Abstract: To reduce the number of calculations and prevent an error from being detected due to a phase deviation when detecting a motion vector corresponding to the block matching method. A representative pixel value x of a base block composed of (3.times.3) pixels is detected by a representative value extracting circuit 37. A maximum value and a minimum value of a verification block that has the same size as the base block are detected by a MAX/MIN detecting circuit 38. A comparing circuit 39 compares and determines whether or not the representative pixel value x is in the range from the MAX to the MIN. An evaluated value calculating circuit 40 calculates an evaluated value .DELTA. corresponding to the compared result. When x is included in the range from the MAX to the MIN, .DELTA. is 0. An evaluated value is calculated in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the representative pixel of the reference frame. Corresponding to the evaluated value, a motion vector is detected.

Abstract: An adaptive system and method for data storage and communication which is primarily used for the storage and transmission of large volumes of data, especially video data, over band-limited communication channels. The video coder of the system uses a prediction video signal which is subtracted from the input image to define a processing region in which image blocks of predetermined dimensions have large prediction error. The prediction image is successively improved by iteratively processing large error image blocks until the error is reduced below a predetermined threshold. At different processing iterations and image blocks, different compression techniques can be used to improve the overall system efficiency.

Abstract: A video method and system for automatically tracking a viewer defined target within a viewer defined window of a video image as the target moves within the video image by selecting a target within a video, producing an identification of the selected target, defining a window within the video, utilizing the identification to automatically maintain the selected target within the window of the video as the selected target shifts within the video, and transmitting the window of the video.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an optical system for forming an image of an object; a solid-state image sensor for receiving the image formed by the optical system; an illuminating device for irradiating the object with illuminating light; a light control device for changing the brightness of the illuminating light; a stop device whose aperture is variable, disposed in the optical system; a detecting device for detecting the brightness of the image of the object; and a control device for controlling the stop device and the light control device so that the intensity of a signal output from the solid-state image sensor is kept nearly constant in accordance with brightness information derived from the detecting device. In this way, the endoscope apparatus always maintains the optimum brightness of the image and ensures a practical pan-focus state in which a user's operation load is reduced.

Abstract: A sync restoring apparatus includes a first-in-first-out (FIFO) memory for storing the variable-length-coded data and sequentially outputting a predetermined number of bits of data according to a read signal, a decoder for variable-length-decoding the applied data, outputting the block end signal obtained by the decoding operation, and generating a data request signal every time the number of bits of data used in the decoding operation becomes a predetermined number of bits, an error detector for generating an error signal when the number of the block end signals which are not decoded at the exact variable-length-decoding time is not less than a predetermined limit value based on the data format, and an interfacer coupled to transmit the data applied from the FIFO memory according to the read signal, and if the error signal is not generated in the error detector, generating a read signal according to the data request signal generated from the variable-length-decoder, while if the error signal is generated in

Abstract: An in vivo video camera system and an autonomous video endoscope are described. Each system includes a swallowable capsule, a transmitter and a reception system. The swallowable capsule includes a camera system and an optical system for imaging an area of interest onto the camera system. The transmitter transmits the video output of the camera system and the reception system receives the transmitted video output.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to efficiently transmit a video signal including a luminance signal and a chrominance signal. The invention includes: a first processor to extract the input luminance signal every first block which is constructed by a plurality of pixels, a second processor to extract the inputted chrominance signal every second block which is constructed by a plurality of pixels, and an encoder for encoding a predetermined macro block including the first and second blocks as a unit. Another object of the invention is to provide a movement compensating method whereby a circuit scale, a calculating time, and costs, in case of executing the movement compensation, can be reduced by using the correlation between the luminance signal and the chrominance signal.

Abstract: A weighted wavelet hierarchical vector quantization (WWHVQ) procedure is initiated by obtaining an N.times.N pixel image where 8 bits per pixel (steps 10 and 12). A look-up operation is performed to obtain data representing a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) followed by a quantization of the data (step 14). Upon completion of the look-up, a data compression will have been performed. Further stages and look-up will result in further compression of the data, i.e., 4:1, 8:1, 16:1, 32:1, 64:1, . . . etc. Accordingly, a determination is made whether the compression is complete (step 16). If the compression is incomplete, further look-up is performed. If the compression is complete, however, the compressed data is transmitted (step 18). It is determined at a gateway whether further compression is required (step 19). If so, transcoding is performed (step 20). The receiver receives the compressed data (step 22).

Abstract: A motion detection camera system which may be used as a security camera includes an active pixel imaging system operable in a video and differential mode connected to a mode activation circuit that controls the imaging system mode. In the video mode, the imaging system generates an output signal containing information of a viewed area on a frame by frame manner. In the differential mode, the imaging system generates a differential output signal containing information consisting of the differences in the viewed area between adjacent detected frames. Normally, the imaging system camera is operated in the differential mode. If no motion occurs in the viewed area, the corresponding differential output signal representing the interframe differences will have a constant signal level. Upon detecting that the differential output signal deviates by greater than a threshold level indicating motion in the viewed area, the mode activation circuit causes the imaging system to operate in its video mode.

Abstract: A picture signal coding method and decoding method and a picture signal recording medium by which a picture is prevented from being interrupted upon high speed reproduction are disclosed. A GOP is constituted from pictures of 15 frames. Of those pictures, an I-picture and P-pictures are collectively treated as pictures for high speed reproduction and are arranged forwardly of the remaining pictures which are B-pictures. Upon high speed reproduction, only the pictures for high speed reproduction are reproduced.

Abstract: On predictively producing a motion compensation prediction picture predictive of a current picture by using a previous picture which precedes the current picture among successive pictures represented by an input picture signal, a window function producing circuit (40) produces a window function in response to the current picture. Each picture comprises a predetermined number of blocks of pixels. The window function producing circuit comprises an interpixel correlation calculating circuit (21) for calculating an interpixel correlation from the pixels of the current picture and a window function determining circuit (23) for determining the window function on the basis of the interpixel correlation. A memorizing circuit (38) memorizes the previous picture as a reference picture.

Abstract: A moving picture compressed signal changeover apparatus changes over from a first moving picture compressed signal containing intra-frame coded frames, forward prediction coded frames and bidirectional prediction coded frames to a second moving picture compressed signal containing intra-frame coded frames, forward prediction coded frames and bidirectional prediction coded frames such that a frame of the first moving picture compressed signal occurring just before an intra-frame coded frame or a forward prediction coded frame of the first moving picture compressed signal is connected to an intra-frame coded frame of the second moving picture compressed signal. A predetermined signal which is different from the first and second moving picture compressed signals may be inserted between the connected frames of the first and second moving picture compressed signals. Alternatively, at least one of the first and second moving picture compressed signals may be delayed so as to adjust a connecting timing.

Abstract: An image encoding/decoding apparatus in which on the transmission side, image information is divided into at least two or more signal groups by a frequency band, the plurality of signal groups are individually high efficiency encoded, an error correction code is added to each of the plurality of encoded signal groups. The resultant signal groups are then multiplexed and transmitted. On the reception side, the transmitted multiplexed signal is divided into the signal groups for every frequency band divided on the transmission side, the error correction and the decoding of the high efficient encoded data are executed for every signal group, and the plurality of signal groups after decoding are frequency band synthesized, thereby reproducing the image information. At least two kinds of error correction codes of different error correcting abilities are used as error correction codes which are added to the plurality of signal groups on the transmission side.

Abstract: Video signal compression apparatus includes a memory for storing two fields of image data and providing fields of image data separated by one frame intervals. Frames of video signal are composed from the respective ones of the fields. The field types (e.g., odd or even) of respective fields are determined. Flags are associated with composed frames to indicate if a field of respective frames may be repeated upon reproduction, and which field of the composed frames should be displayed first.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an objective lens system for forming an image of an object, a solid-state image pickup device, a signal processor and a display device. The objective lens system includes at least one revolutionally asymmetrical refractive surface for deforming the image formed by the objective lens system and is configured so as to deform further the image which is deformed by the signal processor.

Abstract: In a hierarchical encoding apparatus, predictors each including a look-up table are used to form predicted signals for respective hierarchical levels. The difference between the predicted signal and the original signal forms the differential signal for the higher hierarchical levels. The look-up table contains either predictive coefficients which are used as weights for pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level, or representative values which are combined with a dynamic range and redundant component in a set of pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level. The values in the look-up table are obtained from representative images.

Abstract: A system has been invented which produces images comparable to those produced by video cameras. This BEAMFORMED TELEVISION uses a transmitting array, a receiving array, and signal processing equipment to form interactive beams. The transmitting array system provides the capability to resolve the scene in one dimension and the receiving array system provides the capability to resolve the scene in the other dimension. High resolution is achieved with large arrays using unconventional spatial sampling methods with interaction between the two arrays to suppress grating lobe effects. The arrays are long in one dimension and narrow in the other. Grating lobe positions are adjusted by adjusting the transducer spacing such that the combined system response excludes grating lobe effects. Directional transducers are used to provide additional attenuation of grating lobes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video recording system which permits one to participate in a recording of an event utilizing predetermined views in a manner which ensures security of the participant's video recording equipment. The system includes several cameras arranged in a recording area to provide images from several views. The images are provided to the user's own equipment which is secured within locked compartments. According to another aspect, there is disclosed a video recording system which permits "real time" editing of recorded events so as to customize a recording made using the several cameras. According to still another aspect of the invention, the user interfaces with a central viewstation, selecting desired views, either prerecorded or live broadcasts, to be recorded on either the user's own equipment or equipment provided to the user at the event site.

Abstract: An optical disk containing PG-rated and R-rated versions of the same motion picture. To minimize redundant storage of data, three types of video data blocks are provided in the same track, in an interleaved fashion - - - A-type blocks which contain material unique to version A, B-type blocks which contain material unique to version B, and C-type blocks which contain material common to both. A series of codes and pointers included in each block allow play of all common blocks, play of all A or B blocks depending on which version has been selected, and skipping over of the blocks which contain data unique to the unselected version. Play of adult-rated versions are automatically prevented if a parental lock option in the player has been keyed on. The disk may contain special software for identifying multiple versions of the same material where the selection criterion is one other than a rating.

Abstract: A Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video/audio data bitstream includes macroblocks of video data which can each include input Motion Compensation (M) data and input discrete cosine Transform Coded (I) data. A motion pipeline processes the input M data to produce processed M data, and a transform pipeline processes the input I data to produce processed I data. A controller controls the motion pipeline and the transform pipeline to concurrently process the input M data and the input I data respectively such that a length of time required for processing each macroblock is variable and is determined by the largest of a length of time required for the motion pipeline to process the input M data and a length of time required for the transform pipeline to process the input I data of the macroblock.