Abstract: A judicial audio-video system 10 is disclosed for use in a typical courtroom 12. System 10 includes several cameras 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36 and several microphones 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54 which are deployed within the courtroom 12. System 10 further includes a control system 38 having several video cassette recorders 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, adapted to record various events occurring within courtroom 12. System 10 further includes a local controller 60 which is adapted to allow a judge, or other court official, to easily control the manner in which the events are recorded.

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. Image data from corresponding fields of successive frames are subtracted to generate field differences. The field differences are accumulated over respective field intervals, and the sum is compared against a predetermined value. If a sum of differences over a field is less than the predetermined value, the most recent field is considered to be redundant and may be excised. After respective fields are excised, frames of video signal are composed from the remaining fields. The field types (e.g., odd or even) of the fields in the memory are determined, and the data is accessed from the respective fields in memory such that data from odd and even fields occupy odd and even lines in the composed frames respectively.

Abstract: A video coding apparatus comprises 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 vector 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: Video and audio data are recorded onto video and audio signal recording areas of a track of a record medium, these areas being included either in one of several segments in the track or the track being comprised of only a single segment of video and audio signal recording areas. Audio data that is supplied at substantially the same time as the video data is compressed and recorded in a first audio sector of the audio signal recording area. Then, depending upon whether a first or second audio signal recording mode is selected, either compressed audio data which is derived from the audio data supplied at substantially the same time as the video data or independent compressed audio data is provided. The derived or independent compressed audio data is recorded in a second audio sector of the audio signal recording area.

Abstract: A hybrid Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coder processes blocks of (e.g., 8.times.8) pixels from interlaced or progressive scanned image signals. Processing of image lines by the coder is modified in the presence of image motion to avoid switching between 8.times.8 and 2.times.(4.times.8) transformations. For motion, the lines of two vertically superimposed image blocks are rearranged to produce first and second modified blocks. The modified first block contains pixels from lines in a first field, and the modified second block contains pixels from lines in an associated adjacent second field.

Abstract: An encoder for coding a digital signal comprises an encoder input for receiving the digital signal; a first data processor, having an input which is coupled to the encoder input, for generating a first coded digital signal at a first output of the first data processor; a first reduction device coupled to the encoder input, for reducing the received digital signal; a second data processor, having an input which is coupled to the first reduction device, for generating a second coded digital signal at a first output of the second data processor; a first encoder memory having an input which is coupled to a second output of the first data processor, and having an output which is coupled to the input of the first data processor; a second encoder memory having an input which is coupled to a second output of the second data processor, and having an output which is coupled to the input of the second data processor; and a first encoder prediction device having a first side which is coupled to the second output of the s

Abstract: An apparatus for optimization of a simulated three-dimensional effect for film or video when constancy of the effect is desired. The apparatus comprises at least one arcuate support rail. A trolley is affixed movably to the support rail. A remotely controlled variable speed motor is affixed to the trolley for moving the trolley along the support rail. A camera mounting is affixed to the trolley and movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the trolley so that a camera is moved at a constant angular velocity relative to a scene to be filmed or recorded. The angular velocity is defined as linear circumferential speed at a specific and constant radius from the scene, the angular velocity being between 25 degrees per second and 65 degrees per second.

Abstract: The video signal containing portions locally unsuitable for coding is divided into a plurality of components and is coded by a method such as a Wavelet transform and then is transmitted. In this case, a first quantizing means controls a quantization characteristic per block consisting of small area segments of coefficients composed of respective components to make uniform a distortion within the picture and a visual obstacle caused by the distortion. A second quantizing means controls the quantization characteristic to make uniform a deterioration quantity of the entire picture within a range of a predetermined coded data quantity. It is therefore possible to effect the transmission with a stable picture quality against a variety of fluctuations in the video signal inputted.

Abstract: Methods for compressing data in a system employing vector quantization (VQ) and Huffman coding comprise: First, quantizing an input vector by representing the input vector with a VQ codevector selected from a VQ codebook partitioned into subsets, wherein each subset comprises codevectors and each codevector is stored at a corresponding address in the VQ codebook. Next, generating a rate dependent Huffman codeword for the selected codevector, wherein the rate dependent Huffman codeword identifies the subset of the VQ codebook in which the selected codevector is stored. And finally, generating a substantially rate independent Huffman codeword for the selected codevector, wherein the substantially rate independent Huffman codeword identifies a particular VQ codevector within the subset identified by the rate dependent Huffman codeword.

Abstract: A display system is described which includes storage for receiving a compressed pixel image manifesting at least a pair of encoded colors and a bit MASK that defines which pixels of a pixel subset of the pixel image receive one of the colors. The system comprises a plurality of memory modules. The pixels in the subset are interleaved in the memory modules. A generator is provided for applying signals to cause data to be written into each of modules in parallel. Register means are provided for applying data manifesting the encoded colors to the modules. Control apparatus is responsive to the MASK bits for controlling the generator to write the encoded color data, in parallel and in a single memory cycle, into all pixel positions of the subset that are designated for the color(s) by MASK bit position values.

Abstract: A motion picture coding apparatus for performing predictive coding on a high-resolution picture signal and coding a low-resolution picture signal obtained by converting the high-resolution picture signal. One field is thinned out from one frame of a picture by a field skip circuit 102, the other field is down-sampled by a down-sampling circuit 29, thereby forming a low-resolution picture. A low-resolution predictive signal, obtained by up-sampling the low-resolution picture by an up-sampling circuit 35, and a high-resolution predictive signal, which is produced from a high-resolution picture and corresponds to the thinned-out one field, are alternately combined by a predictor 104 to form a predictive signal.

Abstract: Feedback is introduced between a video CODEC and the intended communications channel such that the characteristics of the channel are used to drive multiple video output buffers. These multiple output buffers share an original temporal video reference, but have different subsequent temporal video images. The communications channel interface then picks the subsequent video image buffer that best matches the current conditions experienced by it. By using a predictor of the channel performance, the video algorithm can be tuned to provide video output buffers with the best guess of how the buffers should be configured. A number of subsequent histories of an image are buffered until the receiving channel indicates it is ready to receive the next. Then the appropriate output buffer having the corresponding temporal change in the video is used to supply the next frame change information to the receiving station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generation of stereoscopic presentations allow a viewing of stereoscopic presentations over a large viewing region and without the necessity of auxiliary visual aids such as polarization spectacles or the like. Furthermore, no mechanically moving parts are to be used. The recording of a stereoscopic background coulisse is made possible and a stereoscopic reproduction system can be used without mechanical changes as a two-dimensional reproduction system. Several sufficiently small openings traverse sequentially the complete surface area at a high speed in a special-purpose glass plate disk. Two-dimensional partial images are readied behind the special-purpose glass plate with a special-purpose monitor for each opening position such that the viewer perceives a complete stereoscopic image. Preferably, a charge-coupled device CCD matrix is employed for recording a stereoscopic background coulisse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for time multiplexing and demultiplexing two channels of picture information within a standard video channel. The method is specifically designed for field sequential stereoscopic display applications, but may be used for non-stereoscopic applications where conservation of bandwidth is required. The technique is superior to prior art commercially available stereoplexing approaches, and increases vertical resolution while decreasing stair-stepping of diagonal lines. The demultiplexing display controller of the invention can be manufactured at a low cost because its design takes advantage of commercially available integrated circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a comprehensive land survey map is provided in which an image base map of a geographical survey region and a legal description map for each land parcel or lot within the geographical survey region are stored in a geographic information system (GIS). A remote sensing device is utilized to collect precise position data at survey points located on, near or adjacent the parcel of interest. The precise position data generated by the remote device is supplied to the GIS, which uses the data to correlate and align the legal description map for the parcel of interest with a portion of the image base map to create a comprehensive survey map for the parcel.

Abstract: An inspection system utilizes an image doubler design that includes a plurality of mirrors that effectively folds the object distance by reflecting the image along a folded path. Strobed illumination is used in conjunction with a shutterless camera. Increased image resolution results from an optional anamorphic lens with vertical magnification. The lens assembly includes concentric toroidal lens that are produced from a single piece of machineable optical material.

Abstract: Apparatus which recognizes a shape and movement of a moving body based on position data of feature points in an image of the moving body in an orthogonal projection image of the moving body. The moving body recognition apparatus includes a feature point position normalization unit for providing normalized coordinates of a feature point by determining an image capture plane of the moving body as the XY plane, a direction in which an orthogonal projection image of a rotation axis of the moving body formed on the image capture plane as the Y axis and a direction of an image capture operation as a Z axis perpendicular to the XY plane and a rotation axis calculation unit for calculating the angle between the axis of rotation of the moving body and the Y axis.

Abstract: A high speed imaging apparatus comprises an imaging sensor composed of a multiplicity of photoelectric converting elements which are two-dimensionally arrayed, the imaging sensor being sectioned into a plurality of blocks by effecting predetermined splitting in a vertical row direction and in a horizontal column direction and the blocks including photoelectric converting element groups, vertical and horizontal scanning circuit capable of parallel-reading of the photoelectric converting element groups of the respective blocks in vertical and horizontal direction, and a drive circuit for driving the vertical and horizontal scanning circuit so as to sequentially selecting one or plurality of the blocks within said imaging sensor which are then read and scanned.

Abstract: A sensor produces signals corresponding to positions of objects within a field of view over time. A motion detector is provided for determining movement of the sensor. Signals from the sensor and the detector go to a processing unit which causes an appropriate modification of the signal received from the sensor to compensate for the movement.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional phenotypic characteristics of an animal, such as a dairy cow. The system uses a large number of modulated laser light beams from a lidar camera to measure approximately 100 points per square inch of the animal. Each laser beam measures intensity, horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions, and by combining the measurements, the system composes a very accurate three-dimensional image of the animal. The systems calculates the desired phenotypic measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of selected points on the animal. The system then stores the measurements for each animal in a computer data base for later use. The system also stores a light intensity image of the animal's markings which is compared to other stored images.