Abstract: A method arranges and displays graphic elements of a display of a vehicle navigation system within a display surface, the graphic elements including at least one geographical element and one non-geographical element. The quantity of information that can be directly registered by the driver is increased. The at least one non-geographical element is arranged and displayed within the display surface such that the likelihood of the at least one geographical element being covered by the at least one non-geographical element is minimised and in particular completely avoided.

Abstract: A method includes selecting at least two objects within a primary video stream, generating a first video stream from the primary video stream that includes a first of the selected objects, and generating a second video stream from the primary video stream that includes a second of the selected objects. The primary video stream has a primary field of view, and the first and second video streams have respective first and second fields of view that are more narrow than the primary field of view. The first field of view includes a portion of the primary field of view that is not within the second field of view, and the second field of view includes a portion of the primary field of view that is not within the first field of view.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to image capture of image portions using optical chains with different focal lengths are described. In some embodiments different portions of a scene area of interest captured by different optical chains operating in parallel are combined. The combining in some embodiments is performed using depth information generated from two images captured by two different optical chains which capture at least some common overlapping portions of the scene area of interest. The depth information maybe generated using an image of the entire scene and one or more other images of the scene or portions of the scene area of interest. The use of multiple optical chains in parallel facilitates generation of an image with a higher overall pixel count than would be possible using a single sensor of one of the optical chains and/or with more light capture than would be captured using a single optical chain.

Abstract: A multi-user augmented reality (AR) system operates without a previously acquired common reference by generating a reference image on the fly. The reference image is produced by capturing at least two images of a planar object and using the images to determine a pose (position and orientation) of a first mobile platform with respect to the planar object. Based on the orientation of the mobile platform, an image of the planar object, which may be one of the initial images or a subsequently captured image, is warped to produce the reference image of a front view of the planar object. The reference image may be produced by the mobile platform or by, e.g., a server. Other mobile platforms may determine their pose with respect to the planar object using the reference image to perform a multi-user augmented reality application.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which a video merging can be performed in the course of a video call to a counterpart terminal. The present invention includes a camera configured to create a first video having a user of the mobile terminal taken therein, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a second video taken by the counterpart terminal, a controller configured to extract a user display region from the first video, and merge the user display region and the second video, and a display unit configured to display the merged video.

Abstract: An information-presentation device (100) contains a viewing screen (108) and an image-gathering component (106). The viewing screen presents first and second reference icons (136 and 138) having an adjustable reference characteristic controlled with substantially only a single adjustable parameter. The image-gathering component provides the screen with frames of a video image of a scene in which first and second scene locations (152 and 154) have a scene characteristic whose value is to be approximately determined. A user first causes the first reference icon to be approximately superimposed on the first scene location in a captured frame of the image. The user then causes the second reference icon to be approximately superimposed on the second scene location in the captured frame as the adjustable parameter is adjusted to enable the reference characteristic to approximately match the scene characteristic and thereby provide a measurement of the scene characteristic.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus in which a composite image and composite information are reproduced from a recording medium, an image acquired by a second imaging unit is extracted from the composite image based on the reproduced composite information, and information for displaying the extracted image acquired by the second imaging unit is generated.

Abstract: This invention is a video line encapsulation protocol which allows multiple low definition video streams to be combined into a single super frame of high definition video data. Each super frame is formed of individual lines from plural lower definition video input signals. The high definition video frames include meta data in each line identifying the video input source, line and frame. This meta data enables the super frames to be separated into their component input signals within a video processing digital signal processor.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for adapting a continuous presence videoconferencing layout according to interactions between conferees. Using regions of interest found in video images, the arrangement of images of conferees may be dynamically arranged as displayed by endpoints. Arrangements may be responsive to various metrics, including the position of conferees in a room and dominant conferees in the videoconference. Video images may be manipulated as part of the arrangement, including cropping and mirroring the video image. As interactions between conferees change, the layout may be automatically rearranged responsive to the changed interactions.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support the operation of a Virtual Media Room or Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), wherein each VMR can accept from a plurality of participants at different geographic locations a variety of video conferencing feeds of audio and video streams from video conference endpoints and enables a multi-party video conferencing session in real time among the plurality of participants. Each of the participants is offered a rich set of conferencing and collaboration interaction hitherto not experienced by video conferencing participants and a moderator of the video conference is further offered with in-meeting management and control over a plurality of security and privacy settings during the video conference. These interactions encompass controlling of a video conferencing session, its configuration, privacy, security, the visual layout of the participants, customization of the VMR and adaptation of the room to different vertical applications.

Abstract: A visual display includes at least a first canvas configured to display a first session on the display and a second canvas configured to display a second session on the display. The first session includes first content received from a first content source and the second session includes second content having subject matter associated with the first content. The display includes a user agent configured to determine that the first content of the first session is associated with the second content of the second session and to pair the first and second canvases such that the first content and the second content are synchronized to each other.

Abstract: A method for embedding an image in a video sequence for a mobile terminal. Preferably, the mobile terminal is a tablet or smartphone. The method comprises the steps of choosing an image to be embedded, reading the video sequence, displaying a frame, and determining the presence of an embedding zone in the frame. The embedding zone having been previously identified or deduced according to a predefined algorithm. The method further comprises the step of applying a deformation to the image to be embedded such that the image to be embedded coincides with the form of the embedding zone. The image combining the frame and the image to be embedded is displayed/disposed in place of the embedding zone.

Abstract: A control device controls a television. The control device includes a touch module. The control device displays a menu containing a number of soft keys on a screen. The soft keys are activated to control the television to carry out corresponding functions. All positions on the menu are associated with all positions on the touch module correspondingly. As a result, a user can select desired soft keys to carry out corresponding functions by viewing the menu on the television and touching the touch module, rather than viewing the touch module.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a remote control includes pressing keys to enter a programming mode. State changes are communicated from the remote to a set top box. A user selects a device to be controlled and instructions are communicated to a user. The set top box tracks signals received from the remote corresponding to a device code entered by the user into the remote. A program guides and informs the user of programming success or failure based on signals received by the set top box. The remote includes a transmitter and runs a program associating a particular device code with a particular electronic device. The set top box includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter and runs a program providing an interface on a display. The interface guides the user through programming in response to signals received by the set top box from the remote.

Abstract: Video content from a layer of multiple multimedia content layers may be moved to a lowest content layer. The region of the multimedia content layer that previously contained the video content may be replaced with a transparent region. Additional layers that exist between the layer from which the video content was removed and the lowest layer may likewise have corresponding regions replaced with transparent regions. The content layers may be composited together at a display time. Accordingly, the video content of the lowest content layer may be viewed through the transparent regions, which may allow the video to be seen as originally authored. The lowest content layer may be rendered independently of other layers. In some embodiments, the content layer containing video may be performed with dedicated hardware (e.g., a GPU).

Abstract: Intelligent resource state memory recall techniques, and associated apparatus and methods, are disclosed. States of one or more video switcher resources in a resource state memory may be recalled to the same or different resources, depending on resource availability at the time of memory recall. A memory recall need not affect an on air signal. The memory may be recalled to recreate a desired program output, as defined in the memory, on a preview output of the video switcher, which leaves a current program output of the video switcher undisturbed when the memory is recalled.

Abstract: A surround visual field that has a characteristic or characteristics that relate to an audio/visual presentation is described. In one embodiment, the surround visual field is projected on an area partially surrounding or surrounding video content being displayed on a device. This surround visual field may be comprised of a plurality of elements that further enhance the visual effect of the content being displayed. For example, one embodiment of the invention provides for elements within the surround visual field to move in relation to motion within the video content being displayed. Other characteristics of the video content may also be supplemented by the surround visual field or the surround visual field may simply be authored to correspond to the content itself.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street -side images show excellent detail but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.

Abstract: A facility for determining the 3-dimensional location and orientation of a subject surface in a distinguished perspective image of the subject surface is described. The subject surface has innate visual features, a subset of which are selected. The facility uses the location of the selected visual features in a perspective image of the subject surface that precedes the distinguished perspective image in time to identify search zones in the distinguished perspective image. The facility searches the identified search zones for the selected visual features to determine the 2-dimensional locations at which the selected visual features occur. Based on the determined 2-dimensional locations, the facility determines the 3-dimensional location and orientation of the subject surface in the distinguished perspective image.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can generate a map. The map can be a hybrid between an orthographic projection map and street-side images, thus including useful aspects from both types of representations. For example, an orthographic projection map is very effective at presenting global relationships among the features of the map, but not effective at presenting local detail. In contrast, street-side images show excellent detail, but do not convey the global information of an orthographic projection map. The hybrid map can thus provide a richer set of information than conventional maps, and can also display objects/features of the hybrid map in multiple perspectives simultaneously on a single representation that is printable.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-screen synthesis apparatus that can execute display of video data and update of an OSD image without causing a user to feel a visual sense of incongruity, and reduce system costs. Periodic video source data and aperiodic OSD image data are written into a unified memory reserved for planes. The video source data and the OSD image data are read from the unified memory, based on a synthesis layout, for simultaneous display on a single display in a synthesized state. Video data to be written into the unified memory is decimated in units of a frame on an input video source-by-input video source basis. The decimation of the data is controlled based on display priority of the video data determined based on a multi-screen display layout.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system controllers and larger systems incorporating such that can dynamically prioritize critical digital video data streams traveling across a network backbone over other non-priority video data and make the selection of which video streams are to be connected and prioritized through real-time use of video control panel equipment. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A parallel four-bar mechanism is disclosed, having the second and third bars being parallel to each other and having their opposite ends hinged to the first and fourth bars respectively. A stopping block is provided with a stopping slot, and a movable stopping pin is configured to be engageable with the stopping slot. When an actuating member drives the stopping pin to disengage from the stopping slot, the second and third bars are able to translation relative to each other; and when the actuating member drives the stopping pin into the stopping slot, the second and third bars are locked with each other, with the second and third bars being not able to translation relative to each other, and thus the whole parallel four-bar mechanism is locked in a preset angular position.

Abstract: An ? value in a desired shape in a desired position can be rewritten to a desired value in a desired range. ? value rewriting units for rewriting an ? value showing an opaqueness degree of an image are provided. When the desired position comes, an area setting signal is outputted in a desired shape from an area setting signal generating unit. While the area setting signal is being outputted, in the ? value rewriting unit, an ? value of inputted image data is rewritten to a desired value. The rewriting of the ? value can be dynamically realized independent of software. By preparing a quadrangular area calculating unit and a circular area calculating unit as an area setting signal generating unit, a quadrangular area and a circular area can be set by hardware.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes a display controller for receiving image signals corresponding to a plurality of images, to perform image processing on the image signals, and to synthesize images corresponding to the thus-processed image signals. While the images are displayed in a main picture and a sub-picture, the display controller further displays, adjacently to the sub-picture, a list of a plurality of images.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-screen synthesis apparatus that can execute display of video data and update of an OSD image without causing a user to feel a visual sense of incongruity, and reduce system costs. Periodic video source data and a periodic OSD image data are written into a unified memory reserved for planes. The video source data and the OSD image data are read from the unified memory, based on a synthesis layout, for simultaneous display on a single display in a synthesized state. Video data to be written into the unified memory is decimated in units of a frame on an input video source-by-input video source basis. The decimation of the data is controlled based on display priority of the video data determined based on a multi-screen display layout.

Abstract: A system and method for GUI on multiple monitors that are located in the same user work space. This invention involves a computer using an external source that is able to keep track of what applications the user has outside of his/her computer. The computer still has all of these applications within it, but when they are not needed they are taken off the screen. Two methods are disclosed to track these functions of the applications. The first method involves using a connection with the Internet with all the users devices. The second method involves using a video camera to conduct a visual search for certain devices that are on the user's desk. Certain of the items on a user's desk such as an Internet picture frame, a television, a telephone, a calculator, etc. are connected to the Internet. Whether or not the item on the user's desk is being used is determined by the Internet connection. Other items such as a clock, radio, etc. could have a separate source to identify the device.

Abstract: A video processing device and method receives data from a common data source, such as a frame buffer and outputs first overlay information in a first color space from a first port and outputs second overlay information in a second color from a second port to facilitate output of multiple overlay images in different color spaces from common memory through different ports. In one embodiment a bidirectional port is used to allow a set of common signal pads or a bus to function as a flexible bidirectional video data port.

Abstract: In decoding code data encoded in object units, decoders corresponding to the number of objects are needed. However, it is impossible to always provide a sufficient number of decoder. Accordingly, when code data 8 is decoded, an object combiner 43 refers to the number s of objects included in the code data 8, detected by an object counter 41, and the number d of object decoders, detected by an object decoder counter 42. If s>d holds, the object combiner 43 regulates the number of the objects of the input code data 8 to d.

Abstract: It is intended to enable main image data from a video camera and background image data recorded on a recording medium to be chromakey-combined with each other naturally at a low cost. When a video switcher chromakey-combines main image data that is produced by imaging with a video camera with background image data that is reproduced from a magnetic tape by a VTR, the main image data is chromakey-combined with the background image data such that the VTR is caused to perform a reproducing operation on the magnetic tape based on time codes that are stored in a control device as one of a pair of information and the operations of the video camera and a video camera stage are controlled based on camera control information as the other of the pair of information.

Abstract: Linking keyers to background source selections is achieved by defining a key link association table between background sources and keyers for an M/E of a production switcher. Key Add and Key Drop modifiers are provided so that the effects of the key link association table may be modified while making a background source change.

Abstract: Real time effects are provided by using tracking information to define values for parameters of an effect. The tracking information also may be combined with parameters for various effects that operate on the position, rotation, scale, skew and perspective of objects in an image. The values defined for the parameters of an effect may be represented in a transformation matrix used in a real time digital video effects processor.

Abstract: A mix/effect bank has its capability doubled by increasing the number of keyers input from two to four. The outputs from the keyers are routed through a crosspoint matrix for form a current and a next stack representing the priority of the keyer outputs from highest to lowest. The current stack is input to a current priority combiner and the next stack is input to a next priority combiner. The output of the current priority combiner is a program video output bus and the output of the next priority combiner is a preview video output bus. The two buses are input to a transition mixer, the output of which is coupled through a program/preview switch to the program video output bus. The transition mixer passes the output of the current priority combiner to the program video output bus except when the transition is made between preview and program, at which point the transition product is provided to the program video output bus.

Abstract: A video signal mixing apparatus and a method thereof, which is capable of minimizing timing jitter caused when onsynchronized video signals are digitally mixed. A signal subtractor subtracts a second video signal synchronized with a clock signal from a first video signal which is not synchronized with the clock signal, and a weighted value extractor divides one period of the clock signal into N intervals, detects the interval where a digital selection signal is generated, among the N divided intervals, and outputs a predetermined value (where 0≦predetermined value≦1) allocated to the detected interval as a weighted value. A multiplier multiplies the weighted value with the output of the signal subtractor and outputs the multiplication result, and a signal mixer mixes the multiplication result with the second video signal and outputs the mixed result as a mixed video signal. Therefore, error causing timing jitter is reduced to 1/N, thereby minimizing dot crawling of the mixed image.

Abstract: A mix-effect bank architecture for a production video switcher has multiple programmable outputs, the outputs being determined by a selected operational mode including split, programmable clean feed and mix minus modes. Four keyers with video and key signal inputs produce four outputs. The outputs are selectively routed to four corresponding inputs of four mixers, which mixers also have two pairs of background/utility video inputs. The four mixers provide four outputs which are determined by the selected operating mode. A pair of background video signals may be provided to all of the mixers to provide programmable clean feed outputs, or the pair of background video signals and a mix minus pair of background video signals may be provided to the mixers to provide mix minus outputs, or a primary set of background video signals may be provided to two mixers and a secondary set of background video signals may be provided to the other two mixers for the split mode.

Abstract: A chromokeying panel for use in conjunction with a chromakeying system includes a plurality of first and second location. Each of the first and the second locations has a color within the color of a color keying spectrum of the chromakeying system. In addition, each of the first and the second locations are arranged to define a coded pattern for a computation of a perspective of the chromakeying panel with respect to a camera independently in each video field produced by the camera. The coded pattern may include a plurality of straight lines that intersect to define vertices. The plurality of straight lines may be spaced apart from each other so that for a given vertex, a ratio of the distance of one of the lines extending from the given vertex to a first adjacent vertex, to the distance of another of the lines from the given vertex to a second adjacent vertex is unique.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the television presentation of an object that can highlight the object without obscuring the image of the object. The system receives a first video image, matches a second video image to a portion of the first video image corresponding to the image of the object. Specific pixels within the portion of the first video image which are not part of the image of the object are modified using a pixel from the second video image.

Abstract: In an image processing method and an image processing apparatus in which information on the distance to a subject is successively allocated to each pixel of a processing target picture to generate a distance image, a key signal is generated from the processing target picture, and a distance image is subjected to keying processing on the basis of the key signal, whereby the outline can be displayed clearly when pictures are superimposed to generate a composite image on the bass of the distance image.

Abstract: The system comprises a store 11 having several disc drives for storing multiple video frames in random access order. The store 11 also has at least two ports 15, 16 each capable of transferring data relating to a respective video clip at video rate. The system further comprises processors 27, 28 for processing frame data associated with at least two video clips and a monitor for displaying selected ones of said multiple video frames. In a preview mode of operation video clips can be read from the store 11, combined and displayed on the monitor at video rate, and changes can be made to the clips and the manner in which they are combined without committing the combination to the store.

Abstract: An architecture for switching reference generation uses a scanning sync separator to sample each output from the matrix outputs in turn to determine the format of each output. A controller selects an appropriate switch reference signal from among a plurality of switch reference signals according to the determined format and applies such selected switch reference signal to a crosspoint switch corresponding to the matrix output so that subsequent switches between matrix inputs are synchronous.

Abstract: An efficient chroma key-based coding technique for digital video with an optimized switching threshold. An optimized binary keying threshold is provided for switching between a first image region (such as a background region) and second image region (such as a foreground object) video picture. The threshold optimizes a PSNR of a quantization error Q of a key color K. A chroma key technique is also provided for representing the shape of a video object, where the shape information (alpha plane) of a foreground object is embedded in the keyed output, so there is no need to carry an explicit alpha plane, or use alpha plane coding. The chroma key shape representation technique provides a smooth transition at the boundary between objects without the need for special switching patterns, such as a general gray scale shape coding tool, or post-processing, e.g., using feathering filters.

Abstract: Device for combining p video signals which represent images having a different perception depth, comprisingp sources which each generate a video signal in the form of a series of pixels, each accompanied by a priority signal which determines the depth of the signal and a key signal which determines a local change in depth,selection means for selecting in each case the m pixels having the m highest priorities,a mixing stage in which the selected m pixels are mixed.All the p sources are coupled to the mixing stage via a bus system provided with a pixel data bus, a key-signal bus and a priority-signal bus.Each source is provided with a priority-bus detector with which the signals are received on the priority bus and are compared with its own priority, and is provided with switching means controlled by the priority-bus detector in such a way that only the sources having the m highest priorities and the bus are connected to the mixing stage.

Abstract: A video mixing apparatus for mixing a first video signal and a second video signal in accordance with a first key signal and a second key signal. The video mixing apparatus includes a key signal mixer for receiving the first and second key signals and generating and outputting a third key signal and a fourth key signal, wherein a level K.sub.1 of the first key signal, a level K.sub.2 of the second key signal, a level K.sub.p of the third key signal, and a level K.sub.m of the fourth key signal satisfy the relationships:K.sub.p =K.sub.2 -K.sub.1 K.sub.2,andK.sub.m =K.sub.1 +K.sub.2 -K.sub.1 K.sub.2 ;a key signal division section for receiving the third and fourth key signals and generating and outputting a fifth key signal, wherein a level K.sub.g of the fifth key signal satisfies the relationship:K.sub.g =K.sub.p /K.sub.

Abstract: In the processing of digital video signals there is provided in association with each signal an accompanying tally signal which provides an instantaneous identification of one or more signal sources from which the information contained in each pixel of a picture image has originated. The format of the tally signal may enable processing thereof to identify all signal sources contributing to a particular image area, to pixels of a mixed image or to any given field or frame of a video image signal. The signal may be encoded in the format of the digital chrominance signal component of a color picture signal and combined with a conventional key signal which is encoded in the format of a digital luminance signal so that the combined signal has the format of a color picture signal.

Abstract: Apparatus processes mixed YUV and color palettized video signals for display on an interlaced NTSC or PAL television receiver by storing first and second fields of one or more sprites in a graphic memory. Each sprite is stored as YUV or color palettized data and given a priority. A higher priority sprite overwrites pixel data of sprites of a lower priority when sprites overlap. First and second adjacent horizontal lines of pixel data in the first and second fields, respectively, are concurrently stored in respective first and second double buffers of a pixel assembly buffer during each line period. A delay buffer and the first and second double buffers generate first, second, and third adjacent horizontal lines, respectively, of pixel data at the output of the pixel assembly buffer while third and fourth adjacent horizontal lines of pixel data are inputted to the first and second double buffers.

Abstract: A video conferencing system and method that uses a central multimedia bridge to combine multimedia signals from a plurality of conference participants into a single composite signal for each participant. The system gives each conference participant the ability to customize their individual display of other participants, including keying in and out selected portions of the display and overlapping displayed images, and the ability to identify individual images in a composed video stream by click and drag operations or the like. The system uses a chain of video composing modules that can be extended as necessary to combine video signal streams from any number of conference participants in real time. Multimedia association software is provided for associating different media types to enhance display and manipulation capabilities for multimedia uses. The system also allows each user to dynamically change who can receive the information they provide to the conference.

Abstract: A mixer control circuit generates content control signals which are used by a mixer circuit to control the content of an output signal. The output signal will include either an analog signal, a digital signal or a mixture of the analog and digital signals. The level of a digital content control signal corresponds to the percentage of the output signal which includes the digital signal. The level of an analog content control signal corresponds to the percentage of the output signal which includes the analog signal. When the output signal includes a mixture of the analog and digital signals, a differential pair and an external control voltage are used to specify the percentage of each signal to be included within the output signal. During a horizontal blanking period, when the signals are being mixed, the differential pair and the external control voltage are bypassed and only the analog signal is included within the output signal.

Abstract: A mixer circuit with common-mode noise rejection combines input signals into a single output signal in a predetermined ratio and reduces the effect of noise within the single output signal. The input signals and their respective ground signals are all coupled to the mixer circuit. The mixer circuit eliminates common-mode noise within the output signal, caused by each input signal having a different ground reference signal, by passing each input signal differentially with its respective ground reference signal to a standard Gilbert Cell. Mixer control signals are coupled as control inputs to the Gilbert Cell for controlling the ratio of the input signals included in the output signal. The Gilbert Cell receives the differential input signals and outputs a differential output signal comprised of a predetermined ratio of the input signals as specified by the control signals. The differential output signal is then converted to a single ended output signal.

Abstract: A remote receiver is disclosed that accepts command signals from infrared transmitters and radio frequency transmitters and that combined the command signals into a final non overlapping command signal according to a preselected priority among the command signals.

Abstract: A video conferencing system and method that uses a central multimedia bridge to combine multimedia signals from a plurality of conference participants into a single composite signal for each participant. The system gives each conference participant the ability to customize their individual display of other participants, including keying in and out selected portions of the display and overlapping displayed images, and the ability to identify individual images in a composed video stream by click and drag operations or the like. The system uses a chain of video composing modules that can be extended as necessary to combine video signal streams from any number of conference participants in real time. Multimedia association software is provided for associating different media types to enhance display and manipulation capabilities for multimedia uses. The system also allows each user to dynamically change who can receive the information they provide to the conference.