Patents Assigned to Snell & Wilcox Ltd.
  • Patent number: 5805207
    Abstract: A cinematographic camera is operated at three times normal frame rates and converted to digital video in a telecine operation. Motion estimation provides from the digital video motion vectors which are substantially free of temporal aliasing. These motion vectors are employed in film weave measurement and correction and in motion compensated noise reduction and scratch concealment to provide a high quality signal which can be displayed at the elevated frame rate or standards converted, using the high quality motion vectors, to any desired standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Snell & Wilcox, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Watkinson, Roderick Snell
  • Patent number: 5734435
    Abstract: A method for converting between relatively dose field rates of perhaps 60 Hz and 59.94 Hz, monitors the phase difference between input and output field rates. Initially, output fields are created by synchronising input fields. As the measured phase passes a threshold, the method switches to interpolation mode for a short, fixed interval and then returns to synchronization. The method offers much of the sharpness associated with simple synchronization but avoids the visible discontinuities of field drops or repeats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Snell & Wilcox Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Wilson, Martin Weston, Steve Dabner