Abstract: A system for providing efficient constant bit rate distribution of variable bit-rate encoded video programs while facilitating the distribution of encoded video programs, along with Auxiliary Data of a general character, to one or more receivers. At a particular receiver, a customized augmented video program is created by inserting selected portions of the Auxiliary Data into a selected encoded video program. The encoded video portion of the augmented video program can be transmitted, decoded and displayed in real time, while the Auxiliary Data need not be transmitted in real time but can be stored locally at the receiver for real-time presentation at a later time. Real time presentation might include insertion into the video program while non real-time presentation might include insertion into non-video applications separate from the video program.

Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization for a data channel transmitting a multiplex of a set of one or more encoded program streams, each program stream in being decodeable by a corresponding decoder, each corresponding decoder including a corresponding decoder buffer, the decoder buffers having a maximum allowable size, the method comprising selecting encoded pictures to be modified, said selecting according to a criterion which includes preventing any underflow of any decoder buffer, modifying each said selected encoded picture to form a corresponding modified encoded picture, said modified encoded picture having less data than said selected encoded picture, and transmitting the corresponding modified encoded pictures through the channel in place of the selected encoded pictures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently handling, modifying, transmitting, re-displaying and storing color images is described. An image is provided which has a plurality of pixels each having color parameters (information) in the form of color coordinates which can be considered a color point in a color space. The invention provides a plurality of color volume elements which together contain at least a portion of the color space and which in effect quantize the color space. Each color volume element has a representative color value (point) so that a first plurality of representative color values (points) are provided by the plurality of volume elements. A representative color value is determined for each pixel in the image such that, with a typical image, a subset of the first plurality of representative color values are determined. In other words, the image will not use all the values in the first plurality of representative color values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for color processing of an image displayed on a display device of a computer controlled display system. The method comprises storing the first image and a second image in a first memory; displaying the first image on the display device; displaying the second image on the display device; storing a first color information for the first image in a second memory; storing a second color information for the second image in a third memory; modifying the display of the first image by storing a third color information into the second memory. An example of an apparatus for performing this method includes a frame buffer for storing the first and second image in a computer controlled display device with a processor for controlling the display device. The apparatus further includes a memory for storing the color information, such as a video look-up table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently handling, modifying, transmitting, re-displaying and storing color images. An image is provided which has a plurality of pixels each having color parameters (information) in the form of color coordinates which can be considered a color point in a color space. The invention provides a plurality of color volume elements which together contain at least a portion of the color space and which in effect quantize the color space. Each color volume element has a representative color value (point) so that a first plurality of representative color values (points) are provided by the plurality of volume elements. A representative color value is determined for each pixel in the image such that, with a typical image, a subset of the first plurality of representative color values are determined. In other words, the image will not use all the values in the first plurality of representative color values.

Abstract: The color correction system will enhance an operator's ability to edit and correct the appearance of a color image. This system is particularly useful in desk-top publishing applications. A reference image with an overall desired visual impression is displayed on a screen. This reference image is known to print in an acceptable fashion and give a desired visual impression. When the image to be corrected is modified in order to approximate the visual impression of a reference picture, then the picture to be corrected should print acceptably.