Abstract: A variable bit rate video (VBR) coding method includes the steps of (a) dividing an entire sequence of moving pictures into N blocks, (b) determining a quantizer scale group having M elements, each element being applied to MPEG I, P, and B pictures, (c) quantizing the N blocks divided in step (a) by the M quantizer scales determined in step (b), (d) producing M.times.N bit rate-distortion pairs as a result of step (c), (e) assigning optimal bits to the N blocks divided in step (a) by applying the BFOS algorithm to the M.times.N bit rate-distortion pairs produced in step (d), and (f) variable bit rate-coding the entire sequence of moving pictures by using the optimal number of bits assigned to each block in step (e).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding a picture with improved prediction accuracy in predicting the basic quantization step. The apparatus for encoding a picture includes a picture data storage unit, a picture information evaluating unit, an inter-picture correlation detection unit, an orthogonal transform unit for orthogonally transforming the picture data for generating orthogonal transform coefficients, a quantization unit for quantizing the orthogonal transform coefficients produced by the orthogonal transform unit at a pre-set quantization step, an adaptive compression method selection unit and a quantization step control unit. The information quantity is evaluated from stored picture data of plural pictures, and the inter-picture correlation is detected. A picture data compression method is adaptively selected based upon the evaluated value of the information quantity and the inter-picture correlation information.

Abstract: A method of detecting a motion in image information includes a step of determining differential processing data by way of full search block matching, a step of processing a differential, and a step of generating differential processing data. The step of processing a differential includes a step STg1 for electing a motion vector, a step STg2 for establishing an area according to the selected motion vector, and a step STg3 for effecting full search block matching using the established area. The step of generating differential processing data includes a step STh1 for searching for a reverse region with an obtained motion vector, a step STh2 for calculating addresses of all macroblocks in the reverse region, a step STh3 for registering the differential processing data, a step STh4 for deciding whether one image frame is finished or not, a step STh5 for deciding whether there is a scene change or not, and a step STh6 for deciding whether a processing sequence is finished or not.

Abstract: An aid for marine navigation includes a low-light video camera mounted within a weather-proof enclosure on a vantage point of a marine vessel for improved night vision. A conventional video camera is also mounted with the low-light video camera for daytime viewing. Video signals from the cameras are automatically selected depending on light conditions for transmission to a cabin of the vessel. Motors rotate the housing in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane for enabling remote-controlled aiming of the cameras from the helm of the marine vessel. Sensors provide information on azimuth and elevation of the cameras for overlaying the video signal transmitted from the camera housing with this information for display with the video image on a monitor near the helm. Information on longitude and latitude, as well as vessel velocity and direction, from a global satellite positioning system receiver is also displayed.

Abstract: A method for residual coding of model failure regions in compressed video sequences in which a database of residuals for previous model failures is maintained at both the encoder and the decoder. The residuals for each determined model failure regions are compared with the residuals for previous model failures for the same region. In the event a current residual is identified in the database, only the index to the residual in the database needs to be sent. An additional residual taken after the model failure region has been partially corrected with a current residual identified in the database may also be transmitted. This mode provides increased quality at reduced bit rates by maximizing the utilization of previously transmitted or stored data. The process continuously updates the database at both the encoder and decoder when the current residual is not found. The process uses residuals of residuals to provide increased quality of reduced bit rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low bit rate coding of color video signals in which the use of the codebook entry identified by the codebook index may be bypassed in the coding of chrominance information when it is determined that it is advantageous to do so. In particular and in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a codebook index signal based on the luminance information of the block being coded; determining a coding error based on a comparison of the chrominance information contained in the given block and the chrominance vector represented by the generated codebook index signal; and generating a chrominance vector bypass signal based on whether the coding error exceeds a threshold. Specifically, the chrominance vector bypass signal is used to indicate whether the chrominance information of the given block has or has not been coded with use of the codebook.

Abstract: A method, for use in a video signal encoding system, for processing a block of quantized transform coefficients first divides the block of quantized transform coefficients into a predetermined number of subblocks and detects one or more non-zero subblocks, each of the non-zero subblocks having at least one non-zero valued quantized transform coefficients therein. Thereafter, a predetermined sequence of the quantized coefficients is provided based on the detected non-zero valued subblocks, the provided sequence of the quantized transform coefficients consisting of all the coefficients within the non-zero subblocks. The predetermined sequence of the coefficients is then runlength and variable length coded for the transmission thereof.

Abstract: A disclosed method and apparatus reduces the number of computations and simplifies the hardware required to provide compressed video output data. Video input data is converted into input pixel blocks. Best predicted blocks and associated motion vectors are determined for input pixel blocks located in a predetermined area of the image. In addition, candidate predicted blocks are determined for other input pixel blocks. This is done by .extrapolating motion vectors from the previously determined associated motion vectors and identifying candidate predicted blocks using the extrapolated motion vectors. The candidate predicted blocks are mutually compared, and one of the blocks is selected consistent with compression data rate requirements. The selected block is compressed to provide an output block which is formatted into an output data packet.

Abstract: A 4:4:4 component video signal comprising a luminance signal Y and color-difference signals Cb and Cr is transformed to a 4:1:1 component coded video signal coded by a coding device, reducing processing is carried out after transformation and the result is written into the frame memory based on an enable signal. At this point, the pulse number of the enable signal ENy of the reduced luminance signal is counted, the differential between the horizontal pixel number when the reduced color-difference signals are decoded to the original 4:4:4 component video signal and the horizontal pixel number of the reduced luminance signal is determined, a dummy pulse of this differential is generated and the dummy pulse portion only of the writing address of the frame memory for the reduced luminance signal is shifted backwards. Reduced signals read out from the frame memory are outputted after being decoded to the original 4:4:4 component video signal by the decoding device.

Abstract: Blocks of each of successive frames of a motion picture signal are classified into classified blocks in accordance either with selected schemes for use in adaptive prediction encoding the signal or with whether the selected schemes are restricted or not. On encoding each classified block, a quantization parameter is decided based on an amount of codes produced per classified block. The codes are stored in a buffer, and delivered outwardly of the buffer at a predetermined code rate while the remaining codes are reserved in the buffer. The quantization parameter is also based on an initial amount of the reserved codes kept in the buffer at a beginning of each frame, a code amount characteristic value, and an amount of codes assigned to each classified block. The code amount characteristic value is calculated by a product of the quantization parameter and the amount of codes produced.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving video signals compressed into low and high frequency band blocks includes an adaptive modulation circuit and an adaptive demodulation circuit. The adaptive modulation circuit receives the video signal blocks to obtain a block adaptive factor and an index signal ID1, transmits the index signal ID1 to a channel, interpolates the block adaptive factor so as to obtain a picture element adaptive factor, and selects a final adaptive factor f1 from either one of the block adaptive factor or the picture element adaptive factor according to the video signals of the peripheral signal blocks. The adaptive demodulation circuit converts the index signal ID1 into the corresponding block adaptive factor f1, and interpolates the block adaptive factor to produce the picture element adaptive factor, so as to selectively provide the block or picture element factor according to the video signals of the peripheral blocks.

Abstract: A video coding apparatus comprising a memory for storing a coded picture signal used as a reference picture signal, a vector detecting circuit for detecting, from plural field picture signals or plural frame picture signals which are read out from the memory and the reference picture signals, an optimum motion regarding a picture to be coded, a prediction signal producing circuit for subjecting a spatial-temporal filtering to a reference picture designated by the optimum motion vector to produce a prediction signal, and a coding circuit for coding the to-be coded picture signal on the basis of the prediction signal.

Abstract: A motion picture image transmission apparatus constructing a motion picture image transmission system for coding and decoding a motion picture signal in the block unit includes an output section for detecting an error of received coded data and outputting a detection signal, an identifying section for identifying a non-decodable block based on the detection signal, a prediction section for subjecting values of pixels near the non-decodable block to motion compensation prediction according to the respective motion vectors and motion compensation methods of a plurality of decodable blocks near the block, a calculating section for calculating motion compensation prediction error values of the results of prediction, a selecting section for selecting a motion vector applied to the non-decodable block from the plurality of motion vectors or the like based on the error value, and a correcting section for correcting a decodable block by motion compensation by use of the selected motion vector or the like.

Abstract: A film mode video sequence detector for detecting video sequences converted from movie films in 30 Hz frame rate video resources comprises a video signal detecting means provided a mean of absolute difference (MAD) value of input video signal and a film mode condition generation signal considering a user threshold and still picture, making a decision whether the input signal is film mode, and transmitting the film mode condition generation signal, film mode departure signal, the threshold pass signal, and a clock which is generated on film mode condition; a condition generating means provided the MAD value and the condition generating signal from the video mode detecting means, making a decision whether the MAD value shows a pattern off film mode considering still picture, transmitting the film mode condition generating signal to the video signal detecting means; a mode converting means provided an input field decision signal, a screen transition generating signal, departure signal from video mode decision me

Abstract: In a TV signal encoder device comprising, for encoding a digital TV signal into an encoder device output signal, both having a predetermined dynamic range, an amplitude limiter, a predictive encoder unit for predictive encoding with quantization an amplitude limited signal of a limited dynamic range into a quantized signal having together with quantization noise the predetermined dynamic range, and a code converter for code converting the quantized signal into the device output signal, a forward offset circuit adaptively gives a forward shift to the TV signal so as to avoid undesirable clipping of tip ends of synchronizing signals in the amplitude limited signal. The forward shift and a lower and a higher range reduction of the predetermined dynamic range into the limited dynamic range are preferably equal to a maximum quantization noise level. Instead of the offset circuit, use of an encoder dynamic range defining circuit is more preferred.

Abstract: An elongate tubular fixture mounts a plurality of rotatable assemblies above a plurality of respective apertures in the tubular fixture. The rotatable assemblies position a number of lamps and one or more concealed miniature surveillance cameras to observe a gaming table or other surface of interest.

Abstract: A video signal is divided into blocks, and an orthogonal transform is performed on each block to obtain transformed coefficients. Of the transformed coefficients thus obtained, dominant transformed coefficients are selected from a low-frequency area and a high-frequency area, and based on the dominant transformed coefficients, an evaluation value is calculated, using which value a specific pattern in the video signal is detected. Based on the specific pattern thus detected, an optimum quantization step size is decided, and the transformed coefficients are adaptively quantized, thus preventing image quality degradation.

Abstract: In a method of inspecting a product processed by a turret punch press machine, an image sensing apparatus (video camera) (11) is removably fitted in a punch mount hole (5) of an upper turret disk (1) of the turret punch press machine; a product (W) processed on trial by the turret punch press machine and clamped by a work clamping device (23) is fed to an image sensing position of the image sensing apparatus by use of a work locating and feeding mechanism (31, 35, 29, 33) of the turret punch press machine; an image of the processed product is sensed at the image sensing position by the image sensing apparatus; drawing data corresponding to the processed product are inputted; and the image data of the processed product obtained by the image sensing apparatus are compared with the inputted drawing data to discriminate the quality of the processed product quality.

Abstract: A difference vector determination element used in an apparatus for coding motion vector includes register memories (PMV) of which number is equal to sum of maximum transmission numbers N and M of forward predictive and backward predictive motion vectors. Motion vector counter counts the number of transmission of motion vectors to output a motion vector count signal. Register index designation signal generator designates indices of (1.about.N (N+1).about.(N+M)) in order of transmission of forward predictive or backward predictive motion vectors on the basis of attached information such as motion compensation mode, prediction type, and picture structure, etc. of motion vector, and the motion vector count signal from the motion vector counter to allow switch to perform switching operation, thus allowing register memories (PMV) and motion vectors to have one-to-one correspondence relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and analyzing the parameters of the dispersion pattern of the spray plume from the orifice of a spray device or nozzle utilizing an electro-optical device having at least one television camera positioned to detect the image of a gas plume from the spray device or nozzle, such image created by the gas plume's different index of refraction from the index of refraction of the air surrounding it with such image formed by having collimated light passed through the spray plume onto a screen which is positioned before the television camera.