Abstract: A non-linear editor is connected to video processing equipment through a serial digital video interface to edit high definition (HD) television video data. The non-linear editor includes a randomly accessible, computer-readable and re-writeable storage medium that stores a plurality of sequences of HD digital images representing a frame or field of HD motion video data. The non-linear editor provides a configuration control signal to identify processing to be performed on the HD video data and defines a video program to be rendered using the stored HD digital images. An input serial digital interface and an output serial digital interface in the non-linear editor provide the HD video data to be edited. A multiformat video router controls the HD video data sent between the non-linear editor and the video processing equipment. The router is video interconnected to the video processing equipment and to the serial digital interfaces of the non-linear editor.

Abstract: A method of disabling at least a portion of one of a plurality of channels in a digital audio radio system includes the steps of receiving (702) a digitally encoded bit stream over-the-air on the plurality of channels and decoding (704) a selected channel among the plurality of channels. The method further comprises the steps of selectively tagging (706) an undesired type of content on the selected channel, analyzing (708) for an indication of content of the undesired type among the plurality of channels, and selectively disabling (710) at least the portion of the selected channel containing the undesired type of content.

Abstract: A video production switcher converts an aspect ratio through the use of an integrated aspect ratio converter. Additionally, by having both converted and native format signals input to a switcher processor, the effective number of inputs can be doubled.

Abstract: The present invention computer method and apparatus determines music similarity by generating a K-means (instead of Gaussian) cluster signature and a beat signature for each piece of music. The beat of the music is included in the subsequent distance measurement.

Abstract: A system for detecting picture freeze within a video signal wherein a video signal processing portion for connection to a video signal source comprising digital video luma samples and digital video clock and timing signals separately detects motion across the vertical axis of the video picture and across the horizontal axis of the video picture and wherein a frozen picture indicating portion connected to the output of the video signal processing portion determines the number of motionless video picture frames occurring since the last video picture frame in which motion was detected to indicate picture freeze when the number of motionless video picture frames reaches a predetermined value. A noise reduction threshold signal is applied to the video signal processing portion to distinguish motion from background noise in a video signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a multimedia terminal equipment which can reproduce and output an object broadcasting program irrespective of a providing medium and so forth of the program. The multimedia terminal equipment includes a digital signal processing circuit in the form of a digital signal processor which is programmable to process various kinds of digital broadcasting signals of different formats. A program to be used for processing of an object digital signal is read out from a ROM by a host CPU in response to a selection input from a user and supplied to the digital signal processing circuit. In accordance with the program, the digital signal processing circuit processes a digital signal outputted from a traffic controller in response to the selection input of the user.

Abstract: A support stage for a prompter has a bi-divisional structure comprising a first support stage on which an LCD and a semitransparent mirror are supported and a second support stage on which an ENG camera is supported. Because the first support stage and the second support stage are constructed in the manner as to be capable of overlapping with each other by a slide mechanism, the support stage can be compact in size and can have a better weight balance; hence the support stage is easy to carry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for realistic, real-time recreations of live events are described. One or more virtual stages, equipped with assorted live-event reproductions media, receive a real-time feed from a live event. This produces an audio-visual experience which is nearly indistinguishable from the live event for specially situated attendees.

Abstract: A computer hardware system for editing a video signal includes, a first signal bus employing a first bus interface, and a second signal bus employing a second bus interface and adapted to carry at least one video signal. The system desirably further includes a general purpose computer connected to the first bus and operating according to a first operating system; and a video graphics computer connected to the first signal bus and the second signal bus. The video graphics computer operates according to a second operating system. The video graphics computer is adapted for editing the video signal transmitted along the second signal bus according to commands from the general purpose computer.

Abstract: The software incorporates a glossary management tool that makes it easy for each client to customize terminology to the needs of a particular business. With this tool, termed a glossary manager, a company can customize a number of feature names in the system to provide a more familiar context for their users. A system administrator can also customize the manner in which “thumbnail” or “preview” images are presented. The system performs clustering on search queries, and searches media records multi-modally, using two or more approaches such as image searching and text searching. An administrator can tune search parameters. Two or more streams of metadata may be aligned and correlated with a media file, facilitating later searching. The system evaluates itself. It folds popularity information into rankings of search results.

Abstract: An improved method for enhanced puppetry or similar types of performances utilizing a virtual set having a key-color screen behind the set to do live action filming. All objects on the set, except for the performing puppet, or other objects which are to appear in the final product, are wrapped in a material which matches the color of the keycolor screen. A virtual background is generated and combined with the live action whereby only the puppet (or other object) appears on the virtual background in real time, with all other objects on the live set, including puppeteers, for example, being eliminated from the final product.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processor to improve efficiency and flexibility in film conversion applications is described. Analog signals corresponding to film images are digitized and provided to the reconfigurable digital processor. The reconfigurable digital processor uses programmable circuit elements, such as field programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors, to perform film conversion functions. The number of programmable circuit elements can be scaled in proportion to cost or desired throughput rates, thereby offering a variety of cost-efficient film conversion devices for varying needs. The reconfigurable digital processor provides one or more outputs which are formatted to produce one or more digital motion picture files in parallel. The reconfigurable digital processor can be altered using software codes at any time to perform different film conversion functions and adapt to changes in format of digital motion picture files.

Abstract: A method and system for incorporating thematic content from a particular television program into product or service advertisements uses program-advancing elements of a television program in an advertisement for a sponsor of the program in order to entice viewers to watch the advertisements. Increased viewership of advertisements can result in increased revenue generated from advertisements that may be realized by television programs, television producers, networks, and advertisers.

Abstract: To more easily carry out pull down processing than ever.

Abstract: A teleprompter configured to project an image to a viewer at a viewer location comprises a single-beam teleprompter projector, configured to project an image to a focal plane, and a directional screen, disposed at the focal plane. The directional screen is configured to direct the image to a focal point at the viewer location, and diffuse the image within a limited viewing region surrounding the focal point, such that the apparent brightness of the image to the viewer at the viewer location is increased, and the visibility of the image to persons other than the viewer is reduced. Because the device concentrates the light at the viewer, it can be made much larger than conventional video monitors typically used in speech-prompter settings, while still maintaining very high brightness.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device for the distribution and processing of video signals is proposed. The device has a number of inputs and outputs. Signal processing stages for processing the input signals can optionally be switched into the signal paths. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: input signals are represented on a display with an input symbol. When common properties are present, the relevant input sources are assigned input symbols which have a common color property and/or graphical property. The relations between a specific input symbol and the assigned input signal and the relevant input are stored. An output of the device is assigned an output symbol, which represents the desired properties of the output signal in the same way as the input symbols represent the properties of the input signals. Finally, an output symbol is assigned to an input symbol, whereupon the relevant input is connected to the relevant output.

Abstract: A key signal control unit for controlling the level of a key signal corresponding to an arbitrary position within a frame area to a level corresponding to a minimum distance from an inner edge of the frame area on the basis of the level of a key signal on the inner edge of the frame area as a reference value so that the frame area appears along an outer circumference of an image corresponding to a video signal. A totally new image special effect is thus made on the video signal.

Abstract: Segments of interest within video footage are identified automatically. Such segments of interest include portions of the footage which were taken using a hand held camera and which show a static subject, portions which track the motion of a moving subject, and portions which show an abrupt event.

Abstract: A computer transfers compressed first high-definition television video data and compressed second high-definition television video data. An editing device includes first and second decoders that decompress the compressed first and second high-definition television video data; respectively, and edit processing unit for performing edit processing on the decompressed first high-definition television video data and the decompressed second high-definition television video data. A result of edit processing performed by the edit processing means is output. The compressed first high-definition television video data and the compressed second high-definition television video data are transferred in parallel from the computer to the first decoder and the second decoder, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for visually signaling the selection of a specific television or video camera source during the live editing of multiple camera sources is disclosed. The system includes an adapter and a power console in combination for receiving a plurality of tally signals from a video switcher and converting each of the tally signals into an encoded sub-audible Continuous Tone Control Squelch System tone. The system also includes a tally system having a plurality of belt-pack assemblies for receiving the encoded sub-audible CTCSS tone and illuminating tally lights corresponding to the camera selected by the switcher.

Abstract: In this invention, a camera position display portion for displaying the position of a camera at which a to-be-photographed person looks at the time of photographing by the camera, a confirming process display portion for displaying “wait for photographing” to the to-be-photographed person, an end display portion for displaying “end of photographing” to the to-be-photographed person, and an exit display portion for displaying “traveling direction after the end of photographing” to the to-be-photographed person are provided and display of guidance as to the photographing state (the position at which the to-be-photographed person looks, waiting for photographing, end of photographing, traveling direction after the end of photographing) is made for the to-be-photographed person.

Abstract: Respective encoders provide a first and second encoded MPEG-2 data streams for a first and second program respectively. Each stream includes at least video and audio components. The encoder provides seamless video splice-in and splice-out points. A play-to-air splicer is commanded to switch the broadcast output from the first input stream to the second input streams. The splicer identifies approximately aligned seamless video splice-in and seamless video splice-out points in the respective first and second video streams. The splicer splices the second video stream to the first video stream, but continues to broadcast the first audio stream. The splicer identifies corresponding audio splice-in and splice-out points. The splicer splices the second audio component to the first audio component. The splicer adjusts the decode and presentation times in the second stream after the respective slice-in to be consistent with such times in the first program.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus 1 and a video processing parameter setting apparatus 2 comprise a video processing apparatus (visual mixer). A parameter value collectively specifying portion 3 specifies in accordance with the order stored in an arpeggiator pattern memory 7, sets of scene data which collectively specify values of a plurality of parameters stored in a scene data memory 6. A changing process portion 4 changes in a given length of time, the values of video processing parameters from the values currently set on the video signal processing apparatus 1 to the parameter values collectively specified as a set of scene data. The changing process is started at a timing corresponding to a change time and completed at a subsequent switch timing. As a result, the video processing apparatus allows for collective specification of parameters with simple operations and smooth switching between video images at the changing of parameter values.

Abstract: Video signals in different video formats are managed by inputting and outputting video signals via multiple channels and inputting a user selection of a video format for each channel. Then, a video signal input via a first channel is automatically converted into the video format selected for a second channel, and the video signal, in the video format selected for the second channel, is output via the second channel. Also, video signals in different video formats are managed by inputting and outputting video signals through multiple channels, with each such channel having an associated video format. A user designation is input that an output of a user-designated first channel should provide an output video signal corresponding to an input video signal input via a user-designated second channel.

Abstract: Certain embodiments for supporting communication of media may comprise establishing a private television channel to be showed by a first television at a first home and a second television at a second home. Personal media associated with the private television channel may be displayed along with content of a media broadcast on the first and/or second television. The personal media may be communicated over the private television channel between the televisions. An identifier associated with the first television and/or the second television may be determined and the private television channel may be established based one more identifiers. A representation of the private television channel may be presented in a channel guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television. A representation of the associated personal media for the private television channel may be presented in a media guide displayed on the first television and/or the second television.

Abstract: Image data of still images are created based on data produced by one-dimensionally sampling a sequence of two-dimensionally displayed moving image data in one direction while sequentially moving a sampling position in another direction, and particular frame images are detected in the sequence of moving images based on the moving image data, such that the detected particular frame images are displayed together with a still image based on the created image data along a common time base, thus enabling an operator to immediately recognize an overall stream of moving images represented by the moving image data based on the displayed particular frame images and still image, thereby making it possible to realize an image display apparatus and method capable of readily confirming an outline of the moving images and selecting a desired scene therefrom in a short time.

Abstract: A technique for managing the production, post-production and distribution of audio-visual projects permits accurate management of production values and thereby allow accurate and measurable reproduction and control. Test signal data is used to assist the operator in insuring the levels are set to the intended display characteristics in the event that factors such as creative lighting or applied effects affect the desired look of the scene. The test signal data may encompass elements that determine resolution, White level, Black level, Grey steps, Frequency response and linearity as well as sound parameters. Chroma channels may exhibit similar signals including a bar pattern that can be used to insure the best colorimetry is maintained. Standard signals may also improve compositing and cross media transfers without extraordinary efforts to match production values.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus enabling reuse by a previously used internal configuration, provided with a storage device for storing the states of all or part of the intersections of a matrix switch to the output side of which inputs of video signal processing units and video signal output channels are connected and an intersection reproducing device for setting intersections of the matrix switch in accordance with the content of the storage device. When using current settings of the matrix switch, the current settings are stored in the storage device. When it is desired to reuse the apparatus after using it in different settings, the intersection reproducing device is activated. Therefore, an operator no longer has to repeat an operation for setting each and every intersection and can obtain the desired settings by activating the intersection reproducing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data broadcasting contents authoring system which comprises: an authoring engine for modifying objects or images to fit to a data broadcasting format, and authoring new data broadcasting contents; a data converter for receiving the data broadcasting contents authored by the authoring engine, and converting the contents into a standard file format to fit to at least one data broadcasting standard; and a code generator for receiving the generated contents data from the authoring engine, and the converted contents data from the data converter, and converting them into a broadcasting contents format that fits at least one broadcasting standard. As described above, the present invention enables users to easily and quickly author desired data broadcasting contents using a WYSIWYG broadcasting contents development tool.

Abstract: The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.

Abstract: There is provided a method of creating a digital stream contents to be distributed via a network from an input stream signal such as a video signal and an audio signal with a simple operation. A new moving image file is created every time a “NEW” button is clicked at such as a point where scenes of an image switch, and a moving image data from such point until the “NEW” button is clicked again is stored in the moving image file. Further, a speaker name and a slide file name of each scene may be obtained from a file which is prepared separately, and recorded in an administration file in relation with a corresponding moving image file name and a time code. The moving image file may however be a single file which is not separated for every scene.

Abstract: An automatic video editing system identifies problems within frames in an input video, categorizes the frames by problem type, and edits the frames based on editing parameters for the category. A user can input values that override default values for the editing parameters and can choose to have certain frames remain unedited.

Abstract: A data editing system has a data transmitting-side unit including a camera shooting a video; a recorder recording the video shot onto a predetermined recording medium; and a transmitter compressing the video shot by the camera and transmitting the compresed video. The system also has a data editing-side unit including a receiver receiving the data transmitted from the data transmitting-side unit; editing instructions for performing the final editing of the video recorded on the recording medium by using the data received by the receiver; and a final editor performing the final editing of the video recorded on the recording medium based on the editing instruction.

Abstract: Aspects are described for addressing workflow processing to manage digital broadcast program development and production. A workflow processing aspect includes managing a plurality of production stages to produce a digital broadcast program, and managing storage of data among ingest, object, and program storage during the plurality of production stages to ensure efficiency of digital broadcast program development. The plurality of production stages include a sequence of an ingest stage, a triage stage, a program creation stage, and a program assembly stage. The data storage management includes managing encoding of data into MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 data files during the plurality of production stages.

Abstract: A broadcasting system for communicating data to multiple receivers using information additive code includes one or more information additive code transmitters and one or more information additive code receivers. Each of the information additive code transmitters includes an encoder configured to receive source data and to produce information additive code therefrom. Each of the information additive code receivers includes a decoder configured to receive the information additive code and to reconstruct therefrom substantially a copy of the source data.

Abstract: A method of processing coded video, for example by inserting generated frames, or adjusting values in timing fields, or adjusting the time at which it is output, to adjust the timing of output of decoded video from a decoder receiving the coded video is disclosed, together with corresponding apparatus. The outputting apparatus may be included in a multiple-source video system, to enable multiple video sources to be synchronized. The output video can be synchronized to a studio reference clock.

Abstract: It is possible for a program producer to produce a program without the binding of on-air time restriction, while airing a program in accordance with its on air time scheduled by a program organizing apparatus, by concurrently airing another video/audio which exceeds the on air time. Furthermore, viewers are able to enjoy two types of versions for one program, that is, an ordinary version fitting with its on air time frame and a longer version with extra video/audio exceeding its on air time frame.

Abstract: An information-outputting apparatus, an information-reporting method and an information-signal-supply-route-selecting method, which provide a digital-content utilization environment giving the user a high degree of freedom to make use of the apparatus and the methods. The information-outputting apparatus receives an isochronous packet transmitted by a source external apparatus by adoption of an isochronous communication method through a digital bus connecting the external apparatus to the information-outputting apparatus. In the information-outputting apparatus, an IEEE 1394 I/F circuit extracts information on the source electronic apparatus and information on the transmission format. A control unit supplies these pieces of information to an OSD-generating circuit for displaying them on a screen of a display unit employed in the information-outputting apparatus.

Abstract: A computer system provides streaming media to a plurality of clients over a network. The system includes a proxy module that forwards streaming media from a first streaming media source to a network server module that is communicating to the plurality of client terminals. The proxy module is comunicatable with the network server module to be signaled a switch request. In response to the switch request, the proxy module forwards streaming media from a second streaming media source to the network server module while the network server module is signaling streaming media from the first streaming media source to the plurality of client terminals.

Abstract: A system for delivering contents includes a center system which delivers the contents, a plurality of terminal systems which receive the contents from the center system and displays the contents, and communication lines connecting the center system to the plurality of terminal systems. The center system includes a delivery-schedule setting unit which sets a schedule of delivery, and a contents-delivery unit which delivers the contents to the terminal systems according to the schedule of delivery during a time period when a load on the terminal systems is lower than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A television camera is attached to a mount plate which is attached to a panhead, and a prompter body is detachably attached to the mount plate. When detaching the prompter body from the panhead, the prompter body itself is detached from the mount plate without detaching the television camera from the mount plate.

Abstract: In step S1 the image-voice processing apparatus 10 divides segments into sub-segments that will be candidates for r segments, and in step S2 groups together similar sub-segments out of the sub-segments obtained. And in step S3 the image-voice processing apparatus 10 selects object groups for signatures, and then after selecting in step S4 a r segment from each of the groups selected, computes in step S5 the weight for each of the r segments obtained.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a compression system for edited images which have previously been compressed. The preferred system uses software to track and determine the nature of edits made to each image frame. Each image frame is divided into spatial regions, and codes defining the nature of changes are then stored in a set of tables called the “registry of edits.” When it is time to compress images for output, re-compression software interrogates the registry to determine whether spatial regions in the frame has been altered in a manner that undermines the integrity of the original compression data. For example, if a compressed image signal is modified in the spatial domain to add the logo of a local television station, most of each image frame will remain unchanged and the original motion vectors and residuals (or other compressed representation) from an input signal may be re-used, thereby saving substantial processing time and minimizing introduction of additional quantization errors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for realistic, real-time recreations of live events are described. One or more virtual stages, equipped with assorted live-event reproduction media, receive a real time feed from a live event. This produces an audio-visual experience which is nearly indistinguishable from the live event for specially situated attendees.

Abstract: A method of color-coding a blade and a bladed system is disclosed. The bladed system has a plurality of slots. In particular, the method facilitates selecting at least one slot for inserting therein the blade. One of a plurality of core colors is associated with each slot of the bladed system, whereas each core color indicates which type of blade can be inserted in the corresponding slot. One of the core colors is associated with the blade. In the bladed system, a slot which has an associated core color which matches the core color of the blade is selected. The blade is inserted in the selected slot.

Abstract: A system provides real-time previsualization of effects to be added to high definition (HD) video data and real-time rendering of the HD video data including the added effects. The computer based system for editing high definition television (HDTV) resolution video includes a high definition video system connected to a standard definition video system and a high definition storage system. A resizer reformats the high definition video data to standard definition resolution for real-time processing and previsualization.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a frame store, a processing means and a monitor. The frame store stores a sequence of images from a film or video clip that will eventually be transferred to film for viewing in a theater. The image sequence is processed and possibly combined with other clips, resulting in changes to the color balance, intensity and contrast of the output clip. The image processing system, the monitor and the process of eventual transfer to film, have non-linear transfer characteristics, including gamma characteristics. These are combined in a single look-up table in a graphics card, so that images displayed on the monitor have an appearance matching that of the same images when viewed in the theater.

Abstract: A signal mixing circuit for mixing synchronizing signals and video signals without attenuating these signals, comprising a first semiconductor device for inputting and outputting synchronizing signals and a second semiconductor device for inputting and outputting video signals, wherein said first and second semiconductor devices operate as a buffer amplifier of input signals and said synchronizing signals and video signals are mixed after passing said first and second semiconductor devices respectively.

Abstract: A method and business model for simulating a performance in a concert setting and providing an audio and video recording thereof. A customer selects a song to perform. The customer performs the selected song on a platform setting with a neutral background. The customer's performance is recorded, and is combined with a previously recorded image of concert fans and a concert stage to create an appearance of the customer performing the selected song at an actual concert. The combined recording is formatted onto a recording medium, such as a compact disk (CD), video tape, or DVD, and is sold to the customer.

Abstract: The invention is a process which enables presentation of a first content at an event on a display means while concurrently dubbing a second content into a video airing of said display means. Thus onsite observers at the event see said first content on the said display means while concurrent observers of the event on television see the said second content which appears to be part of the actual onsite scenery. Steps in the process included first; providing a means for identifying a real world area to be defined as an engrained field, then creating the ingrained field within a first video stream, providing a second video stream (or image), and of injecting said second video stream or image into the ingrained field of the first video stream and thereby producing a third video stream. These steps can be done automatically and nearly concurrently in real-time for live broadcasting of sporting events for example.