analyzed to classify the content of the TV signal and a playback map is constructed and stored in memory (64). During playback, the map is retrieved and stored timing data are compared with timing reference data read from the tape. The VCR is fast forwarded when the tape reaches the beginning of a portion of the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback. The VCR is put in the "play" mode when me tape reaches the end of that portion of the video signal. Since the entire TV signal is recorded, all of the signal may be viewed, even if parts have been misclassified.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELIMINATING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL MESSAGES

During recording of a TV signal on a VCR, data is accumulated representing time of occurrence and duration of events in the television signal, and is stored in memory (42). A time code generator (50) generates time codes which are written on the tape as it is recorded. After recording, the stored data is analyzed to classify the conte nt of the TV signal and a playback map is constructed and stored in memory (64). During playback, the map is retrieved and stored timing data are compared with timing reference data read from the tape. The VCR is fast forwarded when the tape reaches the beginning of a portion o f the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback. The VCR is put in the "play" mode when me tape reaches the end of that portion of the video signal. Since the entire TV signal is recorded, all of the signal may be viewed, even if parts have been misclassified.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RECEIVING AND/OR RECORDING A BROADCAST OF AN AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO PROGRAM

System and method for locating boundaries between vidoe programs and commercial using audio categories

PROCESS AND APPARATUS Of SELECTIVE RECORDING Of a DIFFUSION Of a SOUND AND/OR VISUAL PROGRAM

L'INVENTION CONCERNE UN PROCEDE ET UN APPAREIL DE RECEPTION ETOU D'ENREGISTREMENT SELECTIFS D'UNE DIFFUSION DE PROGRAMME SONORE ETOU VISUEL. DANS CET APPAREIL, UN SIGNAL DE DIFFUSION, PRODUIT PAR UN ELEMENT 10, RECOIT UN CODE DE TONALITE 11 PRECEDANT CHAQUE SEGMENT DE PROGRAMME ET AUQUEL UN DISPOSITIF DE CONTROLE, DE RECEPTION ET D'ENREGISTREMENT EST SENSIBLE. CE CODE EST COMPARE A UN CODE PREALABLEMENT MEMORISE, DE MANIERE A AUTORISER OU PERMETTRE L'ENREGISTREMENT DE L'INFORMATION TRANSMISE PAR UN ELEMENT 12. DOMAINE D'APPLICATION: MAGNETOSCOPES, MAGNETOPHONES, ETC. THE INVENTION CONCERNS A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE RECEPTION AND / OR RECORDING OF A SOUND AND / OR VISUAL PROGRAM BROADCAST. IN THIS DEVICE, A BROADCAST SIGNAL, PRODUCED BY AN ELEMENT 10, RECEIVES A TONE CODE 11 PRECEDING EACH PROGRAM SEGMENT AND TO WHICH A CONTROL, RECEPTION AND RECORDING DEVICE IS SENSITIVE. THIS CODE IS COMPARED WITH A PREVIOUSLY STORED CODE, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE OR ENABLE THE RECORDING OF THE INFORMATION TRANSMITTED BY AN ELEMENT 12. FIELD OF APPLICATION: VCR, VCR, ETC.

CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR DETECTING SIGNAL PRESENCE OR ABSENCE

VIDEO REPLAY AUTOMATION WITH MANUAL CONTROL TRACK EDITING

Editing method and apparatus for commercials during video recording

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video recorder during the recording of a video signal containing picture information, including standard length commercials, to edit the commercials from the recording. The video signal is supplied to an automatically calibrated picture break detector, which detects dark picture breaks in the video signal having a length or duration greater than a predetermined minimum length and less than a predetermined maximum length. An timer circuit, actuated by the picture break detector, measures and identifies a plurality of standard commercial lengths after each detected picture break. A commercial indicator circuit, actuated by the picture break detector and the timer circuit, detects and identifies the length of a standard length commercial whenever the end of a standard commercial length measured by the timer circuit after one detected picture break occurs during a subsequent detected picture break. A rewind circuit is actuated by the ...

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE ELIMINATION TIMER

APPARATUS FOR RECORDING AND PLAYBACK TELEVISION BROADCAST SIGNAL CAPABLE OF PLAYBACK WITH COMMERCIALS SKIPPED BY SIMPLE OPERATION

While television broadcast signals are reproduced by a mechanism, if a commercial starts, the user operates a remote controller to set the VCR to cue mode. Thereafter, black frame detecting portion detects a black frame included in the reproduced signals between the commercial and a main program, whereby microcomputer switches the VCR to standard playback mode at the time point of detection.

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

Detection rules for a digital video recorder

The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio-visual content.

Method for using banner advertisements during commercial breaks

Apparatus is provided by which a television viewer can view other images, e.g. during commercials or a main program. For example, during a commercial, a viewer may channel surf or surf the internet. A banner (6) is provided on a viewing screen (2) while the viewer watches these other images. In this way the advertiser providing those commercials can still reach those viewers who are channel or internet surfing. In another embodiment, during the main program the user can activate one or more small commercial windows and position them on the screen based on his preference, e.g. using a remote device. When each commercial window is positioned on the screen the viewer receives compensation based on the amount of time the commercial windows are displaying commercials to the viewer.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY RECEIVING AND*OR RECORDING VOICE AND*OR VIDEO PROGRAM BROADCASTING

CONTROL SIGNAL APPARATUS FOR A VIDEO DISC PLAYER

PROGRAM MODE SETTING APPARATUS

A record mode setting apparatus includes a VPS setting switch, a VPS decoder, a code latch circuit, a VPS control circuit and a code memory. When the VPS setting switch is turned on while a recording means is ready for recording, the VPS decoder detects a VPS code out of a video signal and the VPS code is stored in the code memory. Thereafter, the VPS code detected by the VPS decoder is applied to the code latch circuit and the VPS control circuit compares the VPS code of the code latch circuit with the VPS code stored in the code memory and stops the recording means when the codes do not coincide.

Television advertising editing system

A television advertising editing system including a detector for sampling the video signal in a television set to charge a capacitor negatively during which the system is inactive but which permits the capacitor to be charged positively in the brief period wherein the video signal is interrupted between the television program material and commercial material for providing triggering output voltage which permits a relay, connected to the television audio output, to be energized either discontinuing or diminishing the audio output for a predetermined period of time.

Method and apparatus for insuring complete recording of a television program

The duration of a recording is automatically extended in the event that a televised program extends beyond the scheduled end of the television broadcast. Groups or "clusters" of commercial messages are detected. If no such group is found at the end of a scheduled broadcast, it is presumed that the broadcast has been extended and the recording is likewise extended. The invention again looks for a group of commercial messages at the next hour or half-hour. The recording is extended until such a group is found or until the recording has been extended by a predetermined maximum amount of time.

Program restart and commercial ending notification method and system

A method and system are provided for allowing channel surfing during the presentation of a commercial broadcast by returning the viewer to the desired program channel after the commercial broadcast has concluded. When a commercial broadcast is received that interrupts the presentation of a viewer's desired programming, channel surfing is facilitated based on increased audio volume levels broadcast with the commercial broadcast. During channel surfing, the present audio level of the primary channel presenting the undesired commercial broadcast is monitored. If the audio volume level drops below the level of the commercial broadcast or returns to the level set by the viewer for the desired program prior to receipt of the commercial broadcast, the desired program channel may be reselected to return the viewer to her desired program channel. The viewer may be notified that the commercial broadcast has ended prior to reselection of the desired program channel. Notification may be in the form ...

Video clip identification system unusable for commercial cutting

A tagged scene of a video stream transmitted from a first to second stations in television broadcasting system is collected while preventing the tags from being used for commercial cutting (i.e., indiscriminate tagged scene cutting). The first station generates for each scene a tag includes a category, a location for use in locating a beginning of the scene and a length. A second station obtains a desired category from the user. Detecting a tag in the video stream, if the category coincides with the desired category, the second station clips from the video stream a part of the length defined in the tag from a position located by using the location. Five solutions are disclosed: removing the length information from tag; inserting counterfeit tags: the first station encoding a part of tag and the second station decoding the encoded part; the first station encoding the category and sending a category-encoded category table the second station; and a syndrome of a combination of said category ...

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a Higher Order Ambisonics signal representation

Abstract Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a 5 high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, dominant sound directions are estimated and the HOA signal representation is decomposed into dominant directional signals in time domain and related direction information, and an ambient component in HOA domain, followed by 10 compression of the ambient component by reducing its order. The reduced-order ambient component is transformed to the spatial domain, and is perceptually coded together with the directional signals. At receiver side, the encoded directional signals and the order-reduced encoded ambient 15 component are perceptually decompressed, the perceptually decompressed ambient signals are transformed to an HOA domain representation of reduced order, followed by order extension. The total HOA representation is recomposed from the directional signals ...

AUTOMATIC COMMERCIAL ELIMINATOR FOR USE WITH VCR

ABSTRACT . A commercial eliminator and method for use with a video cassette recorder enables recording of the program content of a broadcast television signal while automatically elimin-ating all commercial intervals therefrom. The commercial. eliminator comprises a detector for identifying the beginning and end of each commercial interval of the television signal and apparatus responsive thereto for operating the video recorder for advancing the video tape for recording the program content together with each commercial interval of the television signal and for rewinding the video tape substantially immediately after each of the commercial intervals has been recorded such that the next occurring commercial interval or program material is recorded thereover.

RADIO TELEVISION AND VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER

Método e aparelho para eliminação de mensagens comerciais de televisão

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a Higher Order Ambisonics signal representation

Abstract Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of a sweet spot, independent of loudspeaker set-up. The high spatial resolution requires a 5 high number of HOA coefficients. In the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for decompressing a compressed HOA signal that includes an encoded directional signal and an encoded ambient signal, the method comprises: receiving the compressed HOA signal; perceptually decoding 10 the compressed HOA signal to produce a decoded directional HOA signal and a decoded ambient HOA signal, wherein an inverse spatial transform is applied in order to determine the decoded ambient HOA signal; performing order extension on the decoded ambient HOA signal to obtain a representation 15 of the decoded ambient HOA signal; and recomposing a decoded HOA representation from the representation of the decoded ambient HOA signal and the decoded directional HOA signal.

VIDEO REPLAY AUTOMATION

A video recording and playback device has a control track recorder for recording a control track signal including timing edges recorded on a tape or other storage medium together with the video program. A decoder is coupled to the control track signal and to the tape drive for switching among a forward play mode, a forward skip mode and a rewind mode, as a function of play, skip and rewind codes inserted into the control track as phase variations of edges other than those used for timing, or preferably as pulses with sloping edges distinct from the timing edges. In addition to selectively skipping sections of the video program preceded by a skip code and followed by a play code, such as commercial breaks, the device permits user editing of play and skip codes and selective multiple replays of sections of the video program preceded by a play code and followed by a rewind code. Replay can be continuous or for a predetermined number of replays, encoded in the control track signal with the ...

AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED COMMERCIAL MESSAGE TIMER

SIGNAL SELECTING SYSTEM

System and method for modifying broadcast signals in closed circuit systems

A system and method are disclosed for modifying a television broadcast signal. In one embodiment, the system includes a memory that stores an alternate commercial signal, and a controller that is coupled to the memory and receives the broadcast signal. The broadcast signal includes a program signal and commercial signals. The controller substitutes the alternate commercial signal for one of the commercial signals upon determining that a first condition has been met, for example, upon the sensing two video/audio blank periods in the broadcast signal separated by a predetermined time period. In another embodiment, a broadcast signal including a series of screen signals alternating with a series of blanking signals is embedded, at an upstream location, with additional information relating to alternate commercials or commands during the blanking signals. At a downstream location, a controller processes the additional information and modifies the broadcast signal in response.

Iterative, maximally probable, batch-mode commercial detection for audiovisual content

Identification of starting and ending times of commercial breaks and commercials within those commercial breaks found in audiovisual content is disclosed. A solution to a “batch optimization” problem is used in which commercial locations within a set of audiovisual content are detected as a group by choosing a set of commercial locations which optimizes a cost function which can include considerations of, for example, 1) one or more cues, 2) relative locations of commercials within the audiovisual content, and/or 3) probability models based on statistics obtained regarding characteristics of typical commercial and commercial breaks. Optimization can be done over the total set of commercial location decisions, rather than on a per-commercial basis. Additionally, the cost function can be iteratively evaluated and many more types of cues and combinations of cues can be used in detection of commercials.

Iterative, maximally probable, batch-mode commercial detection for audiovisual content

Identification of starting and ending times of commercial breaks and commercials within those commercial breaks found in audiovisual content is disclosed. A solution to a “batch optimization” problem is used in which commercial locations within a set of audiovisual content are detected as a group by choosing a set of commercial locations which optimizes a cost function which can include considerations of, for example, 1) one or more cues, 2) relative locations of commercials within the audiovisual content, and/or 3) probability models based on statistics obtained regarding characteristics of typical commercial and commercial breaks. Optimization can be done over the total set of commercial location decisions, rather than on a per-commercial basis. Additionally, the cost function can be iteratively evaluated and many more types of cues and combinations of cues can be used in detection of commercials.

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing a higher order ambisonics signal representation

고차 앰비소닉스(HOA)는, 스피커 설정에 무관한, 스위트 스폿 근방에서의 완전한 음장을 나타낸다. 높은 공간 분해능은 많은 수의 HOA 계수들을 필요로 한다. 본 발명에서, 우세 사운드 방향들이 추정되고, HOA 신호 표현이 시간 영역에서의 다수의 우세 방향 신호들 및 관련 방향 정보, 그리고 HOA 영역에서의 주변 성분으로 분해되고, 이어서 그의 차수를 감소시키는 것에 의해 주변 성분이 압축된다. 감소된 차수의 주변 성분이 공간 영역으로 변환되고, 방향 신호들과 함께 인지 코딩된다. 수신기측에서, 인코딩된 방향 신호들 및 차수 감소된 인코딩된 주변 성분이 인지 압축 해제되고, 인지 압축 해제된 주변 신호들은 감소된 차수의 HOA 영역 표현으로 변환되고, 이어서 차수 확장된다. 총 HOA 표현이 방향 신호들, 대응하는 방향 정보, 및 원래 차수의 주변 HOA 성분으로부터 재합성된다. Higher-order ambisonics (HOA) represents a complete sound field in the vicinity of the sweet spot, irrespective of the speaker settings. High spatial resolution requires a large number of HOA coefficients. In the present invention, the dominant sound directions are estimated, and the HOA signal representation is decomposed into a plurality of dominant direction signals and related direction information in the time domain, and the surrounding component in the HOA domain, and then the surroundings by reducing their order. The ingredients are compressed. The peripheral component of the reduced order is transformed into a spatial domain and cognitively coded together with the direction signals. At the receiver side, the encoded direction signals and the order-reduced encoded peripheral component are cognitively decompressed, and the perceptually decompressed peripheral signals are transformed into a reduced-order HOA domain representation, and then order extended. The total HOA representation is reconstructed from the direction signals, the corresponding direction information, and the surrounding HOA component of the original order.

Signal selection apparatus with timing means, especially for use in disabling advertising broadcasts

Video player recorders.

Electric service to record transmissions without recording commercials

A central station monitors television broadcasts and issues control and informational broadcasts to receivers located in the homes of users. The information broadcasts include a TV program schedule table and recorder control data. In response to the control broadcasts, processors receiving the broadcast will pause and resume recording of the identified broadcasts. A user can phone into the central station to have the user's recorder programmed to record a particular broadcast.

Video clip identification system unusable for commercial cutting

태그가 광고방송 삭제(즉, 무차별적인, 태그가 부착된 화면의 삭제)용으로 사용되는 것을 방지하면서, 텔레비전 방송 시스템에서 제1스테이션으로부터 제2스테이션으로 송신된 영상 스트림 중 태그가 부착된 화면이 수집된다. 제1스테이션은 각각의 화면에 대한 태그를 생성한다. 태그는 카테고리, 화면의 시작 위치설정에 사용하는 위치, 및 길이를 포함한다. 제2스테이션은 이용자로부터 필요한 카테고리를 취득하고; 영상 스트림에서 태그를 검출하고; 카테고리가 필요한 카테고리에 일치하면, 제2스테이션은 위치를 사용해서 위치설정된 위치로부터 태그에서 지정된 길이 부분을 영상 스트림에서 클리핑(clipping)한다. 태그로부터 길이 정보를 제거하고: 모조(counterfeit) 태그를 삽입하고: 제1스테이션은 태그 일부를 부호화하고(encode), 제2스테이션이 부호화된 부분을 복호하고(decode); 제1스테이션은 카테고리를 부호화하여 카테고리-부호화된 카테고리 테이블을 제2스테이션에 전송하고; 상기 카테고리 및 파라미터의 조합의 신드롬이 부호화된 카테고리로서 사용되는 5가지의 해결방안이 개시되어 있다. 서브카테고리 및/또는 수퍼-카테고리로서 파라미터가 사용될 수도 있다. A tag-attached picture among the picture streams transmitted from the first station to the second station in the television broadcasting system while preventing the tag from being used for deletion of commercials (i.e., indiscriminate, deletion of the tagged screen) Collected. The first station generates a tag for each screen. The tag includes a category, a position used for setting the start position of the screen, and a length. The second station obtains the required category from the user; Detect a tag in the video stream; If the category matches a required category, the second station clips the portion of the length specified in the tag in the video stream from a position located using the location. Removing length information from the tag; inserting a counterfeit tag: the first station encodes a portion of the tag and the second station decodes the encoded portion; The first station encodes the category and transmits the category-encoded category table to the second station; Five solutions are disclosed in which the syndrome of the combination of categories and parameters is used as an encoded category. The parameters may be used as subcategories and / or super-categories.

Program restart and commercial ending notification method and system

A method and system are provided for allowing channel surfing during the presentation of a commercial broadcast by returning the viewer to the desired program channel after the commercial broadcast has concluded. When a commercial broadcast is received that interrupts the presentation of a viewer's desired programming, channel surfing is facilitated based on increased audio volume levels broadcast with the commercial broadcast. During channel surfing, the present audio level of the primary channel presenting the undesired commercial broadcast is monitored. If the audio volume level drops below the level of the commercial broadcast or returns to the level set by the viewer for the desired program prior to receipt of the commercial broadcast, the desired program channel may be reselected to return the viewer to her desired program channel. The viewer may be notified that the commercial broadcast has ended prior to reselection of the desired program channel. Notification may be in the form of a notification message displayed to the viewer.

Digital video segment identification

An entertainment system, having a capability to playback a stored digital video record that includes frames of video data received from a television broadcast system, approximates ranges of frames in a digital video record that are either commercials or non-commercials. The system also approximates frames that are either a beginning or an ending of a commercial or a non-commercial. The system then associates as a commercial two of the approximated frames that are a beginning or an ending of a commercial or a non-commercial and one or more of the approximated ranges there between until a predetermined percentage of the playback time of the digital video record is taken up by the associated commercials.

Method for using banner advertisements during commercial breaks

Apparatus is provided by which a television viewer can view other images e.g. during commercials or main program. For example, during a commercial, a viewer may channel surf or surf the internet. A banner is provided on a viewing screen while the viewer watches these other images. In this way the advertiser providing those commercials can still reach those viewers who are channel or internet surfing. Also, the banner will indicate to the viewer when the commercial is over and the normal programming has resumed. In another embodiment, during the main program user can activate one or more small commercial windows and position them on the screen based on his preference, e.g. using a remote device. Information is communicated to a broadcaster by the viewer's video system indicating the above-mentioned commercial windows are open on the viewer's screen. When each commercial window is positioned on the screen the viewer receives compensation based on the amount of time the commercial windows are displaying commercials to the viewer. All or part of commercial windows automatically close when a main commercial block starts. The commercial windows automatically open when the main commercial block finishes. In one embodiment, the viewer can turn the commercial windows ON/OFF on his discretion.

Video clip identification system unusable for commercial cutting

Television programme distribution system.

Le signal d'un programme de télévision, interrompu par des images ne faisant pas partie d'un programme, telles que des annonces commerciales, est diffusé par l'onde électrique, par câble ou par d'autres moyens, en un format qui peut être reçu et visualisé au moyen d'un équipement de télévision classique (2, 3). Un second signal indicateur est également transmis, ce signal identifiant le type de programme en cours de diffusion sur chacun d'un certain nombre de canaux. Le signal indicateur est codé pour empêcher toutes utilisations frauduleuses. En plus des moyens de réception du signal du programme de télévision, l'utilisateur est équipé de moyens lui permettant de recevoir le signal indicateur et d'éditer la visualisation et/ou l'enregistrement de programmes en fonction de contenu du signal indicateur. L'édition n'est permise que lorsqu'il reste un crédit dans un stock crédit (9). Le crédit est établi par paiement effectué par l'utilisateur à un office central, lequel transmet un signal de crédit, adressé à l'utilisateur approprié. Le crédit est dépensé en fonction de l'utilisation qui est faite du système de la présente invention. The signal of a television program, interrupted by images not part of a program, such as commercials, is broadcast by electric wave, cable or other means, in a format that can be received and viewed using conventional television equipment (2, 3). A second indicator signal is also transmitted, this signal identifying the type of program being broadcast on each of a number of channels. The indicator signal is coded to prevent any fraudulent use. In addition to the means for receiving the signal of the television program, the user is equipped with means enabling him to receive the indicator signal and to edit the viewing and / or recording of programs as a function of the content of the indicator signal. Editing is only allowed when there is a credit in a credit stock (9). Credit is ...

Video clip identification system unusable for commercial cutting

在收集视频流的已标签的场景的同时阻止把标签用于商业剪辑(即，不鉴别已标签的场景剪辑)该视频流是在电视广播系统中从第一站送至第二站的。第一站为每个场景生成一种标签。第二站从用户获得需要的类型。检测在视频流中的标签。公开了五种解决方案：从标签中移动长度信息；插入伪标签；第一站编码部分标签而第二站解码；第一站编码类型并送给第二站；以及把所述类型与参数的组合的一种校正子当做一种已编码的类型。

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

During recording of a television signal on a VCR, data are accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data are stored. Timing reference data are written onto the tape as it is recorded. At a time subsequent to the recording process, the stored data are analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events and a playback map is constructed for the recorded signal. During playback, the stored playback map is retrieved and stored timing data are compared to the timing reference data read from the tape. The VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning time of a portion of the video signal that has been classified for elimination during playback. The VCR is then automatically commanded to return to the normal "play" mode when the tape reaches the ending time of that portion of the video signal. Since all of the television signal is recorded on the tape, any or all of the signal may be viewed, even if portions of it have been misclassified.

Video replay automation

Method and apparatus for controlling a video recorder/player to selectively alter a video signal

The method and apparatus operates in a video recorder and playback unit to identify selected broadcast segments, such as commercial advertisements, of a television signal in real-time for the purpose of either suspending recording or advancing playback of the television signal during each unwanted segment. A signature pattern associated with each segment of the television signal is detected and compared to stored signature patterns representative of selected segments such as commercial advertisement segments. If the signature pattern matches one of the stored signature patterns, the segment is thereby immediately identified as being one of the selected segments and is processed in real-time to control operation of the video recorder/player. If the signature pattern of the segment does not match any of the stored signature patterns, the segment is analyzed to determine whether the segment is nevertheless a selected segment and, if so, its signature pattern is stored along with the stored signature patterns.

CONTROL ARRANGEMENT FOR A PICTURE PLAYER SET

Control signal apparatus for video disc player

Apparatus arranged to detect the absence of periodically recurring signals such as vertical synchronizing signals in a video disc system is utilized to provide control signals for actuating control functions such as the video pick-up arm return mechanism and video and audio muting circuitry.

Commercial message timer

A commercial message timer (114), when enabled by a user, stores data indicative of a first tuned station and begins timing a predetermined time period. Upon expiration of the time period, the first tuned station is automatically reselected if it had been deselected after the timer was enabled. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet have the receiver return automatically to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing PIX-IN-PIX circuity, the subject apparatus is responsive to an occurrence of (1) enabling the timer and (2) changing channels, in that order, for automatically moving the desired channel to the inset position. In response to the expiration of the timer period, the program displayed in the inset position is automatically returned to the main display position.

Program restart and commercial ending notification method and system

A method and system are provided for allowing channel surfing during the presentation of a commercial broadcast by returning the viewer to the desired program channel after the commercial broadcast has concluded. When a commercial broadcast is received that interrupts the presentation of a viewer's desired programming, channel surfing is facilitated based on increased audio volume levels broadcast with the commercial broadcast. During channel surfing, the present audio level of the primary channel presenting the undesired commercial broadcast is monitored. If the audio volume level drops below the level of the commercial broadcast or returns to the level set by the viewer for the desired program prior to receipt of the commercial broadcast, the desired program channel may be reselected to return the viewer to her desired program channel. The viewer may be notified that the commercial broadcast has ended prior to reselection of the desired program channel. Notification may be in the form of a notification message displayed to the viewer.

TELEVISION PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTIVE RECEIVING AND / OR RECORDING OF THE BROADCASTING OF A RADIO AND / OR TELEVISION PROGRAM

Signal detecting apparatus for use in sound track rerecording

A signal detecting apparatus for use in sound track rerecording comprising a magnetic storage tape having voice frequency signals transcribed thereon. A first magnetic pickup head is adapted to sense the presence or absence of the voice frequency signals on the magnetic tape. A synchronizing circuit is connected to said first pickup head and to a visual indicator. A second magnetic pickup head is associated with the magnetic tape. The synchronizing circuit is operable by the presence of voice frequency signals at the first magnetic pickup head for producing signals indicative of the exact beginnings and ends of the voice frequency signals and any pauses the voice frequency signals being sensed by the second magnetic pickup head.

Method for programming a recording device and programming device

Program related data contained in the broadcast signal of an advertisement for a future television show are evaluated and compared with the current TV set tuning when a LEARN button on a remote control is pressed. A VCR tunes to the present TV channel and stores the program related data for the future television show. The apparatus also ensures that a program to be recorded will start and end at the right time and that broadcast advertisements will be skipped during recording, are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for eliminating television commercial messages

During recording of a television signal on a VCR, data are accumulated with respect to the time of occurrence and duration of detectable events, such as blank frames, in the television signal, and such data are stored. Subsequent to the recording process, the stored data are analyzed to classify the content of the television signal between the detectable events as commercial or non-commercial. The video tape is then marked at the beginning and ending of each commercial group. During playback, the VCR is automatically commanded into a fast scan mode when the tape reaches the beginning of a commercial group. The VCR is then automatically commanded to return to the normal "play" mode when the tape reaches the ending time of that commercial group. Since all of the television signal is recorded on the tape, any or all of the signal may be viewed at the discretion of the viewer.

Metodo y aparato para eliminar mensajes comerciales de television.

Un dispositivo de grabacion y reproduccion de video (10) incorpora un procesador (114) para procesar la señal de video para detectar la presencia de mensajes comerciales. Detectores de eventos de video y audio (102, 104) detectan la presencia de eventos en la señal conforme se graba. La relacion de sincronizacion de los eventos detectados se analiza para clasificar los segmentos de video entre eventos como material de programa o como mensajes comerciales. Después de que se graba un programa, se generan marcas de control (132), para indicar el principio y fin de grupos de comerciales de manera tal que se saltarán durante la reproduccion subsecuente del programa grabado.

用于处理信息的装置、方法和计算机程序

一种信息处理装置包括选择器，用于选择有关要从按时间顺序组织的多个内容中移除的内容的移除信息，该移除信息是在每个内容基础上为要移除的内容准备的，并包括从要移除的内容的全部或部分数据范围内的数据中唯一确定的值、作为确定该值的数据范围的第一范围、以及作为由第一范围的位置表示的移除范围的第二范围；用于在整个内容内检测预定位置上的范围的检测器，该范围具有与通过选择器选择的移除信息中所包含的第一范围相同的范围，并具有与在移除信息内唯一确定并包含的值相同的值；以及移除器，如果检测器在预定位置上检测到该范围，则移除器用来基于由选择器选择的移除信息中包含的第二范围移除预定内容。

Detection rules for a digital video recorder

THE INVENTION CONCERNS A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING COMMERCIAL MESSAGE SEGMENTS OF A VIDEO SIGNAL.A SET OF RULES IS APPLIED FOR DETERMINING THE OCCURRENCE OF COMMERCIAL MESSAGES WITH A HIGHER DEGREE OF ACCURACY AS COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL METHODS. IN GENERAL, METHOD INCLUDES THE STEPS OF MONITORING A DIGITAL BIT STREAM COMPRISING THE VIDEO SIGNAL, DETECTING A CHANGE IN A CONTROL FIELD OF THE DIGITAL BIT STREAM (208),AND THEN SELECTIVELY GENERATING A COMMERCIAL EVENT NOTIFICATION (410) RESPONSIVE TO THE DETECTING STEP. ACCORDING TO ONE ASPECT OF THE INVENTION,A CHANGE IN AT LEAST ONE OF A VIDEO SEQUENCE HEADER AND A SEQUENCE DISPLAY EXTENSION CAN BE DETECTED. ALTERNATIVELY, OR IN ADDITION TO CHECKING FOR A CHANGE IN CONTROL FIELD, THE METHOD CAN COMPRISE THE STEP OF DETECTING A CHANGE IN AN INFORMATIONAL PARAMETER OF THE VIDEO SIGNAL EXCLUSIVE OF THE AUDIO-VISUAL CONTENT.

System and method for locating boundaries between video programs and commercial using audio categories

For use in a video signal processor, there is disclosed a system and method for locating program boundaries and commercial boundaries using audio categories. The system comprises an audio classifier controller that obtains information concerning the audio categories of the segments of an audio signal. Audio categories include such categories as silence, music, noise and speech. The audio classifier controller determines the rates of change of the audio categories. The audio classifier controller then compares each rate of change of the audio categories with a threshold value to locate the boundaries of the programs and commercials.

Verfahren zum gebrauch von bannerwerbungen während werbespots

情報処理装置および方法、並びにプログラム

【課題】番組とCMが混在するコンテンツ全体から、CMを正確に切り出すことができるようにする。 【解決手段】 CM毎に用意されるパターンファイルには、CMの所定の範囲の画像を対象として求められたチェックサムと、その範囲の位置を基準としたCMの開始位置、終了位置が記述される。所定の範囲の画像を対象としてチェックサムが順次求められる。パターンファイルに記述されるものと一致するチェックサムが求められた範囲が検出された場合、その検出された範囲の位置を基準として、パターンファイルに記述されるCMの開始位置、終了位置に基づいてCMの開始位置と終了位置が特定される。本発明は、テレビジョン番組を処理するパーソナルコンピュータなどに適用することができる。 【選択図】図２

Apparatus, method, and computer program for processing information

An information processing apparatus includes a selector for selecting removal information concerning contents to be removed, the removal information prepared on a per content basis for the contents to be removed and including a value uniquely determined from data within a data range of whole or part of a content to be removed, a first range that is the data range, and a second range that is a removal range represented by the position of the first range, a detector for detecting a range at a predetermined position within the whole content, having the same range as the first range contained in the removal information selected by the selector and the same value as the value uniquely determined and contained in the removal information, and a remover for removing a predetermined content based on the second range contained in the removal information selected by the selector if the detector detects the range at the predetermined position.

用于处理信息的装置和方法

一种信息处理装置包括选择器，用于选择有关要从按时间顺序组织的多个内容中移除的内容的移除信息，该移除信息是在每个内容基础上为要移除的内容准备的，并包括从要移除的内容的全部或部分数据范围内的数据中唯一确定的值、作为确定该值的数据范围的第一范围、以及作为由第一范围的位置表示的移除范围的第二范围；用于在整个内容内检测预定位置上的范围的检测器，该范围具有与通过选择器选择的移除信息中所包含的第一范围相同的范围，并具有与在移除信息内唯一确定并包含的值相同的值；以及移除器，如果检测器在预定位置上检测到该范围，则移除器用来基于由选择器选择的移除信息中包含的第二范围移除预定内容。

Vorrichtung und verfahren zur lokalisierung von werbung in einem videodatenstrom

Rules for a digital video recorder

The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream (402) comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field (404) of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification (410) responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio-visual content.

Rules for a digital video recorder

The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream (402) comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field (404) of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification (410) responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio-visual content.

デジタルビデオレコーダのためのルール

従来の方法と比較してより高い精度によりコマーシャルメッセージの出現を判断するルールセットが適用される。一般に、本方法は、前記映像信号を有するデジタルビットストリームをモニタするステップと、前記デジタルビットストリームの制御フィールドにおける変化を検出するステップと、前記検出するステップに応じてコマーシャルイベント通知を選択的に生成するステップとを有する。本発明の一特徴によると、映像シーケンスヘッダとシーケンス表示拡張の少なくとも１つにおける変化が検出される。制御フィールドにおける変化のチェックを行う代わりに、あるいはそれに加えて、本方法は、オーディオビジュアルコンテンツを除く前記映像信号の情報パラメータにおける変化を検出するステップを有するようにしてもよい。

Rules for a digital video recorder

The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream (402) comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field (404) of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification (410) responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio-visual content.

System and method for locating boundaries between video programs and commercial using audio categories

For use in a video signal processor, there is disclosed a system and method for locating program boundaries and commercial boundaries using audio categories. The system comprises an audio classifier controller that obtains information concerning the audio categories of the segments of an audio signal. Audio categories include such categories as silence, music, noise and speech. The audio classifier controller determines the rates of change of the audio categories. The audio classifier controller then compares each rate of change of the audio categories with a threshold value to locate the boundaries of the programs and commercials.

Content identification in a digital video recorder

THE INVENTION CONCERNS A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A VIDEO-MEDIA RECORDING DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING AND SELECTIVELY SKIPPING COMMERCIAL MESSAGE SEGMENTS OF A VIDEO SIGNAL. THE METHOD CAN INCLUDE THE STEPS OF RECORDING (206) THE VIDEO SIGNAL ON A DIGITAL RECORDING MEDIUM (124) IN A DIGITAL FORMAT; MONITORING (208) THE VIDEO SIGNAL TO DETECT AN EVENT START AND EN EVENT END CORRESPONDING TO A BEGINNING AND AN END OF AT LEAST ONE COMMERCIAL MESSAGE; AND SELECTIVELY STORING (220) IN A MEMORY LOCATION DIGITAL DATA IDENTIFYING AN EVENT START INFORMATION AND AN EVENT END INFORMATION. AT LEAST ONE OF EVENT START INFORMATION AND THE EVENT END INFORMATION CAN IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE ONE OR MORE COMMERCIAL MESSAGES. THE METHOD CAN ALSO INCLUDE SELECTIVELY SKIPPING (312) IN A PLAYBACK MODE THE COMMERCIAL PORTION OF THE VIDEO SIGNAL RESPONSIVE TO THE DIGITAL DATA IDENTIFYING THE EVENT START INFORMATION AND THE EVENT END INFORMATION.

Methode und gerät zur auslöschung von werbebeiträgen

オーディオカテゴリを用いて番組境界及びコマーシャル境界の位置を見つけるシステム及び方法

ビデオ信号プロセッサにおいて使用される、オーディオカテゴリを用いて番組境界及びコマーシャル境界の位置を見つけるシステム及び方法が開示される。システムは、オーディオ信号のセグメントのオーディオカテゴリに関連する情報を取得するオーディオ分類器コントローラを含む。オーディオカテゴリは、無音、音楽、雑音、及び音声といったカテゴリを含む。オーディオ分類器コントローラは、オーディオカテゴリの変化率を決定する。オーディオ分類器コントローラは、番組及びコマーシャルの境界の位置を見つけるために、オーディオカテゴリの各変化の率を閾値と比較する。

System and method for modifying broadcast signals in closed circuit systems

A system and method are disclosed for modifying a television broadcast signal. In one embodiment, the system includes a memory (108) that stores an alternate commercial signal, and a controller (106) that is coupled to the memory (108) and receives the broadcast signal (14). The broadcast signal includes a program signal and commercial signals. The controller substitutes the alternate commercial signal for one of the commercial signals upon determining that a first condition has been met, for example, upon the sensing two video/audio blank periods (50) in the broadcast signal separated by a predetermined time period. In another embodiment, a broadcast signal including a series of screen signals alternating with a series of blanking signals is embedded, at an upstream location, with additional information relating to alternate commercials or commands during the blanking signals. At a downstream location, a controller processes the additional information and modifies the broadcast signal in response.

用于处理信息的装置和方法

一种信息处理装置包括选择器，用于选择有关要从按时间顺序组织的多个内容中移除的内容的移除信息，该移除信息是在每个内容基础上为要移除的内容准备的，并包括从要移除的内容的全部或部分数据范围内的数据中唯一确定的值、作为确定该值的数据范围的第一范围、以及作为由第一范围的位置表示的移除范围的第二范围；用于在整个内容内检测预定位置上的范围的检测器，该范围具有与通过选择器选择的移除信息中所包含的第一范围相同的范围，并具有与在移除信息内唯一确定并包含的值相同的值；以及移除器，如果检测器在预定位置上检测到该范围，则移除器用来基于由选择器选择的移除信息中包含的第二范围移除预定内容。

用于数字视频记录器的规则

本发明涉及一种用于识别视频信号的商业广告段的方法和系统。将一组规则用于以比传统方法更高的精度确定商业广告。大体上，所述方法包括以下步骤：监视包括视频信号的数字比特流(402)；检测数字比特流的控制字段(404)的变化；以及然后，响应所述检测步骤，有选择地产生商业广告事件通知(410)。根据本发明的一个方案，能够检测视频序列报头和序列显示扩展中的至少一个的变化。可选地，或除检查控制字段的变化之外，所述方法可以包括检测视频信号中视听内容之外的信息参数的变化。

自动启动的广告信息定时器

一种广告定时器，根据改变频道指令存储前一次调谐到的台的数据，并开始反复进行预定时限的计时。每次时限一到时，就提示使用者：前一次调谐到的台的广告可能已结束。所以，使用者通过启动定时器并搜索其它频道可以回避前一次调谐到的台中的广告，在一般广告时限大致结束时提示使用者，以[例如使用PC键]回到前一次的频道上。在采用VCR的实施例中，按压VCR“暂停”键时，广告定时器就起动，使使用者可以避免把商业广告录下来。

广告信息定时器

一种广告信息定时器在户启动时存储指示第一调谐的台的数据并开始定出预定的时间间隔。该间隔结束时，第一调谐台会自动被重新选择。用户按此能通过设定定时器和扫过其他频通而避免第一频道的广告信息，并使接收机在基本上等于一般广告信息时间间隔结束后自动回复到第一频道。在采用画中画电路时则根据依次出现的启动定时器和改变频道，使所需要的频道自动移到插画位置上，定时器的时间间隔结束后，在插画位置上显示的节目会自动回到主显示位置上。