Abstract: A method for determining optimal video encoding parameters is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) storing a plurality of configurable parameters each comprising a respective trial value, (B) generating a bitstream by encoding a test sequence of pictures using (i) a plurality of non-configurable parameters fixed in a design of the encoder, (ii) the configurable parameters and (iii) a plurality of dynamic parameters adjustable in real time by the encoder, (C) generating a reconstructed sequence of pictures by decoding the bitstream, (D) generating a quality metric based on the reconstructed sequence of pictures compared with the test sequence of pictures and (E) adjusting the respective trial values to optimize the quality metric.

Abstract: In some embodiments, macroblock-level encoding parameters are assigned to weighted linear combinations of corresponding content-category-level encoding parameters. For example, a macroblock quantization parameter (QP) modulation is set to a weighted linear combination of content category QP modulations. Content categories may identify potentially overlapping content types such as sky, water, grass, skin, and red content. The combination weights may be similarity measures describing macroblock similarities to content categories. A macroblock may be associated with multiple content categories, with different similarity levels for different content categories. A similarity measure for a given macroblock with respect to a content category may be defined as a number (between 0 and 8) of neighboring macroblocks that meet a similarity condition, provided the macroblock meets a qualification condition. The similarity condition may be computationally simpler than the qualification condition.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a video decoder is capable of recovering skipped video data (e.g. motion vectors, prediction modes, quantization parameters, selected frequency-domain coefficients such as DC and 5-lowest-frequency AC coefficients, and/or entire video data blocks) using multiple alternative recovery modes such as spatial interpolation, temporal interpolation, and motion search. To decide whether to skip a particular data type for a block, the encoder evaluates the effect of skipping the data on rate and distortion by simulating the decoder data recovery using the multiple recovery modes. The encoder transmits indicators of skipped data types and associated recovery modes, if different from decoder baselines. The skipped data and recovery mode indicators may be included in macroblock and/or slice headers, and/or as part of sequence, group-of-picture (GOP), or picture coding parameter data. Skipped data recovery decoder resources (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to perform image signal processing using encoding related information. The second circuit may be configured to encode image data using image signal processing related information, wherein said first circuit is further configured to pass said image signal processing related information to said second circuit and said second circuit is further configured to pass said encoding related information to said first circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and method of video encoding that select a quantization parameter set based on a global edge strength value and an available bitrate for a corresponding compressed frame. Quantization parameters are selected using a mathematical correlation between the global edge strength value of the I-frame and an available bitrate/maxim target frame size for the corresponding compressed frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a video encoding method includes controlling a set of block encoding modes in a plurality of inter video frames in a group of pictures (GOP) according to a frame position in the group of pictures, to generally decrease a forward inter-encoded frame content with the frame position in the group of pictures. An encoding mode determination is made for inter-frame encoding blocks (e.g. macroblocks) according to the frame position in the group of pictures. The determination may include forcing a block encoding mode to an intra, backward inter-predicted, or backward strong-weighted bi-predicted mode. The determination may be performed according to a frame type (P/B), frame position in GOP, frame content, a selected temporal and spatial pattern, a bit cost of making an encoding mode decision, and an available bit rate. The fraction of mode-forced blocks is generally increased as the GOP frame position advances.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for calibrating a display device to eliminate distortions due to various components such as one or more of lenses, mirrors, projection geometry, lateral chromatic aberration and color misalignment, and color and brightness non-uniformity. Calibration for distortions that vary over time is also addressed. Sensing devices coupled to processors can be used to sense display characteristics, which are then used to compute distortion data, and generate pre-compensating maps to correct for display distortions.

Abstract: Described systems and methods allow a reduction in the memory bandwidth required in video coding (decoding/encoding) applications. According to a first aspect, the data assigned to each memory word is chosen to correspond to a 2D subarray of a larger array such as a macroblock. An array memory word organization allows reducing both the average and worst-case bandwidth required to retrieve predictions from memory in video coding applications, particularly for memory word sizes (memory bus widths) larger than the size of typical predictions. According to a second aspect, two or more 2D subarrays such as video predictions are retrieved from memory simultaneously as part of a larger 2D array, if retrieving the larger array requires fewer clock cycles than retrieving the subarrays individually. Allowing the combination of multiple predictions in one memory access operation can lead to a reduction in the average bandwidth required to retrieve predictions from memory.

Abstract: A method for processing a video signal, comprising the steps of (A) generating a plurality of residual blocks by performing motion compensation on a current block of a video signal comprising a series of frames, where each frame comprises a plurality of blocks, (B) generating a plurality of rate-distortion costs for a plurality of bitstream segments generated for each of the residual blocks using a first transform, (C) determining a residual block having an optimal cost, and (D) transforming the selected block with the optimal cost using a second transform, where the first transform has a lower complexity than the second transform.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a multithreaded microcontroller includes a thread control unit comprising thread control hardware (logic) configured to perform a number of multithreading system calls essentially in real time, e.g. in one or a few clock cycles. System calls can include mutex lock, wait condition, and signal instructions. The thread controller includes a number of thread state, mutex, and condition variable registers used for executing the multithreading system calls. Threads can transition between several states including free, run, ready and wait. The wait state includes interrupt, condition, mutex, I-cache, and memory substrates. A thread state transition controller controls thread states, while a thread instructions execution unit executes multithreading system calls and manages thread priorities to avoid priority inversion. A thread scheduler schedules threads according to their priorities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting current presence and/or determining capabilities of subscribers, and enabling users of communication devices to initiate communication sessions with other communication devices of selected ones of the subscribers, in selected manners, based at least in part on current presence and/or capabilities of the other subscribers, are described herein. In various embodiments, the initiating is performed without or substantially without further input from an initiating user on the other communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining mapping of Ultra Wide-Angle (UWA) lenses are disclosed. Captured image of a set of grid points on the inner surface of a precision made calibration dome is used as an input image. Image processing techniques are used to identify components of the image and compute the lens mapping. The lens mapping can be used to calibrate the lens against a standard or against other lenses. The mapping can further be used for perspective correction applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining mapping of Ultra Wide-Angle (UWA) lenses are disclosed. Captured image of a set of grid points on the inner surface of a precision made calibration dome is used as an input image. Image processing techniques are used to identify components of the image and compute the lens mapping. The lens mapping can be used to calibrate the lens against a standard or against other lenses. The mapping can further be used for perspective correction applications.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first preprocessor circuit and a second preprocessor circuit. The first preprocessor circuit may be configured to generate a first control signal for each of a plurality of macroblocks of an input image based upon a plurality of statistics for each of the plurality of macroblocks. The second preprocessor circuit may be configured to generate a second control signal based upon a combination of the first control signals of a number of macroblocks of the plurality of macroblocks.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for calibrating a display device to eliminate distortions due to various components such as one or more of lenses, mirrors, projection geometry, lateral chromatic aberration and color misalignment, and color and brightness non-uniformity. Calibration for distortions that vary over time is also addressed. Sensing devices coupled to processors can be used to sense display characteristics, which are then used to compute distortion data, and generate pre-compensating maps to correct for display distortions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving color and brightness uniformity of an image displayed on a backlit LCD are disclosed. In one example, a correction map is computed and applied to the LCD pixel values. In another example, the voltage settings of the backlight source components are also corrected in addition to the LCD pixel values. For efficient hardware implementation, corrections are applied using function representation of a grid data transformation relating measured values to corrected values. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the backlight source is provided by a plurality of LEDs. In another exemplary embodiment, the display consists of a plurality of OLEDs wherein the light source and the display panels coincide.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for calibrating a display device to eliminate distortions due to various components such as one or more of lenses, mirrors, projection geometry, lateral chromatic aberration and color misalignment, and color and brightness non-uniformity. Calibration for distortions that vary over time is also addressed. Sensing devices coupled to processors can be used to sense display characteristics, which are then used to compute distortion data, and generate pre-compensating maps to correct for display distortions.

Abstract: A method for optimizing cost and performance in a lens assembly is disclosed. The method relaxes the constraints of optically correcting lateral chromatic aberration and distortion on the lens assembly and instead electronically corrects for lateral chromatic aberration and distortion. As a result the lens assembly transmissivity and MTF improve dramatically and other aberrations are reduced as a result of re-optimizing the lens assembly merit function. The cost and volume of the lens assembly are reduced as well. The optimized lens assembly could be used in rear or front projection display devices as a well as image acquisition devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting color and geometry in an image are disclosed. In one example, image data are received in one format and are then converted to another format to perform color correction. In another example, geometric corrections are first applied to each color component of an image data to correct for different distortions including lateral chromatic aberrations. Next, color distortion corrections are performed to correct for each color component of the image data independently. In one particular exemplary embodiment, color distortion corrections are applied using surface function representation of a grid data transformation relating uncorrected values to corrected values.

Abstract: An ultra-thin rear projection display system (RPDS) is disclosed. The system uses a small flat mirror, a small non-rotationally symmetric mirror and a larger non-rotationally symmetric mirror to achieve a D-to-d ratio of around 11:1 while rendering a significantly distortion free image on the screen. The first two mirrors are significantly smaller than the size of the screen, while the third mirror is significantly larger than the first two mirrors but smaller than the screen. In one embodiment, the lens and light engine are positioned horizontally to one side and, in another example, the lens and light engine are positioned vertically, projecting downwards. In one example, an image processor is used to correct for the remaining distortions. In another example, the system is adapted such that the light rays forming the projected image are within a certain range of angles such that a TIR Fresnel lens could be used to collimate the image.