Abstract: When images from multiple viewpoints are required, respective imaging locations of the multiple viewpoints are specified and imaging operations themselves may be executed simply. When image data is to be imaged from plural viewpoints that are elements for generating a three-dimensional form of a specific subject, a user is appropriately guided. Messages prompting ranging directly in front of the specific subject, movement from the ranging position to an imaging start point, and movement from the imaging start point to an imaging end point are displayed in a message display region of an LCD monitor or the like. In addition, from analysis of a through-image, positions of a digital camera are automatically identified and automatic imaging is carried out on the basis of movements of feature points.

Abstract: A method (50) and apparatus (40) for reducing noise in a video signal calculates (53) a discrimination value of a filter based on a magnitude difference between a current frame and a prior frame of a sequence of frames and modifies (54) the current frame using the modified discrimination value. The output of the filter is calculated as follows: g(i,j,k)=f(i,j,k)±? wherein: f(i, j, k) is the current frame input to the filter; g(i, j, k) is the current frame output from the filter; and ? is the discrimination value of the filter, which is calculated as follows: ? = { ?? ? + ? , ? ? = max ? { ? , ? 0 } , ? < ? 1 0 , ? ? ? 1 in which: ? and ? are constants less than one; ? is a magnitude difference between the current frame and the prior frame; and ?0 and ?1 are constants that satisfy ?0??1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporally filtering a video sequence using motion compensation in which motion information captures the motion of objects is disclosed. Pixels from a current frame are aligned with matching pixels from previous and/or future frames according to the motion of the surrounding object of arbitrary shape. A weighted average of the corresponding pixels is taken for each pixel in the current frame to produce a filtered version of the current frame. The weights may be adjusted to compensate for similarities between the frames and for blur transitions near object boundaries. A lighting offset may also be used to prevent erroneous lighting shifts during filtering.

Abstract: A video decoder receives an entry point key frame comprising first and second interlaced video fields and decodes a first syntax element comprising information (e.g., frame coding mode) for the entry point key frame at a first syntax level (e.g., frame level) in a bitstream. The first interlaced video field is a predicted field, and the second interlaced video field is an intra-coded field. The information for the entry point key frame can be a frame coding mode (e.g., field interlace) for the entry point key frame. The decoder can decode a second syntax element at the first syntax level comprising second information (e.g., field type for each of the first and second interlaced video fields) for the entry point key frame.

Abstract: An encoder sends binary information indicating whether a prediction mode is forward or not-forward for one or more macroblocks in an interlaced B-field. For example, the encoder sends forward/not-forward decision information at B-field level in a compressed bitplane. Sending forward/not-forward prediction mode decision information in a compressed bitplane at B-field level can reduce coding overhead for prediction mode coding. A decoder performs corresponding decoding.

Abstract: For interlaced B-fields or interlaced B-frames, an encoder/decoder uses 4MV coding. For example, 4MV is used in one-direction prediction modes (forward or backward modes), but not in other available prediction modes (e.g., direct, interpolated). Using 4MV allows more accurate motion compensation for interlaced B-fields and interlaced B-frames; limiting 4MV to forward and backward modes reduces coding overhead and avoids decoding complexity associated with combining 4MV with modes such as direct and interpolated.

Abstract: A method for controlling analog TV signal output in a computer system. First, the analog TV signal output port is disabled when the computer system boots. A signal output control interface is provided to the DVD play device to control the analog TV signal output port. When the DVD play application is turned on, the analog TV signal output port is opened by the DVD play device through the signal output control interface. A signal protection procedure is driven simultaneously when the DVD play device starts. Before the DVD play device finishes, the analog TV signal output port is disabled by the signal output control interface and the DVD session is concluded.

Abstract: A method for selecting a chapter boundary for a digital video recording is provided that includes examining cut-rates for the recording. A determination is made regarding whether a default chapter length has passed. A determination is made regarding whether the cut-rate for the recording at the default chapter length is low. The chapter boundary is selected at the default chapter length when the cut-rate for the recording at the default chapter length is low.

Abstract: A playback apparatus for precisely reflecting attribute information such as copyright information even in a special playback mode, such as reverse slow playback, fast playback and reverse playback. Encoded presentation data such as a video and audio is separated by a stream analysis section, is decoded by a decoder and is outputted by an output control section. Attribute information such as copyright information and a presentation time which corresponds to this attribute information are extracted by a copyright-information acquisition section, and a table in which these are recorded is created by a copyright-information management section. Then, at a specific time which is indicated by the presentation time that is recorded in the table, the attribute information which corresponds to the presentation time is reflected in an output of the presentation data by a playback-mode control section and the output control section.