Abstract: In an image transmission method of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when compressed image data Dv obtained by compressively coding digital image data corresponding to a moving picture is transmitted, an identification flag Hfd indicating whether or not the compressed image data is suitable for use in random and independent reproduction, is transmitted subsequently to a synchronous signal Hsd positioned at the beginning of a header Hv. At a reproducing end for reproducing the compressed image data transmitted according to the image transmission method, when analyzing the header Hv added to the compressed image data Dv corresponding to one moving picture, it is decided whether or not the compressed image data Dv is suitable for use in the random reproduction in a short time, by analysis of the identification flag Hfd.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: Video and audio data is packed as defined in the MPEG and is stored into within a video object unit as a row of packs to be reproduced within a prescribed period of time. Data cells each consisting of a plurality of units are arrayed to constitute a video object. A navigation pack is disposed at a foremost position of the row of packs in the unit. A data cell identification number of the unit is set according to the recordable time length of one data cell that is designated beforehand and actual recording time length. Further, data reproduction termination time is set according to the signal processing time length that is designated beforehand. Furthermore, the termination addresses of one or a plurality of reference information pieces are set according to the predetermined size of reference information that is designated beforehand.

Abstract: A video processing system adaptively generates and processes volume/file structure and navigation data of different data format and converts data between different formats for decoding, recording and other applications. The system processes the volume/file structure and navigation data in distinct modes including (a) pre-processing, (b) contemporaneous and (c) post-processing modes. In addition, the system provides navigation information supporting navigation through different images of one or more video programs by parsing encoded packetized data representative of a sequence of individual images to determine parameters to support navigation through the sequence of individual images. The determined parameters are formatted into a predetermined data structure and incorporated into a pre-formed navigation data field.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for identifying commercial message segments of a video signal. A set of rules is applied for determining the occurrence of commercial messages with a higher degree of accuracy as compared to conventional methods. In general, method includes the steps of monitoring a digital bit stream comprising the video signal, detecting a change in a control field of the digital bit stream, and then selectively generating a commercial event notification responsive to the detecting step. According to one aspect of the invention, a change in at least one of a video sequence header and a sequence display extension can be detected. Alternatively, or in addition to checking for a change in control field, the method can comprise the step of detecting a change in an informational parameter of the video signal exclusive of the audio-visual content.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for synchronizing the video output of personal video recorders in two or more locations. A broadcast program is received and recorded on a personal video recorder on a first personal video recorder. Thus, at least one program will be stored in memory in the first personal video recorder. A second personal video recorder having a common program residing in its memory is selected. A signal is then transmitted to or from the first personal video recorder to simultaneously initiate a start sequence in each of the first and second personal video recorders. The start signal may be transmitted over the Internet or by other communication means such as telephone lines.

Abstract: An image processing device gives an alarm if deletion of image is directed in a state that the image has not yet been transferred from an image recording medium into a storage medium having a larger capacity. Also, when a deletion operation is performed for image, the image processing device compresses and stores the corresponding image file in accordance with an evaluation rank based on history data for the image. Therefore, the image processing device allows effective use of the storage medium having a limited capacity by contriving compression processing of the image file.

Abstract: An image recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing a multiple picture signal obtained by multiplexing picture signals from a plurality of cameras via a frame switcher, the image recording and reproducing apparatus performing high-accuracy fast-forwarding of a prerecorded image from a specific camera and allowing easy retrieval of a target image. The image recording and reproducing apparatus has a skip reproduction feature for alternating skipping of n frames and continuous reproduction of m frames. m is set to a number related to the frame switching pattern. In case n=4 and m=3, four frames are skipped after reproduction of Frame A1. Then Frames C6, A7, B8 are continuously reproduced. Thus, the images displayed on the monitor are A1, A7, and A13.

Abstract: In an information reproducing apparatus, when a car is travelling, it is inhibited that the image information played back by a DVD reproducing apparatus is displayed on a display device, or the map information outputted from a navigation system is displayed. Further, when the control information for the play back control is recorded in an information medium played back by the DVD reproducing apparatus, even when the car is travelling, the operation state of the DVD reproducing apparatus according to the control information is displayed on the display device by the superimposition display.

Abstract: Audio signals and video signals are recorded as follows. Three video PES packets, each being formed of one video frame, are combined to form a video editing unit. Then, the video editing unit and the associated audio editing unit are alternately disposed on a magnetic tape. The recorded PES packets are output as a TS as follows. A STC is initialized, and then, PSI packets of a PAT and a PMT are output. TS packets specially used for a PCR for storing the STC are then output at certain intervals. Subsequently, video PES packets are converted into TSs, and the output of the video TSs is started while synchronizing a time obtained by subtracting vbv_delay from the first I-picture DTS with the STC. Audio PES packets are converted into TSs, and the output of the audio TSs is started while synchronizing a time obtained by subtracting the start up delay from the first frame with the STC. Data streams are recorded in the following manner.

Abstract: Audio signals and video signals are recorded as follows. Three video PES packets, each being formed of one video frame, are combined to form a video editing unit. Then, the video editing unit and the associated audio editing unit are alternately disposed on a magnetic tape. The recorded PES packets are output as a TS as follows. A STC is initialized, and then, PSI packets of a PAT and a PMT are output. TS packets specially used for a PCR for storing the STC are then output at certain intervals. Subsequently, video PES packets are converted into TSs, and the output of the video TSs is started while synchronizing a time obtained by subtracting vbv_delay from the first I-picture DTS with the STC. Audio PES packets are converted into TSs, and the output of the audio TSs is started while synchronizing a time obtained by subtracting the start up delay from the first frame with the STC. Data streams are recorded in the following manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a display time point of an MPEG bit stream of a recording medium which is capable of controlling accurately a display time point of an MPEG bit stream in case that an MPEG bit stream of a recording medium is processed to be displayed according to a special decoding command and returns to a normal decoding command.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention enables a user to utilize a personalized video recorder (PVR) to order and receive specific television shows that are unavailable from his or her television content provider. Specifically, the PVR is coupled to the Internet such that it can receive an electronic programming guide (EPG) containing worldwide television programming from an EPG server computer. The PVR user utilizes the EPG to request delivery of a specific television show that is typically unavailable to him or her. Upon reception of the request, the EPG server computer locates via the Internet a PVR situated within a broadcast region of the requested television show. Next, the EPG server computer programs the PVR to record the requested television show when it is broadcast. Once the PVR records the television show, it is transmitted to the EPG server computer which transmits it to the requesting PVR.

Abstract: Management in a disk according to conventional techniques is effective in only one recording area which is the entire disk, and therefore, it has been heretofore impossible to manage files by data type. A data recording/reproducing apparatus comprises recording area setting means 50 of setting a plurality of logical recording areas in a recording medium, and file management means 60 which manages files with reference to free area management information, recording file management information and deletion file selecting criteria information, and data recording/reproducing apparatus is characterized in that when judging that a free area for writing the new data is insufficient, the file management means 60, referring to the deletion file selecting criteria information, deletes a portion or all of at least one file or does not execute an operation for writing the new data.

Abstract: In a reproducing apparatus, a plurality of pictures of image data reproduced from a recording medium at a speed higher than a normal reproduction speed is stored in a memory, each of the plurality of pictures of image data stored in the memory is divided into a plurality of regions, and one picture of image data is formed by using the different divided regions of the plurality of pictures of image data.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a processor and a microphone. The camera captures audio speech and converts the speech to text. The text can be combined with a captured image to provide a composite file. The processor executes an instruction set which performs the audio to text conversion. Text conversion is activated using either a user activated input control or through voice commands.

Abstract: A media editing apparatus for editing media items together to form a media product comprises means for displaying at least two representations of the media items, each representation relating to media items lying within a respective time period with respect to the media product; a user control for adjusting the time period of any one of the at least two representations; and means, responsive to a user adjustment of the time period for a current representation, for adjusting the respective time periods of the other representations so that the time periods for the other representations at least encompass the user-adjusted time period for the current representation.

Abstract: An information recording medium for recording a real-time file containing real-time data in such a manner that the real-time data is continuously reproducible by a playback reference model, the real-time data including at least one of video data and audio data. The playback reference model includes: a pickup for reading the real-time data from the information recording medium; a buffer memory for temporarily storing the real-time data read by the pickup; and a decoder module for reading the real-time data from the buffer memory for processing. The information recording medium includes a volume space for at least recording in sectors a file containing data and file management information for managing the file. The real-time data is recorded in at least two real-time extents each of which is allocated in logically contiguous sectors within the volume space. An (i+1)th real-time extent among the at least two real-time extents is positioned at a position satisfying a real-time reproduction condition.

Abstract: Timecoding systems, methods and data structures are described which, in some embodiments, permit a true time to be ascertained from media samples whose timecodes contain an amount of drift which can arise from having non-integer frame rates. Inventive methods incorporate the use of an offset parameter that describes a time difference between a timecode and a true time associated with a media sample. The inventive approaches can be incorporated with and used compatibly in connection with current timecoding paradigms such as SMPTE timecode and the like. Further embodiments permit timecoding to take place at the field level of a frame. This can permit true-time calculations to be done to ascertain the true time associated with individual fields of a frame. In addition, other embodiments provide novel counting compensation methods that are directed to reducing the drift that can be associated with media samples that are sampled at non-integer frame rates.

Abstract: An information recording medium for recording a real-time file containing real-time data in such a manner that the real-time data is continuously reproducible by a playback reference model, the real-time data including at least one of video data and audio data. The playback reference model includes: a pickup for reading the real-time data from the information recording medium; a buffer memory for temporarily storing the real-time data read by the pickup; and a decoder module for reading the real-time data from the buffer memory for processing. The information recording medium includes a volume space for at least recording in sectors a file containing data and file management information for managing the file. The real-time data is recorded in at least two real-time extents each of which is allocated in logically contiguous sectors within the volume space. An (i+1)th real-time extent among the at least two real-time extents is positioned at a position satisfying a real-time reproduction condition.