Abstract: In an intelligent video information management (IVIM) system, a first sequence of dynamic video images is generated by a first video camera on a first occasion and is recorded on a hard disk. The same camera, or a different camera, generates a second sequence of dynamic video images on a second occasion that is later than the first occasion, and the second sequence is recorded on the hard disk. Both sequences are reproduced from the hard disk and are displayed simultaneously. Alternatively, the first sequence is reproduced and displayed while the second sequence is being recorded.

Abstract: A video data recording unit receives input video signal streams from up to 16 cameras. The signal streams are selectively converted into digital video signals and are stored on a data storage device such as a hard disk. The apparatus is controlled so that both odd and even signal fields generated by at least one camera are recorded, whereas only odd fields or only even fields generated by the other cameras are recorded. Odd and even signal field streams may be derived from a single stream of demodulated video signals, or from respective demodulation streams.

Abstract: A flexible multimedia information analysis apparatus stores a database which includes both audio and video information. Also stored are a plurality of content analysis algorithms for analyzing the audio information in the database. A user can manipulate a mouse to select one of the analysis algorithms. The selected algorithm is used to analyze audio information in the database or on a "live" basis as the audio information is received. Audio analysis algorithms can be applied in tandem with moving image content analysis algorithms applied to stored video data or live input video streams.

Abstract: In an intelligent video information management (IVIM) system, a first sequence of dynamic video images is generated by a first video camera on a first occasion and is recorded on a hard disk. The same camera, or a different camera, generates a second sequence of dynamic video images on a second occasion that is later than the first occasion, and the second sequence is recorded on the hard disk. Both sequences are reproduced from the hard disk and are displayed simultaneously. Alternatively, the first sequence is reproduced and displayed while the second sequence is being recorded.

Abstract: A video image data field to be compression-encoded is divided into rectangular blocks. Each of the rectangular blocks is compared with a corresponding block of a reference image to generate comparison data. The block of the image to be encoded is selected for representation if the comparison data for the block meets a selection criterion. The comparison data is generated on the basis of coefficients formed by applying an orthogonal transform to the blocks of the reference image and to the blocks of the image to be encoded. Mapping data is generated which is indicative of locations in the image plane corresponding to the selected blocks. The image to be encoded is represented in compressed form by header data, the mapping data and image data representative of the selected blocks. When the reference image is compression encoded, the blocks may be expanded in areas of the reference image which correspond to a low information density.

Abstract: A hard disk in a video data storage apparatus includes a first section in which video data is stored and appointed for permanent recording, and a second section in which the video data is stored subject to rewriting after a short period of time. If an alarm event occurs, some or all of the data in the second section may be secured for permanent storage. The process to be employed in securing the data in the second section for permanent storage is adapted to the proportion of the data in the second section which is desired to be secured.

Abstract: A flexible video information analysis apparatus stores a video information data base and a plurality of moving image content analysis algorithms for analyzing the video information in the data base. A user can manipulate a mouse to select one of the analysis algorithms. The selected algorithm is used to analyze video information in the data base.

Abstract: A data storage device located at a first location stores data representing plural images of a dynamic video image stream. A host processor located at a second location stores a program file representing a search algorithm for searching for a desired image among the images represented by the data stored at the first location. The program file representing the search algorithm is downloaded from the host processor to the data storage device. The downloaded program file is used to search for the desired image in the video data stored in the data storage device at the first location.

Abstract: A video data storage apparatus simultaneously records a plurality of streams of video images each generated by a respective video camera. The apparatus includes a housing having a front panel, a storage device inside the housing for storing a video information, a display screen for displaying video information and a control circuit inside the housing. A plurality of manually-operable switches is mounted in a layout pattern on the front panel. A mouse controls positioning of a cursor on the display screen. The display screen displays switch areas in accordance with the switch layout pattern of the front panel. The switch areas on the display screen are actuatable by the mouse.

Abstract: Video data storage apparatus stores on a hard disk plural fields of video data and header data associated with each field of video data. The video data is reproduced from the hard disk and the reproduced video data is processed by an image analysis algorithm. Data indicative of the outcome of the image analysis is then recorded on the hard disk as part of the header data.

Abstract: A digital recording device records and displays plural streams of video information. Portions of an image plane are assigned among image streams each generated by a respective video camera. A mouse is used to drag a camera icon into a region corresponding to a portion of the image plane to indicate assignment of the portion of the image plane to the stream of images generated by a corresponding camera. Other operating modes of the recording device are selectable by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing and storing video data includes a video camera for generating video data and analysis circuitry for analyzing the video data generated by the video camera to detect a predetermined characteristic of the video data. The apparatus also includes first and second storage devices, and routes the analyzed video data to a selected one of the first and second storage devices in response to detection of the predetermined characteristic of the video data.

Abstract: A video data storage apparatus includes a source of video data including a number of video cameras and digitizing circuitry. Two hard disk drives are provided in the apparatus for storing the video data. Also provided in the apparatus is an archive device such as a back-up tape unit. Video data is stored on one of the hard disks, while concurrently video data is copied from the other hard disk onto the tape backup.

Abstract: Signals from sixteen video cameras are selectively captured using three video decoding circuits. Each decoding circuit is selectively connectable to each camera. Each of two A/D converters is selectively connectable to each of the three decoding circuits. Two video field buffers are provided to store, respectively, the digital video signals generated by the two A/D converters.

Abstract: A video image data field to be compression-encoded is divided into rectangular blocks. Each of the rectangular blocks is compared with a corresponding block of a reference image to generate comparison data. The block of the image to be encoded is selected for representation if the comparison data for the block meets a selection criterion. Mapping data is generated which is indicative of locations in the image plane corresponding to the selected blocks. The image to be encoded is represented in compressed form by header data, the mapping data and image data representative of the selected blocks.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a plurality of recording medium drive units includes a base member supporting a floppy disk drive and a DAT drive, an intermediate member supported on the base member and supporting two hard disk drives, and a top member supported on the intermediate member and supporting one or two hard disk drives.The recording medium drive unit support structure is mounted within a housing, within which are also housed a motherboard, a second printed circuit board and a third printed circuit board. The motherboard has mounted thereon a microprocessor for controlling storage of video data on at least one of the hard disks. The second printed circuit board has integrated circuits mounted thereon for receiving plural streams of video information and for selecting for storage fields of video information included in the streams of video information.