Abstract: A sprite-based coding system includes an encoder and decoder where sprite-building is automatic and segmentation of the sprite object is automatic and integrated into the sprite building as well as the coding process. The sprite object is distinguished from the rest of the video objects on basis of its motion. The sprite object moves according to the dominant component of the scene motion, which is usually due to camera motion or zoom. Hence, the sprite-based coding system utilizes dominant motion, to distinguish background images from foreground images. The sprite-based coding system is easily integrated into a video object-based coding framework such as MPEG-4, where shape and texture of individual video objects are coded separately.

Abstract: Existing media signals are processed to create new media content by defining content representations for the existing media and establishing functional dependencies between the representations. The content representations comprise different data types which determine the kinds of operations that can be performed and dependencies that can be established. Among the types of transformation that can be achieved are synchronization, sound substitution, and the creation of parametric special effects. The content representations and their functional dependencies are combined to construct a functional dependency network which causes the desired transformations to occur on input media signals. The inputs to the functional dependency network are parametrically specified by media data types to construct a template that can be used to create adaptive media productions.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus which can reduce matching errors and shorten a processing time for matching. In the picture processing apparatus, a binarization circuit individually binarizes a pair of object picture signals to generate line picture signals. A feature point extract circuit extracts a plurality of feature point pixels for each reference area in the reference side line picture. A transforming circuit widens a line width of the search side line picture. A correlation computation circuit, for each reference area, finds a correlation between each pixel within a search area in the line picture whose line width has been widened and the feature point pixels. A composition processing section composites the pair of object picture signals based on the correlations. A picture processing apparatus which can adjust density and color tone of two pictures to be composited.

Abstract: A sprite-based coding system includes an encoder and decoder where sprite-building is automatic and segmentation of the sprite object is automatic and integrated into the sprite building as well as the coding process. The sprite object is distinguished from the rest of the video objects on basis of its motion. The sprite object moves according to the dominant component of the scene motion, which is usually due to camera motion or zoom. Hence, the sprite-based coding system utilizes dominant motion, to distinguish background images from foreground images. The sprite-based coding system is easily integrated into a video object-based coding framework such as MPEG-4, where shape and texture of individual video objects are coded separately. The automatic segmentation integrated in the sprite-based coding system identifies the shape and texture of the sprite object.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of input timing control circuits for generating a plurality of first clock signals in synchronization with a corresponding plurality of horizontal synchronization signals received via multiple channels, an output timing control circuit coupled to receive the first clock signals for generating a second clock signal, and a plurality of video memory circuits for storing a plurality of digital video data received via the multiple channels. The writing operations of the video memory circuits are respectively controlled by the plurality of input timing control circuits and the reading operation of each of the video memory circuits is controlled by the output timing control circuit. The display device further includes an output buffer memory circuit coupled to the video memory circuits for storing the plurality of digital video data from the video memory circuits.

Abstract: A method of inserting a high resolution image into a low resolution interactive image provides a greater sensation of virtual reality (presence) because increased magnification of the low resolution image, typically a wide angle image, reduces the sensation of virtual presence in the image. For example, according to the invention, as an image of the wall of an art gallery becomes magnified in a virtual presence experience, a rectangular or other planar image portion such as a painting that the user zooms on is replaced with a high resolution image stored and associated in memory. The virtual presence may be achieved by high resolution scanning a desired section of an image portion for overlay into the image scanned into a second memory at lower resolution. The high resolution image for insertion may be a dewarped portion of a fish-eye lens captured interactive image.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining an auxiliary image and a main image includes a source of a main image video signal and a source of samples representing an auxiliary image video signal having successive fields. A quincunx subsampler is coupled to the auxiliary image sample source and subsamples the auxiliary image samples in either a first sample pattern in which samples are taken at a first set of horizontal locations, or a second sample pattern in which samples are taken at a second set of horizontal locations substantially midway between the first set, all in response to a control signal. A signal combiner is coupled to the quincunx subsampler and the main image signal source, and combines the main image signal and a signal representing the quincunx subsampled auxiliary image samples to generate a signal representing a combined image of the main and auxiliary images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that combines video streams to reduce interconnection between video processors and rendering devices is presented. Multiple video streams are multiplexed at particular phases of a clock signal so that, at the rendering device, the desired video stream is selected by selecting the appropriate phased clock signal. In a preferred embodiment, the combined signal is compatible with conventional single-port rendering devices, such as displays, video recorders, and video encoders. Also presented is a means for selecting among multiple video streams that minimizes the number of interconnections that are switched.

Abstract: A composite image generator for generating a multi-image composite from a plurality of individual compressed images is disclosed. Multi-image composites are generated from static images or from a video stream with significantly reduced computation, reduced latency for video processing and reduced storage requirements. The individual images may be compressed with a JPEG image encoder or another suitable intraframe image encoder, such as those implementing the MPEG-II standard. In the illustrative embodiment, four (4) individual images of equal size, compressed using the JPEG standard, are combined into a multi-image composite with a single individual image in each quadrant of the composite image. Multi-image composites are created without fully decoding each individual compressed image, by partially decoding the individual compressed images and only fully decoding a small portion of each image.

Abstract: An improved video window control apparatus and a method thereof which are capable of generating a plurality of video windows on a television or a computer monitor, controlling the size and position thereof, and providing a video window overlap function and a picture-in-picture function.

Abstract: An image signal processor wherein an image is divided spatially or on a time series basis into multiple units, and is encoded on the basis of the divided unit, in order for image transform processing such as cutting, insertion, and composing thereof, to be performed upon one or multiple encoded image signals, The system includes an object detection circuit 5 (25) for detecting from the image signals a block or field unit as an object of image transform processing local decoding circuits 3, 4 (23, 34) for locally decoding only the image signals of the block or field unit detected by the object detection circuit; a processing circuit 7 (27) for processing the image signals decoded by the local decoding circuits 3, 4, (23, 24); a local encoding circuit 8 (28) for locally encoding the image signals processed by the processing circuit 7 (27); and a composing circuit 9 (29) for composing both the image signals encoded by the circuit 8 (28) and original image signals.

Abstract: An image composing and displaying apparatus includes frame memory constituent elements of an identical structure, a video input section, a video output section, a controller for selecting connection of each element to the video input or output section, and an image drawing section for reading and writing video data from and in the elements. The memory elements can be used for the input and output operations and hence the size thereof can be easily expanded; moreover, the numbers of the elements respectively connected to the video input and output sections can be adaptively varied.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining an auxiliary image and a main image includes a source of a main image signal and a source of samples representing an auxiliary image signal. A subsampler selectively subsamples the auxiliary image samples in either a quincunx subsampling pattern or a rectangular subsampling pattern. A signal combiner combines the main image signal and a signal representing the subsampled auxiliary image samples to generate a combined image signal. A control circuit generates a freeze control signal for the subsampler which conditions it to take samples in the rectangular subsampling pattern during a freeze frame operation, and in the quincunx sampling pattern otherwise.

Abstract: A video signal compositing system uses advanced communication techniques to make compositing with virtual studio, blue screen, multi-color compositing, dynamic blue screen, add insertion, synthetic transfiguration, or panoramic displays more economical. A data communication system comprises a number of shared communications channels for transmitting data streams in a bi-directional manner. Multiple interface subsystems are coupled to the communications channels. The interface subsystems have a time slot controller that allocates time slots between the communication channels. A router is used in conjunction with the interface subsystems to define the time slots in which data on the shared communications channels are valid. Processing elements connected via the interface subsystem allow reconfiguration, via the shared communications channels, of processing operations performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an analog video merging system, and more particularly to a system that can take the output of a plurality of video cameras and form a combined video signal which can be fed to a computer having only a single frame grabber card. This system is used to track targets using multiple video cameras. The present invention is comprised of an analog video merging apparatus for merging N video signals from N video cameras. The apparatus is comprised of N video processors, each of the N processors is connected to the N video cameras in a one-to-one correspondence, wherein each of the N video processors compares the video signal associated with one of the N video cameras with a dynamic predetermined threshold level and produces a binary output signal having a low level and a high level, the low level being output if the associated video signal is below the predetermined threshold, and high level being output if the associated video signal is above the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for providing a user controllable picture-in-picture formatted signal to a television is provided with a fast modem that interconnects the system with a computer network, such as the Internet. In order to allow a user to interact with the Internet, yet still enjoy video programming, the system has a picture-in-picture selection that a user controls to determine which video source (e.g., digital satellite signal, digital video disk signal, Internet graphics) will form the main picture displayed on the television, and which will form the picture-in-picture. A conventional television may be used with the system to display the signal, since it is already formatted in a picture-in-picture format at the output of the system.

Abstract: A slow Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is utilized to prevent an abrupt change to a video display containing multiple images, when the source of the synchronization is changed. Such displays include Picture in Picture (PIP) television systems and computer displays. By appropriate buffering and memory management, visual disruptions can be minimized by slowly synchronizing the display synchronization signals to the new synchronization source. The slow synchronization also produces a less disruptive visual image when the source, or channel, of a single image display is changed, and allows for smooth visual transitions on displays having inertial elements, such as color wheels.

Abstract: An image composing and displaying apparatus includes frame memory constituent elements of an identical structure, a video input section, a video output section, a controller for selecting connection of each element to the video input or output section, and an image drawing section for reading and writing video data from and in the elements. The memory elements can be used for the input and output operations and hence the size thereof can be easily expanded; moreover the numbers of the elements respectively connected to the video input and output sections can be adaptively varied.

Abstract: A special effect picture device is disclosed in which a transformed picture which is non-linear with respect to an original signal is formed using a video signal and a key signal for the original signal. A video signal is stored in a video signal storage unit and a key signal is stored in a key signal storage unit. The read-out addresses for the information concerning an upper picture of the transformed picture and the information concerning a lower picture of the transformed picture and also the information concerning the depth are generated by a read-out address generating unit. The key signal read out from the key signal storage unit and the video signal read out from the video signal storage unit are respectively divided by a dividing unit into upper and lower key signals and upper and lower video signals responsive to the read-out address for the upper picture and read-out address for the lower picture.

Abstract: An apparatus having a selectable first mode of operation for clamping an input signal to a first reference level and a selectable second mode of operation for clamping a signal derived from the input signal to a second reference level.

Abstract: A video display apparatus comprising a memory of fields for plural images, a device for judging whether even-number field or odd-number field, and a frame synchronizing device for reading and selecting fields, in which, if the input has one type of field only, these plural images are displayed simultaneously while keeping correct interlacing.

Abstract: A system provides for simultaneous collection, storage and analysis of an analog signal and video signal. Multiplexes of up to 240 low bandwidth analog channels with a camera video signal is effective. The output is a standard composite video signal containing analog and video data. The combined signals can be stored on videotape, or can be digitized by a framegrabber. The circuitry separates horizontal synchronizing pulses from a camera output. The signal is then multiplexed with the video signal, such that a portion of each video horizontal line represents the analog data. The combined output is stored together, providing a means for synchronizing the two signals during analysis. The design allows easy coordination of animate and inanimate events with video images from a standard video camera. The system also provides for interleaving digitized physiological signals and video images of subjects onto digital media in a standard file format.

Abstract: A method is provided for encoding of digital video signal segments which are interleaved to form a single system stream (video STD plus audio STD). In order to enable seamless joining of the segments, control of the video system layer buffer loading is related to the loading of the video layer buffer (VBV occupancy). Starting from an idealised match at the point the first picture is to be read out of the decoder buffer, the point at which the first picture is to be read out of the system layer buffer is adjusted by an amount determined by the predicted duration of the segment and the point at which the last frame of the segment is due to be read out. The adjustment prevents possible overlap of segment timing values derived initially from the idealised match case. The technique has particular application to interactive multimedia applications where real time splicing of video clips is required with minimal visual discontinuity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video display processor comprised apparatus for receiving digital input signal components of a signal to be displayed, apparatus for converting the components to a desired format, apparatus for scaling and blending the signals in the desired format, apparatus for outputting the scaled and blended signals for display or further processing, and an arbiter and local timing apparatus for controlling the apparatus substantially independently of a host CPU.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for detecting sequential processing effects on devices to be manufactured in a manufacturing process extracts data regarding responses of the devices to a process step in the manufacturing process and data regarding a processing sequence of the devices in that process step. The extracted data is refined before analysis and control chart rules are then applied to the refined data. These control chart rules detect whether there are any unusual processing effects caused by the sequence of processing of the devices in any one of the individual processing steps. Application of control chart rules to the refined data allows an automatic determination of whether there are any rule violations. One or more control charts which have a rule violation are automatically generated when it is determined that there is a rule violation. Process engineers may then use the automatically generated charts to direct their efforts at improving the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A video processing method and apparatus for processing video frames comprising animated images so as to blur movement of the animated images between successive frames, the method or apparatus comparing a first input frame with the following input frame; identifying moving areas in the first input frame by the comparison; calculating the velocity of the movement of the moving areas between the first and following input frame; summing, only for each input pixel site within the identified moving areas of the input frame, the pixel value of each input pixel site and adjacent pixel values determined according to the calculated velocities and a predetermined aperture type for the input frame; and providing an output frame from at least the summed pixel values and pixel values of areas of the input frame other than the moving area, the adjacent pixel values either being the pixel values of pixel sites in the input frame which are spatially adjacent in the direction of the velocity or predicted temporally adjacent pi

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: An image composing and displaying apparatus includes frame memory constituent elements of an identical structure, a video input portion, a video output portion, a controller for selecting connection of each element to the video input or output portion, and an image drawing portion for reading and writing video data from and in the memory elements. The memory elements can be used for the input and output operations and hence the size thereof can be easily expanded; moreover, the numbers of the elements respectively connected to the video input and output portions can be adaptively varied.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including an input unit for inputting a plurality of coded image data from a plurality of external devices, a generating unit for generating image data for one image plane by composing the plurality of coded image data inputted by the input means without decoding the plurality of coded image data, and a decoding unit for decoding the image data for one image plane generated by the generating unit.

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: The invention is a method for generating a still image, comprising the steps of producing a plurality of images, each of the plurality having been produced at a distinct focal length, scaling each of the images to a common focal length and combining each of the scaled images to a final image of a single focal length, portions of which are of a relatively high resolution, as compared to the images of the original sequence. The invention also includes combining a sequence of still images of varying fields of view into a panoramic image of an overall field of view, which overall field of view includes all of the fields of view of the sequence. In addition to combining images generated at different fields of view, the method of the invention can be used to combine images generated with respect to different fields of view of an overall scene, such as a panoramic scene into a combined panoramic field of view. This aspect of the invention may also be combined with the varying focal length aspect.

Abstract: A digital video network comprises a controller and network sites each coupled to the controller via communication paths. The network sites and controller include codecs for converting between encoded signals on the communications paths and video and audio signals in the network sites and in the controller. The controller also includes at least one unit for producing a quad split video signal from four video signals supplied thereto. The coders encode four audio signal channels and audio mixing control signals in each encoded signal. The decoder in each network site decodes the audio signal channels from the encoded signal which it receives, and is responsive to the control signal in the encoded signal to mix the decoded audio signal channels in a predetermined manner to provide a continuous audio presence at the network site, independently of whether or not the video signal in the encoded signal comprises the quad split video signal.

Abstract: The invention improves over the prior art by providing a media pipeline with two channels for processing sequences of digital still images. A blender is provided so as to enable simple effects on these two streams of video data such as dissolves, wipes and chroma keys. Complex arbitrary three-dimensional effects and other effects may also be provided using an external interface.Thus, a system for processing sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects includes first and second channels for communicating first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video. A controller directs still images to one of the first and second channels. A blender, having a first input connected to the first channel, a second input connected to the second channel, and an output, provides a combination of the first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video.

Abstract: A video effect is created with a video processing machine having a plurality of functions, each of which has a state that is selectively variable in response to change in an associated function parameter. The method comprises selecting a set of functions, specifying a starting keyframe containing a starting value for each of the parameters, specifying an ending keyframe containing ending values for the parameters associated with the functions of the selected set and vacancies for the other parameters associated with other functions, and specifying a number of video frames. The starting keyframe is used to place the machine in a starting state, in which each function has the status defined by the value of its associated parameter in the starting keyframe, and a first video frame is processed with the processing machine in the starting state.

Abstract: An image processing system for extracting and treating a digitized color subject image for seamless compositing against an arbitrary background includes the generation of a final control image from the image of a subject in front of a screen consisting of a range of colors. A sample of the background screen is captured and analyzed using filter kernels to determine a range of red, green and blue values which are stored in separate histograms. A first control image is generated by comparing mean histogram data with the subject image. A final control image is generated by dividing the first control image into separate background, foreground and fringe regions. A treated subject image is generated by leaking color from the local background region into the fringe regions of the subject image using filter kernels. The treated image is suitable for compositing against an arbitrary background image.

Abstract: A controller, in accordance with a preferred embodiment provides, in a specified region of first television picture generated by a first digitally compressed video signal, an overlay of a second picture embodied in a second video signal. The controller includes an I-frame buffer for storing updated macroblock pixel data in I-frame format derived from the second signal. The controller also has a matte mask storage register for storing data that identifies the specified region by means of macroblocks. A matte substitution processor is in communication with the matte mask storage register and has as an input the first signal and provides an overlayed output; the controller inhibits transmission to the output of any macroblock, of the first signal's data stream, lying in the specified region. It also functions to substitute for such macroblock a corresponding macroblock from the I-frame buffer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting an analog image signal representing an image over a bus including a driver circuit which receives a single ended analog image signal from a media source and provides a differential analog image signal and a switch circuit which selectively provides the differential analog image signal to the bus in response to control information.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with standard television (TV) for superimposing images, captions, titles, or other information over the television scene. Synchronization of the superimposed images with the television scene is brought about by phase locking the images to the horizontal synchronization pulse train of the television scene. A joystick input device allows the television viewer to select from a library of superimposed images and to move the images to any location over the television scene. The viewer can continue to move the superimposed images over the television scene to set up and maintain humorous or other expressive effects. The apparatus can also be used as an educational tool in conjunction with appropriate broadcasted or recorded programming. The horizontal synchronization pulse train of the television scene can be modified by introducing variable time delays from one pulse to the next. This variable synchronization delay can be used to create fun-house mirror effects.

Abstract: An image composing and displaying apparatus includes frame memory constituent elements of an identical structure, a video input portion, a video output portion, a controller for selecting connection of each element to the video input or output portion, and an image drawing portion for reading and writing video data from and in the memory elements. The memory elements can be used for the input and output operations and hence the size thereof can be easily expanded; moreover, the numbers of the elements respectively connected to the video input and output portion can be adaptively varied.

Abstract: A system for processing multiple signals. The system includes a receiver for receiving a video signal representative of a camera image, the video signal being represented as multiple horizontal lines in a video frame, a receiver for receiving multiple analog signals, the analog signals being representative of different analog inputs, a buffer for digitally double buffering at least some of the analog signals, wherein the buffer effects repetition of analog signals within a single video image frame, repeats sampling of the analog signals more than once within a single video frame and the digitization enhances recovery of the signal resolution of the analog signal with greater frequency and representation than an analog signal on a video signal. The system also comprises a mixer for mixing the analog signals with the video signal whereby the analog signals are contained on at least some of the horizontal lines of the video frame, and an output for outputting the mixed analog and video signals.

Abstract: A display is to be produced based on video signals having aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. Controller 21 turns on switches SW1 and SW2 so that the digitalized video signal of the first picture is compressed at a rate of 3/8 in the time axis. Simultaneously, the video signal of the second picture is converted digitally, written into memory 14 in synchronization with the first picture video signal, read out based on a delay of 3H/8 from the synchronization with the first picture video signal, and sent to a digital processing circuit 13. The controller 21 controls the digital processing circuit 13 so as to compress in the time axis the video signal of the second picture at a compressing rate of 5/8. Also, the controller 21 controls a vertical amplitude switching signal generator 19 to adjust a vertical deflecting current in a deflecting circuit 18 based on an operation by the audience.

Abstract: A digital video signal processing system receives encoded packets of data representing video image information in compressed form. A video decoder and an associated video RAM are used to decode and decompress the video packets to form groups of video image representative digital words. The video image groups are organized in a compressed component format (e.g., Y, U, V in the ratio 4:2:2) related to the video image compression format in which pairs of color related components correspond to more than one pixel. The video decoder also includes an on-screen display (OSD) unit which converts a graphics bit map stored in a section of the video RAM to groups of graphic image representative digital words. The graphic image groups are organized in an uncompressed component format (Y, U, V in the ratio 4:4:4).

Abstract: A method for fusing two or more source images to form a composite image with extended information content which may be color augmented and apparatus for forming the composite image from the source images is disclosed. Each source image is decomposed into a number of source images of varying resolution. The decomposed source images are analyzed using directionally sensitive operators to generate a set of oriented basis functions characteristic of the information content of the original images. The oriented basis functions for the composite image are then selected from those of the different source images and the inverse of the decomposition performed to construct the composite image. Color augmentation provides information as to the relative weighting of the contribution of each source to the composite image.

Abstract: The system generates a composite image on a pixel-by-pixel basis by selectively mapping source pixels provided by video sources of different video formats onto destination pixels in the composite image. The mapping is accomplished by encoding the source pixels into digital words, each word having a color information part and a video format identifier, used to decode the color information part upon processing to organize the composite image. Combining video signals with computer-generated graphics data is achieved under control of the graphics data being interpreted either as video format identifier or as color. If the color of the destination pixel is determined by one of the video sources, the graphics data is used to select the appropriate decoding. The system permits a modular architecture and simple merging with a PC.

Abstract: An image processing system operates on first and second image data (V and Bg) to produce data defining a combined image. The first image data (V) represents a keyed image comprising a first object (F) keyed over a portion of a first background (B) in accordance with keying data (K). The second image data (Bg) represents a background. The system is arranged so that the second image data (Bg) is weighted by respective control data (.alpha.) related to said keying data (K) before being combined with the first image data (V). In another embodiment the first image data represents a second object independently keyed over the keyed image in accordance with second keying data and the control data is further related to the second keying data. In a further embodiment the first image data represents an image derived by cross fading between the first keyed image and a second keyed image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing circuit. A still-picture signal (S) input from a still-picture signal input terminal and a motion-picture signal (M) input from a motion-picture signal input terminal are added together by a first adder, and the resultant signal is converted to (S+M)/2 by a first 1-bit right shifter, and to (S+M)/4 by a 2-bit right shifter. One of the outputs of those shifters is selected by a first multiplexer in accordance with shift signals CI2-CI0. The still-picture signal (S) and motion-picture signal (M) are also respectively converted by a second 1-bit right shifter and a third 1-bit right shifter to S/2 and M/2, one of which or "O" is selected by a second multiplexer in accordance with the shift signals CI2-CI0. The outputs of the first and second multiplexers are added together by a second adder to be input to a third multiplexer. The output of the third multiplexer is determined by the shift signals CI2-CI0, and is output from an output terminal.

Abstract: First and second field type detectors for first and second video signals have outputs indicating whether the video signals have first or second field types. The first video signal is synchronized with the second video signal for a combined display by a synchronous field memory and an asynchronous multiple line memory. The field type of the second video signal is changed when necessary to match the field type of the first video signal to maintain interlace integrity in the combined display. A field type changing circuit, which controls the synchronizing, has a first mode of operation which delays writing a current field of the first field type by one horizontal line period, a second mode of operation which advances writing a current field of the second field type by one horizontal line period and a third mode of operation which maintains a current field type.

Abstract: An RGB preamplifier for a video display includes respective multipliers independently operable for adjusting the contrast of input primary and secondary video signals. The contrast adjusted video signals are added to form a combined display signal, the combined signal being applied to the first inputs of primary and secondary comparators each of which is also supplied with a respective reference DC level. The primary and secondary video signals are alternately nulled at horizontal line rate by nulling the corresponding multipliers. The primary comparator samples the combined signal when the secondary signal is nulled for clamping the DC level of the primary signal in relation to the primary reference DC level and the secondary comparator samples the combined signal when the primary signal is nulled for clamping the DC level of the secondary signal in relation to the secondary reference DC level.

Abstract: A system and method for editing digital images includes a processor for storing a digital image of an object and a background. The periphery, or edge, of the object has a first hue, and the background has a second hue. Based upon the difference between the hues and a predetermined hue difference, the processor locates the edge of the object and removes portions of the image (i.e., the background) that are outside the edge. Then, the object can be combined with a preselected background so as to form a composite image. Optionally, the gamma of the image of the preselected background and the gamma of the image of the object can be matched, thereby making the object appear as if it was imaged under the same lighting conditions as the preselected background.

Abstract: A system and method of digital video editing simultaneously displays a plurality of source video windows on a screen, each window showing a digital source video stream. The user may select among the source video windows at any time while they are being shown. The selected digital source video stream appears in a record video window, and continues to run in real-time in both the selected source video window and the record video window. All windows continuously display real-time video streams. The user may continue to make selections among the source video windows as often as desired, and may also select transformations, or special effects, from an on-screen list. The video stream playing in the record window thus forms a digital user-arranged version of selected portions of the source video streams, plus transformations, as selected by the user. The user's selections are stored to permit subsequent playback of the digital user-arranged video stream in a playback window.