Abstract: The method described enables a high accuracy of motion measurement to be achieved with simple circuitry and overcomes some of the most important sources of error introduced in other systems. Many of the previous techniques may be extended by using a hierarchical technique to improve the accuracy or resolution of a simple estimator e.g. hierarchical block matching or successive approximate gradient systems. The invention described in this patent introduces novel techniques of weighted-sample area matching, effectively giving soft boundaries to the picture areas used to assess motion within a picture, and/or with a technique of adjusting the picture resolution between successive stages of motion measurement. The combination of these techniques reduces many of the limitations of previous techniques.

Abstract: Images may be stored on film or on one of the TV/video standards. Film comprises a sequence of frames each of which corresponds to the same point in time. Video, however, comprises a sequence of frames each comprising an interlace of 2 fields which successively scan the image and thus each field does not correspond to the same point in time.Due to these inherent differences, when converting from film to one of the TV standards and between the TV standards when at least part of the image originates on film, distortions are introduced particularly when there are any objects moving in the image.The present invention includes a vector motion estimator (10) providing motion vectors which are indicative of any objects moving and are used to manipulate the standards converter (8) so as to accommodate for the moving objects.

Abstract: An encoder for encoding color video signals into a composite color video signal comprises a matrix 1 for providing luminance and color difference signals. Modulators 4, 5 modulate a chrominance signal. The luminance signal is supplied to a filter 7 controlled by a control circuit 8 so that, when luminance signal components at or near the sub-carrier frequency are detected by the circuit 8, they are attenuated by the filter 7.

Abstract: A color television decoder is provided for separating chrominance signals from a color video signal. The decoder has a variable two dimensional finite impulse response filter, comprising delay lines which provide signals representing an array of picture points around the picture point being imaged, and a variable combiner which linearly combines the signals with variable coefficients. A picture analyzer analyzes the picture and controls the variable coefficients so as to control the filter response to separate the chrominance signal. The luminance signal may be separated by subtracting the chrominance signal from the delayed color video signal.