Patent ID: 6973256
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: G06F,G11B,H04N

Abstract:
1. For use in a video playback device capable of playing back a video program recorded on a storage medium in said video playback device, an apparatus for detecting program highlights in said video program comprising: a keyword detection circuit capable of detecting a location of a selected keyword in an audio track of said video program; and an audio signal energy level detection circuit capable of determining an audio signal energy level of said audio track proximate said detected location of said selected keyword and comparing said audio signal energy level to a predetermined threshold; wherein said audio signal energy level detection circuit, in response to a determination that said audio signal energy level exceeds said predetermined threshold, identifies said detected location of said selected keyword as a program highlight; wherein said audio signal energy level detection circuit identifies said detected location of said selected keyword as a program highlight by determining a start point of said program highlight preceding said detected location of said selected keyword and by determining a stop point of said program highlight of said program highlight following said detected location of said selected keyword; and wherein said apparatus for detecting program highlights varies said location of said start point and said stop point of said program highlight in response to a user input.