Abstract: A modular video server includes a Video Blade module and a separate physical layer module. The Video Blade performs video processing functions, such as video encoding and decoding, resizing, slow motion, and color space conversion, and the physical layer module implements the physical layer for input and output of video from devices external to the video server. The modular design permits the type of Video Blade and the type of physical layer module to be specified independently of each other, with each type of Video Blade being compatible with each type of physical layer module. This reduces the effort and cost of providing new video servers that support evolving video processing requirements and new video transmission standards.

Abstract: Methods of converting an open group of pictures (GOP) to a Closed GOP are described that remove backward references to the GOP prior to the GOP undergoing conversion in an Open GOP interframe-encoded video stream. Within the GOP undergoing conversion, bipredictive frames with backward references to the prior GOP are replaced with frames referring only to the I frame of the GOP undergoing conversion, which is flagged as an IDR frame. Consolidation and assembly of video clips that are encoded using Open GOP compression schemes generally result in broken interframe references between GOPs. To address this, existing methods involve significant decoding and re-encoding of edited video sequences. The described methods serve to break the backward chain of references in the encoded stream, resulting in reduced re-encoding requirements, with attendant reduced quality degradation of the edited sequence.

Abstract: A modular video server includes a Video Blade module and a separate physical layer module. The Video Blade performs video processing functions, such as video encoding and decoding, resizing, slow motion, and color space conversion, and the physical layer module implements the physical layer for input and output of video from devices external to the video server. The modular design permits the type of Video Blade and the type of physical layer module to be specified independently of each other, with each type of Video Blade being compatible with each type of physical layer module. This reduces the effort and cost of providing new video servers that support evolving video processing requirements and new video transmission standards.

Abstract: Methods of converting an open group of pictures (GOP) to a Closed GOP are described that remove backward references to the GOP prior to the GOP undergoing conversion in an Open GOP interframe-encoded video stream. Within the GOP undergoing conversion, bipredictive frames with backward references to the prior GOP are replaced with frames referring only to the I frame of the GOP undergoing conversion, which is flagged as an IDR frame. Consolidation and assembly of video clips that are encoded using Open GOP compression schemes generally result in broken interframe references between GOPs. To address this, existing methods involve significant decoding and re-encoding of edited video sequences. The described methods serve to break the backward chain of references in the encoded stream, resulting in reduced re-encoding requirements, with attendant reduced quality degradation of the edited sequence.

Abstract: Methods of converting an open group of pictures (GOP) to a Closed GOP are described that remove backward references to the GOP prior to the GOP undergoing conversion in an Open GOP interframe-encoded video stream. Within the GOP undergoing conversion, bipredictive frames with backward references to the prior GOP are replaced with frames referring only to the I frame of the GOP undergoing conversion, which is flagged as an IDR frame. Consolidation and assembly of video clips that are encoded using Open GOP compression schemes generally result in broken interframe references between GOPs. To address this, existing methods involve significant decoding and re-encoding of edited video sequences. The described methods serve to break the backward chain of references in the encoded stream, resulting in reduced re-encoding requirements, with attendant reduced quality degradation of the edited sequence.

Abstract: Methods of converting an open group of pictures (GOP) to a Closed GOP are described that remove backward references to the GOP prior to the GOP undergoing conversion in an Open GOP interframe-encoded video stream. Within the GOP undergoing conversion, bipredictive frames with backward references to the prior GOP are replaced with frames referring only to the I frame of the GOP undergoing conversion, which is flagged as an IDR frame. Consolidation and assembly of video clips that are encoded using Open GOP compression schemes generally result in broken interframe references between GOPs. To address this, existing methods involve significant decoding and re-encoding of edited video sequences. The described methods serve to break the backward chain of references in the encoded stream, resulting in reduced re-encoding requirements, with attendant reduced quality degradation of the edited sequence.

Abstract: An improved electronic still imaging camera is described wherein electronic voltage values representative of an image are transformed according to an optimum tone scale mapping gamma curve. The gamma curve utilizes a subjective element along with an element associated with scene reflectivity to optimize tone scale variations according to steps in an analog-to-digital converter while reducing contouring in the image.

Abstract: An improved system for transferring still image defining high resolution data from a solid state sensor in an electronic imaging camera in a manner whereby the image data is decimated by a select factor and the rate of transfer decreased to accommodate the recording of high resolution still images by a conventional video storage system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure control of electronic imaging cameras capable of video and still modes of operation and having an automatic variable aperture diaphragm to control image light passing to a sensor during the video mode of operation. Relatively short exposure time intervals are attained in the still mode of operation by attenuating light passing to the sensor during the video mode so that the aperture to which the variable aperture diaphragm is set is increased over that to which it would normally be adjusted during video operation. Upon conversion to the still mode, the filter attenuation is rapidly removed resulting in a correct aperture setting for the relatively shorter still mode exposure time intervals. In the video mode, electronic shutter operation is effected in the conventional manner. In the still mode of operation, the exposure time interval is established either by a combination of electronic shutter operation and mechanical shutter operation or by mechanical operation alone.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding electronic still image information signals to a form suitable for recording on a conventional recording media by dividing the electronic information signals into a plurality of groups of electronic information signals wherein each group corresponds to a plurality of different picture elements of the still image. Decoding apparatus is also provided for recording the electronic information signals from the different groups into their original order so as to enable reconstruction of the still image. The encoding apparatus may also be adapted to transmit conventional electronic video image information signals interspersed with the selectively encoded electronic still image information signals for recording on the conventional storage media. The decoding apparatus operates to separate the electronic still image information signals from the electronic video image information signals prior to decoding.