Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for designating a memory region for receiving image frames from an image frame server, the image frames are from a first sequence of image frames. Each image frame in the first sequence of image frames is associated with a time position on a first timeline. A needed image frame is selected, the needed image frame associated with a second time position on a second timeline. The second time position is mapped on the second timeline to a first time position on the first timeline. The image frame server is requested to provide an image frame from the first sequence of image frames at the first time position on the first timeline.

Abstract: Described is a system and method by which text elements to be rendered on a computer display (e.g., paragraph, line or any subset of text including a character or glyph) may be individually or collectively animated, at an author-selected level of granularity. Animation of text may be specified by setting animation properties via direct coding (e.g., in markup) or by specifying animation code to execute on text-related data, just prior to rendering. The text to animate may be static, or dynamically obtained at runtime from an external source. The text to animate is maintained as a whole with other text of the same element, in a text object, until a processing level that produces separate glyph runs, with an animation transform associated with each glyph run to be animated. Also described is an API that supports text animation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for allowing a user to quickly determine parts of a media item in which the user will be interested. In the methods and systems described, a timeline is provided for the media item and semantic icons are used as media landmarks along the timeline. The semantic icons are related to the content or a description of the content at the location in the media item corresponding to the semantic icon's location on the timeline. The semantic icons, in addition to providing some immediate contextual information at a glance, also allow a user access to annotations of the media item. Semantic icons can represent tags, users who have created or modified annotations for the segment of the media item, or other relevant information. The semantic icons may also be used to determine a relative level of interest in different parts of the media item both with respect to the user and with respect to other users.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for automatically generating video data based on still image data. Certain aspects of the video may also be configured to correspond to audio features identified within associated audio data.

Abstract: A content-management interface is implemented using superposition of graphical “widget” elements onto an on-screen display of the real-time image of a user. The widgets are motion-sensitive control elements which are responsive to user movement that produces motion of the user's displayed image at an on-screen location associated with that widget. The user can operate the widget virtually, for example by moving his hand over a widget, or pushing a widget along. Meta-data descriptive of the content to be managed is mapped onto widgets, enabling the user to interact with the meta-data, notably by changing it or by selecting content with reference to it.

Abstract: A video game adapter interface apparatus has a user input device and an associated video display. The user selects a distinguishable visual image representation for association into a video game's audiovisual presentation, such as where that user is identified. For example, color, size graphics or shape can be used to distinguish users. In one embodiment a digitized image of each user's face is used as the distinguishable representation. Alternatively, the user can create an original image or select one of a predetermined set of visual images as the user's identification for use in the video game audiovisual presentation. In a preferred video game embodiment, the video game adapter interface system is coupled to a video game system and a storage card containing User Images. The video game adapter interface system then integrates a selected User Image from the Storage Card into the video game's audiovisual presentation, and can also integrate the User Image into the video game play.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling special windows in a display comprises a window manager in an operating system that is called by application programs to create special windows. The window manager embeds static key signals including encoded special window information, such as the coordinates of a window area to be specially processed, into a video RAM. An existing video interface scans the video RAM and transmits display information, including the key signals, to the display. The present invention further comprises a window decoder in the display, that detects the key signals, extracts the encoded special window information, and controls display circuitry performing the desired special processing. The key signal encoding scheme does not create visually discernible display aberrations that could distract the user or interfere with normal window management.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, etc. for generating an animated preview of a number of images are disclosed. A selection of a group of images is received. A set of digital images from the group of images are identified as being representative of the group. At least some portion of the identified set of representative digital images from the group is then used to create an animated image. The animated image serves as a preview of the group of images, such that, when a user browses the images and sees the preview associated with a corresponding folder or directory, the user is able to quickly and easily associate the images in the group with a particular event and identify contents of the folder or directory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating a video booklet that allows browsing and search of a video library. In one implementation, each video in the video library is divided into segments. Each segment is represented by a thumbnail image. Signatures of the representative thumbnails are extracted and stored in a database. The thumbnail images are then printed into an artistic paper booklet. A user can photograph one of the thumbnails in the paper booklet to automatically play the video segment corresponding to the thumbnail. Active shape modeling is used to identify and restore the photo information to the form of a thumbnail image from which a signature can be extracted for comparison with the database.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of specifying speed effects for playing a video clip. The method defines a set of speed effects for the video clip. It then displays in real-time a presentation of the video clip that accounts for the set of speed effects defined for the video clip. In some embodiments, this method represents the playback speed of a video clip in terms of a graph that is part of a graphical user interface (“GUI”). This graph is defined along two axes, with one axis representing the playback time, and the other axis representing the content-time (i.e., the time within the video clip). In these embodiments, a user can change the playback speed of the video clip by using a set of GUI operations to select and modify the graph. For instance, a user can select and adjust the graph at different instances in time in order to change the playback speed of the video clip at these instances. Different embodiments use different types of graphs to represent playback speed.

Abstract: When slide show image data sets are generated from a plurality of image data sets, the image data sets, DVD-Video files representing the slide shows generated from the image data sets, and information representing reproduction order are stored in a manner that allows a user to access them so that pleasure of the slide shows for the user is not ruined. The user changes the images to be included in the DVD-Video files and the reproduction order, while referring to the image data sets, the DVD-Video files, and the information. A digitalization center newly generates DVD-Video files according to the changed images and the changed reproduction order.

Abstract: Video clips are depicted both in an overall layer and in a set of individual tracks, or rows. The user can cause the display to be expanded or collapsed, as desired, so as to reveal or hide the individual tracks. Video clips are fully editable in either the expanded or collapsed viewing modes. When the collapsed mode is in effect, bars representing individual video clips are still visible, and can be individually selected and manipulated. When the expanded mode is in effect, separate tracks are shown for each individual clip, but the overall layer remains visible, and the individual video clips also remain visible, selectable, and manipulable within the overall layer.

Abstract: A method for displaying a gain control interface having a gain level display with non-linear gain levels. The gain level display has a first end having an associated first pixel offset value and a second end having an associated second pixel offset value. A range of pixel offset values span from the first pixel offset value through the second pixel offset value. The method includes receiving a plurality of pixel offset values in the range of pixel offset values, calculating a gain level value for each of the plurality of pixel offset values (whereby a difference between two pixel offset values of two gain level values having a gain level difference is not equal to a difference of two pixel offset values of any other two gain level values having the same gain level difference), and mapping a gain level value to a pixel offset value.

Abstract: An information processing device previously includes music options for use as a BGM, and these music options are each correlated to the details of an effect to represent the atmosphere matching the BGM. After a user selects a specific photo album storing still images for playback, and then a BGM, a playlist is created to define the order for playing back the still images stored in the photo album with the effect corresponding to the BGM. The present invention is applicable to equipment such as personal computers capable of handling still images, and therewith, effect-applied still images can be displayed easily and swiftly in a sequential manner.

Abstract: Playing a media file can include receiving input from a user identifying a playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the identified playback location from the media file; displaying a status bar to the user on a display device; and presenting a download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the identified playback location. Further, playing the media file can include receiving additional input from a user identifying a new playback location associated with a media file; downloading media content corresponding to the new playback location; and presenting a new download indicator associated with the status bar showing an amount of downloaded media content, wherein the downloaded media content comprises a contiguous portion of the media file that includes the new playback location.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium are provided that in various embodiments relate to manipulating data. In an embodiment, the data may be manipulated with respect to viewing the data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium are provided that in an embodiment morph between two graphical views of related content that share a common frame of reference. In an embodiment, the two views depict the same data at different resolutions. The morphing permits the viewer to visualize the relationship between the two views along a common axis or within a common frame of reference. In another embodiment, the two views may be a clip view and a timeline view. In the clip view, icons representing clips are the same size. In the timeline view, icons representing clips have a size proportional to the time of the clip when played. A virtual playhead icon is maintained in the same relative position in both views, so that a user's focus is maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating non-linear viewing of media is provided. The system facilitates non-linear viewing of media by providing a scene selector that scans a digitized media and selects a scene in the digitized media and a metadata generator that produces metadata associated with the scenes and relates the metadata to the selected scene. With the scenes annotated with metadata, a playlist generator can generate a playlist of related scenes based on user inputs like queries and a playlist updater can adapt the playlist based on user reaction to the displayed scenes. The scenes can be displayed on a variety of devices exhibiting various levels of intelligence. The displays can be distributed as can the system.

Abstract: A computer-based narration assembly system and method provide an environment analogous to in-person sharing of photographs by utilizing spontaneous verbal narration or story-telling, together with manual indications by the story-teller of significant or relevant image portions. The system combines the verbal narration with automatic cinematic display manipulations that relate to the manual indications by the story-teller to form a multimedia production or “movie” from the display images. The cinematic display manipulations may include pans, zooms, fades, etc. that animate the display of the images and transitions between them.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of specifying speed effects for playing a video clip. The method defines a set of speed effects for the video clip. It then displays in real-time a presentation of the video clip that accounts for the set of speed effects defined for the video clip. In some embodiments, this method represents the playback speed of a video clip in terms of a graph that is part of a graphical user interface (“GUI”). This graph is defined along two axes, with one axis representing the playback time, and the other axis representing the content-time (i.e., the time within the video clip). In these embodiments, a user can change the playback speed of the video clip by using a set of GUI operations to select and modify the graph. For instance, a user can select and adjust the graph at different instances in time in order to change the playback speed of the video clip at these instances. Different embodiments use different types of graphs to represent playback speed.

Abstract: A communication device may include a lens and processing logic. The lens may receive a gesture made by a user of the mobile terminal and the processing logic may identify the gesture. The processing logic may also generate a command based on the identified gesture, where the command instructs the mobile terminal or an external device to perform a control action.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying video on a computing device for navigation and other purposes. A map database developer collects video data. The video data is collected by traveling along roads in a geographic area and storing the video data along with data indicating the positions at which the video data had been captured. This captured video data is then used in navigation systems and other devices that provide navigation, routing, video games, or other features. An application forms a video that shows a turn at an intersection from a first road onto a second road. The application adds video that depicts travel away from the intersection along the second road to video that depicts travel into the intersection along the first road to form a composite video that shows a turn at the intersection from the first road onto the second road. The composite video is then presented to a user on a display.

Abstract: Device for providing a playable sequence in renderable manner comprises: a providing unit for providing defined functions, said functions for applying playable effects to objects, a time unit for adding time boundaries to said functions, to provide time bounded functions, an ordering unit for ordering said time bounded functions into a sequence, and a translation unit for applying translations to said objects in accordance with said effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for previewing edited video. In general, in one implementation, a method includes generating a video sequence from a plurality of video segments, identifying an inability to output at least one video segment in the video sequence in substantially real time; and adjusting an output level associated with the at least one video segment to enable the at least one video segment to be output in substantially real time. The output level may include a video quality or a frame rate.

Abstract: Transformation hierarchies and effects trees may be defined in the same user interface by treating animated transformations as another type of time-varying data stream. Effects operators in the effect tree are provided with an input to receive a transformation. The effects operators can be set to either use a transformation having parameters specified by the user, or use an input transformation, or both. Transform operators may generate an output transform based on user specified parameters or based on a function of data input to the transform operator. If there is no input connected to a transform operator, the transform operator may generate its own local transform. In the user interface, the user can connect the output of one transformation operator to the next (e.g., parent to child) using the same output to input port connections as used for images and effects operators.

Abstract: An integrated and interactive real-time media creation system and method are disclosed that visually link the order and execution of media events to a scrolling on-screen text script that is spoken. As the user speaks, the on-screen text script scrolls under user control. Adjacent to the script text are visual images which represent associated media events. The visual images maintain a constant relative spatial relationship with the text. When the text reaches a predetermined region of the screen it is spoken out loud by the user and the media events are caused to occur at that time. The invention allows a single user with a single personal computer to easily self-produce a multimedia presentation of undetermined and variable length, featuring media events appropriately inserted in real-time without the assistance of a director or other operator.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying information about video/audio clips that are being edited. When two different clips are being matched, or when one clip is being used to replace another clip, the first clip is shown on a first timeline in a normal form. The other clip is arranged in a separate timeline to overlap with the first clip. The user is provided with the ability to easily move both clips with an input device. For individual frames that overlap, one frame is at least partially transparent so that user can see both frames at the same time.

Abstract: Summarization of video content including soccer.

Abstract: A media editing application for creating and displaying video effect clips. A detection component detects video files stored in a memory of a computer. A user interface displays the detected video files and various video effects that can be applied to video files. The user interface is responsive to a user selecting one or more of the detected video files to apply a selected video effect to the selected video files to create the video effect clip. The user interface is further responsive to user input to display the video effect clip.

Abstract: In one implementation, a computer program product, encoded on a computer-readable medium, is provided. The computer program product is operable to cause a data processing apparatus to perform operations including generating a menu screen template, the menu screen template including one or more menu elements. The computer program product also causes a data processing apparatus to perform operations including incorporating user selected media content in the menu screen template and calculating a motion path associated with one or more menu elements, the calculated motion path being automatically adjusted according to parameters of the selected media content.

Abstract: An interactive program guide containing schedule data for multiple channels and advertising data is provided to viewers on a screen. The advertising may be related to the programs adjacent thereto in the guide and to time slots displayed on the screen. The advertising srolls in various directions in response to the viewer's scrolling of the grid, but at a different pace and according to a different scheme than the scrolling of the schedule data itself. For example, the advertising may remain on the screen in a predetermined location while the viewer scrolls the schedule data, and then scroll off the screen to be replaced by new ads after a predetermined number of channels scroll off the screen, or on the basis of time slots and/or adjacent channels displayed on the screen. This provides for greater viewer attention to the advertising and for greater control by advertisers over the manner and length in which advertising is presented to viewers.

Abstract: In a television broadcasting system intended to present information pertaining to a main broadcast program to viewers, a ground-wave broadcast station produces and broadcasts the main program in the conventional manner and a CS (communication satellite) broadcast station which is supplied with main program composition information and various source data from the ground-wave station produces supplemental broadcast programs for the main program. The CS station also produces symbolic labels indicative of the content of the supplemental programs, and broadcasts the supplemental programs and symbolic labels together. An IRD (integrated receiver/decoder) unit of a viewer's receiver set receives the broadcast signals from the ground-wave station and CS station, and displays the main program and the symbolic labels of supplemental programs together on a display unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to control velocity of object movement in a display device. A path is provided that the object will follow in the display. A plurality of handles are provided along the path and a velocity of the object is controlled by using the handles.

Abstract: A system displays a graphical element in a graphical user interface, and receives a command to display the at least one graphical sub-element associated with the graphical element. The system replaces the display of the graphical element with a display of at least one graphical sub-element associated with the graphical element, and implements the graphical sub-element such that execution of the graphical element invokes execution of the graphical sub-element associated with the graphical element.

Abstract: A method for editing a title recorded on a digital storage medium. The method includes the steps of (A) defining a portion of the title to be edited for slow or fast motion playback, (B) modifying at least one address of presentation control information (PCI) for the title based upon a user editing command and (C) controlling playback of the title in accordance with the modified PCI to carry out the user editing command.

Abstract: A method of generating a filter graph of a development project is presented comprising identifying a plurality of source clips comprising the development project, wherein each source clip represents an access to a source, and combining two or more accesses for two or more source clips into a single access if the two or more source clips satisfy one or more criteria.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable customizable desktop environment, enabling a User to replicate and use the User's preferred desktop configuration on any computing device by means of an enabled portable memory device such as USB drive. Further, the portable desktop can be encapsulated, such that little if any trace of the use of the portable desktop are glean-able from the host computer. Also provided is a method of learning to duplicate a program's environment requirements within the portable desktop environment. The invention further provides a means for providing universal synchronization of a portable customized desktop, thereby preserving data and providing alternate access by User.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing media content are described and in at least some embodiments utilize a composite or composition, which can be considered as a representation of an editing project as a single track. Editing projects can have one or more tracks, and each track can be associated with one or more data stream sources that can have effects or transitions applied on them. Compositions can be nested inside one another and provide an economical way for complex editing manipulations to take place.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an enhanced auditory behavior to a graphical user interface are described. Control elements portrayed by the graphical user interface on a display are associated with at least two states. When transitioning between states, a sound effect specified for that transition can be provided to provide further user or designer customization of the interface appearance. Movement of objects can be accompanied by a repeated sound effect. Characteristics of both sound effects can be easily adjusted in volume, pitch and frequency.

Abstract: In the present invention, image data is edited in response to a demand transmitted from a data-processing apparatus through a network. A moving-picture server (3) acquires a scenario consisting of a plurality of scenes, each lasting for a given time, is acquired in response to a demand made by a personal computer (1-1). The server acquires from a temporary edition space (6) a given number of original data items that will be used in the scenario, also in response to a demand made by the data-processing apparatus. The moving-picture server (3) selects prescribed ones of the original data items acquired and allocate them to the scenes of the scenario acquired. The server corrects the original data items selected, in accordance with the prescribed image data items that have been allocated to the scenes of the scenario. The image data is thereby edited.

Abstract: A respective user modifies (e.g., selects, drags, and drops) either one or both of a first visual representation of a first video clip segment and second visual representation of a second video clip segment to overlap with each other in order to create a so-called transition region while in an editing phase. In response to creating the overlap, a respective video editor application herein splices respective ends of the first visual representation and the second visual representation to indicate where respective first and second content overlap with each other. For example, to more clearly depict the spliced ends of content on a respective display screen, the video editor application initiates display of an overlapping content region to include a first region in which the first content appears to be overlaid on the second content and a second region in which the second content appears to be overlaid on the first content.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computerized method for creating and editing a multimedia item. The method provides a menu theme for a multimedia item. The menu theme includes a display section for displaying a multimedia item, an adjustable text section for displaying several selectable text options, and a special effect built into the menu theme for applying to the multimedia item. The method presents the multimedia item on display after applying the special effect to the multimedia item.

Abstract: Effort during screen transition editing is reduced.

Abstract: A computer implemented method converts and displays a video. An input video acquired of a scene is segmented into shots. Similar shots are combined sequentially into corresponding chains. Each frame of the input video is then rendered into a composite image according to the chains and templates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention blend frames over a specified temporal window to produce a smooth appearance at a reduced frame rate. As the window moves further or closer to the viewer, motion blur may be accomplished by temporal averaging. In particular, the temporal average is used to blend image information for a predefined/brief interval before and after the time of the output frame, retaining all of the image information, but in a slightly blurred form. After the relevant image information is retained, frames may be displayed at a reduced output rate while retaining sufficient information to reproduce a smoothly moving animation sequence.

Abstract: Techniques for providing visual feedback to illustrate the effects of editing operations are provided. This visual feedback may be provided in the form of an animated image that visually represents the pre-operation data gradually “morphing” into the data as affected by an operation. The data may be digital signal data that represents a recording of sound, for example. In response to a user's activation of a particular editing operation that affects the data, a resulting visual representation is generated. The resulting visual representation represents the data in the post-operation state, after the effects of the particular editing operation have been applied to the data completely. However, before the resulting visual representation is displayed, intermediate, interpolated visual representations of the data are generated and displayed.

Abstract: An interactive, multi-media presentation viewing system and process for viewing educational or business presentations integrating presentation graphics in the form of presentation slides, video, audio, text, and other streaming media into a powerfully coordinated viewing experience for the end user. The viewing system is an aggregate of synchronized presentation graphics, video, and text displays employing a graphical user interface that allows the user to control all aspects of media playback.

Abstract: A method, application interface, and medium is provided for presenting a variety of data representations in a screen-area inset. The inset(s) can be one or more bounded portions of a graphical user interface. The inset offers a picture-in-picture type of functionality to present videos, data, pictures, audio, and other data representations in a persistently viewable screen area that does not consume the entirety of a display device. The API includes instructions to allow software components to use the inset. The method includes receiving one or more event requests related to the inset, communicating them to a software application or operating system, receiving one or more data sets to satisfy the event requests, and communicating the data sets to the original software application to present a data representation in the inset.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying video on a computing device for navigation and other purposes. A map database developer collects video data. The video data is collected by traveling along roads in a geographic area and storing the video data along with data indicating the positions at which the video data had been captured. This captured video data is then used in navigation systems and other devices that provide navigation, routing, video games, or other features. An application forms a video that shows a turn at an intersection from a first road onto a second road. The application adds video that depicts travel away from the intersection along the second road to video that depicts travel into the intersection along the first road to form a composite video that shows a turn at the intersection from the first road onto the second road. The composite video is then presented to a user on a display.

Abstract: A technique for displaying information from related tables of a database in different display windows on a display screen associated with a computer system is disclosed. The different display windows are interlinked such that a selection of one or more entries in one of the display windows causes the other of the display windows to distinguishably and orderly display those entries that are related to the selection. A graphical user interface (GUI) in which a main screen is produced having the interlinked display windows is also disclosed.