Abstract: An image data encoding apparatus performs a two-step process to expand and compress digital image data. The apparatus includes a transform unit for performing orthogonal transform of the image data in a block-by-block manner and generating transform coefficient data. In the first step of the encoding step, a quantizer quantizes the transform coefficient data using a first quantization coefficient to generate first code data. A coefficient operation unit receives the first code data and computes a second quantization coefficient for determining an optimal compression rate of the image data. In the second step of the encoding process, the quantizer receives the second quantization coefficient and quantizes the transform coefficient data to generate second code data. The transform coefficient data is stored in a memory. By optimally compressing the image data, a high image data compression rate is achieved, which allows a greater number of compressed images to be stored.

Abstract: A multi-viewpoint image transmission and display method is characterized by that in transmitting images with two or more viewpoints, distance or parallax limits in the images are appended for transmission so that the images can be brought within a fusing range, and the images are displayed by considering the transmitted distance or parallax limits and the fusing range.

Abstract: Conditional replenishment device in a video encoder having a motion estimator (22) providing a predicted block for each predefined block based upon estimating the motion between the predefined block of the current image and the corresponding block in the previous image, transformer (16) for transforming a prediction error resulting from the difference between the predicted block and the predefined block into the frequency domain, and quantizer (20) for quantizing the coefficients of the prediction error and providing the quantized coefficients to a video multiplex coding unit (30). Such a conditional replenishment device includes a change detector for producing a segmentation map in which each pixel of the predefined block is marked as moving or stationary, a motion determinator for determining whether there is a group of moving pixels the number of which exceeds a predetermined threshold defining a moving object in the image, and a coder for encoding only blocks containing the group of moving pixels.

Abstract: The transform arithmetic operations by spatial image transform matrixes and perspective transform matrixes to a screen surface thereon are executed on source video signal representing two-dimensional image so as to generate left-eye and right-eye video signals. It is possible to realize the stereoscopic image generation apparatus capable of setting the visual difference between a left eye and a right eye easily.

Abstract: An image transmission device for transmitting the encoded data obtained by encoding the data of an image through a transmission line of a predetermined transmission rate comprises a transmission unit for transmitting the encoded data and a controller for controlling the transmission unit to transmit the data which instructs to generate a copy picture copying a picture corresponding to the encoded data transmitted previously based on the difference between the bit rate of the encoded data and the predetermined transmission rate, in place of the encoded data to be transmitted originally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling and balancing a quality ratio between left and right channels of a stereoscopic video sequence. A complexity measure for each of the channels is first determined. Thereafter, a number of bits representing the video sequence is allocated between the channels according to each channel's complexity. The resultant joint rate control allows the bit rates for the two channels to vary according to the complexity measures of their pictures, while the aggregate bit rate is maintained at the channel capacity, which is a constant value.

Abstract: A monitor filter includes a rectangular frame including a first cover and a second cover engaged with the first cover, the first and second covers being of identical structure, each of the first and second covers having two upper corners formed with a semi-cylindrical recess having screw threads such that the rectangular frame will have two threaded holes at two upper corners thereof when the first and second covers are joined together, and a pair of arms each having a bottom provided with a slip-proof material and a downwardly extending screw threadedly engageable with each of the threaded holes, whereby the monitor filter can be adjusted to position right in front of a monitor.

Abstract: A system and method reduces multipass signal degradation attributable to non-linear processing, namely quantization and dequantization. In one embodiment, a decoder decodes a predetermined unit of data utilizing a first quantization value. A quantization restrictor receives the first quantization value and generates a second quantization value having a restricted value wherein the second quantization value is equal to the first quantization value divided by a given integer. An encoder encodes the predetermined unit of data utilizing the second quantization value. A function unit can be provided for performing a predetermined pixel domain function on the predetermined unit of data between the decoding operation of the decoder and the encoding operation of the encoder. In this system, the decoder performs an inverse discrete cosine transform on the predetermined unit of data, and dequantizes the predetermined unit of data.

Abstract: The invention is based upon the use of the characteristic of LCD screen which offer the possibility of directing the visibility angle of said screens as a function of the voltage applied. By directing said angle towards one eye or the other of the viewer alternatingly, as a function of previously recorded stereoscopic images and at a sufficiently high rate so that the viewer cannot perceive discontinuities, a tri-dimensional effect in the image received by said viewer is obtained. The block diagram of one of the invention includes an image generating system 2 connected to an LCD screen 1 and to an image synchronization block 3 which is connected to an angle generator system 4, the latter providing the necessary voltages to the screen 1 in order to direct the image from the screen to one or the other eye of the viewer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing blocking effect in a motion picture decoder are provided. Boundary pixel values of a current block and corresponding adjacent blocks are extracted boundary. A mean value for the resulting difference values between the extracted pixel values of the current and adjacent blocks is calculated. The calculated mean value is limited within a range of -(1/2) quantization step size to (1/2) quantization step size. The limited mean value is added to the each of the pixel values of the current block to generate. In another aspect, absolute values for the difference values between boundary pixel values of the current and adjacent blocks are calculated. The calculated absolute values are compared with a threshold level to determine whether the current block contains an edge. Therefore, only the current block not having an edge is selected and filtered, thereby removing the blocking effect due to a quantization error without having distortion to the original data.

Abstract: An apparatus of shielding a very low frequency (VLF) electric field on the front face of a cathode ray tube (CRT) in a video appliance. The apparatus includes a signal detection section, connected to the flyback transformer, for detecting an anode voltage applied to the anode of the CRT; an inversion-amplifying section for inversion-amplifying the anode voltage detected by the signal detection section; a waveform-shaping section for waveform-shaping the negative polarity pulse signal induced from the induction coil; a signal synthesizing section for synthesizing the negative polarity pulse signal inputted from the waveform-shaping section with an output signal of the inversion amplifying section; an output amplifying section for amplifying the synthesized negative polarity pulse signal inputted from the signal synthesizing section; and an open-loop antenna, mounted on a predetermined portion of the CRT, for radiating the synthesized negative polarity pulse signal inputted from the output amplifying section.

Abstract: A television receiver includes telephone network interface circuitry which allows the receiver to receive and process Caller-ID signals for display during the ringing period of the telephone set. The television receiver also includes circuitry which allows a list of priority callers to be entered. In this way, the incoming Caller-ID codes are compared to the telephone numbers of the priority callers. Upon detection, the Caller-ID information of a priority caller is displayed on screen during television viewing. The telephone numbers of those callers not listed as priority callers are not displayed during the ringing period of the telephone. Both displayed and non-displayed telephone numbers which correspond to unanswered telephone calls are stored in a Caller-ID list for display at the user's convenience. In this way, the user is able to enter data to select beforehand which calling telephone numbers are permitted to interrupt his or her television show by displaying Caller-ID information on the screen.

Abstract: A scanner for line-sequentially scanning a film frame by means of linear image sensors in which the charges of the light-sensitive pixels (1) are transferred to two shift registers (4, 5). To enhance the horizontal resolution in the picture display, the outputs of the two shift registers are line-sequentially and alternately connected (10) to the common input of the subsequent signal--processing channel for generating a progressive quincunx structure of the line-sequential pixel charges.

Abstract: A video camera system is provided in which the camera head is powered at least in part by electrical energy converted from optical energy provided by a light source. In one implementation, communication between the camera head and control circuitry thereof occurs by means of a wireless communications interface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the bandwidth of a multichannel image. In one aspect, the methods and apparatus call for acquiring a multichannel training image representing a training scene. Weighting factors for the respective channels are determined based on the contrast at corresponding locations in that multichannel training image. A reduced bandwidth runtime image is generated from the multichannel runtime images as a function of (i) the weighting factors determined from the training image and (ii) a multichannel image representing the runtime scene.

Abstract: When the corresponding position of each pixel in stereo video pair is searched, a fixed pixel is set in one side video and the corresponding pixel is set in the other side video. Then, a window is set around the fixed pixel in one side video and a same size window is set around the corresponding pixel in the other side video. Selectable and plural kinds of window size are prepared at that moment.Pixel values are compared with each other respectively. The MDL standard value is adopted as for an evaluation standard. In the comparison, the smaller the MDL standard value of the window size, the more suitable the window size. All pixel values in the window are used for parameters to calculate the MDL standard value. The MDL standard value contains the value which is equivalent to error quantity in case of comparing each pixel in the window, it also indicates resemblance of the video picture in the windows.

Abstract: A detecting device for road monitoring which detects traveling states of vehicles on a road (traffic stagnation, stopping of vehicles, etc.) or fallen objects on a road is provided. Luminance change detecting unit prepares background image data by taking a time average of luminance for each picture element, and detects image portions where inputted image data is different in luminance from the prepared background image data. Hue change detecting unit prepares background image data by taking a time average of hue for each picture element, and detects image portions where inputted image data is different in hue from the prepared background image data.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a display device which includes a frame on which a screen is held includes a protecting panel disposed at the front side of the screen, a substantially Z-form holding member having a holding portion for holding the peripheral edge of the protecting panel, and a pressing portion pressed in the gap formed between the frame and the screen. The screen is placed at the back side of the frame, the protecting panel is placed at the inner side of the opening of the frame, a part of the holding portion of the holding member is positioned between the opening of the frame and the peripheral part of the protecting panel. By the pressing portion of the holding member, the screen and the holding member are held on the frame, and by the holding portion of the holding member, the protecting panel is held on the frame.

Abstract: A combination film gate for a continuous motion or real-time motion picture telecine that is also operative to pin register a frame of film for stationary scanning. A housing supports and transports a film in continuous motion past a frame aperture. A precision milled entry guide roller receives the film from a feed spool, edge-stabilizes the film, and directs the film to a precision milled entry sprocket. The entry sprocket is positioned prior to the frame aperture, pin registers the film, and directs the film across the frame aperture. A precision milled exit sprocket positioned subsequent to the frame aperture receives the film after it passes across the frame aperture and pin registers the film. The precision sprockets and rollers serve as film stabilizing means. Film jitter and weave are mechanically removed to less than about 20 nanoseconds without the use of complex expensive electronics.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for displaying, on a monitor (11), stereoscopic video images of observed scenes. The method avoids unphysiological apparitions on the monitor (11) in image areas which are remote from the convergence plane (19) by creating a blanked-out area in which the relevant image areas are displayed differently. The invention makes it easier for users to work for lengthy periods on such monitors (11) and in particular on video stereomicroscopes.