MXPA06006304A - Digital/analog closed caption display system in a television signal receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital television signal receiver (20) processes a digital television signal and auxiliary information contained in the digital television signal regardless of whether the auxiliary information is analog auxiliary information (36) or digital auxiliary information (34) and produces a television display signal (44) suitable for displaying the processed auxiliary information. In the case of the auxiliary information being closed caption information, the digital television signal receiver extracts and processes digital closed captioning information according to standard EIA-708 or extracts and processes analog closed caption information according to standard EIA-608. The television signal processing receiver thus allows the user the option of selecting a fallback method of obtaining captioning for a digital program signal if the digital program signal does not include digital closed captioning. Thus, if a digital television signal does not include digital closed caption information, the digital television signal receiver automatically processes any analog auxiliary information and provides a television signal having closed caption information suitable for display.

Description

(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for all - the expiration of the time limit for amending the kind of regional protection available): AREPO (BW, GH, claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of GM, KE , LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, amendments ZW), Eurasiap (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, Fl, For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "GuidFR, GB, GR, HU, TE, IS, IT, LT, LU , MC, NL, PL, PT, RO, ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations "appearing at the begin- SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ning regular issue of the PCT Gazette, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). Published: CLOSED DIGITAL / ANALOG HEADING PRESENTATION SYSTEM ON A TELEVISION SIGNAL RECEIVER This non-provisional patent application of E.U.A. claim the benefit of and / or priority of the application is provisional patent of E.U.A. serial number 60 / 527,945 filed on December 8, 2003 entitled Closed Heading System Digital / Analog, the complete contents of which are specifically incorporated here by reference.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to television signal processing and, more particularly, to processing auxiliary data contained in a digital television signal.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Most television signal processing systems in the United States provide auxiliary information processing such as closed caption (CC) data that is transported in analog television signals (eg, NTSC). Auxiliary information such as closed header data follows EIA-608 which establishes the standard for providing auxiliary data in analog television signals. Analogue television signal processing systems extract the closed caption data from the analog television signal and generate a suitable signal to present the closed header information. There are also other forms of auxiliary information. For example, the Extended Data Services (XDS) information may be included in an analog television signal to provide information such as program content classification data, program title, program duration, etc. With respect to digital television signals (eg, ATSC), the EIA-708 sets the standard for providing auxiliary data such as closed caption (CC) data and XDS data on digital television signals. However, with the transition from analogue programming (ie, analogue television signals) to digital programming (ie, digital television signals), television signal service providers may not always provide digital closed caption data in the digital programming. Because of this, television signal providers can transfer analog closed caption data for digital programming. To support this analog closed caption data transfer in digital programming, digital television signal service providers simply fix the analog closed caption data in the digital television program stream with specific headers. Since the E1A-708B describes how to detect closed caption data of EIA-708 set in a digital television stream, it is possible to detect and display its closed analog header data (ie EIA-608 CC data) of the digital television current. Some televisions provide a user with an option to select either digital or analog header for presentation. If the user selects analog header and no analog header is available, the television will not present any closed captions. As well, if the user selects digital heading and no digital header is available, the television will not present any closed captions. Currently, however, there is no way to always present closed caption data for a digital television channel regardless of whether the closed caption data is in analogue or digital form. Thus, it is evident from the above discussion that what is needed is a television signal processing system for digital television signals that detects whether digital or analogue auxiliary data is available in the digital television signal and then the process for presentation with any auxiliary data format that is available. This and other needs are realized through the application of the principles of the invention and / or how it is represented in one or more of several forms and / or structures as shown and / or described herein.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION A television signal receiver provides the processing of a digital television signal that includes the processing of digital auxiliary information or data when the digital auxiliary data is present in the digital television signal or the analog auxiliary information processing or data when the information Analog auxiliary is present in the digital television signal. The television signal receiver provides a resulting television signal that is suitable for presenting the processed auxiliary data or information. In one form, a method of digital television signal processing is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a digital television signal having closed caption data; (b) processing the closed header data in accordance with a closed digital header data standard if it is determined that the closed caption data of the digital television signal received in a standard digital closed caption format, also process the data Closed header according to an analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal is in a standard analog closed caption format; and (c) providing a television signal resulting from the received digital television signal and the processed closed header data which are suitable for displaying the closed header data processed in a presentation. In another form, the invention comprises a method of processing auxiliary information included in a television signal that includes the steps of receiving a digital television signal that includes auxiliary information, and processing the auxiliary information according to a format of the auxiliary information and with a priority to process the auxiliary information format. The method may include determining the format of the auxiliary information and selecting a priority to process the auxiliary information format. The selected priority may be such that the step of processing the auxiliary information occurs in response to determining that the auxiliary information comprises a digital auxiliary information format and selecting a priority to enable auxiliary information processing in a digital auxiliary information format and for disable auxiliary information processing in an analog auxiliary information format. Alternatively, the selected priority may comprise one of: a) a digital only priority to enable auxiliary information processing only in response to determining that the format of the auxiliary information corresponds to a digital auxiliary information format, b) an analog only priority to enable auxiliary information processing only in response to determining that the auxiliary information format corresponds to an analog auxiliary information format, and c) any available priority to enable the processing of auxiliary information in any of the auxiliary digital information formats or analog.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram view of an illustrative television signal processing apparatus in which the invention can be represented; Figure 2 is an illustration of an illustrative on-screen menu for the selection of closed header priority processing according to an aspect of the principles of the invention; and Figure 3 is a flow chart of an illustrative form of operation of an aspect of the invention in accordance with the principles of the invention. Corresponding reference characters tend to indicate corresponding parts of the whole in the different views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY (S) (S) Referring now to Figure 1, there is illustrated an illustrative representation of a television signal receiver generally designated 20 in which the invention can be represented. The television signal receiver 20 is representative of various types of receivers and / or devices that receive and / or process digital television signals. Initially, it should be understood that while the television signal receiver 20 is described herein with respect to the processing of digital television signals and accompanying auxiliary data, contained or set in a received digital television signal, the television signal receiver 20 may receive and process analogue television signals with or without accompanying auxiliary data. In addition, the television signal receiver 20 is operable to receive and process digital television signals without accompanying auxiliary data. It should be appreciated that television 20 also includes various television apparatus components that are not shown and / or described here, but that are typical and / or necessary for a properly functioning television signal receiver. The television signal receiver 20 has a digital television signal input 24 that is configured to receive digital television signals from a digital television signal source 26. The digital television signal input 24 can be any type of digital television signal input. digital television signal that is operable, configured and / or adapted to receive a digital television signal from a digital television signal source 26. The input 24 is connected to a digital television signal tuner 28. The digital signal tuner Digital television 28 is operable, adapted and / or configured to receive the digital television signal and tune to a particular digital television signal, channel or frequency. The tuning of digital tuner 28 is performed in a manner known in the art. While it is typical for the digital television signal provided by the digital television source 26 to contain multiple digital television channels, the term digital television signal, as used herein, encompasses one or more digital television channels. The television signal receiver 20 also includes a digital television signal processor 30 that is operable, adapted and / or configured to process a digital television signal. As such, the digital signal processor 30 includes circuit / logic of digital television signal modalized as one or more circuits and / or elements of integrated circuits. In addition, the digital television signal processor 30 may use program instructions (e.g., software) 42 for some or all aspects of signal processing. The digital television signal processor 30 is connected to an output of the digital television tuner 28 in order to receive the selected digital television signal (tuned) by the digital television signal tuner 28.

The digital television signal processor 30 is, among other features and / or functions, operable to assemble a video signal of the digital television signal that is received from the tuner 28. The resulting video signal is provided to a buffer memory 40. and is in a format that is presentable in a presentation 22. In addition, the digital television signal processor 30 is operable to analyze, extract and / or separate auxiliary data from the digital television signal. Particularly, the digital television signal processor 30 is operable to obtain auxiliary data in the form of closed caption data of the digital television signal. The obtained closed header data (signal) is provided to a closed header data processor 32. The closed header data processor 32 is operable, adapted and / or configured to process closed header data that is received from the signal processor digital television 30. Such processing includes the detection of yes even the closed header data is received or not from the digital television signal processor 30 with respect to the television signal generated by the digital television tuner 28, the processing of the closed header data signal to obtain closed header, and the continuous verification of the closed header data signal. As further explained below, the continuous verification of the closed header data signal is performed in order to change the processing of the closed header data signal with respect to a digital or standard closed header data format and a analog or standard closed header data format. The digital television signal processor 30 can, and preferably, use program instructions 42 for some or all aspects of closed-caption data signal processing. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the closed header data processor 32 includes both a digital closed header data processor 34 and an analog closed header data processor 36. The digital closed header data processor 34 is operable adapted and / or configured to provide closed header processing for closed header data that is in a digital format (i.e., they have digital closed header packets), while the analog closed header data processor 36 is operable, adapted and / or configured to provide closed header processing for closed header data that is in an analog format (ie, they have closed analog header packets). The closed header data processor 32 determines in which format the closed header data was received, and uses the appropriate of the digital closed header data processor 34 or the analog closed header data processor 36 for appropriate processing. In that way, the closed header data processor 32 is able to determine whether the closed header data is in a digital format or in an analog format, and then process the closed header data accordingly in order to provide a signal of resulting closed heading. The digital closed header data processor 34 processes the digital closed header data in accordance with the digital closed header standard or format that is currently represented in the standard EIA-708. The closed analog header processor 36 processes the analog closed header data in accordance with the analog closed header standard or format that is currently represented in the standard EIA-608. Of course, both processors 34, 36 can process the respective signals according to other standards or formats. The output of the closed header data processor 32 (a closed header signal or processed closed header signal) is provided to the buffer 40. The buffer 40, another component provides the same solution, combines the received video signal of the digital television signal processor 30 with the closed header signal received from the closed header. The resulting signal is then provided to the presentation 22 of which the presentation shows the video and the closed header. It should be appreciated that the display 22 may or may not be integral with the television signal receiver 20 as represented by the dotted line surrounding the display 22. The television signal receiver 20 also operates to provide a user interface on the screen (Ul) in the form of a menu that has several options, choices or selections selectable by the user. This is done through the on-screen generator 38 in conjunction with the program instructions 42. The user menu provides access to features and / or functions of the television that are changeable or programmable by the user some that are typical and known in the art. . Nevertheless, according to one aspect of the invention, one such feature is the selection of closed header processing priorities. Referring further to Figure 2, the display 22 is illustrated having an illustrative user interface 50 which shows an illustrative closed header priority option menu 52. The closed header priority option menu 52 allows the user to select the closed header processing priority for the television signal receiver 20. The selection of a particular closed header priority chaos for the television signal receiver 20 to perform what is provided here. Menu 52 is shown to have three priority processing options and a "EXIT" selection to return to a main menu or sub menu (not shown).

The first closed-caption priority selection, labeled "1) Digital only" establishes the digital television signal receiver 20 in a mode with which the closed header is processed and provided to the presentation 22 only when the header data closed in The received digital television signal is in the digital standard format. In that way, the closed header processor 32 provides the closed header data received from the digital television signal processor 30 to the digital closed header processor 34. This mode ignores the closed header if it is in the standard closed analog header format. Of course, if there is no closed caption data in the digital television signal, no one of such processing or presentation of it is possible. The second closed-caption priority selection, labeled "2 Only Analog" establishes the digital television signal receiver 20 in a mode with which the closed header is processed and provided to the presentation 22 only when the header data closed in the received digital television signal is in the analogue standard format.Thus, the closed caption processor 32 provides the closed caption data received from the digital television signal processor 30 to the analog closed caption processor 36. This mode ignores the closed caption if it is in the standard digital closed caption format Again, of course, if there is no closed caption data in the digital television signal, none of such processing or presentation of it is possible. closed caption, labeled "3) Any Available" sets the rece digital television station 20 in a mode with which the closed header is processed and provided to the presentation 22 regardless of whether the closed caption data in the received digital television signal is in the standard digital format or the standard analog format. The closed header data processor 32 makes the determination (preferably, but not necessarily after verifying the received signal) of whether the received closed header data is digital or analog, and then provides the closed header data to the appropriate processor (ie say, either the digital closed header data processor 34 or the analog closed header data processor 36). Again, of course, if there is no closed caption data in the digital television signal, none of such processing or presentation thereof is possible. The priority of observing first the digital and then the analogue, that is, preferably processing the auxiliary digital information first before the auxiliary analog information when both types of auxiliary information are being received, is arbitrary and may occur as first analog and then digital. This preferential control of a type or format of auxiliary information when both types are received may be selectable by the user, for example, selecting that the predetermined or reserve condition is first the digital format or selecting that the reservation first be analog format. Additionally, the labels and order of the same of menu 52 are arbitrary, the function of them being relative. Referring now to Figure 3, a flow chart, generally designated 100, is illustrated in an illustrative form of header processing operation closed by the television signal receiver 20 in accordance with current principles. The illustrative form of closed header processing provided in flow chart 100 is provided as steps or blocks. In step 102, the digital television signal television receiver 20 determines whether the digital television signal receiver is tuned to a digital television channel. If the television signal receiver also receives and processes analog television signals, then the television signal receiver may not be tuned to a digital channel. In this case, "NO" indicates that a digital television signal has not been tuned and the program flow goes to step 104. It is assumed that an analog television signal has been tuned. In step 104, it is determined whether the analog closed header (CC) is on or inhabited. If the closed analog header is not enabled (ie, "NO") then the program flow ends, step 106. If the analog closed header is on (ie, "YES") then the program flow proceeds to step 108. In step 108 the analog CC data packets are verified. In step 110, it is determined whether the analog CC data packets have been received. If the analog CC data packets have not been received (ie "NO"), then the program flow goes to step 112, where there is no closed header (CC) presentation. However, if it is determined that the CC data packets (ie, "YES") have been received, then the program flow goes to step 114. In step 114, the closed analog header is provided to a presentation. If in step 102, it is determined that a digital television channel has been tuned (i.e., "YES"), then the program flow proceeds to step 116. Step 116 begins a review of the closed caption priority option that the user has selected through the selection menu 52 (see Figure 2). Particularly, in step 116, it is determined whether the closed analog only header priority selection has been made. If the user has selected the choice of "Analog Only" (ie, "YES"), then the program flow proceeds to step 108. The program flow of step 108 proceeds as described above. However, if it is determined in step 116 that "Analog Only" was not the closed header selection (ie, "NO"), then the program flow proceeds to step 118. Step 118 is another step in the revision of the closed header priority option that the user has selected through the selection menu 52. If, in step 118, it is determined that the digital only closed header priority (ie "YES") has been selected, then the program flow proceeds to step 122. Particularly, the program flow proceeds to step 122a wherein the verification of the digital closed header data packets is performed. After that, in step 124a (from step 124) it is determined whether the digital closed header data packets have been received. If the digital closed header data packets are being received (ie, "YES"), then the program flow proceeds to step 126 where the closed digital header is displayed in the presentation. If it is determined in step 124a that the digital CC data packets are not being received (ie, "NO"), then the program flow proceeds to step 112, where no closed header is presented. However, if in step 118 it is determined that "Digital" is not selected (ie "NO"), then the program flow proceeds to step 120. Step 120 is the last step in the revision of the Closed header priority option that the user has selected through the selection menu 52. Particularly, in step 120 it is determined whether the user has selected any available closed header priority or digital / analog reservation. A reservation or predetermined mode may be provided to preferentially process one of the digital and analog auxiliary information formats, for example, if both analogue and digital auxiliary information formats are received the system will process the digital information. The operation during the reservation mode, that is, if the system preferentially processes analog or digital information can be selected by the user. If you do not select "Any Available" (ie, "NO"), then the program flow proceeds back to step 102. If the user selects "Any Available" from the closed header priority menu 52 (ie, "YES"), then the program flow proceeds to the step 122b of step 122. Particularly, in step 122b the digital closed header data packets are verified. It should be noted that if the predetermined operation condition in the reservation mode or "Any Available" was made selectable by the user, the user could determine whether processing after an "YES" in step 120 would continue in step 122b as shown in Figure 3 (preferential processing of information of digital format) or in step 108 (preferential processing of information of analog format). After that, in step 124b of step 124, it is determined whether the digital closed header data packets are being received. If the closed caption data packets (ie, "YES") are being received, then the closed digital header is shown in the presentation, step 126. However, if the digital closed caption data packets are not being received. (ie, "NO"), then there is no closed header presentation, step 112. It should be appreciated that after execution through flow chart 100, particularly through steps 112, 114 or 126, the flow program will then return to step 102 for continuous verification of the tuned television signal. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the flow chart 100 described above and illustrated in Figure 3 provides a complete form of illustrative operation of the digital television signal receiver 20 as described herein. However, each step is not necessary for the implementation of the invention. The invention can be implemented using fewer steps than all steps of flow chart 100. This can be reflected in the claims. In addition, more or less steps in alternative embodiments of the procedure 100 can implement the invention in accordance with the principles mentioned herein. Also, the subgroups of the above method 100 can implement the principles of the invention more than the entire process. Variations are also contemplated. While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can also be modified with the spirit and scope of this description. This application is therefore intended to cover any of the variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that utilize these general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such deviations from the present description as long as they are within the knowledge or usual practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. - A method for processing a digital television signal comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a digital television signal having closed caption data; (b) processing the closed header data in accordance with a closed digital header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal is in a standard digital closed caption format, also processing the data Closed header according to an analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal is in a standard analog closed caption format; and (c) providing a television signal resulting from the received digital television signal and the processed closed header data which are suitable for displaying the closed header data processed in a presentation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of processing the closed header data in accordance with a closed digital header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal they are in a standard digital closed caption format also processing the closed header data according to an analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal is in a standard header format Closed analog includes: processing digital closed header data in accordance with the digital closed caption data standard EIA-70B; and processing the closed analog header data in accordance with the closed analog header data standard EIA-608.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of processing the closed header data in accordance with a closed digital header data standard is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal they are in a standard digital closed caption format also processing the closed header data according to an analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data of the received digital television signal is in a standard header format closed analog includes: verifying the digital television signal that has closed header data for digital closed header data packets according to the standard digital closed caption format and for analog closed caption data packets according to the standard format of closed caption an logical

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving a digital television signal having closed header data comprises tuning a digital television signal having closed header data.

5. A television signal receiver comprising: a digital tuner operable to receive a digital television signal containing closed caption data; a digital television signal processor connected to said digital tuner and operable to obtain a video signal and extract closed caption data from the digital television signal; and a closed header data processor connected to said digital television signal processor and operable to i) determine whether the extracted closed header data is formatted in accordance with a digital closed caption data standard or in accordance with a standard of analog closed header data; ii) process the closed header data extracted in accordance with the digital closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted according to a closed digital header data standard also processed Closed header data according to the analog closed caption data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted according to an analog closed caption standard, and iii) providing a resultant closed header data signal suitable for displaying the closed header data in a presentation.

6. The television signal receiver according to claim 5, wherein said closed header data processor is operable to process the digital closed header data in accordance with the digital closed header data standard EIA-708 and to process the analog closed header data according to the closed analog header data standard EIA-608.

7. The television signal receiver according to claim 5, further comprising: an intermediate memory connected to the closed header processor and the digital television signal processor and operable to combine the closed header data signal resulting from the Closed header data processor with the video signal from the digital television signal processor to display the combined television signal in the presentation.

8. The television signal receiver according to claim 5, wherein the closed header data processor is operable to continuously check the tuned digital television signal to determine whether the closed header data is formatted in accordance with a digital closed header data standard or according to an analog closed caption data standard.

9. A television signal receiver comprising: means for receiving a digital television signal containing closed caption data; means, connected to said means for receiving, for processing the received digital television signal to obtain a video signal and extract the closed header data; and means, connected to said means for processing, to i) determine whether the extracted closed header data is formatted in accordance with a closed digital header data standard or in accordance with a closed analog header data standard, ii) process Closed header data extracted in accordance with the digital closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted in accordance with a closed digital header data standard also process the closed header data according to the Analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted according to an analog closed header standard, and iii) provide a resulting closed header data signal to display the closed header data in a presentation .

10. The television signal receiver according to claim 9, wherein said means for i) determining whether the extracted closed header data is formatted in accordance with a digital closed header data standard or in accordance with a standard of closed analog header data, ii) processing the closed header data extracted in accordance with the digital closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted according to a digital closed header data standard as well processing the closed header data according to the analog closed header data standard if it is determined that the closed header data is formatted according to an analog closed header standard, and ii) providing a closed header data signal appropriate result to show the data of enc Closed enclosure in a presentation includes: means to process the digital closed header data in accordance with the digital closed header data standard EIA-708, and means to process the closed analog header data according to the header data standard closed analog EIA-608.

11. - The television signal receiver according to claim 9, further comprising: means, connected to the closed header processing means and means for processing the digital television signal, to combine the resulting closed header data signal with the video signal to show the combined television signal in the presentation.

12. The television signal receiver according to claim 9, wherein the closed header processing means are further operable to continuously check the tuned digital television signal to determine whether the closed header data is formatted according to a digital closed caption data standard or according to an analog closed caption data standard.

13. A method of processing auxiliary information included in a television signal comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a digital television signal that includes auxiliary information; (b) determine a format of the auxiliary information; and (c) processing the auxiliary information in accordance with a digital auxiliary information standard in response to determining that the auxiliary information comprises data in a digital format, also processing the closed header data in accordance with an analog auxiliary information standard.

14. - A method of processing auxiliary information included in a television signal comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a digital television signal that includes auxiliary information; (b) determine a format of the auxiliary information; (c) select a priority to process the format of the auxiliary information; and (d) processing the auxiliary information according to an auxiliary information format and with a priority to process the auxiliary information format.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of processing the auxiliary information occurs in response to determining that the auxiliary information comprises a digital auxiliary information format and selecting a priority to enable auxiliary information processing in a format of auxiliary digital information and to disable the processing of auxiliary information in an auxiliary analog information format.

16. - The method according to claim 14, wherein the selected priority comprises one of: a) a digital only priority to enable the processing of the auxiliary information only in response to determining that the format of the auxiliary information corresponds to a format of digital auxiliary information, b) an analog only priority to enable auxiliary information processing only in response to determining that the auxiliary information format corresponds to an analog auxiliary information format, and c) any available format to enable the processing of the auxiliary information. auxiliary information in any of the digital or analog auxiliary information formats.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the selected priority comprises processing the auxiliary information in a digital auxiliary information format in response to determining that the auxiliary information received includes auxiliary information in a digital auxiliary information format and information. auxiliary in an analog auxiliary information format.