Abstract: An apparatus and method for post processing image data which previously was encoded using a discrete cosine transform in order to remove resulting blocking effects. Correction coefficients are generated by determining the least mean square error of the blocking error. The correction coefficients are adjusted to be within the quantization range of the quantization step size used during the coding process. The adjusted correction coefficients are then used to generate the correction terms which are subsequently combined with the original image data to generate an image exhibiting reduced blocking effects when the image is displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to post process decompressed image data to minimize blocking effects without affecting the sharpness of the image.

Abstract: A technique for selectively inhibiting a video recorder from recording and/or reproducing those television programs, which are not authorized for viewing. Authorization data associated with respective television programs that are receivable by the recorder and indication of whether that program is authorized for recording and/or reproduction, is received by the recorder prior to (or multiplexed with) the television program and is stored thereat. When the television program is received, the stored authorization data associated with that is read to determine if the received television program is authorized for recording and/or reproduction. If not, the recorder is inhibited from recording and/or reproducing that unauthorized television program.

Abstract: The precision of an initial image is reduced through image automatic processing in a manner simulating techniques used in the production of a custom art work. The resulting image, although generated without human intervention, has a pleasing, customized appearance which can be desirable to consumers seeking decorative art work. One way of reducing the precision of the initial image is modifying portions of the image to have more uniform luminance, color saturation, or color hue, producing a resulting image appearing to contain brush strokes. Alternatively, the precision of the initial image is reduced by locating contrast edges in the image, and modifying the luminance along these edges, producing a resulting image in which objects and features are outlined and have an enhanced definition from the background.

Abstract: The resolution of an original image, represented as a pixel array, is increased by applying a spectral transformation to the pixel array, producing a spectral array representing the image, and then applying an inverting spectral transformation to produce a larger pixel array. The inverting spectral transformation is of a kind designed to convert high frequency spectral components not present in the original image or identified by the spectral array. These high-frequency terms of the inverting spectral transformation are either ignored or supplied with zero values. As a result, the final, larger pixel array has the same spectral distribution as the original pixel array, but a larger number of pixels.

Abstract: The precision of an initial image is reduced through image automatic processing in a manner simulating techniques used in the production of a custom art work. The resulting image, although generated without human intervention, has a pleasing, customized appearance which can be desirable to consumers seeking decorative art work. One way of reducing the precision of the initial image is modifying portions of the image to have more uniform luminance, color saturation, or color hue, producing a resulting image appearing to contain brush strokes. Alternatively, the precision of the initial image is reduced by locating contrast edges in the image, and modifying the luminance along these edges, producing a resulting image in which objects and features are outlined and have an enhanced definition from the background.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing digital and analog consumer electronic devices with digital and analog broadcast signals. The broadcast signals are received by electronic devices which tune the signals and provide them to set back boxes. The set back boxes process the signals and provide a plurality of signals to a plurality of electronic devices. Analog devices are provided with composite video signals, luminance video signals, chrominance video signals, and at least one audio signal while digital devices are provided with a digital video and audio signal. The processing performed by the set back boxes includes signal descrambling and decryption for analog and digital signals, error correction for digital signals, and intermediate frequency signal processing for analog signals. In addition, to interface digital signals, including high definition television (HDTV) signals, with analog electronic devices, the set back box decompresses the digital signal and converts it to an analog signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically focusing cameras. An auto focus circuit detects highly bright objects contained within an image frame of a scene. If highly bright objects are not detected, an auto focus processor adjusts the focus of the camera to maximize high spatial frequency components of the image frame. The auto focus processor focuses on the highly bright objects by minimizing a count function that indicates the number of pixels having greater magnitude than a threshold reference.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for automatically focusing cameras. An auto focus circuit detects highly bright objects contained within an image frame of a scene. If highly bright objects are not detected, an auto focus processor adjusts the focus of the camera to maximize high spatial frequency components of the image frame. The auto focus processor focuses on the highly bright objects by minimizing a count function that indicates the number of pixels having greater magnitude than a threshold reference.