Abstract: An implementation efficient video decoder suitable for use as a picture in picture decoder is described. In one embodiment, the video decoder receives primary and secondary bitstreams with the secondary bitstream including the video data intended to be displayed as inset pictures. The decoder uses many of the same circuit components on a time shared basis to decode both the main and inset pictures reducing the amount of circuitry required to implement the decoder. In one embodiment a preparser discards the majority of DCT coefficients in the secondary bitstream and the remaining data is variable length decoded and then variable length encoded using a non-MPEG compliant coding scheme prior to storing the inset picture data in a coded data buffer. Re-encoding of the selected inset picture data in this manner greatly reduces data storage requirements and simplifies the circuitry required to subsequently decode the inset picture data.

Abstract: An observer tracking display is provided in which the image data displayed by at least three display devices along respective different directions is divided depending on the position of an observer. Each eye of the observer can see only some regions of the display devices. The positions and sizes of those regions are calculated for the position of the observer and the display devices are then controlled such that the observer's left eye only receives left view data and the observer's right eye only receives right eye view data.

Abstract: A printing face inspecting apparatus comprising an illuminating device for illuminating a printing face of an object to be inspected and a plurality of image pickup devices for taking pictures of reflection light from the printing face. The image pickup devices consist of a color camera arranged in approximate a center of the devices, and a plurality of black and white cameras arranged on the outer periphery of the color camera. Both of hue defects and the concentration difference defects can be inspected, and all the defects on the printing face can be detected without fail. The deterioration through detection leakage of the defects can be reduced and the quality of the objects to be inspected can be improved.

Abstract: A compressed video playback system which eliminates playback mode transition artifacts. Transitions between various playback modes are effected in such a manner that transition artifacts are eliminated by delaying playback mode transitions until appropriate frames of data are detected for propagation to the compressed video decoder. In addition, compressed video data retrieval methods are improved for supporting multi-speed playback modes in both forward and reverse directions in an optimal manner.

Abstract: A hybrid camera includes a pair of imaging systems for capturing images on contained photographic film and an electronic imager, respectively, the film having a magnetic layer. An exterior imaging display allows the user to review the captured image and an input device allows the user to selectively input album related data onto the magnetic layer of the film. The album-related data allows the photo finisher to automatically produce the images in an album-like format. The camera also allows annotated text corresponding to the image to be selectively added to an album print.

Abstract: There is provided a correlation degree operation apparatus in which the search area is readily extensible, in which a high-speed process can be assured even though the search area is extended, and which can be formed in a simple arrangement. The search area memory stores the picture element data of a search area including ((m.times.M).times.L) candidate blocks. The correlation degree operation unit executes an operation of a degree of correlation between a reference picture block and each of the candidate blocks, with the use of picture element data supplied from the search area memory, this operation being executed by a pipeline process for each candidate block group composed of (M.times.L) candidate blocks. The search area memory has the function of supplying four picture element data at the same clock cycle. This enables the correlation degree operation unit to continuously execute the pipeline processes for the candidate block groups.

Abstract: An image recording system is described for automatic address location on large letters and parcels, comprising a high resolution grey scale camera and a low resolution color camera. Both cameras are directed at one illumination slit past which the object to be processed is fed. The color camera is operated in a special mode which allows it to manage with only a single illumination slit, where adequate light intensity is provided for both cameras. A method for automatic address recognition on large letters and parcels is also provided, together with a method of segmenting color images in the recognition of address blocks.

Abstract: In a projection type image display device for combining an image by dichroic mirrors in a form of parallel plane plate, a projected image of high picture quality is presented by suppressing the astigmatism. In a projection type image display device comprising a light source for emitting blue light, green light, and red light, liquid crystal panels for modulating individual color lights, dichroic mirrors for combining the modulated lights, dichroic mirrors for combining the modulated lights, and a projection lens for projecting the combined light, the dichroic mirrors are disposed obliquely on a first plane including an optical axis linking the projection lens and liquid crystal panels, and a parallel plane plate for correcting astigmatism is disposed obliquely on a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: A detachable and foldable visor is provided for use on a lap-top or portable computer monitor. The visor has a central panel and two side panels adapted to extend across the top and the sides of the monitor. Multiple score lines are provided between the central panel and side panels to facilitate using the visor on monitors of different widths. Mounting tabs are connected to or on the side panels which cooperate with a rubber band or other flexible retainer to exert a tensile force holding the visor onto the monitor. The visor is foldable into a compact and flat position in which it can be easily carried in the same case as the lap-top or portable computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for photographing a moving body. A video memory including a plurality of frame memories is used in order to store frame images obtained by a plurality of photographing operations. The frame images obtained by photographing are sequentially stored in any of frame memories. Any of a plurality of frame memories is selected in accordance with a detection of a front edge or a rear edge of a vehicle, and a frame image in a selected frame memory is used. A speed of a vehicle is used for this selection. In another case, apparatuses for photographing, such as TV cameras or storage devices such as video memories are provided in a plurality of systems, and a frame relating to either of the systems is selected in accordance with the speed. The high speed processing is enabled without image processings such as clipping of characters on a license plate.

Abstract: A television viewer can select among a choice of available camera angles and audio feeds when viewing a sporting event such as a football game without changing the television channel. Audio, video and control data is transmitted in a packetized data stream with control data providing a pre-assigned channel designation (e.g., channel 10 for network X). A set-top terminal receives and processes the data stream according to user-provided commands. The terminal includes software which can be downloaded via the data stream or installed locally. The control data in the data stream is used to provide an on-screen graphical display on the television that allows the user to select the audio and video which correspond to certain areas of the football stadium, for example. Optionally, the viewer may select alternative story lines in a movie or similar program. A default setting provides primary audio and video signals.

Abstract: A more efficient portable emission microscope system comprising a cooled CCD camera coupled to microscope optics for detection of photon emissions from integrated circuits. Portability is achieved with a small light tight box and rubber boot combination which are used in conjunction with a probe station or portable stand. The optics are modified to contain an illuminating ring of light emitting diodes for sample illumination prior to or after emission acquisition. Sensitivity is increased by elevating the substrate temperature. In operation, an integrated circuit is enclosed by a rubber boot. An illuminated reference image is then obtained with the LEDs "on," and a background image is obtained with the LEDs "off." The background image represents illumination noise. The temperature of the circuit is then raised while the circuit is biased. Temperature elevation is accomplished by installing small power resistors at the base of an appropriate burn-in socket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding picture data. A motion vector is detected and a distribution range of the detected motion vector is determined. Based upon such distribution range, a motion vector search range is predicted and set. Detection for the next motion vector is performed within the set search range. The picture data and/or motion vectors are variable length encoded, wherein codes having relatively short lengths may be utilized. As a result, the amount of information generated during such encoding may be relatively small. Upon reproduction of such encoded data, a picture having relatively high quality may be produced.

Abstract: A vehicle installed monitoring system which allows a driver of a bus or a like vehicle to observe an area outside the vehicle and around the vehicle door. The vehicle installed monitoring system comprises a video camera mounted on the vehicle and connected to a monitor disposed near the driver. The video camera is mounted so as to view the area surrounding the vehicle door, and includes an attached microphone which transmits noises around the area to the monitor. The monitor includes a video display and a loudspeaker to allow the driver to audio-visually monitor the area surrounding the vehicle door. The monitor also includes a reminder device, a flashing light in this case, which attracts the driver's attention and reminds the driver to inspect the monitor and verify that the area around the door is clear before driving off. The camera, microphone and monitor are activated when the driver opens the vehicle door.

Abstract: A supervisory system in which a plurality of supervisory points (1) to (N) are monitored one after another by a monitor camera. The supervisory points are switched at random based on random numbers. A period of monitoring each supervisory point is set at random based on the random numbers. When random monitoring is carried out, it is controlled in order not to select the same supervisory point in succession.

Abstract: An input terminal (240) for assigning at least one information to be requested and a control circuit (100) for controlling a recording operation, a tape stopping operation and a detecting operation of a head of recorded information of a recording and reproducing apparatus (80) are provided on the side of a subscriber terminal (FIG. 1) having the recording and reproducing apparatus and, after all of information (A, B, C) assigned by the input terminal and received from an information transmitting station (FIG. 2) are recorded, a head of the first recorded information is detected.

Abstract: A recording system technology for image data for stereoscopic viewing of electronic animation, that is inexpensive and simple, includes a left-eye image and a right-eye image for stereoscopic viewing that are both sized to take up one frame in display. An optical image conversion device is in front of a camera. The left-eye and right-eye images are arranged side by side, and the optical image conversion device optically reduces the width of the images by half to form two virtual images. The virtual images are projected to the camera so that they are distinctly arranged side by side within one frame of the display. The resulting image is recorded using, for example, CCD technology.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner for scanning a film strip containing a plurality of photographic images is disclosed. The film strip is continuously advanced through the scanner and a digital image of the film strip is created. Individual images contained in the digital image of the film strip are located and displayed.

Abstract: A multiple access record/playback device, such as a digital disk recorder, is used for video effects, such as simultaneously providing a preview video signal and a time offset production video signal of the same video image or simultaneously providing multiple views of the same video image. An input video signal is selected from a plurality of input video signals for storing on the multiple access record/playback device. The input video signal is read out for display from the multiple access record/playback device from an identified start point at two times to provide simultaneously a preview video signal and a time offset production video signal for the same video image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-seamless splicing of audio-video transport streams configured in accordance with MPEG-2 or other suitable techniques. A first transport stream is to be spliced with a second transport stream at a splice point. The first stream is configured such that the final first stream frame to be displayed will be a black frame or will have another suitable characteristic. Null packets are then delivered in place of the first stream transport packets for a predetermined period of time after the splice point. The predetermined time is generally greater than the sum of the splice decoding delay associated with the splice point and the maximum frame duration in the first stream. The transport packets of the second stream are then delivered. Null packets may be again delivered for a period of time sufficient to allow the final frame of the second stream to be displayed.