Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels. A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.

Abstract: A video server generates metadata representative of interpolation parameters for portions of a first frame representative of a scene in a stream of frames including the first frame. The interpolation parameters are used to generate at least one interpolated frame representative of the scene subsequent to the first frame and prior to a second frame in the stream of frames. The video server incorporates the metadata into the stream and transmits the stream including the multiplexed metadata. A video client receives the first frame representative the stream of frames including the metadata. The video client generates one or more interpolated frames representative of the scene subsequent to the first frame and prior to a second frame in the stream of frames based on the first frame and the metadata. The video client displays the first frame, the one or more interpolated frames, and the second frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for modifying gradation in an image frame determine a blend factor indicating a first weighting associated with a previously processed portion of the image frame. The apparatus and methods generate a weighted value associated with a current region of the image frame based on the current region of the image frame and based on applying the first weighting to the previously processed portion of the image frame so as to modify the gradation in the image frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels. A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating motion estimation in video processing are provided. In one embodiment, search block is defined within one frame. A relative location of a corresponding block in another frame with respect to the search block is determined based on comparative searching at a predetermined granularity to produce a motion vector for the search block with a first precision. Correlation values are determined with respect to the search block for the corresponding block and for one block or more blocks defined at relative locations of less than the predetermined granularity with respect to the corresponding block in different directions. A refined motion vector for the search block with a second higher precision is determined based on the relative location of the block having a selected correlation value that is selected from among the determined correlation values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for improving signal quality. The method includes receiving a first media signal, such as a video signal, in a first format, such as 1080p. The provided video signal is one that is created by upsampling a video signal recorded in a format having a lower sampling rate. The method also includes obtaining a second signal indicative of error within the first media signal. The second signal is in a second format, such as the format having a lower sampling rage in which the video signal was recorded. The signal is processed to place the second signal in the format of the first signal. Then, the estimated error signal is combined with the original signal to arrive at an error corrected output.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for modifying gradation in an image frame determine a blend factor indicating a first weighting associated with a previously processed portion of the image frame. The apparatus and methods generate a weighted value associated with a current region of the image frame based on the current region of the image frame and based on applying the first weighting to the previously processed portion of the image frame so as to modify the gradation in the image frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating motion estimation in video processing are provided. In one embodiment, search block is defined within one frame. A relative location of a corresponding block in another frame with respect to the search block is determined based on comparative searching at a predetermined granularity to produce a motion vector for the search block with a first precision. Correlation values are determined with respect to the search block for the corresponding block and for one block or more blocks defined at relative locations of less than the predetermined granularity with respect to the corresponding block in different directions. A refined motion vector for the search block with a second higher precision is determined based on the relative location of the block having a selected correlation value that is selected from among the determined correlation values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating processing a reference frame to produce an output frame. Motion vector data for a block of reference frame pels estimates the displacement of the reference frame pels from corresponding pels in a prior input frame. Comparison metrics are produced for a pel of the reference frame with respect to that pel and a plurality of neighboring reference frame pels A first comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a prior output frame that corresponds to the prior input frame as previously processed. A second comparison metric is based on a comparison with corresponding pels of a motion compensated prior output frame derived from applying motion vector data to the pels of the prior output frame. A pel of the output frame that corresponds to the reference frame pel is determined using the first and second comparison metrics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for improving signal quality. The method includes receiving a first media signal, such as a video signal, in a first format, such as 1080p. The provided video signal is one that is created by upsampling a video signal recorded in a format having a lower sampling rate. The method also includes obtaining a second signal indicative of error within the first media signal. The second signal is in a second format, such as the format having a lower sampling rage in which the video signal was recorded. The signal is processed to place the second signal in the format of the first signal. Then, the estimated error signal is combined with the original signal to arrive at an error corrected output.

Abstract: A microchip laser arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement is operative to emit Q-switched laser pulses at 1.54 &mgr;m. The lasing medium of the laser arrangement is preferably comprised of Yb:Er-glass, and the Q-switch is comprised of a saturable absorber of cobalt doped spinel crystal. The lasing medium is preferably bonded to the absorber to form a monolithic body, upon the surface of which there are deposited dielectric stacks forming a resonant laser cavity. Pumping of the active medium is performed by means of an InGaAs laser diode emitting light at 0.97 &mgr;m, corresponding well with the absorption of the Yb:Er-glass material.

Abstract: A microchip laser arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement is operative to emit Q-switched laser pulses at 1.54 &mgr;m. The lasing medium of the laser arrangement is preferably comprised of Yb:Er-glass, and the Q-switch is comprised of a saturable absorber of cobalt doped spinel crystal. The lasing medium is preferably bonded to the absorber to form a monolithic body, upon the surface of which there are deposited dielectric stacks forming a resonant laser cavity, Pumping of the active medium is performed by means of an InGaAs laser diode emitting light at 0.97 &mgr;m, corresponding well with the absorption of the Yb:Er-glass material.