Showing papers by "Sony Broadcast & Professional Research Laboratories published in 1999"

Method and apparatus for embedding authentication information within digital data

Abstract: Arbitrary digital information is embedded within a stream of digital data, in a way that avoids detection by a casual observer and that allows a user to determine whether the digital data have been modified from their intended form. The embedded information may only be extracted as authorized and may be used to verify that the original digital data stream has not been modified.

Radiometric self calibration

Abstract: A simple algorithm is described that computes the radiometric response function of an imaging system, from images of an arbitrary scene taken using different exposures. The exposure is varied by changing either the aperture setting or the shutter speed. The algorithm does not require precise estimates of the exposures used. Rough estimates of the ratios of the exposures (e.g. F-number settings on an inexpensive lens) are sufficient for accurate recovery of the response function as well as the actual exposure ratios. The computed response function is used to fuse the multiple images into a single high dynamic range radiance image. Robustness is tested using a variety of scenes and cameras as well as noisy synthetic images generated using 100 randomly selected response curves. Automatic rejection of image areas that have large vignetting effects or temporal scene variations make the algorithm applicable to not just photographic but also video cameras.

Image display apparatus

Abstract: An image display apparatus, which requires individual transmission of signals to portions corresponding to a plurality of pixels or lines, such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display and includes signal transmitting sections 4, 5 for transmitting signals to an image display section to which independent signals are applied for each pixel or line, a plurality of transmitting lines arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals are brought for each plurality of transmitting blocks. A transmitting line, serving as a dummy between transmitting lines which are located in different transmitting blocks and adjacent to each other, is disposed in any one of transmitting blocks including the adjacent transmitting lines. A transmitting line nearest to the dummy transmitting line in the other transmitting block of the transmitting blocks including the adjacent transmitting lines is electrically connected to the dummy transmitting line outside of the signal transmitting sections 4, 5.

A method and apparatus for interactive source language expression recognition and alternative hypothesis presentation and selection

Abstract: In a language translation system, a method for providing a guide for a user. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving (302) an input that is representative of at least one word in a source language, and generating (1402) at least one recognition hypothesis in the source language in response to the input. The method further comprises the steps of selecting (406) a best hypothesis from the at least one recognition hypothesis in the source language, presenting (408) the best hypothesis in the source language to a user, and presenting (408) alternatives to a portion of the best hypothesis in the source language to the user. The method further includes receiving (410) an indication of a choice of one of the alternatives from the user, and presenting (306) a revised version of the best hypothesis including the alternative chosen to the user.

System for managing multimedia discs, tracks and files on a standalone computer

Abstract: A computer system is provided that allows the content of a user's collection of fixed and removable media to be managed without regard to a specific type of media. The computer system performs equally well with files on floppy discs, removable hard-disks such as Iomega Zip, CDDA discs, CD-ROM discs, DVD-ROM discs and recordable or re-writeable variants of CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The computer system of the present invention includes a computer program that allows a user to: insert his/her own collection of discs into a changer device and automatically inventory the changer to create a database or “cache” of the titles, directories and file names on all discs in the changer, describe and categorize both audio and CD-ROM discs, sort the discs based on different criteria, load a specific disc into the changer's drive to access files or play audio or video tracks, display discs and the multimedia files on the changer either textually or graphically, create playlists and collections of specific files or tracks as a reference for locating them later or incorporating them into presentations, use a built-in player to play a sequence of multimedia clips or tracks, while automatically loading CDs containing these clips and tracks as needed, view certain multimedia discs such as CD-Extra discs as both a set of audio tracks and a directory tree of files, maintain information associated with CDs in a database after the CDs are removed from the disc changer device, and allow the user to browse through his/her CD collection even after the discs have been removed from the disc changer device.

Apparatus and method for designating information to be retrieved over a computer network

Abstract: A system and method for designating and retrieving information over the internet. At least one webpage (850, 954, 1058) is accessed and individual portions (324, 326, 328, 330) of the at least one webpage (850, 954, 1058) are designated, each of the individual portions (324, 326, 328, 330) being associated with an underlying information content. The designated individual portions (324, 326, 328, 330) of the at least one webpage (850, 954, 1058) are positioned within a single configuration display screen (570) and the format of the single configuration display screen (570) including the designated individual portions (324, 326, 328, 330) of each webpage (850, 954, 1058) are stored in a configuration file (410). The configuration file (410) and underlying information content associated with each of the designated individual portions (324, 326, 328, 330) are retrieved and positioned on an output display screen (10) in accordance with the configuration file (410).

Method and apparatus for powering a wireless headset used with a personal electronic device

Abstract: A headset for wireless communicating with a personal electronic device, such as a wireless phone, provides audio output based on an audio signal from the personal electronic device. A secondary battery in the headset provides power for the headset and is rechargeable from a primary battery in the personal electronic device, thereby allowing the user to recharge the headset in the field. Alternatively two secondary batteries may be provided. One of the secondary batteries can be used to power the headset, while the other is connected to the personal electronic device for recharging from the primary battery. When the battery in the headset becomes depleted, the batteries are exchanged.

A method and apparatus for adaptive speech recognition hypothesis construction and selection in a spoken language translation system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptive speech recognition hypothesis are provided, wherein a number of ordered recognition hypotheses are generated and presented in response to a received speech input comprising natural spoken language. Generation of the recognition hypotheses comprises assigning (408) basic probabilities to at least one basic component of the speech input using language models and calculating (410) an overall probability of each of the recognition hypotheses using the assigned basic probabilities. The best hypothesis is selected (1802) by a user from the recognition hypotheses. Hypothesis generation is adapted (1810) in response to the selected best hypotheses, wherein the selected hypothesis is analyzed, a list comprising the basic components of the selected best hypothesis and the assigned basic probabilities is generated, credit is assigned to the basic components of the selected hypothesis by raising the assigned basic probabilities, and the basic probabilities of the language model are renormalized. An output is provided (306) comprising the best hypothesis; moreover, the input is translated in response to the selected best hypothesis, and a synthesized translated speech output is provided.

Method of managing resources within a network of consumer electronic devices

Abstract: A method of managing resources within a network for consumer electronic media devices. In one embodiment, the method is implemented as a software resource manager which provides a centralized resource allocation, reservation and access control functionalities for a home entertainment server. Particularly, user applications of the home server receive instructions from a user or other entities for a media service, and converts the instructions into a request that identifies the necessary resources for providing the media service. The software resource manager then determines whether such resources are available upon receiving the request. Importantly, the software resource manager also determines whether a routing path between the necessary resources has sufficient bandwidth for performing the requested media service. If necessary resources and bandwidth are available, the software resource manager then sends control signals to the source and destination devices causing them to perform the requested media services. Additionally, the software resource manager of the present invention provides event scheduling and request arbitration functionalities to the home entertainment server. In this manner, a secure home entertainment network that is protected from misuse and abuse can thus be achieved.

Method and apparatus for providing a calendar-based planner in an electronic program guide for broadcast events

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a calendar-based on-screen planner in an electronic program guide for broadcast events are provided, wherein at least one electronic program guide is generated and displayed representing programming on a number of channels. A first on-screen planner is generated comprising at least one monthly calendar view. The first on-screen planner, which may be accessed from the electronic program guide, provides for a review of selected broadcast activity for a number of days of a selected month. The selected broadcast activity is selected from a group comprising broadcasts selected for automatic tuning, broadcasts selected for recording, and pay-per-view broadcasts selected for purchase. A second on-screen planner is generated comprising at least one daily calendar view. The second on-screen planner, which may be accessed from the first on-screen planner, provides for review and editing of the selected broadcast activity for at least one day of the selected month. The electronic program guide and the on-screen planners are displayed on the screen in response to a user selection.

Method for making thin film semiconductor

Abstract: The present invention provides new and improved methods for making crystalline semiconductor thin films which may be bonded to different kinds of substrates. The thin films may be flexible. In accordance with preferred methods, a multi-layer porous structure including two or more porous layers having different porosities is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor thin film is grown on the porous structure. Electrodes and/or a desired support substrate may be attached to the grown film. The grown film is separated from the semiconductor substrate along a line of weakness defined in the porous structure. The separated thin film attached to the support substrate may be further processed to provide improved film products, solar panels and light emitting diode devices. These thin film semiconductors are excellent in crystallinity and may be inexpensively produced, thereby enabling production of solar cells and light emitting diodes at lower cost.

System and method for a digital television electronic program guide

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electronic program guide for broadcast digital television wherein the electronic program guide displays only currently broadcast minor channels (131), and timely event and contextual information. The system of the present invention includes program code in a memory for causing a tuner/de-multiplexor subsystem to tune to a preselected major channel broadcast frequency (132) and to provide thereby at least one transport stream comprising a plurality of associated digital data elementary streams. The elementary streams include minor channel audio and video, as well as program and system information tables (PSIT), all of which are associated by packet identifires to provide a table hierarchy. The system of the present invention compares presently broadcasting minor channel and PSIT information with corresponding information in memory. If the presently broadcasting information is more contemporaneous than the stored information, th stored information (113) is updated, or replaced, with the presently broadcasting information to enable display of only actively broadcasting minor channels and up-to-the-minute event and contextual information.

Apparatus and method for noise attenuation in a speech recognition system

Abstract: The noise suppressor utilizes statistical characteristics of the noise signal to attenuate amplitude values of the noisy speech signal that have a probability of containing noise. In one embodiment, the noise suppressor utilizes an attenuation function having a shape determined in part by a noise average and a noise standard deviation. In a further embodiment, the noise suppressor also utilizes an adaptive attenuation coefficient that depends on signal-to-noise conditions in the speech recognition system.

System for omnidirectional image viewing at a remote location without the transmission of control signals to select viewing parameters

Abstract: A system for achieving perspective-corrected views at a location removed from the site of the creation of a distorted wide angle image without the transmission of control signals to the site of image creation. Angles of tilt, pan and rotation, as well as degrees of magnification, are achieved without the use of mechanical devices by using transform algorithms. The system provides for the transmission of signals related to an uncorrected image from a site where this distorted image is created, with the transmitted signals being received at one or more processing sites for creating the perspectively-corrected views. Transmission can be via telephone lines, with the system including signal compression and decompression units. Wireless transmission is also utilized where desired.

Voice recognition for animated agent-based navigation

Abstract: A method of operation of a computer system for processing an arbitrary document such as a World Wide Web page to provide additional information not immediately available from the raw, unprocessed document This additional information allows a user to navigate and control the content of the document using, in some embodiments, voice commands and/or an agent-based user interface The present disclosure provides both a visual display of previously invisible links embedded in a web page image and an audible indication of the presence of such links The present invention further comprises a scripting language that allows the rapid creation of executable computer instructions (or scripts) for controlling the behaviors and functionality of the agent-based interface Such scripts enable the creation of a friendlier, easy to use interface to the navigation and control features The present invention also comprises the ability to read the contents of an arbitrary web page aloud, including the names of embedded hypertext links, thus facilitating web surfing by the sightless

Illuminating method and illuminating device

Abstract: The number of light sources and the number of divided light beams are optimized, so that a light beam with sufficiently reduced speckle contrast can be used as illuminating light. In an optical system for forming an image through a spatial modulator, laser light having a spectrum width of wave number and emitted from N (N is an integer not less than 1) light sources is guided to a fiber bundle so that the light is divided into M light beams (M is an integer not less than 2), a light path length difference of not less than a coherent distance is given to the respective light beams, and then, light axes are again aligned with each other to illuminate the spatial modulator, and when the light path length difference from one point on the spatial modulator to an image corresponding thereto has a standard deviation σZ, the number M and the number N are set so that a relation expressed by the following expression A is satisfied: ( numerical   expression   49 )   NM · 1 + ( 2 · W · σ z ) 2 4 ≧ 1 Expression   A

Video/audio signal processing method and video/audio signal processing apparatus

Abstract: A metadata extraction unit has a feature point selection and motion estimation unit (62) for extracting at least one feature point representing characteristics of the video/audio signals in a compressed domain of the video/audio signals. Thus, reduction of time or cost for processing can be realized and it makes it possible to process effectively.

Method and apparatus for parsing in a spoken language translation system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for parsing in a spoken language translation system are provided, wherein an input is received comprising at least one input sentence or expression. A parsing table is accessed and consulted for a next action, wherein the parser looks up in the next action in the parsing table. During parsing operations, the parser may perform shift actions and reduce actions. In performing a shift action, a next item of the input string is shifted onto a stack or intermediate data structure of the parser. A new parse node is generated, and a feature structure or lexical feature structure of the shifted input item is obtained from a morphological analyzer and associated with the new parse node. The new node is placed on the stack or intermediate data structure. In performing a reduce action, a grammar rule and an associated compiled feature structure manipulation are applied. When the manipulations succeed, a new parse node is generated comprising the new feature structures resulting from the successful feature structure manipulations. When the entire input is successfully parsed then an accept action is performed, a rebuilding procedure is performed, and a structural analysis of the input is provided comprising a number of parse trees and sentential feature structures.

Sputter target/backing plate assembly and method of making same

Abstract: A method of forming a sputter target/backing plate assembly comprises the steps of: providing a target fabricated from a first material having a coefficient of thermal expansion; providing a backing plate fabricated from a second material having a coefficient of thermal expansion; providing a block fabricated from a third material having a coefficient of thermal expansion; positioning the block on one side of the backing plate; positioning the target on the other side of the backing plate; and subjecting the target, backing plate and block to elevated temperature and pressure to bond the target, backing plate and block together. The third material is selected so as to have a coefficient of thermal expansion which counteracts the effects of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the first and second materials. The third material may be selected so as to have a coefficient of thermal expansion which is approximately the same as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material.

TV planner for DSS

Abstract: An integrated DSS/WebTV receiver is communicatively connected to an Internet service provider, a DSS service provider, and (optionally) a local broadcast station to provide a display of DSS programs, Internet web sites, and local broadcast channels in a seamless fashion. The DSS/WebTV receiver generates a graphical user interface (GUI), displayed on a television screen, for facilitating a user's navigation through the DSS, Internet, and local broadcast data. The GUI includes a TV Planner icon which, if selected by the user, causes the televison to display a monthly calender (or recording/reminder list) that indicates which programs are purchased and/or selected for recording by a VCR. A “Purchase” icon appears adjacent purchased programs and a “Record” icon appears adjacent programs to be recorded. If the user selects “Purchase” icon, the user is visually presented (e.g., via a pull-down screen) with the cost, date, and time of the program purchased or to be purchased. If the user selects “Record” icon, the user is visually presented (e.g., via a pull-down screen) with the title , date, and time of the program to be recorded. The TV Planner screen also includes a “Timer & Rec.” icon and a “Review Purchases” icon. If the user selects “Timer & Rec.” icon, the user is presented with a “Timer & Rec.” screen that lists the programs that the user selected to view or record. If the user selects “Review Purchases” icon, the user is presented with a “Review Purchases” screen that lists all the programs purchased (e.g., PPV programs) by the user in a given time period (e.g., one month). The user can modify selected data (e.g., delete or add programs ) when the user is in the “Timer &Rec” or “Review Purchases” screens. The user may also scroll from time period to time period (e.g., month to month) within TV Planner screen by selecting “forward” and “backward” arrow icons.

A method and portable apparatus for performing spoken language translation

Abstract: In a portable unit, a method for performing spoken language translation. The method includes the steps of receiving (302) at least one speech input comprising at least one source language, and recognizing (306) at least one source expression of the at least one source language. The method also includes the steps of translating (308) the recognized at least one source expression from the at least one source language to at least one target language, synthesizing (312) at least one speech output from the translated at least one target language, and providing (314) the at least one speech output. A set of source language expressions and a set of target language expressions are remotely extensible in some embodiments, using various communication methods. One embodiment further comprises the step of minimizing (1702) misrecognitions of the at least one source expression, wherein the misrecognitions result from factors comprising noise and speaker variation.

Method and apparatus for distributed conditional access control on a serial communication network

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributed conditional access (CA) control on a serial communication network. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a CA subsystem over a 1394 network, the CA subsystem comprising a receiver unit for receiving a digital broadcast signal (DBS) and OOB data from an external source, where the DBS and OOB data are transmitted from the external source to the receiver unit in different broadcast frequencies. The receiver unit comprises a main tuner subunit coupled to receive the DBS, which can be encrypted with respect to a first encryption scheme. The receiver unit also comprises an OOB tuner subunit coupled to receive the OOB data for decrypting the DBS with respect to the first encryption scheme. The CA subsystem also comprises a CA control unit coupled to the receiver unit, which in turn comprises a CA subunit coupled to receive the DBS and OOB data. If the DBS is encrypted with respect to the first encryption scheme, the CA subunit generates a descrambled signal from the DBS using the OOB data, such that said descrambled signal is no longer encrypted with respect to the first encryption scheme. Other embodiments of the present invention include the above and wherein the descrambled signal is encrypted with respect to a standard 1394 copy protection scheme, but not encrypted with respect to the first encryption scheme.

Display of previewed channels with rotation of multiple previewed channels along an arc

Abstract: Information corresponding to previewed channels is displayed using a sequential arrangement having a main channel location and several remaining channel locations. A currently previewed channel resides in the main channel location. The channels move along the sequential arrangement and into the main channel location for previewing. An arc shaped arrangement having the main channel location at an intermediate point allows channels to progress from one side of the arc, then into the main channel location for previewing, then to the other side of the arc. A jog dial can be rotated to cause the previewed channels to rotate along the arc. Thus, the user can cycle through available channels or a subset of channels by merely holding the jog dial in a given position.

Method and apparatus for providing syntactic analysis and data structure for translation knowledge in example-based language translation

Abstract: Syntactic analysis is performed on an input and on entries of a bilingual example database using at least one parse tree. The parse trees, formed using a context-free grammar, comprise a number of nodes and each node comprises at least one production rule. Furthermore, at least one node comprises nested production rules. The nested production rules comprise production rules for different combinations of the linguistic constituents of the input. The syntactic analysis comprises recognizing linguistic constituents, ordering the linguistic constituents, representing the linguistic constituents using an adapted feature structure analysis representation, and manipulating the adapted feature structure analysis representation using a natural language parser. The syntactic analysis further comprises generalizing surface variations in the input and the entries of the example database in order to increase the translation efficiency. Linguistic constituents of the input are determined, and a pragmatic type and a syntactic type of the linguistic constituents are determined. The order of the linguistic constituents in the input is retained. An output is provided comprising an identification of the input.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and providing medium

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, items to be displayed are easily controlled. A user operates a mouse to select an English word displayed in a scroll window with a pointer, and drags the selected word. Thus, English words to be displayed in the scroll window are restricted.

Method and system for transforming a source language linguistic structure into a target language linguistic structure based on example linguistic feature structures

Abstract: A system and method for transforming input source language linguistic structures (SLS) to target linguistic language linguistic structures (TLS) are described. In one embodiment, the SLS is matched to at least one existing source language example linguistic structure (SEF). The SLS is aligned with the at least one SEF, and the TLS is generated using at least one target language example linguistic structure (TEF) corresponding to the at least one SEF.

Robot and information processing system

Abstract: A useful robot device is provided which includes communication means for its operation based on information transferred to and form an extenal device. A useful information processing system can be realized by designing the robot device so that it may recognize user's states based on sensors provided around the user and respond to the results of recognition.

System and method for creating a substitute registry when automatically installing an update program

Abstract: A system and method for creating a substitute registry when automatically installing an update program preferably comprises a plurality of computer systems that are connected to a distributed network such as the Internet. Download modules on the computer systems automatically access and download update programs from the distributed network. Install modules then automatically create unique substitute registries that correspond to the downloaded update programs. Finally, the install module loads the update programs onto the computer systems to complete the software installation procedure, in accordance with the present invention.

A method and apparatus for performing spoken language translation

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing spoken language translation are provided, wherein a speech input (302) is received comprising at least one source language. The speech input comprises words, sentences, and phrases in a natural spoken language. Source expressions are recognized (304) in the source language. Misrecognitions of the source expressions resulting from factors comprising noise and speaker variation are minimized (410) by the generation of intermediate data structures that encode at least one recognition hypothesis. Furthermore, misrecognitions are minimized by the generation of candidate recognized source expressions by processing the intermediate data structures using models comprising a general language model and a domain model. A recognized source expression is selected and confirmed by a user through a user interface. The recognized source expressions are translated (308) from the source language to a target language, and a speech output is synthesized (314) from the translated target language source expressions. Moreover, a meaning of the speech input is detected, and the meaning is rendered in the synthesized translated output.