This application is related to a provisional application entitled "Content Control view Detection of Modifications to a Signal", filed on 2.5.2007 by Ronald Quan, serial No. 60/927223.
Background
The content control system may include one or any combination of storage, receiving, analog, digital, software, transmission, display, computing, radio frequency, magnetic, and/or optical (compatible) devices.
The following patents and/or patent applications, and all their continuation or divisional applications, are incorporated by reference into this application. The modification of at least a part of the video signal described in any combination of the patents and/or patent applications mentioned and/or incorporated by reference may be detected for use in a content control system according to the invention:
us patent 5583936 illustrates signal modifications that can be detected for use in content control. For example, fig. 4 illustrates a modified front porch level; 5a-5c illustrate adding or inserting a signal that may range anywhere below the blanking level into at least a white peak in a selected TV line of selected pixels that may also include a blanked and/or activated (active) picture portion; 6a-6c illustrate inserting or providing pulses having one level and/or having another level (e.g., as a function of time) in selected pixels of a selected TV row; 8, 9, 14a, 14B, 21 illustrate means to incorporate different pulses of a particular duration and/or level into a portion of a video signal, and/or the level may be at or below blanking, near blanking, and/or above blanking, for example as illustrated by the voltage divider version with + V and-V voltage sources, the sync pulse replacement (replacement) S50, 29B (e.g., extended sync pulse) in FIGS. 6B and 9; and fig. 32a, 35b, 38e, 43g, which show, for example, the addition of a signal in the range of 100KHz to 5MHz to a portion of a video signal, such as an active portion of a video line, or a portion of a sync pulse or horizontal blanking interval. Alternatively, one or more pulses may be applied to a trailing edge region or portion of the video signal, wherein the pulses may be modulated and a periodic or non-periodic signal may be applied to a portion of the video signal.
The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal of the' 936 patent that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 1) enhancement or modification signals such as check symbols (packers), or replacement levels in partial leading or trailing edge regions, where the replacement levels may be above or below blanking levels. 2) Amplitude, pulse width and/or position modulated negative pulses in (or near) the trailing edge region or in (or near) the leading edge region. 3) A modulated waveform in the last lines of a TV field or frame, and/or in a VBI portion, where the waveform has two different levels, such as blanking levels below, or above, or about blanking levels. The period of the modulated waveform in the last rows may be in the range of a few seconds to less than 1 second. 4) For processing video in selected rows, narrowed sync pulses or narrowed sync pulses with ABC pulses, or narrowed sync pulses with AGC and/or pseudo sync pulses (see, e.g., blocks 208 and/or 204, 206). An end of field (EOF) waveform, or a waveform in a portion (interval) of a video signal, which may comprise a pulse amplitude modulated waveform, having a frequency between 100KHz and 5 MHz. The amplitude modulation may be (static) or change/alter the amplitude of the waveform over time (e.g., 100KHz to 5MHz) (may include synchronization pulse narrowing and enhancement signals). Any combination of enhancement or error signals mentioned and/or combined with AGC pulses and/or boosted back porch pulses and/or pseudo sync pulses. 5) A video signal having AGC pulses with one set of narrowed horizontal sync pulses and/or another set of further narrowed horizontal sync pulses. 6) The sync pulse narrows one or more levels. 7) Level shifting in the HBI region, or level shifting in one or more portions of the video signal or HBI. 8) Any of the mentioned modifications or waveforms (or portions of signals) may be sensed, read or detected and used in the content control system.
Us patent 5315448. The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 9) fig. 1 and 2, which show, for example, an analog copy protection signal for recording or content control, or digital copy protection information bits for content control. 10) A copy protection bit (bit) or content control bit detector and/or an analog copy protection signal detector that detects information in the digital and/or analog domain to provide content control. 11) An a/D converter to receive the analog signal and generate a digital signature for detecting a modification to the analog video signal, and/or 12) a D/a converter to receive the digital signature (e.g., with a signature detector) that can be used to process the video signal into a modified analog signal. 13) A copy protection signal generator that may apply the copy protection signal to the D/A converter. 14) An SCPS (Serial copy protection scheme) bit detector that detects a digital bit stream for copy protection information. 15) A recorder, which may be just one exemplary device, senses copy protection information in the analog and/or digital domain, and wherein the recorder may shut down following a command from the copy protection information, leaving the copy protection waveform (or providing a modified signal) unrecorded and/or added/inserted as its output. 16) A view or record disabler, which is a function of the detected copy protected information signal (or the detected modified signal) in the analog and/or digital domain. 17) The marks are detected in the analog and/or digital domain to control the application of the copy protection signal and/or to influence recording or viewing in a compatible device. Any combination of SCPS, copy protection/protection from viewing, and/or copy protection signals is used. For example, the reader may sense pseudo-sync pulses, trailing edge AGC pulses, pseudo-sync pulse-AGC pulse pairs, field/frame length changes, line duration changes, and/or sync pulse amplitude decreases. The content control system may sense any combination of these signals to perform disabling/modifying functions (e.g., inhibiting recording and/or viewing), and/or add/insert waveforms via the generator to provide analog signals (and/or digital signals) with copy protection. The waveform may be programmable or set (e.g., by a user).
Us patent 6381747. The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 18) fig. 1-3, for example, illustrate methods and systems for providing copy protection of video for analog and/or digital signals, wherein the signals are communicated via a network (e.g., a digital transmission network). The digital transmission network may include pay-per-view, or pay-per-download features. 19) The transmission may include wireless, wired, optical, phone line, cable, WiFi, Wimax and/or internet. 20) A set top box or device, such as a receiver, mobile phone, or portable computing device, receives program material having control bits. The control bits may instruct the device or set-top box to generate any copy protection information signal, modified signal, and/or any copy protection signal (digital and/or analog or radio frequency) at its output. The device or set-top box may include any combination of the following: digital decompressor and/or MPEG decoder, demodulator, software application, memory, storage device, computing system, CPU, electronic program guide, display, audio processing, conditional access system, configuration bits for switching on/off and/or selecting signals with copy protection or modification in a video signal. The device may produce high, standard and/or low resolution video signals. The configuration and/or mode bits may be used in any modification of the supply (video) signal.
Us patent 6501842. The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 21) claims 1-10, which change level after the synchronization pulse. For example, the change may include modifying a portion of the trailing edge, such as in the range of-10 IRE to-30 IRE, which may be sensed or measured and/or used to communicate commands for the content control system. 22) Any combination of trailing edge reduction, sync pulse narrowing, sync pulse widening, AGC pulse, pseudo sync pulse, end of line signal, and/or end of field signal may convey a signal or command for a content control system.
Us patent 6516132. The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 23) fig. 3A through 7 and columns 9-14, which illustrate examples of providing subcarrier signals in one or more horizontal blanking intervals. One example is to provide a modified color burst (color burst) after the trailing edge (trailing edge) of the horizontal sync pulse (or in the sync pulse area). Note that the horizontal synchronization pulse may be set to a position and/or a pulse width. The color burst may include amplitude (and/or phase) variations within a portion of the video signal. For example, a segmented color burst signal may be provided. Alternatively, the color burst modification may include additional, or fewer, subcarrier cycles (cycles) than the color burst or "standard" color burst of another TV line. Columns 9-14 show different tables 1a, 1B, 2a and 2B, which are examples of various modifications or provisions (services) to the video signal, and any feature of any combination thereof may be used in the content control system. Of course, these tables are examples, and other parameters or numbers may be used. One or more modifications may be used in a digital recorder, and/or integrated circuit. 24) Color burst modifications or changes in the R-Y or B-Y signals (for component TV signals) may be sensed/read/detected to communicate commands to the content control system. The color burst modification includes phase, amplitude, one or more phase switching points, and/or programmability of the color burst modification. 25) Any combination of varying widths or positions in one or more sync pulse signals may be used/read to deliver a signal to a content control system. 26) The changed width and/or position of the sync pulse signal, AGC, pseudo sync pulse and/or color burst modification may communicate at least one command or signal to the content control system. 27) Two (or m) or four (or n) rows of color bar (color strip) signals are depicted and may convey one or more content control commands. 28) An improved color burst signal or an extended duration color burst may be used in the content control system. Note that a narrowed duration color burst signal is suitable for use in one or more embodiments of the present invention. This faded version of the color burst modification may be used for content control and/or detection. This weakened version of the color burst or split (split) burst signal has improved playability (and may, for example, have a reduced or negligible or zero impact on the VCR (effective). For example, the color burst may be divided into N regions. The modified phase or frequency may account for a fraction (fraction) of the color burst envelope (e.g., 1 or 2 or 3, 4 or more cycles), which will provide a colorstripe signal with improved playability. Other (e.g., most) of the regions may have substantially normal burst phase or frequency. For example, in the PAL standard, an artifact with playability (artifact) occurs when too many cycles by line have modified the phase in the color stripe signal. The number of cycles may be reduced and/or the number of rows containing modified phases may be reduced. Also, the modified phase is typically a multiple of 90 degrees. Improved playability may be achieved by setting the modified phase to less than 90 degrees (e.g., between 1-30 degrees may be acceptable for playability, but other ranges of degrees may be available). Also, in the PAL or NTSC standard, some televisions show saturation or brightness shifts (artifacts) on these TV lines modified with cycles of several modification phases, and no artifacts on lines with normal burst phases. Therefore, there is a discontinuity in saturation or brightness in the TV field. One way to improve playability or reduce artifacts is to set many, most or all of the lines in the activation field substantially with a very mild or weak form of colorstripe signal (e.g., one or two or three or four cycles per line). Thus, the offset or artefact is present throughout the field, which shows a constant offset in saturation or brightness, and this is not noticeable (because no discontinuity in protection or brightness is displayed). The modified phase loops may be placed in any order or position in the selected HBI (preferably an order or position that is detectable but does not cause display artifacts). The provided attenuated form of the colorstripe signal (or color burst modification) may then be detected for use in controlling the content system.
Us patent 6600873. The following is a partial list of modifications to the video signal that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention: 29) fig. 1C, 2 and 3, which illustrate detection of color burst modification for content control. For example, the modified color burst detector may detect a phase change or a particular phase as a way to signal the presence of a content control signal. 30) A disabler to modify/inhibit recording or viewing may be coupled to the detector. 31) When a modified color burst is detected, the switch may be switched in the signal source, which may be a variant of the program video source, or a fixed or pre-stored signal, or an alternative signal. 32) The modified color burst may contain one or more phase switching points and/or one or more cyclic abnormal subcarrier phases, which may be used to represent one or more content control commands. The modified color burst may be read, sensed or detected and used to communicate information (e.g., control viewing and/or recording) in the content control system.
Us patent 6836549. Fig. 2-11 illustrate various modifications to the synchronization pulse or pseudo-synchronization pulse signal, such as pulse width or position modifications. Positive (or negative) pulses, such as AGC pulses or (pseudo sync pulses or horizontal sync pulses), may include pulse width or position modifications. The duration of the gap (gap) between the negative going pulses and/or the positive going pulses may be read or sensed for use in a content control system (e.g., where the gap duration may include zero or some non-zero value). The amplitude modification of the positive and negative going pulses (or gaps) may convey the content control signal. For example, changes in position, amplitude, pulse width, phase, gap width, and/or level from one sync pulse, pseudo sync pulse, back-porch pulse (AGC or forward), and/or AGC pulse may be sensed/read/detected/interpreted to communicate one or more commands for a content control system. The number of negative and/or positive going pulses from one TV row to another can be used to deliver content control information or commands. Furthermore, modifications of positive and/or negative going pulses within a TV line or duration (such as within one or more TV lines, or one or more TV fields or frames) may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that while the gap level is typically about a black level, or blanking level, the level may be increased for added influence for copy protection purposes, added influence in an AGC system, or for use in providing a content control signal. For example, the gap voltage or level between the trailing edge of a negative going pulse (e.g., pseudo sync pulse) and the leading edge of a positive going pulse (e.g., AGC pulse) may be increased above 0% white (e.g., from 0.5% to 140% white). Note that a portion of the gap may vary in level to provide an increasing (or decreasing, e.g., decreasing gap level) effect. Alternatively, a portion or the entirety of the gap voltage may be reduced below a black level or a blanking level as part of the content control and/or copy protection signal.
Us patent 7039294. Fig. 2A-9 show various diagrams of modifying a color burst signal, or providing a modified subcarrier signal following a synchronization pulse, which may provide a content control command. For example, these modified signals may include one or more segments (segments) that include one phase or another. The modified signal may include amplitude variations in a portion of a horizontal blanking interval or in a portion of a back porch region (back porch area). A color burst envelope providing phase, duration, position and/or amplitude variation may be used as content control in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The color burst envelope can be read for any variation and used in the content control system. The colorstripe detector (or its output signal) may or may not be used in processing the video signal, and thus the colorstripe detector or the phase or frequency detector may be part of the content control system.
Us patent 7050698. Fig. 2A-9 illustrate various content control modifications in and/or near the horizontal blanking interval. For example, a modified frequency or phase of the subcarrier signal is provided in a portion of the Horizontal Blanking Interval (HBI), which may be used to communicate the content control information signal. A leading porch modification may be provided in the video signal and/or a subcarrier signal added to the top of sync pulse (tip) portion and/or to the trailing edge portion, which may be sensed, read or detected by a detector "checking" one or more regions in the (horizontal) blanking interval. Any of these modified, or added/inserted, subcarrier signals may be used to convey information for the content control system. In addition, the subcarrier signal may include one or more cycles of frequencies other than the nominal color subcarrier frequency. For example, the noted subcarrier frequencies may not be equal to (e.g., higher or lower than "standard" 3.58MHz or 4.43MHz color frequencies) the usual standard subcarrier frequencies of the TV standard in question or nominally, such as NTSC, PAL, or SECAM subcarrier frequencies. Subcarrier signals having the correct frequency and/or phase, as well as signals having an incorrect frequency and/or phase, may be provided in the trailing edge region or portion of the horizontal blanking interval, which may be used in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The 7050698 invention in the united states includes the use of sync pulse positions, pulse width modifications, and/or basic copy protection signals such as pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC signals. Also included are internet reception of video signals, and provision of one or more types of analog video signals, and one or more modifications to the analog signals. The invention also includes, for example, the modified duration and/or location of the synchronization pulse (e.g., a narrowed or widened horizontal synchronization pulse, and/or one or more horizontal synchronization pulses that change in location). Also included is the modified duration of one or more horizontal blanking intervals. For example, widened portions on either or both ends of an active video line may be replaced with voltage levels or blanking levels, or a narrowed horizontal blanking interval may be provided in which additional picture information is included that increases the duration of the active TV line. For example, the descriptions in column 10, lines 50-62 of the' 698 patent are incorporated in this application.
Us patent 7236683. Fig. 1-5 illustrate various modifications to a video signal that may provide content control, including: an extended color burst duration, a sync pulse signal inserted or added before or after a sync pulse, an extended pseudo sync pulse and/or (at least a portion of) a horizontal sync pulse, color burst attenuation or blanking, a pre-sync pulse and/or a positive going pulse, or negative and positive going signals in an HBI. Basic copy protection processing, such as AGC pulses, or pseudo sync pulses and AGC pulses, may be used in conjunction with the above modifications to provide one or more embodiments of the present invention.
Us patent 4631603. Fig. 1-3 depict pseudo-sync pulses and/or AGC pulses, which may be used in one or more embodiments of the present invention. A weakened version of this signal (e.g., fewer rows in a field, or pulses modified in, for example, amplitude, pulse width, and/or position) that produces less impact (and/or better playability) may be used to detect a compatible device or content control.
Us patent 4907093. FIGS. 1-6. Pseudo sync pulse and/or AGC pulse detection is used for content control. For example, a recording control system is shown for switching off or modifying the video signal in case pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses are detected.
Us patent 4577216. FIGS. 1-2. A burst phase adjuster (modifier) provides a colorstripe signal on a selected TV line, or a modified color burst in a selected line, which may include a modified phase of a subcarrier, and may be used to communicate content control commands. A weakened version of this signal (e.g., fewer rows in the field or a loop of modified subcarriers to produce less impact and/or to produce improved playability) may be used to detect compatible devices or content control.
Us patent 6188832. Fig. 3-4. Synchronization pulse narrowing and AGC pulses are shown which may be used for delivery content control. For example, a video signal including selected narrowed sync pulses (e.g., horizontal sync pulses) and pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses may be coupled to a compatible device that detects the presence of one or more AGC, pseudo sync pulses and/or narrowed sync pulses. Included may be a reduced back porch region that may be combined with the video signal (as previously mentioned) and/or the reduced back porch region may be sensed for use in the content control system.
Us patent 4819098. FIGS. 1-3. A video signal with an increased back porch or added/inserted forward pulse may be combined with a reduced sync pulse level on the sync pulse to provide content control. In general, the term "elevated trailing edge" may include a signal having an elevated trailing edge and/or a positive going pulse in the HBI portion (e.g., following the trailing edge of a synchronization pulse, where the synchronization pulse may have a normal or abnormal pulse width). The reduced sync pulse level may be sensed or read for communicating information in the content control system. The combination of the reduced sync pulse level and the AGC back-porch pulse, or the AGC pulse elsewhere, may be sensed or read for communicating information to the content control system.
U.S. patent application publication No. US20060093140a 1. HD content control. Included is a modification of a signal having a three-level sync pulse signal. The modification may include a portion of a horizontal blanking interval, a portion of an activated row, a portion of a vertical blanking interval, and/or a positive or negative going signal in a trailing edge region. Any composite or component video signal channel may have one or more of these modifications to provide content control. Any modification may include modulation.
U.S. patent application publication No. US20060093139a 1. The modification of the tri-level sync pulse video signal may provide content control commands.
U.S. patent application publication No. US20060251252a 1. The modification of the video signal may be used to change commands in the content control system. This may include changing the position of the added pulse of one type of copy protection signal relative to another type. For example, one or more positive going AGC pulses may be added in other locations of the video signal to provide content control.
U.S. patent application publication No. US20060085863a1, fig. 1-8, includes an anti-copy protection (ACP) waveform (e.g., which is programmable) in a recording medium to provide content control.
U.S. patent application publication No. US20060083373a1, fig. 1A-2D illustrate blanking a portion of a copy protection signal to provide content control.
Us patent 5130810. Fig. 1-4 illustrate raising the black level of the active video portion, or lowering the trailing edge and/or color burst envelope, to provide content control.
Us patent 4695901. Fig. 1-2 illustrate replacing a color-burst level and/or cutting a portion of a pseudo-sync pulse to provide content control. The copy protection signal may comprise at least a portion of the color burst envelope that is increased or decreased by a finite duration. For example, copy protection such as AGC and/or pseudo sync pulse signals with reduced or eliminated effects may be used as the content control signal or detected in the content control system.
Us patent 4626890. Fig. 1 illustrates the removal of burst phase modulation of color bursts to provide content control.
Us patent 5157510, fig. 1-4(i) illustrate narrowing or increasing the frequency of the AGC, sync pulse and/or pseudo sync pulse signals. Temporal compression of a portion of a video signal is one method of processing a video signal to provide content control. Another application of temporal compression is to scale video lines and/or field rates. For example, scaling may include geometrically compressing or expanding along one or more dimensions (e.g., width and/or height). Any of these signal modifications may be used to provide content control or used as part of a video signal for content control.
Us patent 5194965. Fig. 1-7(h) illustrate level shifted sync pulses, AGC and/or pseudo sync pulses, and narrowed sync pulses and/or pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses to provide content control. Also, increasing the frequency of the AGC and/or pseudo sync pulses, and time compression of a portion of the video signal (which may be applied to scaling, for example) may be used to provide content control, or used as a portion of the video signal for content control.
Us patent 4937679. Fig. 1-6 illustrate a recording control system that detects AGC and/or pseudo sync pulses to cause a shutdown. The closing may be adapted as a content control for other devices such as display, transmission or (other) storage devices.
Us patent 4914694, fig. 1-2B illustrate varying the number of lines in a TV field or frame to provide content control. This principle of varying the number of TV lines can be applied to scale from one TV standard to another. Sensing a change in TV format may convey a content control command.
U.S. patent application publication No. US2004/0228605A 1. 1-6C illustrate modified black or gray frames that may be used to communicate information to a content control system.
Us patent 6404889. Fig. 1-4 illustrate signal modifications, such as VGA or component video copy protection modified in position, amplitude and/or width and/or sync pulses, wherein one or more sync pulses may be deleted to provide content control.
Any signal, or any modification to at least a portion of a video signal, described in any combination of the above-mentioned patents and/or patent applications and incorporated herein by reference may be read, sensed or detected for use in a content control system according to the present invention. Any signal or combination thereof may be provided to the content control device.
Watermarking or fingerprinting at least a portion of a video signal may also be used in one or more signals in the detection process of the content control system and/or in combination with any of the above, or in any of the incorporated patents. The watermarked signal may be embedded in an inactive video portion of the video signal, in an overscan area, or in a portion of a viewable area.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention includes embodiments that sense control bits and/or modifications to one or more of a number of audio, data, or video signals. Such modifications may include one or more copy protection signals, and/or copy protection enhancement signals. When any combination of the signals is sensed, content control commands are provided to the content control system for controlling the compatible device. By way of example, the content control system may include a player, a receiver, a telephone (which may include a wired or wireless telephone), a set-top box, a computer, a recorder, and/or a digital/analog device. The receiving device may comprise a wireless device.
Content control may include recording, playing, transmission, and/or display conditions/controls. For example, the content control commands generated by detecting the modified signal may determine whether (or how) to record, play, transmit, and/or display the program. Examples of such conditions may include when a program was recorded, played, transmitted, and/or displayed, and/or how long a program was recorded, played, transmitted, and/or displayed. Another example of such a condition may include how a program is recorded, played, transmitted, and/or displayed. For example, bit rate, resolution, and/or distribution (such as in a limiting manner) may be included as part of the content control system.
In accordance with the present invention, by way of example, various embodiments of the present invention may include sensing, reading or detecting one or more of the following (enhanced) signals, which exemplify modified signals (such as those previously described with respect to the above-mentioned patents and applications), and which are sensed, read or detected.
1) The trailing edge (in part or in whole) of the (lower) is reduced.
2) A reduced leading edge (partial or total).
3) Lowered active video lines (partial or whole).
4) Modified, narrowed, or widened sync pulses.
5) Position, pulse width, or edge modulated sync pulses (e.g., two or more pulses).
6) A sync pulse whose edge varies in position with respect to another sync pulse.
7) A sync pulse whose duration is changed with reference to another sync pulse.
8) A sync pulse that is shortened in duration and/or that includes one or more positive going pulses (e.g., to cause an attenuating effect on an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) amplifier).
9) One or more amplitude modulated negative and/or positive going pulses. For example, a negative going pulse may include a signal that goes below black (e.g., less than + 7.5% white or 0% white) or a blanking level (e.g., less than 0% white); and/or the positive going pulse may be a signal above a blanking or black level. Other examples may include a pseudo sync pulse, AGC, or level shift pulse (e.g., a portion of the level shift of the trailing edge and/or a portion of the sync pulse) in the blanking interval.
10) A narrowed or widened burst (burst) envelope.
11) The blanked burst envelope (partial or whole).
12) Modified phase, frequency and/or amplitude burst envelopes (in part or in whole). This modified burst envelope may include one or more incorrect frequencies added to a portion of the video signal (e.g., after the synchronization pulse). For example, an incorrect color frequency signal may or may not result in copy protection effects on a VCR (e.g., VHS) and may be detected for use in a content control system or compatible device. For example, an incorrect color frequency signal (or a signal with the correct frequency but a different amplitude and/or phase) may be added to a portion of the back porch region. The modified signal is sensed by the VCR resulting in negligible or non-copy protection effects, but content control, or copy control, is invoked when detected by a compatible device, for example by disabling recording, reducing the resolution of recorded and/or played video, setting a time limit for stored copies, etc. This signal may be provided, for example, in the overscan portion, or in a portion of the active TV region. The modified color burst signal may be located in a selected TV line, such as one or more lines in an overscan area, or the modified color burst may have a weakened or eliminated effect, but still be available for detection in a content control system. For example, the system may provide colorstripe signals (in a sufficient number of TV lines) with sufficiently modified phase or frequency for detection in a content control system with reduced or negligible or no impact on the color system of a video recorder (e.g., a VHS recorder). One example (attenuating or reducing the impact signal) is a burst color stripe signal (or modified phase or frequency) providing 1 or 2 lines to split every N TV lines, or a subcarrier signal with an incorrect frequency.
13) Modified amplitude, width and/or position of the synchronization pulses (e.g., horizontal, vertical, equalization and/or pseudo-synchronization pulses/signals).
14) Pseudo-synchronization pulses.
15) AGC pulses in a horizontal blanking interval and/or a vertical blanking interval.
16) Positive and/or negative pulses in an active Television (TV) line.
17) TV signal with three-level sync pulses.
18) Modified R-Y or B-Y, Y or U or V or I or Q signals, and/or modified R, G and/or B signals.
19) Modified or unmodified pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses in the horizontal or vertical blanking intervals.
20) Followed by a narrowed sync pulse of one or more AGC pulses.
21) Followed by a narrowed sync pulse that results in an attenuated effect on the AGC system or Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) copy protection signal.
22) A change in TV line (or horizontal or vertical blanking interval) duration (e.g., in active line duration and/or in blanking interval duration or top and bottom boxing), or a change in the number of TV lines in a TV field or frame (e.g., scaling to a different TV standard). The use of top and bottom framing may be used to encode/insert/add information, data or signals in a portion of the non-program video area (e.g., the portion of the border area to the left, right, top and/or bottom of the area that is gray or black in color) to provide content control.
23) A change in TV field or frame period or frequency (e.g., from higher to lower resolution, or from lower to higher resolution).
24) A change in the TV standard (NTSC to PAL or vice versa, or composite video format to component, or interlaced to progressive or vice versa, which may include different line or field durations/frequencies).
25) Extended amplitude (e.g., negative going) pulses, such as pulses having a level below the top level of the sync pulse. The extended amplitude pulse may comprise a negative going pulse in the blanking interval with its top below the "normal" sync pulse top level.
26) The AGC pulses or positive going pulses/signals in the blanking interval have a positive peak amplitude less than 120% of the white peak. A "smaller" AGC pulse or forward signal or waveform or pulse, less than 50% white peak, may be included for use in content control.
Any of the above-described signals and/or other examples of modifications may be used to control content, such as to limit recording, viewing, and/or passing signals from one (compatible) device to another (compatible) device (where the devices may be similar or different). For example, one or more of the above signals numbered 1-26 may be provided in a video signal. For example, the video signal may include one or more signals, wherein a sensing system or reader of a compatible device may sense one or more of the signals. A compatible device may not necessarily sense all signals or modifications. For example, a compatible device or sensing system or reader may read, sense or detect pseudo-sync pulses and/or AGC pulses even if narrowed sync pulses (e.g., horizontal or vertical) are still present in the selected row. Thus, in this illustration, a modified or unmodified copy protection signal comprising a plurality of pseudo-sync pulses and/or AGC pulses and narrowed sync pulses can provide a command to a compatible device that reads or senses the pseudo-sync pulses and does not have to read or sense the narrowed sync pulses. Examples of (compatible) devices may include readers, computers, mobile phones, set-top boxes, receivers, tuners, transmitters, displays, players, televisions, storage devices, and/or telephones.
Likewise, any compatible device may operate at different (TV) rates (e.g., resolutions) and may affect the bandwidth (or resolution or (displayed) framing) of the audio and video signals as part of the content control system.
The present invention may be embedded within an Integrated Circuit (IC) or device having activation or deactivation capabilities implemented in any manner, such as by electrically erasing rows, electrically connecting rows, and/or programming methods. It follows that the invention includes processing by an integrated circuit in which there is circuitry for providing one or more modifications or waveforms to a video signal, whether or not one or more circuits or systems are used to provide the modifications or waveforms. The unused version may include electrical disablement of the intended function, for example, by program control setting one or more power/control/signal lines for non-operation, and/or by enabling or disabling a fusible (fusable) link.
The modification of one or more portions of the video signal may be used, in part or in whole, in the content control system. For example, a change in a blanking level (pedestal) or a black level in at least a portion of the video signal may represent a signal for content control. The description will be made such that the set level of the video represents information related to the content control system. In one example, a change in blanking level (e.g., one or more levels), a signal added to a portion of the top and bottom boxed areas (normally "black or gray" or colored), or a frame displayed around the picture may convey information that may be detected to provide a content control command for the content control system.
The inserted signal or signals, or signal modifications, may be affected in any combination of the available video channels. For example, luminance, component, and/or chrominance channels may be used to provide content control with at least one modification or signal insertion/addition/deletion.
Another embodiment of the invention may then include the received content control signal, which may be delivered with or without modification (e.g., to a video signal).
Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates modifying video resolution, hue (tonal) range, color space, field or frame frequency, line frequency, pixel and/or temporal aspects as part of a content control system. For example, if the received video is to be displayed in a high quality mode, but the output signal is to have a limited quality distributed elsewhere. For example, the received signal may be compressed into a more lossy type of compression that will display more video motion and/or still artifacts.
It is thus an object of the present invention to sense, read, detect and/or interpret intentional modifications made to known signals to provide content control commands or signals for use in a control device.
It is another object of the invention to include (extend the number of signals to) a video copy protection enhancement signal or modified signal as at least part of a content control system, or part of a content control system signal.
It is another object of the present invention to include another type of video copy protection signal, for example a dynamically modified video signal such as a modulated sync pulse or pseudo sync pulse, or an AGC (or forward) pulse/signal, in order to provide a content control method and/or apparatus. A static copy protection signal may be used.
It is a further object to include one or more changes in a portion of a video signal as a way of delivering control content. For example, modification of duration and/or level in a portion or portions of the horizontal and/or vertical blanking intervals may be used for content control. Also, any waveform added to a portion of the video signal may be included as part of the content control method.
Detailed Description
Further examples of embodiments according to the invention include one or more of the following:
A) a detection apparatus or method that interprets, reads, senses, or detects portions of level transitions in blanking intervals (such as horizontal blanking intervals, vertical blanking intervals), and/or overscan portions of a video signal. This level shifting portion may include, for example, negative and/or positive going pulses/signals/waveforms added or inserted into at least a portion of the trailing edge, sync pulse, color burst region, and/or leading edge.
B) The detection device may also read, sense, detect, or interpret changes in the determined sync pulse. For example, if one or more of the synchronization pulses are missing, or changed from a known standard signal, a content control command/signal may be generated. For example, if the synchronization pulse or synchronization pulse signal changes in position, duration, and/or amplitude, any changes in the synchronization pulse or synchronization pulse signal that are read or sensed may be used for content control. Similarly, if the forward pulse, such as the AGC pulse, changes in position, duration, and/or amplitude, any changes in the forward or AGC pulse that are read or sensed can be used for content control. Other examples may include reading or sensing pseudo-sync pulses in the horizontal blanking interval (and/or vertical blanking interval), pseudo-sync pulses or horizontal sync pulses having different durations/amplitudes from one row to another (or from one set of rows to another). The widened or narrowed sync pulse may be sensed to provide a content control command. A jagged sync pulse may be sensed, which may include two or more sync pulse tops. Two or more negative or positive going pulses with different peak amplitudes may be sensed. For example, two or more sync tip (tips) may be sensed that have durations and/or sync tip amplitudes or levels that are not necessarily the same in the blanking interval or in the overscan region. A waveform consisting of two or more sync pulse tops may be detected, where the sync pulse tops may be detected by a sync pulse separator (such as described in us patent 5194965), and where, for example, a forward pulse/signal of a given duration is at a level between below and above a blanking level.
C) The detection device may also sense, read, detect, or interpret one or more "enhanced" signals, such as those described in U.S. patent 5583936 and its continuation-and/or divisional patents. For example, one or more signal levels (e.g., added or inserted check symbol pulses or other signals) that sense the end of a (forward) TV line may be read and/or interpreted as signals for content control. In another example, a blanked/replaced area of a portion of a video signal may be sensed, read, or interpreted to provide a signal for use in a content control system. For example, a row having a blanking and/or replacement signal such as a blanking or replacement color burst signal (color burst signal) or a synchronization signal (sync signal) may be read or sensed as the content control signal. Thus, the lack of a signal may be used to communicate content control commands.
D) The detection device may also sense, read, detect, or interpret one or more "enhanced" signals, such as those described in U.S. patent publication No. US2003/0091335 and continuation-and/or divisional patents thereof. For example, a sync pulse, a pseudo-sync pulse, or a portion or portions of an amplitude extension of a generated/provided negative-going pulse in a portion of a video signal may be sensed at a level below the known sync pulse top level and then used in a content control system. Information for a content control system may be conveyed by means of an abnormal amplitude sync/pseudo sync pulse which may have a lower or higher amplitude or signal level than, for example, the amplitude of the standard sync pulse and/or the top level of the standard sync pulse. Similarly, the anomalous amplitudes/levels/durations of the color bursts (or AGC pulses) can be read and/or interpreted for use in communicating commands or signals to a content control system (e.g., to a compatible device).
E) The detection device may also sense, read, detect, or interpret one or more signals, such as the signal described in U.S. patent 6836549. Here, any combination of modulating (changing) effects (effects) on AGC pulses, back porch pulses, positive going pulses, and negative going pulses in horizontal and/or vertical blanking intervals, such as horizontal sync pulses, equalization pulses, vertical sync pulses, and/or pseudo sync pulses, in any combination of one or more, may be used to communicate commands for a content control system. The modulation may include position, duration, pulse width, gap width, frequency, time compression and/or expansion, and/or amplitude modulation. The modulating (or changing) action may occur within a TV line period, from line to line, from field to field, from interval to interval, and/or within a particular time interval.
F) Any of the signals previously mentioned in paragraphs a-E may be used in combination with other signals, such as one or more control signals/bits, pseudo-sync pulses, AGC pulses, modifications in the phase, frequency, and/or amplitude of color bursts, and/or AGC pulses in the horizontal blanking interval, as content control commands for input into a content control system. Thus, additional or deleted (local or global) synchronization pulses may be used to convey information for the content control system.
G) Waveforms or signals, such as data signals, time codes, CGMS, teletext, closed caption, VITC, VITS, VIRS, positive and/or negative going signals/waveforms, may be used in any combination (e.g., including any combination utilizing the previously mentioned paragraphs a-F for use in a content control system).
H) The present invention also includes circuits, devices or methods that provide, synthesize, process, modify and/or generate at least one readable or interpretable signal.
I) The present invention includes a reader or interpretation device or method. The reader or interpretation device (e.g., sensing or detection circuitry or system) may be implemented as a programmable reader, which can be programmed to read one or more signals, or modifications to video signals, for example. For example, the reading device may be programmed to sense a particular type of synchronization pulse (e.g., a pseudo-synchronization pulse or a modified synchronization pulse), or to sense a particular type of signal following a horizontal synchronization pulse (having a set pulse width, including a normal, widened, or narrowed duration), such as a waveform having a particular frequency (e.g., subcarrier frequency or non-subcarrier frequency), or a particular level in a portion of a video signal. Thus, a reader or the like may be programmed by hardware and/or software and may be updated to read new types of changes to the content control signal. The updates may be provided via a digital link, programming files (e.g., stored or transmitted), and/or setup hardware circuitry, for example. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention is a reader, or a programmable reader (e.g., for sensing, reading, or detecting a modified video signal).
J) The present invention includes a compatible device. For example, the compatible device may include a recorder, a display, a receiver, a distribution (distribution) system, and/or a display device. A compatible device includes a reader, sensor, detector to read, sense or detect a modification to a video signal, and output one or more signals. The actual reader or the like may be hardwired and/or programmable, may be embedded in circuitry, and/or may be disabled or enabled by programming and/or linking (e.g., blown or blown). Further, a reader or the like may be, for example, an invention embedded inside an integrated circuit as described: as noted, "the present invention may be embedded within an Integrated Circuit (IC) or device having activation or deactivation (deactivation) capabilities implemented by any means, such as an electrically erased row, an electrically linked row, and/or a programming method. Accordingly, the present invention includes the processing of integrated circuits in which circuits for providing one or more modifications or waveforms to a video signal are fabricated, whether or not one or more circuits or systems for providing modifications or waveforms are used. The unused version may include an electrically disabled function (e.g., by program control setting one or more power/control/signal lines for non-operation, and/or by enabling or disabling a fusable link.) ".
K) The invention comprises a compatible device with a (signal) conditioner and/or a signal generator. The signal conditioner may change the quality of the video and/or audio signal or the transmitted signal. For example, the signal conditioner may reduce or increase the number of TV lines, or reduce the bandwidth or resolution or the area shown (e.g., a portion or portion of a picture). The audio quality may be affected (e.g., when one or more modifications of the video signal are sensed, or a content control signal is sensed). For example, the signal conditioner reads the content control signal and outputs a signal, which provides the signal conditioner of the previously mentioned example. Another example of a signal conditioner is modulating video, or changing an incoming video signal with a content control signal. For example, the adjuster may remove/attenuate/enhance/alter one or more content control signals, and/or add or insert signals. The signal generator may add or insert a copy protection signal, copy protection enhancement signal, or copy protection information signal by default, or by sensing the presence of a modified video signal. For example, the modified video signal may include one or more waveforms, signals (such as any of those previously mentioned) having a level provided in a portion of the video signal.
L) the invention may include embodiments that include encoding signals for content control in black frames of a video signal. For example, such black frames exist in scenes that fade or cut to black, or in black or gray portions in a top-bottom box (lettbox). For example, various gray level and/or color signals (or watermark signals) may be added or embedded in one or more portions of the black frame or the top and bottom boxed or overscan areas to convey one or more content control signals or commands.
Any combination of the concepts of the previously mentioned paragraphs a-L may be configurable or programmable, and/or may constitute an embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention may include the following devices (or compatible devices) or any combination thereof: a display, a transceiver, a transmitter, an audio device, a computer, a recorder, a player, a DVD player and/or a DVD recorder, a magnetic media recorder, an optical media player, an optical media recorder, a set-top box, a telephone, a mobile phone, a solid-state storage player and/or a solid-state storage recorder, a wireless device (e.g., a wireless device including a receiver, a recorder, a display and/or a player), internet access, satellite access, cable access, broadcast access, network access, WIFI access, WIMAX access, optical access, wireless access, and/or wired access (which may include any of the previously mentioned signal modifications).
In terms of video standards, the present invention includes the use of scaling or transcoding of video signals. The invention also includes progressive, interlaced, component, color difference, luminance, RGB, composite (e.g., PAL and/or NTSC), reduced resolution (or standard resolution), and/or increased resolution standards (which may include, for example, any of the previously mentioned signal modifications).
The present invention may include any compression process (e.g., DCT, wavelet, PCM, and/or any MPEG standard).
The invention may comprise reading one or more copy protection signals, one or more modified and/or added signals and/or generating, providing or processing the video signal to provide old or new modifications to the video signal. The new modifications may comprise different copy protection information signals and/or new copy protection signals and/or scrambling/encrypting/watermarking. For example, the incoming video signal may comprise pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses, and after reading the pseudo sync pulses, a new video signal is provided (e.g. at the output) consisting of selected narrowed, e.g. horizontal and/or vertical sync pulses, and AGC pulses following one or more of the selected narrowed sync pulses. Similarly (or vice versa), a video signal having narrowed horizontal sync pulses followed by one or more AGC pulses and pseudo sync pulses (which may be associated with AGC pulses to form one or more pulse pairs) may be a content control signal read by a compatible device. When reading pseudo sync pulses, a compatible device may provide a signal without sync pulse narrowing, and may provide one or more pseudo sync pulse AGC pulses (e.g., one or more modified color burst signals having modified amplitude, phase, and/or frequency) and/or AGC pulses in a portion of the horizontal blanking interval in a selected TV line. Note that the position of one or more forward pulses in one or more selected horizontal blanking intervals with respect to the read video signal may differ for the supply signal of a compatible device. For example, a signal coupled to an input of a compatible device may have AGC pulses in a Horizontal Blanking Interval (HBI) and in a vertical blanking interval, but the compatible device may output AGC pulses at different settings or different positions of the HBI (or vice versa). A general example herein would have a device that reads the copy protection signal "a" and outputs the copy protection signal "B" or vice versa (where the content control and/or copy protection signal a ═ B, or a does not equal B, A and/or part or all of B).
The invention may include a subcarrier network and/or video or content (e.g., based on received rewards) in which the user communicates with the content provider for payment.
The invention may include software, digital and/or analog implementations. For example, the programming means may be included in a modification of the video signal, and/or sensing or reading the modified signal (e.g., a content control signal, a copy protection enhancement signal, or a level shifting portion of the video signal).
The present invention may include audio signals, data signals, video signals, and/or radio frequency signals. Embodiments may include removing and/or attenuating one or more portions of a video signal.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a "standard" or "normal" video signal including a Horizontal Blanking Interval (HBI)20 and a "standard" or "normal" sync pulse signal indicated by reference numeral 22.
Fig. 2A illustrates the modification of a video signal by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) signal 24 following the sync pulse signal 22. AGC signals 24 are currently used in some content control systems.
Fig. 2B illustrates a modification of the video signal with a narrowed synchronization pulse 26. The narrowed synchronization pulse 26 may be sensed for content control purposes. Also shown in this figure is an optional automatic gain control signal AGC 28, which may be sensed for content control purposes. Alternatively, the video signal may include the narrowed sync pulses 26 and/or AGC signal 28, which may be combined with one or more pseudo sync pulses and/or AGC pulses. For example, a compatible device may sense one or more pseudo-synchronization pulses and/or an AGC signal. In the case of one or more content control commands, signals 26 and/or 28 may be ignored. Note that the sync pulse 26 and/or AGC signal 28 may be provided in the HBI (20 of fig. 1), and either or both may be utilized for content control purposes. Further, HBI20 may vary in duration (e.g., wider or narrower or normal duration).
Fig. 2C illustrates a modification of the video signal of fig. 1, wherein a multiple sync pulse top signal 30 is provided in the HBI (20 of fig. 1). The sync pulse tops or pulses 32, 34 need not (necessarily) be matched in sync pulse top level or amplitude, but may be matched or approximately matched. In one example, the sync pulse top is provided at a level that can be sensed by the sync pulse separator circuit. The sync pulse tops or pulses 32 and 34 may form a "sawtooth" pulse with a positive going pulse (e.g., at 36). Pulse 36 may be above the sync separator detection threshold and/or at a level below or above blanking level 39. The forward signal or pulse 28' may be provided after (signal) 32.
FIG. 2D illustrates the HBI divided into intervals A-K. Any signal, or positive or negative direction level shifting may be implemented in one or more intervals. Also, more or less intervals may be used to define one or more regions in or near the HBI. Thus, for example, level modification may be accomplished in the leading edge (front porch) region 38, the sync pulse region 40, and/or the trailing edge (back porch) region 42 (e.g., at any interval A-K or A0 to An (0 to n intervals)). Alternatively, the modification may be done in other areas (such as in the active portion of the video line). Further, the modification may be done in the vicinity of an overscan area, a vertical blanking area, or a vertical and/or horizontal blanking interval. Thus, the illustrated intervals A-K may be expanded, shortened, and/or repositioned/redeployed.
Fig. 2E illustrates another example of modification to a video signal, wherein at least a portion of the synchronization pulses 44 may exhibit pulse width, pulse position, and/or amplitude modification (e.g., modulation). Fig. 2E may include level transitions (arrow 48) for a portion of the leading edge region 46, and/or level transitions (arrow 52) in a portion of the trailing edge region 50. Fig. 2E may include a level shift (arrow 54) of a portion of the sync pulse signal or sync pulse 44. The level transitions may be negative or positive. While the sync pulses shown in fig. 2E or 2D are examples of horizontal sync pulses, similar modifications (such as level shifting) may be made to the vertical and/or equalization pulses at or near the associated blanking interval. Note that the conversion may include modulation. An example of modulation is the time varying effect of the transitions of the levels. The illustrated intervals (or signals therein) 44, 46, and/or 50 may be expanded, shortened, and/or repositioned or redeployed.
Fig. 2E may also illustrate: the position of the leading edge (trailing edge)56 and/or trailing edge (trailing edge)58 of the sync pulse may change from one TV row to another (arrows 60 and 62, respectively). Fig. 2E further illustrates: the duration or pulse width of the synchronization signal or synchronization pulse may vary from one TV line to another. Fig. 2E also illustrates: the sync pulse top level of the sync pulse may change from one TV line to another (arrow 54). Fig. 2E illustrates that for a synchronization signal or synchronization pulse, a change in pulse width, pulse position, edge position, synchronization pulse top level and/or amplitude may occur from one TV line to another TV line. Any of these modifications or changes may be sensed, read, detected and/or interpreted for use in a content control system.
A portion of the sync pulse may include a waveform added to a portion of the top of the sync pulse. The waveform may include a periodic, aperiodic, and/or modulated waveform.
By way of example, fig. 32a of us patent 5583936 illustrates a waveform (or other frequency (range) of the waveform) of about 0.1 to 5MHz added to a portion of a video signal. This waveform can be added widely to any portion of the video signal, such as the top of the sync pulse (top of vertical sync pulse and/or top of horizontal sync pulse), a portion (or the entirety) of the blanking interval, and/or to selected video lines. Sensing at least a portion of this waveform instance may be used in a content control system. Alternatively, this type of waveform having a frequency between 100KHz and 5MHz may be inserted into a portion of a video signal, such as a vertical sync signal or a portion of an overscan region, and combined with AGC pulses and/or pseudo sync pulses. A compatible device or reader may sense (or ignore) any combination of the waveform, AGC pulses, and/or pseudo-synchronization pulses. For example, a compatible device or reader may ignore the waveform (such as a waveform having a frequency in the range of approximately 100KHz to 5MHz) and sense the pseudo-sync pulses and/or AGC pulses (or vice versa).
In another example, fig. 43 of us patent 5583936 illustrates another example of both video lines and sync pulses that may be adapted for activation. In this example, one or more positive cyclic pulses are added/inserted into the sync pulse top region, and/or to a portion of the video signal. Alternatively, a waveform consisting of positive and negative cycles may be inserted or added to a selected synchronization pulse (top), such as a selected vertical synchronization pulse and/or a selected horizontal or equalization pulse. The waveform or its effect (on the system) may be sensed, read or interpreted for use in at least a portion of a content control system.
The narrowed and/or widened sync pulses (such as narrowed and/or widened vertical sync pulses, or horizontal or equalization pulses) may be read or interpreted for use in a content control system. Likewise, the jaggies in the removed vertical synchronization signal may be read or interpreted for use in a content control system.
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a regulator circuit 100 that receives a selected input signal (such as video, audio, data, RF, etc. signals) at an input 101 and generates or provides modifications to the video signal that are sensed, read, detected or interpreted as content control commands. For example, the regulator circuit 100 may provide or generate a replacement for a selected waveform and/or portion of a video signal. The circuit 100 (or input signal 101) may include any or all of the previously (or later) mentioned signals and/or modifications. The circuit or system 100 may be a stand-alone processor (e.g., providing a modified video signal). Reader 102 (via lead 114) and/or device 104 (via lead 112) may be coupled to input signal source 101, as depicted by the dashed lines. For example, signal 101 may be a digital and/or video signal source, which may include any or all of the previously (or later) mentioned signals and/or modifications, and/or a weakened copy protection signal.
Also shown in fig. 3 is a sensor, reader, detector or interpreter circuit 102 that senses, reads, detects or interprets one or more modifications to the signal (digital and/or analog) provided by the input signal (101), the regulator circuit 100 or by a digital and/or video signal. The sensor/reader/detector/interpreter circuitry 102 may generate or provide a signal (which may or may not be encrypted/scrambled) based on reading or sensing one or more modifications to the signal. The output of the circuit 102 may be coupled to the device 104 (as shown by the dashed line 106) or may be coupled to the device 104 via a command control circuit 108. Device 104 may then respond to the output of circuit 102 or circuit 108 in order to perform any number of conditional functions, and the like. One example of a condition or function is not to display, not to record, or not to receive a signal. Another example condition is to have the device 104 provide a copy protection signal, a copy protection information signal, an authorized/de-authorized received signal, an authorized/de-authorized viewing/transmission signal, and/or a modified signal at one of its outputs 109. One of these outputs from the device 104 may be coupled to a network or to the system 110. The system 110 may be a compatible device that may include a reader, sensor, detector, or interpreter. The input signal 101 and/or the output of the regulator circuit 100 may be provided to the devices 104 and/or 102 (as depicted by dashed lines 112, 114, respectively) and a modified signal may be provided for detection or reading or content control.
Thus, FIG. 3 illustrates various combinations of circuits that can be considered as embodiments of the invention.
Fig. 4 illustrates a "standard" video signal portion having a horizontal sync pulse 132 of duration at and a black or blanking level 130. Also shown is a vertical synchronization signal that consists of a positive going pulse 134 and a negative going pulse 136. The negative going pulse 136 typically has a sync pulse top level (e.g., -40IRE or-300 mv) that is the standard sync pulse top level of the sync pulse 132.
Fig. 4B illustrates a modification to the signal, where the waveform consists of a positive pulse 138 and a negative pulse 140 inserted or added to at least a portion of the top area of the negative going pulse 136 of fig. 4A. Note that the amplitude of the waveform may have a negative going pulse 140 that is lower or higher than the sync pulse top level of the horizontal sync pulse 132 (e.g., normal or standard sync pulse top level). Further, the forward pulse 138 may be above or below the blanking or black level 130. The waveform may have a frequency between 100KHz and 5MHz (or some other frequency range such as DC to 30MHz, with or without a symmetrical duty cycle). The waveform may be inserted in another portion of the video signal, such as in a blanking interval, an overscan region, or in at least a portion of an active line or field. The waveform may be modified or modulated. For example, the level of positive and/or negative going pulses or portions may be increased or decreased. Alternatively, for example, the level of signal 140 or 138 may change in level (up and/or down). The waveform may include pulse amplitude modulation (e.g., centered at or somewhere between a negative peak or a positive peak), amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, no modulation, DC offset (offset) (e.g., over a row period or interval), varying DC offset (e.g., over a period or interval), and/or position modulation. The waveform may be added, inserted or provided to the active portion of a TV line in a selected line of a TV frame or field, or in an overscan area.
Fig. 4B may be interpreted as adding a pseudo sync pulse to at least a portion of the vertical sync signal or the vertical sync pulse.
Fig. 4C illustrates an exemplary portion of one of the devices (104, 110) referenced in fig. 3. Modification of a signal, such as a video signal, is provided by inputting data to a control circuit or N-zero register via input 150, as represented by block 152. The output of circuit 152 is coupled to processor 154, which provides an output at 160. The waveform generator or provider 156 is coupled to a regulator circuit 158, which provides an output at 162. Note that the regulator circuit 158 may be selected to modify or not modify the waveform received from the generator/provider 156. As previously explained, the regulator circuit 158 may include some form of modulation of the signal (note that zero modulation may be included). The output 162 may be provided to the processor 154 as indicated by the dashed line 164. The output signal of processor 154 at output 160 may provide for blanking a portion of a video signal, adding/inserting a negative going signal, adding/inserting a positive going signal, modulating a signal, deleting at least a portion of one or more signals, modifying a color subcarrier signal, modifying a color or component signal, adding or inserting a copy protection or content control signal, adding or inserting an "enhancement" (e.g., copy protection) signal, and/or modifying at least a portion of a video signal (e.g., scaling, blanking, frame rate, number of TV lines in a field or frame, compression, decompression, etc.).
In another set of embodiments, the new waveform (where the gap voltage is typically set to a blanking level) may be set to a higher level for greater impact in copy protection. This variation in at least a portion of the gap duration (between the pseudo sync pulse and the AGC pulse) also enhances the basic copy protection signal. By varying the level of at least a portion of the gap, the effect of the pseudo sync pulse AGC process can be controlled or varied. One reason is that the sampling circuit in a video device or VCR or AGC system sometimes has a delay (e.g., propagation gate/switching delay) or a longer delay than the desired sampling pulse after sensing the sync or pseudo sync pulse. If the AGC pulse following the sync pulse or pseudo sync pulse is narrower than the sampling pulse, the sampling pulse will sense the AGC pulse as part of the gap region. Because the gap region is typically set to a black level, the effect of some AGC pulses will be attenuated if the sampling pulses are extended into the gap region. Thus, increasing or decreasing the gap or a portion of the gap may increase or decrease the copy protection effect or impact of a VCR or recorder or AGC system. Note that at least a portion of the gap may be modulated to cause dynamic effects. Also, for example, the AGC pulses prior to the gap may be modulated (e.g., in a similar or dissimilar manner).
Fig. 5 shows an example of varying the level of at least a portion of one or more gap intervals 170 or 172. Pseudo-synchronization pulse 174 is shown and a synchronization signal such as a horizontal synchronization pulse is identified as 176 (varying or set amplitudes, positions and/or pulse width synchronization pulses (e.g., fig. 2B-2E) may be used). The gap duration of the gap intervals 170, 172 is illustrated as a period of time after the forward signal 178. Any portion of the intervals 170, 172 may vary in level (e.g., static or dynamic). For example, for increased impact, the first segment of the duration of interval 170 may be increased to a value less than, equal to, or greater than the peak of forward signal 178. Note that this first segment may be located within the gap spacing. The increased (or decreased) portion of the gap may be varied in magnitude, width, and/or location (e.g., to vary copy protection effects or influences). The gap intervals 170, 172 may be divided into "n" segments. One or more segments may employ a selected voltage level.
From the broad perspective of one set of embodiments of the present invention, enhanced modifications such as level shifting, sync pulse modification, modulation of sync pulses or AGC pulses, incorrect frequencies in HBIs, and/or HBI/VBI modifications (defined herein) may be used alone or in conjunction with a video signal for purposes of sensing, reading or detecting content control signals for use in a content control system.
In another set of embodiments, any one or combination of enhancement modifications may be combined with the following: a copy protection signal that causes AGC effects, such as pseudo sync pulses/AGC pulses and/or AGC pulses in one or more blanking intervals (e.g., one or more horizontal blanking intervals); or copy protection signals that cause chrominance effects (e.g., incorrect color signals in one or more horizontal blanking intervals). In this set of embodiments, the composite video signal includes one or more of one or more enhancement signal instances, and a copy protection signal to provide a composite copy protection signal. Any combination of copy protection signals (and/or one or more of enhancement signals) is read or interpreted by a compatible device or content control system. In this example, the reader, sensor or detector may ignore any of the enhancement signals and read, sense or detect at least a portion of the copy protection signal (e.g., pseudo sync pulses and/or HBI AGC pulses). Alternatively, the reader, sensor or detector may ignore one or more basic copy protection components (e.g., pseudo-sync pulses or AGC pulses) and read, sense or detect one or more enhanced signals (e.g., incorrect color frequency, one or more narrowed sync pulses, modified HBI or VBI duration, and/or waveforms in the range of 32KHz to 30MHz (or 100KHz to 5 MHz)). The reader, sensor or detector system may read, sense or detect any combination of any components of the basic copy protection signal and/or the one or more enhancement signals.
Another set of embodiments includes programmability of a reader, sensor or detector system. To this end, a new content control waveform that may be provided to the video signal may be read, sensed, or detected by programming a reader, sensor, or detector to accept or interpret any new content control waveform. Programming of the reader, sensor or detector may be accomplished with updated files or commands. The file may be downloaded or loaded via memory or via transmission. The previously mentioned addition or modification of different video signals may represent a large number of circuits. One embodiment of the present invention provides a programmable detector that can be configured as one or more types of detectors by control bits or programming bits, or programming files. This programming capability adds, for example, flexibility to detect a large number of modifications as described above, but also adds the feature of upgradeability to detect newly provided changes in the video signal. For example, any of the above modifications may vary in parameters such as frequency, amplitude, position, location, level, width, and the like. The programmable detector may take into account parameter changes to existing or future content control signals, signal modifications, or signals embedded in the video stream or signal. The configuration bits may be provided by transmission, storage devices, or by a system operator or consumer. For example, if a new type of content control signal is to be added for detection, the user may first have to enter a code or bit to view or receive or record the video signal. This code may then configure the ACP generator, or the video signal conditioner, and/or the programmable detector.
Fig. 6A illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the detector 200 is programmable to receive control bits from a first input source 201 and video signals (analog and/or digital) from a second input 202. For example, the first input 201 may receive configuration and/or mode bits (mode bits) to program the detector for one or more modifications to an analog or digital video signal. Output 203 then generates an output signal indicating one or more modifications to the video signal. The output 203 may be mapped to generate one or more types of signals from a combination of sensed or read modifications.
Similarly, in fig. 6B, control and/or mode signals (e.g., bits) may be incorporated into the video stream (analog or digital), as at input 204, to configure detector 210 for sensing various modifications to the video signal and to provide output 205. For example, the modification may be defined as, but is not limited to, an added signal, at least a partial deletion of one or more portions of a video signal (such as a synchronization pulse (sync), a burst (burst), an active video), and/or including scaling a TV standard, moving a portion of a video signal to another location, or any other example mentioned previously.
Fig. 6C illustrates one or more examples for receiving or providing programming signals to programmable detectors (e.g., detectors 200 and/or 210). For example, a receiving device 220 (e.g., a set-top box, mobile phone, wireless device, optical device, etc.) may provide control and/or mode bits for an input 222 to program a detector (e.g., 200 or 210) through an output 221. In another example, memory device 230 may be used to provide control and/or mode bits via input 232 to program the detector via output 231. For example, a storage device may receive data from another storage device, or from a pre-programmed device, by transfer. Note that storage device 230 may provide programming (data) for the detector through memory onto a disk (e.g., DVD, CD, hard drive storage media, optical and/or magnetic storage media), storage unit (e.g., hard drive, solid state memory, flash memory), or magnetic tape. In fig. 6C, link 240, which may originate from broadcast, satellite, cable, wireless, digital, and/or the internet (input 242), may also provide configuration, control, and/or mode bits to program the detector through output 241. It should be noted that a configuration may be defined as a mode and/or a control, and vice versa.
One or more of the examples in fig. 6C may be coupled, alone or in combination, and/or may be coupled to the detectors 200, 210 of fig. 6A and/or 6B. Dashed line 222 indicates that receiver 222 may receive (mode and/or configuration) signals over a wireless network, antenna, fiber optic, cable, etc. Similarly, dashed line 232 to memory 230 illustrates that memory 230 can be written to by an external source (e.g., for mode and/or configuration), another storage device, a receiving device, and so forth. The dashed line 242 of the link 240 may be mode and/or configuration data from an optical, wired, internet, wireless, analog and/or digital communication or data (transmission) system. Examples of types of signals that are coupled to a programmable detector (e.g., for reading, sensing, or interpreting) include, but are not limited to, one or more of the signals mentioned in paragraphs a-L, 1-26, and/or one or more of the incorporated patents, publications, or applications.
It should be noted that any weakened or modified copy protection signal may be used in conjunction with the (basic or other) copy protection signal (e.g., pseudo sync pulses and AGC pulses in the AGC and/or selected horizontal blanking intervals). For example, a weakened colorstripe signal may be combined with a basic copy protection signal that causes degradation of the VCR. Alternatively, the content control signal may consist of any combination of weakened or non-weakened copy protection signals (e.g., color burst modification, enhancement signal, AGC signal, pseudo sync signal, modified or narrowed sync signal, AGC pulses in blanking intervals, etc.). Any of the pseudo-sync pulses, horizontal sync pulses, color burst modifications, and/or any of the weakened versions of any combination of AGC signals of fig. 2A, 2B, 2C (e.g., the weakened versions may include reduced amplitude and/or width of positive going pulses, or shifted or separated negative and/or positive going pulses, and/or fewer positive and/or negative going pulses) may be used as a content control system. By way of example, a weakened version may mean a signal that: which has a reduced effect on the VCR but is detectable or has improved playability, such as reduced darkening caused by AGC pulses (e.g., in fig. 2A-2C or in other mentioned patents), or reduced color artifacts on the display (e.g., color burst modification), or reduced scanning errors (e.g., from negative going pulses). The weakened version of the signal may be combined with any non-weakened signal for content control, and/or for copy protection.
One example of a weakened colorstripe signal is to arrange at least one cycle with a modified phase following the synchronization signal with a number of cycles with a substantially normal phase for the selected row (e.g., 1 in N rows, 2 in M rows, etc.). Other examples of weakened colorstripe signals (e.g., for detection or compatibility with device or content control) follow the horizontal sync pulse of the loop with substantially normal phase, arrange one or more loops with modified phase, and "fill in" as required by other regions. Thus, a loop with a modified phase may be deployed or provided anywhere between the trailing edge of the sync pulse and the beginning of the active video line. Note that the horizontal blanking interval may vary in duration, or may be adjusted. The illustrated example may have less than 1.6 microseconds (e.g., approximately 900 nanoseconds-1100 nanoseconds) of the modified phase subcarrier signal followed by an unmodified phase subcarrier signal for at least 2 microseconds (e.g., 3.6 to 5.1 microseconds) in a selected horizontal blanking interval. Another illustrated example may have 1-4 (or more) cycles of the modified phase carrier signal followed by 5-20 (or more) cycles of the substantially normal phase subcarrier signal. Any of these examples or a weakened copy protection signal (such as a colorstripe, AGC, pseudo sync pulse, etc.) represents a signal with improved playability that may or may not be effective as copy protection. In one or more cases of a weakened copy protection signal, the impact is at least reduced. Another example may have fewer lines of provided copy protection waveforms, such as fewer color bars, AGC pulses, and/or pseudo sync pulses. Another embodiment may include providing color burst (burst) modifications of any format within or near the vertical blanking interval (e.g., overscan active lines). For example, another embodiment of weakening the (colorstripe) signal may include controlling the amplitude of a portion of any of the colorstripe signals. For example (improved playability, reduced influence and/or detection), at least a part of the modified phase (or frequency) part may be reduced in amplitude (or increased in amplitude) in the part where the modified phase is present.
Another embodiment of a weakened colorstripe signal adds or inserts cycles of incorrect phase or frequency away from the trailing edge of the horizontal sync pulse, or closer to the start of the activated row. For example, at least 1 or 2 cycles are added in the later part of the trailing edge interval. One or more TV or VCR machines typically sample the beginning to middle portion of the back porch region for color demodulation or color subcarrier reference. By inserting or adding an incorrect signal into the beginning and/or middle portions away from the trailing edge region, the incorrect signal is not sensed or not substantially sensed. By not sensing or not substantially sensing an incorrect signal (e.g., via a cycle deployed later in the back porch interval), improved playability of a VCR or television is provided.
In another embodiment, the weakened colorstripe signal (with modified phase and/or frequency) may be matched with a reduced portion of the video signal, such as one or more of the following: a decreasing portion of the leading edge, a decreasing portion of the trailing edge, a lower portion of the activation field. Yet another embodiment inserts or adds signals that cause fading effects on the AGC system or VCR, such as AGC pulses (e.g., back porch pulses and/or AGC/pseudo sync pulses) in the HBI or VBI. This then results in an earlier scan or earlier color burst sampling in attenuated environments (e.g., from a VCR and/or television set) so that the modified color burst inserted or added in the later portion of the back porch interval is not sensed or is less sensed, such as when compared to a normally sampled color burst. For example, the modified burst, which is not sensed or less sensed, provides improved playability, or reduces or "eliminates" the color burst modification (copy protection) effect. Earlier scans or earlier samples in the trailing edge are a result of attenuation provided by one or more AGC signals (AGC pulses and/or pseudo sync/AGC pulses), which causes the sync pulse separator to sense one or more reduced portions of the video signal (e.g., a reduced active video portion and/or a reduced portion of the leading edge) prior to the horizontal sync pulse. The sensing of the falling portion of the video signal before the horizontal sync pulse results in providing earlier color burst sampling in the VCR and/or television set, for example, which circumvents the detection of incorrect signals added to the later or middle portion of the back porch interval. For example, a modified color burst with incorrect phase and/or frequency is illustrated in fig. 5C in us patent 6516132, wherein the latter part of the burst envelope has a modified color subcarrier phase and/or frequency for the purpose of detection, improved playability, and/or a weakened or reduced copy protection effect. Note that adding or inserting loops with substantially normal phases of the modified burst envelope also helps playability and/or reduces the impact on the VCR. Thus, the weakened signal may include additional cycles of normal phase subcarriers. Note that the weakened colorstripe signal may include a gap in the colorstripe waveform with attenuated cycles, or without cycles. For example, a burst of M cycles (with a given phase, frequency, duration, and/or position) may be followed by a gap of a particular duration (including finite or zero duration), followed by N cycles (with a given phase, frequency, duration, and/or position). N may or may not be equal to M. Also, note that the weakened color stripe signal (e.g., for detection) may have a shortened, normal, or widened duration of the color burst. In some cases, signals with abnormal phases (e.g., P cycles of an abnormal frequency provided or generated in one or more blanking intervals) may use different frequencies (e.g., abnormal subcarrier signals for a particular TV standard) with less impact on the display (and/or video recorder).
In another example of a modified color burst for detection purposes with a weakened or "eliminated" copy protection effect, any of the variations of fig. 3B-7 of us patent 6516132, or fig. 2B-2F of us patent 7039294 may be used.
In other examples, depending on the VCR and/or television, it may be preferable to: cycles with incorrect phase or frequency are deployed in the middle and/or beginning portion of the burst envelope, or a portion of the trailing edge (to improve playability and/or reduce or "eliminate" the effect). See, for example, fig. 2B, 2D and/or 2F of U.S. patent 7039294. It may also be preferred that: a loop with substantially normal phase is added in the selected horizontal blanking interval (including one or more horizontal blanking intervals including one or more loops with modified phase or frequency) to improve playability or reduce the impact on the VCR while allowing detection.
In some examples, an incorrect frequency waveform may be added (partially or wholly) on top of a substantially normal color burst signal. This incorrect frequency waveform may preferably have little or no impact on the VCR, but may be detected by a compatible device or content control system.
Referring to fig. 2D, one example of adding or inserting a weakened color stripe signal with an incorrect phase and/or frequency arranges this (incorrect) signal in bins (sector) J and/or K, and fills bins G, H and I with color bursts of normal phase. Other combinations are possible. Optionally, partitions A, B, C, G, H, I, J and/or K may be reduced in level (e.g., between-5% to-15% white level, or-5 IRE to-15 IRE). Again, other numbers or partitions are available. Note that the horizontal synchronization pulses represented by partitions D, E and F may vary in position, pulse width, and/or amplitude. Likewise, the partitions represented in FIG. 2D correspond to A-K, but may be partitions 1-N (in some cases, N may represent some factor or multiple of the pixel duration). Examples of reduced portions of a video signal can be derived from fig. 2A of U.S. patent 7050698 (e.g., MFP 18, modified leading edge), from fig. 3A and/or 3B (e.g., MFP 32, MFP 44), and/or from U.S. patent 5583936 (and/or its continuation or divisional patents). The' 936 patent includes in its specification and/or claims a method and apparatus for adding a waveform to a portion of a video signal to cause an earlier retrace (e.g., the waveform may be a negative going waveform that is added or interpolated to cause a reduced effect), or for reducing a portion of a trailing edge region. Note that the negative going waveform may be added in a portion of the video line, or field, or overscan area that is active. Any type of weakened copy protection signal (e.g., any version of the weakened colorstripe signal, or weakened version of the AGC and/or pseudo sync signal) or signal modification may be provided by one or more modes, APSs, ECMs, EMMs, configuration, control and/or test bits.
In providing any of the modified waveform, copy protection signal, weakened copy protection signal, and/or detectable signal, a system operator or other device such as a media player (e.g., digital video player, DVD, hard drive player, solid state storage player, mobile phone, wireless device, etc.) may enable (turn on or off) a bit of the device to pass or provide one or more of these types of signals to, for example, a set top box or other device.
In summary, various embodiments of the invention include:
1) methods and apparatus for reading, or sensing, or detecting a video signal, wherein the video signal includes narrowed synchronization pulses in one or more horizontal blanking intervals, and wherein the one or more narrowed horizontal synchronization pulses are sensed, read, or detected, and a subsequent signal (e.g., a content control command) is provided to indicate that the one or more narrowed horizontal synchronization pulses occur or have been read, sensed, or detected.
2) Methods and apparatus for reading or sensing or detecting Automatic Gain Control (AGC) pulses in a video signal, wherein the video signal has one set of AGC pulses that are narrower than another set of AGC pulses, and wherein an output is provided to indicate the occurrence of the narrowed AGC pulses.
3) Methods and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting two or more negative-going pulses in a Horizontal Blanking Interval (HBI), wherein two or more negative-going pulses are sensed by a sync pulse separator and a signal is provided to indicate the occurrence of the two or more negative-going pulses.
4) Methods and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting a plurality of pulses during a vertical synchronization signal interval, wherein the plurality of pulses are sensed, read or detected and a signal is provided that indicates the occurrence of the plurality of pulses within or in the vertical synchronization signal interval.
5) Methods and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting pseudo-synchronization pulses in a vertical synchronization signal interval using a synchronization pulse separator further include detecting a plurality of pulses within the vertical synchronization pulse interval and outputting a signal indicating the occurrence of pseudo-synchronization pulses in the vertical synchronization signal interval.
6) Method and apparatus for reading, sensing or detecting the occurrence of a modification to a video signal, wherein the modification consists of a narrowed sync pulse, a reduced back porch region, a reduced front porch region, an extension in the duration of a color burst, a shortening in the duration of a color burst, a narrowed forward pulse following the narrowed sync pulse. When the occurrence of the modification is sensed, a signal (e.g., a content control command) is provided that indicates the occurrence of the modified video signal.
7) The method and apparatus of the previous embodiments 1-6, wherein the method and apparatus are part of a content control system.
8) A programmable or configurable detector of modifications to a video signal, wherein the configurable detector receives one or more bits to program the configurable/programmable detector to output a signal indicating the occurrence of one or more modifications to the video signal.
9) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more bits are received and/or stored.
10) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8, wherein a downloadable file, a transmitted file, or a stored file is provided to determine the sensing characteristics of the programmable or configurable detector.
11) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more modifications to the video signal comprise any combination of: pseudo sync pulses, reduced or elevated levels of a portion of a back porch interval, reduced or elevated levels of a portion of a sync pulse, narrowed or widened sync pulses or color pulse trains, incorrect color subcarrier frequency and/or phase signals in a portion of a horizontal blanking interval, elevated or reduced levels in a portion of a front porch or row end, AGC pulses in a horizontal blanking interval or vertical blanking interval, sync pulse amplitude variations, sync pulse levels, added waveforms in a portion of a horizontal and/or vertical sync signal, and/or level transitions in a portion of an activated TV row.
12) The programmable or configurable detector of embodiment 8, wherein information or data is transmitted or stored to provide a configurable video conditioner circuit to output the newly modified video signal, and wherein the programmable detector receives the information to configure the programmable detector to recognize or sense the newly modified video signal.
13) An apparatus comprising a detector for sensing a first type of copy protection signal or content control signal coupled to an input thereof; further comprising one or more circuits for inserting or adding a different type or a second type of copy protection signal or content control signal to its output.
14) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the first type of copy protection signal is provided or designed by one company and the second type of copy protection signal is provided or designed by another company.
15) The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein the copy protection signal processing is provided by one or more companies.
16) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the first type of copy protection or content control signal comprises a narrowed synchronization pulse and wherein the second type of copy protection or content control signal does not comprise a narrowed synchronization pulse.
17) The apparatus of embodiment 13 wherein the first type of copy protection or content control signal does not include a narrowed synchronization pulse and wherein the second type of copy protection or content control signal includes a narrowed synchronization pulse.
18) The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein two or more copy protection or content control signals are sensed and/or provided.
19) An apparatus comprising providing a signal with a weakened, negligible, or zero copy protection impact that can be detected by a content control system or a compatible device.
20) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein playability is improved compared to the impact of a copy protection signal.
21) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein one or more cycles with an incorrect phase or frequency are inserted or added into a selected blanking interval of a selected TV line.
22) The provided signal of embodiment 19 wherein the selected TV line is selected to minimize playability issues and/or reduce copy protection impact on a VCR.
This disclosure is illustrative and not limiting. Further modifications will be apparent to the skilled person and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.