Showing papers by "Sony Broadcast & Professional Research Laboratories published in 1994"

Interactive applications generator for an interactive presentation environment

Abstract: An interactive applications generator is utilized to generate an interactive application environment for use on a single server multi-client network computer system. The interactive applications generator permits a user to define a graphical user interface (GUI), that contains one or more display screens, for a customized interactive application environment. The interactive applications generator contains a screen template editor, a media frame editor, a screen editor, and an interactive presentation editor. The screen template editor is utilized to create generic screen templates, that contain generic screen template elements. The media frame editor is utilized to generate media frames by combining multimedia component elements in a time synchronized manner. The screen editor is utilized to generate the display screens including assigning functionality. In order to create a unique instance for each display screen for a particular interactive applications environment, the screen editor references generic screen templates and media frames. The interactive presentation editor is utilized to create the hierarchical structures that defines presentation of the display screens for the particular interactive presentation environment.

Data broadcasting system

Abstract: A data broadcasting system for the low-cost delivery of character-heavy data such as newspapers and magazines. Newspaper or other data are transmitted from a newspaper publisher or service to an artificial satellite via a broadcasting center to be relayed to a subscriber. The subscriber receives the data by means of a receiver via an outdoor apparatus. The received data are sent to a recorder to be recorded on a recording medium such as a compact magneto-optical disc for later display.

Color display device

Abstract: A color display device such as an active-matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus has a first substrate having pixel electrodes arranged in the form of the matrix, switching elements associated with respective pixel electrodes and color filters aligned with the respective pixel electrodes. The first substrate is composed of a laminate structure including, superposed in the mentioned sequence, a first layer having the switching elements, a second layer having the color filters, a third layer including a planarization film which fills convexities presented by the switching elements and the color filters, and a fourth layer having the pixel electrodes aligned with the color filter. The display device also has a second substrate including a counter electrode and adjoined to the first substrate leaving a predetermined gap left therebetween. A liquid crystal is charged in the gap between the first and second substrates.

Surface micromachined tuneable interferometer array

Abstract: The development of compact light modulators integrated on the same chip as the signal processing opens many opportunities for combining inter-chip optical communications with standard silicon circuitry. The use of surface micromachining allows high speed of operation and small size integration with other circuitry. The optical and mechanical requirements for the devices also have to be considered, to ensure compatability with standard silicon processing. A surface micromachining process, using an oxide sacrificial layer and poly/nitride/poly membranes, has been developed. This paper presents the optical and mechanical considerations in the development of a compact micromachined silicon Fabry-Perot interferometer. Initial tests have shown that these micromachined membranes represent a compact and effective light modulating method.

CD-Rom with machine-readable I.D. code

Abstract: A machine-readable serial number is formed on a CD-ROM by using a laser to selectively remove a reflective layer from the CD-ROM, Removal of the reflective layer creates defects in addressable information storage locations on the CD-ROM, The serial number is read by detecting the defects, The serial number is used in a software distribution system in which many different software programs are distributed on a single CD-ROM and an access code based on the desired software program and the serial number of a particular CD-ROM is used to "unlock" the desired program on the particular CD-ROM,

Power saving method and apparatus for intermittently reading reproduction apparatus

Abstract: A reproducing or recording/reproducing apparatus having a constitution in which reproduced data read from a recording medium is stored in memory at a first transfer rate in a unit time and the stored data is read at a second transfer rate lower than the first transfer rate in the unit time. An operation of means for reading the reproduced data from the recording medium is stopped when an mount of the data accumulated in the storage means gets larger than a predetermined amount, allowing to save the power for driving the apparatus.

Disc reproducing apparatus

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for a disc-shaped recording medium having digital audio signals recorded in a compressed form includes an optical head, a spindle motor, a servo control unit, a decoder, a memory and a controller. The optical head radiates a light beam on the disc-shaped recording medium for reading out data recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium. The spindle motor rotationally drives the disc-shaped recording medium at a constant linear velocity. The servo control unit servo-controls the optical head and the spindle motor based upon error signals generated on the basis of output signal of the optical head. The decoder decodes output signals of the optical head. The memory transiently stores output data of the decoder and the data stored in the memory is read out at a readout rate slower than the write rate of the data outputted from the decoder. The controller controls the optical head and the memory so that, by alternately setting a first period during which data recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium is read out by the optical head and written in the memory and a second period during which readout of data recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium by the optical head is discontinued and only readout of the data stored in the memory is made, the data recorded on the disc-shaped recording medium is read out intermittently. The controller discontinues the operation of the servo control unit during the second period.

Rational input buffer arrangements for auxiliary information in video and audio signal processing systems

Abstract: A method of generating a bit stream by multiplexing non-compressed auxiliary information with an information stream. The information stream is obtained by compressing fixed-size units of an information signal with a varying compression ratio to provide varying-sized units of the information stream. The auxiliary information is for use in subsequently decoding the information stream. Units of the auxiliary information correspond to the units of the information signal. In the method, the information stream is divided in time into information stream portions. The non-compressed auxiliary information is also divided in time into auxiliary information portions. The information stream portions and the auxiliary information portions are interleaved to provide the bit stream. Finally, the information stream dividing, auxiliary information dividing, and interleaving steps are controlled by emulating decoding of the bit stream by hypothetical system target decoder. The hypothetical system target decoder includes a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the bit stream, a serial arrangement of an information stream buffer and an information stream decoder, and a serial arrangement of an auxiliary information buffer and an auxiliary information processor. Each serial arrangement is connected to the demultiplexer. The information stream dividing, auxiliary information dividing, and interleaving steps are controlled such that the information stream buffer and the auxiliary information buffer neither overflow nor underflow.

Programmable cellular telephone and system

Abstract: A module (P-code module) provides parameter information to a Number Assignment Module (NAM) in a cellular phone unit by processing a simple programming code (P-code) entered by the user through a telephone keypad. The P-code employs a flexible length telephone keypad coding that can be translated into programmable parameters of cellular phone products. Field identification numbers and look-up tables are used to shorten the P-code length for more frequently used information. To activate a cellular phone, the user provides product and serial number information to a dial-up access center which then generates a scrambled P-code for entry by the user. The P-code module within the processor unit of the cellular phone likewise descrambles, decompresses, and performs an integrity check on the sequence of digits being entered by the user. This P-code module reduces the technical requirements for programming a cellular phone purchased at the retail level such that a user can perform the necessary programming for activating the cellular telephone on a local telephone network. A security arrangement randomly generates two passwords when the cellular telephone is activated to prevent unauthorized reprogramming of the phones for use on other cellular telephone networks.

Hierarchical encoding and decoding apparatus for a digital image signal

Abstract: In a hierarchical encoding apparatus, predictors each including a look-up table are used to form predicted signals for respective hierarchical levels. The difference between the predicted signal and the original signal forms the differential signal for the higher hierarchical levels. The look-up table contains either predictive coefficients which are used as weights for pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level, or representative values which are combined with a dynamic range and redundant component in a set of pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level. The values in the look-up table are obtained from representative images.

Methods and apparatus for preventing rounding errors when transform coefficients representing a motion picture signal are inversely transformed

Abstract: Mismatch error occur in the local decoder of a MPEG-standard compressor for a motion picture signal, and in an MPEG-standard expander for a compressed motion picture signal. This is because of the lack of a standard for rounding results of *.5 (* is an integer) obtained when a set of transform coefficients resulting from compressing the motion picture signal is inversely orthogonally transformed. The invention prevents mismatch errors by preprocessing the set of transform coefficients prior to the inverse othogonal transform (15). The transform coefficients in the set are summed (23A) and the parity (odd or even) of the sum is judged (21). When the parity of the sum is judged to be even, the parity of one of the transform coefficients in the set is inverted (28) to provide a parity-inverted transform coefficient. This makes the parity of the sum odd. Then, when the set of transform coefficients indluding the parity-inverted transform coefficient is inversely orthogonally transformed (15), none of the results of the orthogonal transform will have a value of *.5.

Picture signal coding method, decoding method and picture signal recording medium

Abstract: A picture signal coding method and decoding method and a picture signal recording medium (10) by which a picture is prevented from being interrupted upon high speed reproduction are disclosed. A GOP is constituted from pictures of 15 frames. Of those pictures, an I-picture and P-pictures are collectively treated as pictures for high speed reproduction and are arranged forwardly of the remaining pictures which are B-pictures. Upon high speed reproduction, only the pictures for high speed reproduction are reproduced.

Optical disc apparatus

Abstract: A disc driving apparatus using SSA (sector slipping algorithm) and LRA (linear replacement algorithm) for defective sectors. This disc driving apparatus is simple in arrangement and can reproduce data at high speed in a simple processing on the basis of attribute data representing whether a defective sector is processed by the SSA or the LRA. This disc driving apparatus includes an optical head for reproducing data recorded in an optical disc, drive controller for controlling operation of the optical head, a memory for temporarily storing reproduced data, a DMA (dynamic memory access) controller for controlling access to the memory, and a system controller for controlling the drive controller and the DMA controller by supplying first and second command signals thereto in response to a main command signal requesting a write or read operation on a series of sectors.

Active matrix display device

Abstract: An active matrix display device includes a driving section provided on a substrate, an insulating film stacked on the driving section, and light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix on the insulating film, each of the light-emitting elements having a light-emitting layer between upper and lower electrodes, the active matrix display device being driven by the driving section provided for each of the light-emitting elements, the active matrix display device also includes an auxiliary wiring provided on the same layer as the lower electrode of the light-emitting element and adapted to adjust the electrical resistance of the upper electrode, and drive wirings disposed in the underlying layer of the auxiliary wiring via the insulating film and adapted to drive the light-emitting element, wherein the auxiliary or drive wiring is routed in a roundabout manner where the auxiliary and drive wirings overlap.

Method of forming polycrystalline silicon layer on substrate by large area excimer laser irradiation

Abstract: A method of forming a polycrystalline silicon thin film improved in crystallinity and a channel of a transistor superior in electrical characteristics by the use of such a polycrystalline silicon thin film. An amorphous silicon layer of a thickness preferably of 30 nm to 50 nm is formed on a substrate. Next, substrate heating is performed to set the amorphous silicon layer to preferably 350° C. to 500° C., more preferably 350° C. to 450° C. Then, at least the amorphous silicon layer is irradiated with laser light of an excimer laser energy density of 100 mJ/cm2 to 500 mJ/cm2, preferably 280 mJ/cm2 to 330 mJ/cm2, and a pulse width of 80 ns to 200 ns, preferably 140 ns to 200 ns, so as to directly anneal the amorphous silicon layer and form a polycrystalline silicon thin film. The total energy of the laser used for the irradiation of excimer laser light is at least 5 J, preferably at least 10 J.

Video subtitle processing system

Abstract: A video subtitle processing system encoding unit which allows display of high quality subtitle in accordance to a preference of an user, to switch the display of the subtitle quickly without degrading the background video image and to transmit and display the colored subtitle with less data amount are provided. The subtitle data encoding unit comprises a color lookup table as memory means for storing color data and a color quantization circuit as detecting means for detecting an address in memory for storing the color data which corresponds to a color of the subtitle, and is characterized in that the address in the memory means detected by the color quantization circuit is coded and transmitted as color information concerning on the color of the subtitle.

Apparatus and method for processing a digital video signal to produce interpolated data

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing a digital video signal having an inner block of pixel data that represents an image spatially located within an outer block of pixel data. A class code of the inner block of pixel data is determined in accordance with values of the pixels of both the inner and outer blocks; and coefficient data which corresponds to the class code of the inner block is retrieved from a memory and is used with the digital video signal to generate interpolated data to produce, for example, a high definition digital video signal.

Orthogonal frequency division multiplex demodulation apparatus

Abstract: When an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) modulated signal is demodulated by discrete Fourier transformation (DFT), DFT is performed using a time window of an accurate phase synchronized with the synchronization symbol. Therefore, first, the reproduction clock is divided to generate a basic time window signal. The results of the DFT processing on the OFDM signal are used to detect the phase deviation and the phase of the basic time window signal is adjusted based on that phase deviation. Preferably, the results of DFT are used for synchronization pull-in to generate a stable time window signal. More preferably a DFT circuit for demodulating the OFDM modulated signal and a DFT circuit for generating a time window signal are provided separately.

Circuit for preventing overcharge and overdischarge of secondary batteries

Abstract: Circuit for preventing overcharge and overdischarge of secondary batteries is disclosed. Overcharge detecting comparators COMP2 and COMP4 each having a hysteresis circuit 1 are connected between positive and negative electrodes of series-connected secondary batteries Abat and Bbat, and overdischarge detecting comparators COMP1 and COMP3 each having a hysteresis circuit 2 are connected also between the above electrodes. Transistors T1, T2 and a resistor R are connected between the batteries for overflow of overcharge and balance of overdischarge. Upon detection of any overcharge by the comparator COMP2 or COMP4, the charge current is interrupted by a transistor T6, and simultaneously the overcharge overflow is discharged by the hysteresis circuit until the battery voltage is lowered to the hysteresis voltage. And after the discharge, the transistor T6 is turned on to resume recharging the batteries. Meanwhile, upon detection of any overdischarge by the comparator COMP1 or COMP3, the discharge current is interrupted by a transistor T5. Thus the overcharge and the overdischarge can be balanced by the hysteresis circuits 1 and 2 respectively.

Automatic generation of private authentication key for wireless communication systems

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically generating an authentication key (A-Key) in a mobile station wherein the mobile station periodically receives random numbers from a base station, and automatically generates the authentication key from a received random number and from mobile station identification data stored in the mobile station. The mobile station identification data may include the electronic serial number of the mobile station, a user selected value, and a cellular system selected value. In addition, mixing registers may be utilized by an encoding algorithm, such as the CAVE algorithm, for encoding the random numbers and the identification data to automatically generate the mobile station authentication key.

Video viewing and recording system

Abstract: Disclosed is a video recording system which permits one to participate in a recording of an event utilizing predetermined views in a manner which ensures security of the participant's video recording equipment. The system includes several cameras arranged in a recording area to provide images from several views. The images are provided to the user's own equipment which is secured within locked compartments. According to another aspect, there is disclosed a video recording system which permits "real time" editing of recorded events so as to customize a recording made using the several cameras. According to still another aspect of the invention, the user interfaces with a central viewstation, selecting desired views, either prerecorded or live broadcasts, to be recorded on either the user's own equipment or equipment provided to the user at the event site.

Efficient coding apparatus for picture signal and decoding apparatus therefor

Abstract: An apparatus for coding a moving picture in which one frame is comprised of two fields, includes a coder such that, with respect to all blocks in a frame, the odd field (the first field) and the even field (second field) are divided into blocks, thus permitting motion prediction of the second field from the first field, a coder means adapted for switching, every macro block, whether or not a frame is divided into the first field and the second field to generate block data to adaptively switch these coders every frame, thereby making it possible to obtain a picture of a high picture quality with a lesser quantity of information, to reduce the scale of hardware, and to reduce the capacity of a decoder.

Method and apparatus for fabricating a thin film semiconductor device

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating a thin film semiconductor device are disclosed. An a-Si:H thin film produced on a wafer is melting-recrystallized by irradiating a laser beam to it in a laser annealing chamber to produce a polycrystalline Si thin film. The wafer is then transported to a CVD chamber without exposing it to the outside air. A gate insulating film is produced on a clean surface of the polycrystalline Si thin film in the CVD chamber. In another case, an a-Si:H thin film is melting-recrystallized in the laser annealing chamber to produce a polycrystalline Si thin film and then the wafer is transported to a hydrogenating chamber without exposing it to the outside air. Thereafter the polycrystalline Si thin film is plasma hydrogenated in the hydrogenating chamber. The method and apparatus can fabricate thin film semiconductor devices having a high performance and a high reliability with a good uniformity by making a clean and high quality semiconductor/insulator interface or by hydrogenating a semiconductor thin film without changes in electrical conductivity.

Picture-in-picture television receiver with menu displayed in second sub-screen

Abstract: In response to data supplied from a system controller, a display microcomputer of a television receiver produces a display in a sub-screen of the cathode-ray tube of a main menu corresponding to the numerous operating functions of which the television receiver is capable. Some of these functions include a picture-in-picture function, a satellite broadcast receiving function, and a picture-recording reservation function. When a user of the television receiver selects an item on the main menu corresponding to the picture-in-picture function by using a remote controller, the system controller controls an audio video switch, the picture-in-picture circuit, and a display microcomputer to provide two picture-in-picture sub-screens displayed simultaneously. One sub-screen contains a sub-screen menu to enable the user to set parameters relative to the picture displayed in the other sub-screen.

Random access audio/video processor with multiple outputs

Abstract: A random access audio/video processor having multiple outputs is disclosed. The random access audio/video processor includes a main control unit having an analog video back panel, an analog audio back panel, an analog input/output (I/O) board. An audio processing board, a video processing board, a video effects board, a syncronization board, and a system board (containing the main CPU). The video processing board includes a compressor for compressing input video signals, and a triple transfer buffer, for intermediate storage of digital video path. The video processing board further includes decompression circuits coupled to each of two triple transfer buffers for decompressing compressed stored video, and providing the decompressed video channels to an effects board for the addition of special effects. The audio processing board contains four digital signal processors for audio compression, decompression, and effects processor. It also contains triple transfer buffers for intermediate storage of digital audio data. The system board contains the main CPU, DMA controllers and SCSI interfaces required to perform high speed audio-video data transfers to/from disk. The triple transfer buffers of the present invention include a present buffer, a past buffer and a future buffer, the purpose of which is to ensure that there is sufficient video and audio material in the present buffers to minimize any discontinuities in either the audio or the video channel outputs. The invention provides an E to C mode to allow the user to view video which has been compressed and decompressed to verify that no unwanted system artifacts exist or are being created by the compression process. The viewing of the compressed and decompressed material is done in real-time while the material is being compressed and stored. Under software control, a user may bypass the compression circuit and capture uncompressed still frames directly in the triple transfer buffer, and store the uncompressed still frames, thereby permitting the independent display of still and motion video in each respective output channel.

Apparatus and method for an electronic device control system

Abstract: Each of plural electronic devices, e.g., a television receiver, a video disc player, a video tape recorder, an audio amplifier, and a compact disc player which are placed in an audiovisual room has a light emitter and a light detector. Identification signals corresponding to the respective electronic devices are outputted from the light emitters thereof to a single remote control unit. When the remote control unit detects the identification signals, the remote control unit displays on its display unit information required to selectively operate the electronic devices corresponding to the detected identification signals. The remote control unit displays only the information relative to the electronic devices disposed in the audiovisual room. The single remote control unit can control the plural electronic devices in the audiovisual room.

Automatic image regulating arrangement for head-mounted image display apparatus

Abstract: An automatic image regulating arrangement for a head-mounted image display device includes a sensor for detected conditions, such as outside ambient light, or vibration, applied to display elements of the display device and a regulating portion to control display of the images so as to compensate for conditions detected by the sensor so as to maintain good image visibility in various viewing environments.

Spectacle type display device

Abstract: In order to facilitate pupil distance adjustment, diopter adjustment and convergence adjustment, in a spectacle type display arrangement which utilizes of a pair of image generating units for projecting images on left and right eyes respectively, a pair of shafts are installed in a housing by way of a frame, and a pair of lens and mirror units are reciprocally mounted on the shafts so as to movable toward and away from each other. A slide plate which forms part of a backlight is disposed on the frame so as to be slidable in the fore-and-aft direction. A pair of shafts are disposed one above the other at the upper and lower portions of the backlight. A pair of LCD holders which form a part of the pair of image source means are supported on the shafts so as to be laterally movable toward and away from each other. A pupil distance adjustment of the pair of image generating means is implemented by a rotation of a knob 8 through cam and link mechanisms, while a diopter adjustment and a convergence adjustment are simultaneously implemented by a rotation of a knob through a separate cam mechanism.

Methods and apparatus for training and operating voice recognition systems

Abstract: A voice recognition system and method for training the same are provided wherein a first voice signal representing an instruction as well as a predetermined instruction signal corresponding to the first voice signal and identifying the instruction are input to the voice recognition system. The system processes the first voice signal based on the predetermined instruction signal to produce voice recognition data for use by the system in identifying the instruction based on a second voice signal representing the same instruction. The processor stores the voice recognition data for subsequent use upon receipt of the second voice signal and carries out the instruction in response to the predetermined instruction signal corresponding to the first voice signal.