Abstract: A compressed data system, which communicates content of each of successive original frames of a digital motion picture over a limited-bandwidth transmission channel, comprises a digitally-controlled pre-processor and a digitally-controlled post-processor. The digitally-controlled pre-processor is effective in reducing the spatial-frequency bandwidth of the content of an original frame, applied to the input of a compression encoder, in response to the digital control value of a first digital control signal, applied as a control input to the pre-processor, being indicative of the fact that the bandwidth of the compressed data to be communicated over the limited-bandwidth transmission channel would exceed the limited bandwidth of the transmission channel. Further, the pre-processor derives one or more digital control values of a second digital control signal communicated over the limited-bandwidth transmission channel without ever being compressed directly to the digitally-controlled post-processor.

Abstract: A method determines true motion vectors associated with a sequence of images. The images include fields made up of blocks of pixels. The method selects candidate feature blocks from the blocks of pixels. The candidate feature blocks have intensity variances above a threshold indicative of texture features. Candidate feature blocks in similarly numbered adjacent field intervals are compared to determine sets of displaced frame differences parameters for each candidate feature block. The true motion vectors for each candidate feature block are determined from a minimum weighted score derived from the difference parameters.

Abstract: A coding/decoding apparatus performs predictive coding/decoding with motion compensation. A plurality of motion vectors are unified corresponding to motion of portions of a picture to obtain a motion vector group arranged in two-dimensional block. Motion vectors in the group are converted into one-dimension to obtain another motion vector group arranged in one-dimension. A motion vector value in the other group is predicted from another motion vector in the same group to obtain a motion vector predictive residue. The motion vector predictive residue is then coded with variable-length codes including zero run length codes to obtain a bitstream per motion vector group. The bitstream of motion vector groups composed of variable-length codes including zero run length codes are decoded to obtain a fixed-length motion vector predictive residue.

Abstract: Frames images in all frames on developed photographic film are read first, and an index image is made of a plurality of frames to be displayed on a TV monitor. Then, one of a plurality of regeneration modes is designated. When regeneration in the designated regeneration mode is commanded, frame images on the photographic film are read on a frame-by-frame basis. The read frame images are regenerated on the TV monitor on a frame-by-frame basis in the designated regeneration mode. Thereby, a regeneration mode suitable for the film can be selected among a plurality of regeneration modes, while the frame images on a roll of film are confirmed by means of an index image displayed during regeneration mode selection.

Abstract: Integrated circuit provides single-pass, real-time digital image encoding by digital signal processor for variable bit rate (VBR) control to improve decoded output quality. Possible peak bit rate range for multiple groups of pictures (GOP) and averaged bit rate limit encoded signal bit rate. Possible bit rate range constraint sets upper/lower range, which is pre-specified or dynamically adapted for current and future GOPs. Signal processor calculates perceptual weighting variable at macroblock level for multiple GOPs, nominal quantization parameters for multiple GOPs, quantization parameter associated at picture level, effective bit rate for each GOP, bit allocation for each picture, and total bit allocation for multiple GOPs. Variable rate signal is recordable in DVD or camcorder device.

Abstract: An encoding apparatus includes a selector for periodically selecting fields of an interlaced video signal to be converted to respective progressive scanning frames, by a scanning converter which doubles the number of scanning lines per field. The apparatus encodes these frames by intra-frame encoding or unidirectional predictive encoding using preceding ones of the frames, and encodes the remaining fields of the video signal by bidirectional prediction using preceding and succeeding ones of the progressive scanning frames for reference. The resultant code can be decoded by an inverse process to recover the interlaced video signal, or each decoded field can be converted to a progressive scanning frame to thereby enable output of a progressive scanning video signal.

Abstract: The external integrity of cigarettes is verified by a method that involves directing single cigarettes, carried on a conveyor, along a route of which one section affords a monitoring path equipped with a line scan camera; the advancing cigarette can be made selectively to rotate about its longitudinal axis while the camera, a solid state type using CCD arrays, makes a succession of scans on respective closely ordered parallel lines, which are pulsed at a programmed frequency and synchronously with the movement of the cigarette in such a way that each successive scan line will fall on one and the same generator of the cylindrical surface. Repeated scanning of the same limited surface area eliminates quality control errors attributable to the presence of particulates in the space between the cigarettes and the camera.

Abstract: A basic transcoder, that decodes an encoded data stream and re-encodes it, may be used for locally modifying data in said stream. Said modification is carried out by defining a predicted data stream on the basis of a given modifying data stream and adding to the decoded stream—between the decoding and re—encoding parts of the transcoder—the difference between the modifying data stream and the predicted one. In an improved implementation, the modifying data stream is preprocessed so that it may be obtained in the decoded data stream a local substitution of said modifying data to the decoded ones.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a stamp relative to a matrix on sinter-pressing, characterized by the following method steps: the stamp and the matrix are so moved towards one another that the stamp is located in a position shortly before the immersing into the bore of the matrix; the region of the stamp is illuminated; on the side distant to the stamp there is positioned an optical recorder which acquires the matrix bore; the picture recorded by the recorder is imaged on a monitor; in accordance with the imaging on the monitor the stamp relative to the matrix is so adjusted transversely to its axis that a uniform gap between the stamp and the matrix bore over the circumference is obtained; and subsequently the stamp is finally fixed in its receiver.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for allocating bits to pictures in accordance with the bit allocation constraints for operation at both constant and variable bit rates. A statistical complexity measure which is an estimate of the average encoding complexity of the entire data is updated after encoding each picture. This set of parameters, along with an estimate of the encoding complexity of the current picture and the desired average coding rate is used to allocate target bits for encoding the current picture. One method of allocating bits to a picture is to used the statistical complexity measure to vary the instantaneous rate of encoding and allocate bits for this picture so as to generate encoded data at this rate. Another method is to modulate the target generated by a conventional encoder using the current level of the Virtual Buffer Verifier and the deviation of the estimated encoding complexity of the current picture from the statistical complexity measures.

Abstract: An electronic shopping-cart handle with a hand bar and a display unit having an informational display screen for a product directory and periodic display of advertisements, the display unit having operating controls operable by a user's thumbs while maintaining a hand grip on the hand bar for displaying select user information on the display screen.

Abstract: A method for estimating a motion vector in a moving picture is disclosed, that selectively uses a bilinear interpolation to estimate a motion vector, which reduces a computational complexity. The method includes estimating Y component motions of all macroblocks and determining a coding prediction mode when a motion vector is obtained. Then, blocks for which the coding prediction mode is determined to be INTER mode are searched for halfpels. A vector having a smaller SAD to an 8×8 block in question from motion vectors (MVibil) obtained by a bilinear interpolation of a 16×16 block motion vector(MV6) and motion vectors of blocks around the 16×16 block is selected as an initial motion vector. A local search of the initial motion vectors of the 8×8 blocks in a ±2 search region is made when the initial vectors of the 8×8 block are determined. Then, a ±0.5 halfpel search is again made to obtain final motion vectors.

Abstract: An MPEG2 conforming encoding apparatus and method wherein a control unit adjusts a target number of bits depending on the result of dividing by at least 2 the error between a target number of bits corresponding to the target bit rate and the number of generated bits required for encoding an immediately preceding image segment group, and controls a quantizing parameter for encoding the image segment group in accordance with the adjusted target number of bits.

Abstract: A digital film scanner interface obtains digital image data produced by projecting a motion picture film frame onto a sensor. The image data is transferred from the sensor to a Digital Signal Processor (“DSP”) block. The DSP block processes the image data to, for example, minify, magnify, enhance colors, or correct for errors in the image data. The DSP block comprises four DSPs. One of the DSPs receives the image data from the sensor and controls the flow of the image data to the other three DSPs. The processing tasks can then be distributed to the DSPs based on availability. Alternatively, the digital signal processing tasks can be allocated such that each DSP processes one color component of image data. After the image data is processed, it is transferred over a bus to a long term storage device.

Abstract: A picture-in-picture (PIP) control method and apparatus for use in a video television system (TVCR) selectively controls the operation of a video cassette recorder (VCR) according to a PIP control signal. A TV broadcasting signal is displayed as a parent picture and a playback signal output from the VCR is displayed as a child picture. When the PIP control signal indicates that the VCR is to be turned off and a PIP display mode is to be turned off, only a parent picture is displayed and at the same time a playback operation of the VCR is stopped, thereby reducing a cumbersome manipulation of a key to control the VCR.

Abstract: A film scanner is disclosed including a linear image sensor moveable to a scan position for scanning lines of image frames of an elongated film having a series of edge perforations including a reference perforation for each image frame.

Abstract: Image data compression apparatus in which data is encoded using a variable degree of quantization selected for areas of an image so that the quantity of encoded data for each area does not exceed a predetermined maximum quantity of data comprises two or more trial encoders operable in parallel to trial encode image data using respective predetermined trial degrees of quantization; a selector for selecting one of the predetermined trial degrees of quantization in response to the quantities of data produced during the trial quantizations; and one or more further trial encoders operable to trial encode image data using degrees of quantization derived from the degree of quantization selected by the selector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting and enhancing the behavior of an MPEG-like encoder to the presence and/or absence of 3:2 pull-down processed video information within a video information stream to be encoded. Specifically, a rate controller within an MPEG-like encoder, in response to a detection of 3:2 pull-down processing of material to be encoded, such as mixed mode video material, dynamically allocates a group of pictures (GOP) bit budget.

Abstract: Random access to arbitrary fields of a video segment compressed using both interframe and intraframe techniques is enhanced by adding state information to the bitstream prior to each intraframe compressed image to allow each intraframe compressed image to be randomly accessed by generating a field index that maps each temporal field to the offset in the compressed bitstream of the data used to decode the field, and by playing back segments using two or more alternatingly used decoders. The cut density may be improved by eliminating from the bitstream applied to each decoder any data corresponding to bidirectionally compressed images that would otherwise be used by the decoder to generate fields prior to the desired field.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with a focus detecting device for detecting a state of focus from a picked-up image signal outputted from an image sensor, and an electronic zoom device for electrically magnifying the picked-up image signal. The image pickup apparatus is arranged to control an operation characteristic of the focus detecting device on the basis of the operating state of the electronic zoom device.