WO2000064149A1 - An apparatus and method for controlling caption of video equipment - Google Patents

An apparatus and method for controlling caption of video equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000064149A1
WO2000064149A1 PCT/KR2000/000340 KR0000340W WO0064149A1 WO 2000064149 A1 WO2000064149 A1 WO 2000064149A1 KR 0000340 W KR0000340 W KR 0000340W WO 0064149 A1 WO0064149 A1 WO 0064149A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
caption
signal
video
image signal
control apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2000/000340
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeoungsup Kim
Jae-Chern Yoo
Original Assignee
Onnara Electronics Corp.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1019990013425A external-priority patent/KR19990064596A/en
Application filed by Onnara Electronics Corp. filed Critical Onnara Electronics Corp.
Priority to AU41481/00A priority Critical patent/AU4148100A/en
Publication of WO2000064149A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000064149A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/488—Data services, e.g. news ticker
    • H04N21/4884—Data services, e.g. news ticker for displaying subtitles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/485—End-user interface for client configuration
    • H04N21/4858—End-user interface for client configuration for modifying screen layout parameters, e.g. fonts, size of the windows
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H04N5/445—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for displaying additional information
    • H04N5/44504—Circuit details of the additional information generator, e.g. details of the character or graphics signal generator, overlay mixing circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H04N7/087—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only
    • H04N7/088—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
    • H04N7/0884—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection
    • H04N7/0885—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection for the transmission of subtitles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a caption control apparatus and method for use in video apparatus, and more particularly, to a caption control apparatus and method for use with video apparatus, for displaying a caption (character) on a display screen by extracting a caption signal during the period of vertical blanking, in which in a caption-dedicated mode, an image signal is blanked out and the caption is placed at a predetermined location of the display screen.
  • a caption is formed of characters and symbols and is displayed on and overlaps an image.
  • a caption video apparatus is an apparatus, which decodes caption data carried on the 21 st line of an odd field of an image signal and displays the caption data at a predetermined location of the corresponding image (a predetermined location of at the top or the bottom), and is widely applied to VCRs or televisions.
  • a caption pause function (PAUSE or FREEZE), when selected, displays a paused caption continuously until the caption pause function is canceled.
  • Existing technology for caption control includes a function for adjusting the brightness of a caption, a function for adjusting the display location of a caption on an image, and a filter function for making the background where a caption is displayed opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent. These caption control functions are selected through a key input unit or a remote controller.
  • caption data can be encoded in the 21 s line of an odd field and then decoded depending on whether a viewer selects an ON or OFF of caption function, so that a caption can be displayed at the top or bottom of an image.
  • This case is referred to as a closed caption.
  • Such a selectable closed caption apparatus is widely used for study of foreign languages.
  • the closed caption apparatus has a shortcoming in that due to the images over which captions are overlapped, the degree of concentration on caption is lowered.
  • due to the lack of a function for changing caption attributes viewers find it difficult to read captions.
  • the caption control apparatus When the caption control apparatus is installed inside a video reproduction apparatus, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling an image signal so that in a caption-dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed on a screen and the image is blanked out, and a method therefor.
  • the caption control apparatus After the caption control apparatus receives an image signal, a blank image signal and a caption signal, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling the image signal so that in a caption- dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed on a screen and the image is blanked out, and a method therefor.
  • a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, the caption control apparatus comprising: a key input unit via which a user can input a caption control command; a switching unit for receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal, switching according to a switching control signal, and selecting and outputting any one of the image signal, a signal in which the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal, and a signal in which the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal; and a control unit for outputting a switching control signal to the switching unit according to a key input signal from the key input unit and caption data included in the image signal.
  • the caption control apparatus further comprises: a caption data extraction unit for extracting caption data from the image signal; a blank image signal generation unit for generating a blank image signal; and a caption signal generation unit for generating a caption signal which is to be included in the image signal, wherein the control unit analyzes the caption data; decodes a control code and a character code of the caption data to obtain a location where a caption will be displayed and the display pattern (attribute) of a caption; and sends the result of decoding, as a caption control signal, to the caption signal generation unit.
  • a caption data extraction unit for extracting caption data from the image signal
  • a blank image signal generation unit for generating a blank image signal
  • a caption signal generation unit for generating a caption signal which is to be included in the image signal
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproducing apparatus, are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end.
  • a synchronization signal separation unit for separating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video output end of the video reproduction apparatus, is further included, separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the synchronization signal separation unit are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; a synchronization signal separation unit for separating vertical and horizontal synchronization signals from the input image signal is further included and separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption data extraction unit extracts caption data from a predetermined line of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal, but more preferably, the caption data is on the 21 st line of the horizontal synchronization signal.
  • the key input unit has a caption on/off key and a caption- dedicated mode key for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode and the switching unit switches according to a switching control signal so that when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-off mode, the image signal is output; when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output; and when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output.
  • the key input unit includes one or any combination of a pause or freeze key having a caption pause function, a brightness key having a brightness adjusting function, a position key having a caption position adjusting function, a filter key for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent, a key for changing the color of the background screen, a key for adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and a key for muting voice.
  • the video apparatus used with the caption control apparatus is any one of an analog TV, a digital TV, a satellite TV, a VCR, a monitor, a personal computer having a TV receiving card, and a set-top box, adopting any one of the video standards including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM.
  • a caption control method used by a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus comprising the steps of: key-inputting a caption control command; receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal, switchinq according to a switching control signal, and selecting and outputting any one of the image signal, the image signal overlapped by the caption signal, and the blank image signal overlapped by the caption signal; and outputting a switching control signal according to the key input signal and caption data included in the image signal.
  • the caption control method further comprises the steps of: extracting caption data from the image signal; generating a blank image signal; outputting a caption signal included in the image signal according to a caption control signal; and analyzing the caption data, decoding a control code and a character code of the caption data to obtain a location where a caption will be displayed and a display pattern (attribute) of a caption, and outputting the result of decoding as a caption control signal.
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus, are supplied to the caption data extracting step and the caption signal generation step, and the output image signal is input to the video input end of the video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption control method further comprises separating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video output end of the video apparatus, wherein separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the video reproducing apparatus.
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption control apparatus when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; and the caption control method further comprises separating vertical and horizontal synchronization signals from the input image signal, wherein the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step, and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
  • the caption data extraction step the caption data is extracted from a predetermined line of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal. More preferably, the caption data is on the 21 st line of a horizontal synchronization signal.
  • the key input step comprises selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode, and in the switching step, switching is performed according to a switching control signal so that when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-off mode, the image signal is output; when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output; and when a key input in the key input step selects a caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output.
  • the key input step comprises one or any combination of a step for inputting a pause or freeze command for a caption pause function, a step for performing a brightness function for adjusting brightness, a step for performing a position function for adjusting the position of a caption, a step for performing a filter function for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent, a step for performing changing the color of the background screen, a step for adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and a step for muting voice.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a waveform for explaining a caption standard of an image signal
  • FIG. 3 illustrates caption data of the 21 st line in an image signal
  • FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an example of the operation of the caption control apparatus of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a video reproduction system to which the caption control apparatus of the present invention is applied.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the external appearance of the caption control apparatus of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 The circuit diagram of a TV caption control apparatus 100 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
  • a synchronization signal separation unit 4 separates horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from an image signal, and supplies the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals to a caption data extraction unit 5 and a caption signal generation unit 7.
  • the caption data extraction unit 5 extracts caption data from the 21 * line of the horizontal synchronization signal during a vertical blanking period, and supplies the separated caption data to a control unit 3, which includes a microprocessor.
  • the caption signal generation unit 7 receives the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals and outputs a caption signal in response to a caption control signal received from the control unit 3.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 has a key input unit 10 for accepting a caption command input by a user for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode, or a caption-dedicated mode for studying foreign language. Also, referring to FIG. 1 , when the mode is set to the caption- dedicated mode in response to a viewer's input to the key input unit 10, a blank image signal generation unit 9 generates a blank image signal so that a blank image signal is displayed on the screen.
  • the control unit 3 analyzes the caption data supplied by the caption data extraction unit 5, and then, decodes a control code and a character code of the caption data to find out the location where a caption is to be displayed, a display pattern (attribute), and characters to be displayed.
  • the control unit 3 supplies the decoding result, a caption control signal, to the caption signal generation unit 7, and outputs a switching control signal to a switching unit 8, in accordance with an input signal, which is input through the key input unit 10, and the caption data input.
  • the control unit 3 may include a microprocessor or a microcomputer which controls the whole system (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the switching unit 8 switches according to the switching control signal, and outputs an image signal in a caption-off mode, and outputs a signal including an image signal and a caption signal in a caption-on mode. In a caption-dedicated mode selected by an input from the key input unit 10, the switching unit 8 outputs a blank image signal and a caption signal.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 outputs a blank image signal and a caption signal when a caption- dedicated mode is selected by a user, which improves the readability of a caption, and the efficiency with which a foreign language can be learnt.
  • FIG. 2 is a waveform for explaining a caption standard of an image signal.
  • caption data is included on the 21 st line in an odd field, and the caption data extraction unit 5 separates caption data of the image signal from the 21 st line during a vertical blanking period.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates caption data of the 21 st line of a composite video signal in a television adopting the NTSC standard.
  • the caption data extraction unit 5 receives a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal; extracts caption data from the 21 st line by counting horizontal synchronization signals (H-SYNC) during a vertical blanking period; and supplies the extracted caption data to the control unit 3.
  • the control unit 3 decodes 2-byte data information (caption data), and supplies the decoded data to the caption signal generation unit 7 (also referred to as on-screen display, OSD).
  • the caption signal generation unit 7 outputs a caption signal (a character signal) which corresponds to the received decoded data.
  • the switching unit 8 outputs the final image by selectively combining the caption signal, which is output from the caption signal generation unit 7 in response to a control signal of the control unit 3, the original image signal, and a blank image signal.
  • a caption-dedicated mode which is a foreign language study-dedicated mode
  • a blank image signal is supplied by the blank image signal generation unit 9
  • a caption signal is overlapped over the blank image signal, and the result is output, which maximizes the readability and the efficiency with which a foreign language can be learnt.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 has a function for outputting only a caption on the screen from a caption-appended image signal, and can be installed inside or outside a television.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 When installed inside a TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 operates dependently on or independently of the video signal processing unit of the TV.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 When operating independently of the TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 directly receives a video signal received through a television tuner, and, as described above, generates caption data and synchronization signals to obtain a caption signal.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 outputs a selective combination signal among the obtained caption signal, an image signal, and a blank image signal.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 When operation is dependent on the TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 receives an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal from the video processing unit of the TV, and outputs a selective combination signal.
  • a required synchronization signal can be supplied from the synchronization signal separation unit of the TV regardless whether the caption control apparatus for video apparatus according to the present invention operates dependently on the TV or not.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed between a television 200 having an image display function and a VCR 300 having an image-receiving function, and be formed to receive an image using the tuner of VCR 300, without a separate image-receiving apparatus, that is, a tuner.
  • an image signal from a broadcasting station is received at an image input end of the VCR 300. Then, an audio signal is resent to and processed in the TV 200.
  • the image signal is sent to the TV caption control apparatus 100 of the present invention, and then the image signal, in which a caption is controlled, is sent to the image input end of the TV 200.
  • the TV caption control apparatus 100 of the present invention can perform caption control through the TV screen.
  • Caption data is included in the 21 st line of an odd field of an image signal in a vertical blanking period, as shown in FIG. 2, and the caption data extraction unit 5 separates caption data from the 21 st line by counting horizontal synchronization signals and decodes the caption data.
  • This decoded data is sent to the control unit 3, and the control unit 3 outputs a caption control signal to the caption signal generation unit 7 according to the decoded data and the input of the key input unit 10. Then, according to the caption control signal, the caption signal generation unit 7 outputs a corresponding caption signal to the switching unit 8.
  • the control unit 3 In a caption-off mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that an image signal is output without change; in a caption-on mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that an image signal is overlapped by a caption signal and the result is output; and in a caption-dedicated mode, that is, a foreign language study-dedicated mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that a blank image signal, which is generated in and output from the blank image signal generation unit 9, and a caption signal, which is generated in and output from the caption signal generation unit 7, are overlapped with each other and output.
  • FIGS 4A through 4C illustrate an example of the operation of the TV caption control apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4A shows a picture, where an image signal and a caption signal overlap, in a caption-on mode
  • FIG. 4B shows a picture, where a blank image signal and a caption signal overlap, in a caption-dedicated mode.
  • the blank image signal can be a grey background picture, or a blue background picture, but is not limited to these, and a background picture of a variety of colors including green, red, and yellow is possible.
  • FIG. 4C shows an example of a picture, where a caption is displayed in a caption-dedicated mode by changing the attributes of the caption to a predetermined location and character size. As shown in FIG.
  • the TV caption control apparatus of the present invention can change the attributes of a caption, that is, the location, the size, the shape (font), and the color of a character, the total number of display lines for the characters, the transparency (brightness) of a character, etc., and includes all caption display methods such as roll-up, pop- on, and paint-on.
  • the TV caption control apparatus can have a key for adjusting the number of lines used to display a caption, and also a sound blank key.
  • the caption control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can include caption display methods such as roll-up, pop-on and paint-on.
  • the caption control apparatus of the present invention operates in a caption-on mode when a power key 61 is pushed, and operates in a caption-dedicated mode when a book key 64 is pushed.
  • a caption- dedicated mode is set by pushing the book key 64, and when a caption pause function is selected using a caption pause key (pause or freeze) 66 in a caption-dedicated mode, the paused caption can be continuously displayed until the caption pause function is released.
  • This pause function operates in a caption-on mode.
  • a brightness key 62 for adjusting the brightness of a caption for adjusting the brightness of a caption
  • a position key 65 for adjusting the location of a caption on an image and a filter key 63 for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent can be used.
  • Such caption control functions are selected via the key input unit (10 in FIG. 1 ) or a remote controller.
  • a voice signal can be processed along with an image signal. That is, by installing a voice signal processing unit inside the caption control apparatus, or by receiving a voice signal from the voice signal processing unit of a television, the caption control apparatus can control the voice signal together with an image signal, using the switching control signal from the control unit 3.
  • the caption control apparatus can control the voice signal together with an image signal, using the switching control signal from the control unit 3.
  • the TV caption control apparatus of the present invention when applied to a television, a voice signal is output through a television speaker, and when a television having a function for muting a voice signal using a remote controller is used, only a caption is displayed on the TV screen without a voice output, which improves the efficiency with which a foreign language can be studied by a user.
  • the switching unit 8 can be controlled so that, when a switching control signal is (a) an overlap signal of a caption and an image signal is output; (b) an overlap signal of a caption signal and a blank image signal is output; (c) a caption signal and a voice signal are output; (d) only a caption signal is output; and (e) only a voice signal is output.
  • a switching control signal is (a) an overlap signal of a caption and an image signal is output; (b) an overlap signal of a caption signal and a blank image signal is output; (c) a caption signal and a voice signal are output; (d) only a caption signal is output; and (e) only a voice signal is output.
  • Table 1 a plurality of combinations of possible outputs exist, and only those that are considered to be needed by a user are shown in Table 1.
  • the caption control apparatus of the present invention can be designed to give a variety of outputs a user wants.
  • the TV caption control apparatus can be designed to have the external appearance shown in FIG. 6.
  • the TV caption control apparatus shown in FIG. 6 can be installed between the TV 200 and the VCR 300 as shown in FIG. 5, and when power is turned on by pushing a power key 61 , the apparatus starts operation and a caption can be controlled.
  • caption control keys include a book key 64 for making the TV screen function as a book, a pause or freeze key 66 having a caption pause function, a brightness key 62 having a brightness adjusting function, a position key 65 having a caption position adjusting function, and a filter key 63 for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent.
  • the caption control apparatus for video apparatus can be used in a TV, a VCR, a monitor, a TV-receiving personal computer, and a set-top box (STB). It can also be used in an analogue TV, a digital TV, and a satellite TV. In addition, it can be used with popular video standards such as NTSC, phase alternation by line (PAL), and SECAM.
  • the caption control apparatus for video apparatus and the method therefor can be applied to an image signal from a TV broadcasting station, or an image signal from a videotape program as described in the above embodiments, and the apparatus is particularly advantageous in solving the problem in which the efficiency of language study is lowered due to the image overlapped by a caption. Also, since an image is blanked out in a caption- dedicated mode, the apparatus can enhance the readability of a caption, thereby making language study more efficient.

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Abstract

A caption control apparatus and method for use with video apparatus such as a television, video cassette recorder, and a set-top box, is provided. In order to solve the problem that a caption overlapping an image lowers concentration degree and the efficiency of language study, the caption control apparatus and method displays only a caption signal in a caption-dedicated mode (an image blank mode) by blanking out an image. The caption control apparatus includes a synchronization signal separation unit, a key input unit for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode, a blank image signal generation unit, a caption data extraction unit, a control unit, a caption signal generation unit, and a switching unit so that, in the caption-on mode, an image signal overlapped by a caption signal is output and, in the caption-dedicated mode, a blank signal overlapped by a caption signal is output. The caption control apparatus and method can enhance readability and raise the effect of language study.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CAPTION OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a caption control apparatus and method for use in video apparatus, and more particularly, to a caption control apparatus and method for use with video apparatus, for displaying a caption (character) on a display screen by extracting a caption signal during the period of vertical blanking, in which in a caption-dedicated mode, an image signal is blanked out and the caption is placed at a predetermined location of the display screen.
Background Art
In general, a caption is formed of characters and symbols and is displayed on and overlaps an image. A caption video apparatus is an apparatus, which decodes caption data carried on the 21st line of an odd field of an image signal and displays the caption data at a predetermined location of the corresponding image (a predetermined location of at the top or the bottom), and is widely applied to VCRs or televisions. Among control functions for caption data, a caption pause function (PAUSE or FREEZE), when selected, displays a paused caption continuously until the caption pause function is canceled. Existing technology for caption control includes a function for adjusting the brightness of a caption, a function for adjusting the display location of a caption on an image, and a filter function for making the background where a caption is displayed opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent. These caption control functions are selected through a key input unit or a remote controller.
When a videotape program produced in a foreign country is distributed in a domestic market, the dialogue is translated into the domestic language and displayed as captions, so that viewers can understand the program. For example, Korean captions may be displayed for an English videotape program.
When a videotape program is directly dubbed with captions in the domestic language, a viewer cannot randomly select whether or not to display the dubbed captions. This case is referred to as an open caption. Meanwhile, caption data can be encoded in the 21 s line of an odd field and then decoded depending on whether a viewer selects an ON or OFF of caption function, so that a caption can be displayed at the top or bottom of an image. This case is referred to as a closed caption. Such a selectable closed caption apparatus is widely used for study of foreign languages. However, the closed caption apparatus has a shortcoming in that due to the images over which captions are overlapped, the degree of concentration on caption is lowered. In addition, due to the lack of a function for changing caption attributes, viewers find it difficult to read captions.
Disclosure of the Invention To solve the above problems, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus. When the caption control apparatus is installed inside a video reproduction apparatus, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling an image signal so that in a caption-dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed on a screen and the image is blanked out, and a method therefor.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, which is installed outside a video reproduction apparatus. After the caption control apparatus receives an image signal, a blank image signal and a caption signal, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling the image signal so that in a caption- dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed on a screen and the image is blanked out, and a method therefor.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, which is installed outside a video reproduction apparatus. After the caption control apparatus receives an image signal and then generates a blank image signal and a caption signal, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling the image signal so that in a caption-dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed on the screen and the image is blanked out, and a method therefor. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, which is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function. After the caption control apparatus receives an image signal from the second video reproduction apparatus, it increases the readability of a caption by controlling the image data so that in a caption-dedicated mode, only a caption is displayed in the first video reproduction apparatus, and a method therefor.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, the caption control apparatus comprising: a key input unit via which a user can input a caption control command; a switching unit for receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal, switching according to a switching control signal, and selecting and outputting any one of the image signal, a signal in which the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal, and a signal in which the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal; and a control unit for outputting a switching control signal to the switching unit according to a key input signal from the key input unit and caption data included in the image signal.
Preferably, the caption control apparatus further comprises: a caption data extraction unit for extracting caption data from the image signal; a blank image signal generation unit for generating a blank image signal; and a caption signal generation unit for generating a caption signal which is to be included in the image signal, wherein the control unit analyzes the caption data; decodes a control code and a character code of the caption data to obtain a location where a caption will be displayed and the display pattern (attribute) of a caption; and sends the result of decoding, as a caption control signal, to the caption signal generation unit.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproducing apparatus, are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, a synchronization signal separation unit for separating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video output end of the video reproduction apparatus, is further included, separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the synchronization signal separation unit are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the video reproduction apparatus.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; a synchronization signal separation unit for separating vertical and horizontal synchronization signals from the input image signal is further included and separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
Preferably, the caption data extraction unit extracts caption data from a predetermined line of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal, but more preferably, the caption data is on the 21st line of the horizontal synchronization signal.
Preferably, the key input unit has a caption on/off key and a caption- dedicated mode key for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode and the switching unit switches according to a switching control signal so that when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-off mode, the image signal is output; when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output; and when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output. More preferably, the key input unit includes one or any combination of a pause or freeze key having a caption pause function, a brightness key having a brightness adjusting function, a position key having a caption position adjusting function, a filter key for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent, a key for changing the color of the background screen, a key for adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and a key for muting voice.
Preferably, the video apparatus used with the caption control apparatus is any one of an analog TV, a digital TV, a satellite TV, a VCR, a monitor, a personal computer having a TV receiving card, and a set-top box, adopting any one of the video standards including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a caption control method used by a caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, comprising the steps of: key-inputting a caption control command; receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal, switchinq according to a switching control signal, and selecting and outputting any one of the image signal, the image signal overlapped by the caption signal, and the blank image signal overlapped by the caption signal; and outputting a switching control signal according to the key input signal and caption data included in the image signal.
Preferably, the caption control method further comprises the steps of: extracting caption data from the image signal; generating a blank image signal; outputting a caption signal included in the image signal according to a caption control signal; and analyzing the caption data, decoding a control code and a character code of the caption data to obtain a location where a caption will be displayed and a display pattern (attribute) of a caption, and outputting the result of decoding as a caption control signal.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus, are supplied to the caption data extracting step and the caption signal generation step, and the output image signal is input to the video input end of the video reproduction apparatus.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, the caption control method further comprises separating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video output end of the video apparatus, wherein separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the video reproducing apparatus. Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
Preferably, when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; and the caption control method further comprises separating vertical and horizontal synchronization signals from the input image signal, wherein the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step, and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus. Preferably, in the caption data extraction step, the caption data is extracted from a predetermined line of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal. More preferably, the caption data is on the 21st line of a horizontal synchronization signal.
Preferably, the key input step comprises selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode, and in the switching step, switching is performed according to a switching control signal so that when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-off mode, the image signal is output; when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output; and when a key input in the key input step selects a caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output.
More preferably, the key input step comprises one or any combination of a step for inputting a pause or freeze command for a caption pause function, a step for performing a brightness function for adjusting brightness, a step for performing a position function for adjusting the position of a caption, a step for performing a filter function for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent, a step for performing changing the color of the background screen, a step for adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and a step for muting voice.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The above objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a waveform for explaining a caption standard of an image signal;
FIG. 3 illustrates caption data of the 21st line in an image signal;
FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an example of the operation of the caption control apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a video reproduction system to which the caption control apparatus of the present invention is applied; and
FIG. 6 illustrates the external appearance of the caption control apparatus of the present invention.
Best mode for carrying out the Invention
Hereinafter, embodiments of the caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus and a method therefor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is not restricted to the following embodiments, and many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are provided in order to more completely explain the present invention to anyone skilled in the art. Here, as a preferable embodiment of the present invention, a caption control apparatus and method for use in a National Television System Committee (NTSC) system will now be explained.
The circuit diagram of a TV caption control apparatus 100 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 , a synchronization signal separation unit 4 separates horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from an image signal, and supplies the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals to a caption data extraction unit 5 and a caption signal generation unit 7. By counting the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals supplied by the synchronization signal separation unit 4, the caption data extraction unit 5 extracts caption data from the 21 * line of the horizontal synchronization signal during a vertical blanking period, and supplies the separated caption data to a control unit 3, which includes a microprocessor. The caption signal generation unit 7 receives the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals and outputs a caption signal in response to a caption control signal received from the control unit 3. The TV caption control apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 has a key input unit 10 for accepting a caption command input by a user for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode, or a caption-dedicated mode for studying foreign language. Also, referring to FIG. 1 , when the mode is set to the caption- dedicated mode in response to a viewer's input to the key input unit 10, a blank image signal generation unit 9 generates a blank image signal so that a blank image signal is displayed on the screen. In addition, the control unit 3 analyzes the caption data supplied by the caption data extraction unit 5, and then, decodes a control code and a character code of the caption data to find out the location where a caption is to be displayed, a display pattern (attribute), and characters to be displayed. The control unit 3 supplies the decoding result, a caption control signal, to the caption signal generation unit 7, and outputs a switching control signal to a switching unit 8, in accordance with an input signal, which is input through the key input unit 10, and the caption data input. The control unit 3 may include a microprocessor or a microcomputer which controls the whole system (not shown in FIG. 1 ). Meanwhile, the switching unit 8 switches according to the switching control signal, and outputs an image signal in a caption-off mode, and outputs a signal including an image signal and a caption signal in a caption-on mode. In a caption-dedicated mode selected by an input from the key input unit 10, the switching unit 8 outputs a blank image signal and a caption signal. By doing so, the TV caption control apparatus 100 according to the present invention outputs a blank image signal and a caption signal when a caption- dedicated mode is selected by a user, which improves the readability of a caption, and the efficiency with which a foreign language can be learnt.
FIG. 2 is a waveform for explaining a caption standard of an image signal. Generally, caption data is included on the 21 st line in an odd field, and the caption data extraction unit 5 separates caption data of the image signal from the 21st line during a vertical blanking period.
FIG. 3 illustrates caption data of the 21st line of a composite video signal in a television adopting the NTSC standard. Referring to FIG. 3, the caption data extraction unit 5 receives a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal; extracts caption data from the 21st line by counting horizontal synchronization signals (H-SYNC) during a vertical blanking period; and supplies the extracted caption data to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 decodes 2-byte data information (caption data), and supplies the decoded data to the caption signal generation unit 7 (also referred to as on-screen display, OSD). The caption signal generation unit 7 outputs a caption signal (a character signal) which corresponds to the received decoded data. Then, the switching unit 8 outputs the final image by selectively combining the caption signal, which is output from the caption signal generation unit 7 in response to a control signal of the control unit 3, the original image signal, and a blank image signal. In the present invention, when a caption-dedicated mode, which is a foreign language study-dedicated mode, is selected in response to the input of the key input unit 10, instead of the original image signal, a blank image signal is supplied by the blank image signal generation unit 9, a caption signal is overlapped over the blank image signal, and the result is output, which maximizes the readability and the efficiency with which a foreign language can be learnt.
The TV caption control apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, described above, has a function for outputting only a caption on the screen from a caption-appended image signal, and can be installed inside or outside a television. When installed inside a TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 operates dependently on or independently of the video signal processing unit of the TV. When operating independently of the TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 directly receives a video signal received through a television tuner, and, as described above, generates caption data and synchronization signals to obtain a caption signal. The TV caption control apparatus 100 outputs a selective combination signal among the obtained caption signal, an image signal, and a blank image signal. When operation is dependent on the TV, the TV caption control apparatus 100 receives an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal from the video processing unit of the TV, and outputs a selective combination signal. A required synchronization signal can be supplied from the synchronization signal separation unit of the TV regardless whether the caption control apparatus for video apparatus according to the present invention operates dependently on the TV or not. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the TV caption control apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed between a television 200 having an image display function and a VCR 300 having an image-receiving function, and be formed to receive an image using the tuner of VCR 300, without a separate image-receiving apparatus, that is, a tuner. In this case, an image signal from a broadcasting station is received at an image input end of the VCR 300. Then, an audio signal is resent to and processed in the TV 200. The image signal is sent to the TV caption control apparatus 100 of the present invention, and then the image signal, in which a caption is controlled, is sent to the image input end of the TV 200. By doing so, the TV caption control apparatus 100 of the present invention can perform caption control through the TV screen.
The operation of the TV caption control apparatus 100 of the present invention, formed as described above, will now be explained in detail.
Caption data is included in the 21st line of an odd field of an image signal in a vertical blanking period, as shown in FIG. 2, and the caption data extraction unit 5 separates caption data from the 21st line by counting horizontal synchronization signals and decodes the caption data. This decoded data is sent to the control unit 3, and the control unit 3 outputs a caption control signal to the caption signal generation unit 7 according to the decoded data and the input of the key input unit 10. Then, according to the caption control signal, the caption signal generation unit 7 outputs a corresponding caption signal to the switching unit 8. In a caption-off mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that an image signal is output without change; in a caption-on mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that an image signal is overlapped by a caption signal and the result is output; and in a caption-dedicated mode, that is, a foreign language study-dedicated mode, the control unit 3 outputs a switching control signal to the switching unit 8 so that a blank image signal, which is generated in and output from the blank image signal generation unit 9, and a caption signal, which is generated in and output from the caption signal generation unit 7, are overlapped with each other and output.
FIGS 4A through 4C illustrate an example of the operation of the TV caption control apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4A shows a picture, where an image signal and a caption signal overlap, in a caption-on mode, and FIG. 4B shows a picture, where a blank image signal and a caption signal overlap, in a caption-dedicated mode. The blank image signal can be a grey background picture, or a blue background picture, but is not limited to these, and a background picture of a variety of colors including green, red, and yellow is possible. FIG. 4C shows an example of a picture, where a caption is displayed in a caption-dedicated mode by changing the attributes of the caption to a predetermined location and character size. As shown in FIG. 4C, the TV caption control apparatus of the present invention can change the attributes of a caption, that is, the location, the size, the shape (font), and the color of a character, the total number of display lines for the characters, the transparency (brightness) of a character, etc., and includes all caption display methods such as roll-up, pop- on, and paint-on. Though it is not shown in FIG. 6, the TV caption control apparatus can have a key for adjusting the number of lines used to display a caption, and also a sound blank key. The caption control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can include caption display methods such as roll-up, pop-on and paint-on.
Referring to FIG. 6, a function for controlling caption display in a caption-dedicated mode according to the present invention will now be explained. In FIG. 6, the caption control apparatus of the present invention operates in a caption-on mode when a power key 61 is pushed, and operates in a caption-dedicated mode when a book key 64 is pushed. A caption- dedicated mode is set by pushing the book key 64, and when a caption pause function is selected using a caption pause key (pause or freeze) 66 in a caption-dedicated mode, the paused caption can be continuously displayed until the caption pause function is released. This pause function operates in a caption-on mode. Also, in order to control a caption in a caption-dedicated mode, a brightness key 62 for adjusting the brightness of a caption, a position key 65 for adjusting the location of a caption on an image, and a filter key 63 for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent can be used. Such caption control functions are selected via the key input unit (10 in FIG. 1 ) or a remote controller.
In the above embodiments of the TV caption control apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, only the processing of an image signal and not the processing of a voice signal is explained, but a voice signal can be processed along with an image signal. That is, by installing a voice signal processing unit inside the caption control apparatus, or by receiving a voice signal from the voice signal processing unit of a television, the caption control apparatus can control the voice signal together with an image signal, using the switching control signal from the control unit 3. However, since such an implementation is apparent to a person having skill in the art, it will not be explained here in detail. But, when the TV caption control apparatus of the present invention is applied to a television, a voice signal is output through a television speaker, and when a television having a function for muting a voice signal using a remote controller is used, only a caption is displayed on the TV screen without a voice output, which improves the efficiency with which a foreign language can be studied by a user.
The operation of the switching unit 8 in accordance with switching control signals of the control unit 3 of FIG. 1 will be shown in the following table.
Table 1
Figure imgf000016_0001
As shown in table 1 , the switching unit 8 can be controlled so that, when a switching control signal is (a) an overlap signal of a caption and an image signal is output; (b) an overlap signal of a caption signal and a blank image signal is output; (c) a caption signal and a voice signal are output; (d) only a caption signal is output; and (e) only a voice signal is output. Besides those outputs shown in Table 1 , a plurality of combinations of possible outputs exist, and only those that are considered to be needed by a user are shown in Table 1. As shown in Table 1 , the caption control apparatus of the present invention can be designed to give a variety of outputs a user wants. The TV caption control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, described above, can be designed to have the external appearance shown in FIG. 6. The TV caption control apparatus shown in FIG. 6 can be installed between the TV 200 and the VCR 300 as shown in FIG. 5, and when power is turned on by pushing a power key 61 , the apparatus starts operation and a caption can be controlled. In FIG. 6, caption control keys include a book key 64 for making the TV screen function as a book, a pause or freeze key 66 having a caption pause function, a brightness key 62 having a brightness adjusting function, a position key 65 having a caption position adjusting function, and a filter key 63 for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or transparent. Therefore, power is turned on when the power key 61 is pushed, and when the book key is pushed, a blank image signal is overlapped by a caption signal in the switching unit 8 of FIG. 1 , and the combined signal is displayed on the TV screen. By doing so, the TV screen can be used as a book. Though not shown in FIG. 6, a key for controlling the number of lines used for a caption can be added. Also, a sound blank key can be added.
Industrial Applicability
The caption control apparatus for video apparatus, described above, can be used in a TV, a VCR, a monitor, a TV-receiving personal computer, and a set-top box (STB). It can also be used in an analogue TV, a digital TV, and a satellite TV. In addition, it can be used with popular video standards such as NTSC, phase alternation by line (PAL), and SECAM.
The caption control apparatus for video apparatus and the method therefor can be applied to an image signal from a TV broadcasting station, or an image signal from a videotape program as described in the above embodiments, and the apparatus is particularly advantageous in solving the problem in which the efficiency of language study is lowered due to the image overlapped by a caption. Also, since an image is blanked out in a caption- dedicated mode, the apparatus can enhance the readability of a caption, thereby making language study more efficient.

Claims

What is claimed is: ι 1. A caption control apparatus for use with video apparatus, the
2 caption control apparatus comprising:
3 a key input unit via which a user can input a caption control command;
4 a switching unit for receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a
5 blank image signal, switching according to a switching control signal, and
6 selecting and outputting any one of the image signal, a signal in which the
7 image signal is overlapped by the caption signal, and a signal in which the
8 blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal; and
9 a control unit for outputting a switching control signal to the switching o unit according to a key input signal from the key input unit and caption data i included in the image signal.
ι 2. The caption control apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
2 a caption data extraction unit for extracting caption data from the image
3 signal;
4 a blank image signal generation unit for generating a blank image
5 signal; and
6 a caption signal generation unit for generating a caption signal which
7 is to be included in the image signal,
8 wherein the control unit analyzes the caption data; decodes a control
9 code and a character code of the caption data to obtain a location where a o caption will be displayed and the display pattern (attribute) of a caption; and i sends the result of decoding, as a caption control signal, to the caption signal 2 generation unit.
ι 3. The caption control apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the
2 caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction
3 apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproducing apparatus, are
5 supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end.
4. The caption control apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction apparatus, a synchronization signal separation unit for separating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video output end of the video reproduction apparatus, is further included, separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the synchronization signal separation unit are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the video reproduction apparatus.
5. The caption control apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the caption control apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
6. The caption control apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; a synchronization signal separation unit for separating vertical and horizontal
8 synchronization signals from the input image signal is further included and
9 separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the o caption data extraction unit and the caption signal generation unit; and the 1 image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video 2 input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
1 7. The caption control apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein
2 the caption data extraction unit extracts caption data from a predetermined line
3 of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal.
ι 8. The caption control apparatus of claim 7, wherein caption data
2 is on the 21st line of the horizontal synchronization signal.
1 9. The caption control apparatus of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein
2 the key input unit has a caption on/off key and a caption-dedicated mode key
3 for selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated
4 mode and the switching unit switches according to a switching control signal
5 so that when a key input from the key input unit selects the caption-off mode,
6 the image signal is output; when a key input from the key input unit selects the
7 caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the
8 result is output; and when a key input from the key input unit selects the
9 caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption o signal and the result is output.
ι
10. The caption control apparatus of claim 9, wherein the key input
2 unit comprises one or any combination of a pause or freeze key having a
3 caption pause function, a brightness key having a brightness adjusting
4 function, a position key having a caption position adjusting function, a filter key
5 for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or 6 transparent, a key for changing the color of the background screen, a key for
7 adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and a key for muting β voice.
ι
11. The caption control apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein
2 the video apparatus is any one of an analog TV, a digital TV, a satellite TV,
3 a VCR, a monitor, a personal computer having a TV receiving card, and a set-
4 top box, adopting any one of the video standards including NTSC, PAL, and s SECAM.
ι
12. A caption control method used by a caption control apparatus for
2 use with video apparatus, comprising the steps of:
3 key-inputting a caption control command;
4 receiving an image signal, a caption signal, and a blank image signal,
5 switching according to a switching control signal, and selecting and outputting
6 any one of the image signal, the image signal overlapped by the caption
7 signal, and the blank image signal overlapped by the caption signal; and β outputting a switching control signal according to the key input signal
9 and caption data included in the image signal.
ι
13. The caption control method of claim 12, further comprising the
2 steps of:
3 extracting caption data from the image signal;
4 generating a blank image signal;
5 outputting a caption signal included in the image signal according to a
6 caption control signal; and
7 analyzing the caption data, decoding a control code and a character
8 code of the caption data to obtain a location where a caption will be displayed
9 and a display pattern (attribute) of a caption, and outputting the result of o decoding as a caption control signal. ι
14. The caption control method of claim 13, wherein when the
2 caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction
3 apparatus, horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, which are separated from the image signal in the video reproduction apparatus, are
5 supplied to the caption data extracting step and the caption signal generation
6 step, and the output image signal is input to the video input end of the video
7 reproduction apparatus.
1 15. The caption control method of claim 13, wherein when the
2 caption control apparatus is installed inside or outside a video reproduction
3 apparatus, the method further comprises separating horizontal and vertical
4 synchronization signals from the image signal, which is input from the video
5 output end of the video apparatus,
6 wherein separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are
7 supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation
8 step, and an image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input
9 to the video input end of the video reproducing apparatus.
ι
16. The caption control method of claim 13, wherein when the
2 caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction
3 apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is
5 output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus,
6 is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; horizontal and
7 vertical synchronization signals separated from the image signal in the video
8 reproduction apparatus are supplied to the caption data extraction step and
9 the caption signal generation step; and the image signal output from the o caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video i reproduction apparatus.
1 17. The caption control method of claim 13, wherein when the caption control apparatus is installed between a first video reproduction apparatus having an image display function and a second video reproduction apparatus having an image-receiving function, an image signal, which is output from the video output end of the second video reproduction apparatus, is input to the video input end of the caption control apparatus; and the method further comprises separating vertical and horizontal synchronization signals from the input image signal, wherein the separated horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are supplied to the caption data extraction step and the caption signal generation step, and the image signal output from the caption control apparatus is input to the video input end of the first video reproduction apparatus.
18. The caption control method of any one of claims 12-17, wherein in the caption data extraction step, the caption data is extracted from a predetermined line of a horizontal synchronization signal of the image signal.
19. The caption control method of claim 18, wherein the caption data is on the 21st line of a horizontal synchronization signal.
20. The caption control method of any one of claims 12-17, wherein the key input step comprises selecting a caption-on mode, caption-off mode or a caption-dedicated mode, and in the switching step, switching is performed according to a switching control signal so that when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-off mode, the image signal is output; when a key input in the key input step selects the caption-on mode, the image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output; and when a key input in the key input step selects a caption-dedicated mode, the blank image signal is overlapped by the caption signal and the result is output.
21. The caption control method of claim 20, wherein the key input 2 step comprises one or any combination of a step for inputting a pause or
3 freeze command for a caption pause function, a step for performing a
4 brightness function for adjusting brightness, a step for performing a position
5 function for adjusting the position of a caption, a step for performing a filter
6 function for making the background of a caption opaque, semi-transparent or
7 transparent, a step for performing changing the color of the background
8 screen, a step for adjusting the number of caption lines to be displayed, and
9 a step for muting voice.
ι 22. The caption control method of any one of claims 12-17, wherein
2 the video apparatus is any one of an analog TV, a digital TV, a satellite TV,
3 a VCR, a monitor, a personal computer having a TV receiving card, and a set-
4 top box, adopting any one of the video standards including NTSC, PAL, and s SECAM.
PCT/KR2000/000340 1999-04-15 2000-04-12 An apparatus and method for controlling caption of video equipment WO2000064149A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1999/13425 1999-04-15
KR1019990013425A KR19990064596A (en) 1999-04-15 1999-04-15 Caption device for foreign language learning and its control method
KR2000/17646 2000-04-04
KR1020000017646A KR20000037012A (en) 1999-04-15 2000-04-04 Caption control apparatus and method for video equipment

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KR100569451B1 (en) 2004-05-10 2006-04-07 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 Method for controling display in vcr system

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KR20030030687A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-18 한국전자통신연구원 Apparatus for processing caption signal of a settop box
KR101300140B1 (en) * 2011-12-02 2013-08-26 주식회사 이랜텍 Liquid crystal shutter glasses for watching caption picture

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KR100569451B1 (en) 2004-05-10 2006-04-07 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 Method for controling display in vcr system

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KR20000037012A (en) 2000-07-05

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