Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for converting a two-dimensional image sequence into a three-dimensional image. In one embodiment, a method for converting a two-dimensional image sequence into a three-dimensional image includes determining camera motion parameters between consecutive images in a monoscopic sequence of reference 2D images, wherein the consecutive images comprise a current reference image and an adjacent image, determining a horizontal disparity map for a target image using the camera motion parameters, determining a disparity probability value for each disparity vector of the disparity map, and determining a target image as a weighted average of pixel values in the current reference image using the disparity probability values, such that the target image and current reference image comprise a stereoscopic image pair.

Abstract: A system and method for three-dimensional (3D) acquisition and modeling of a scene using two-dimensional (2D) images are provided. The system and method provides for acquiring first and second images of a scene, applying a smoothing function to the first image to make feature points of objects, e.g., corners and edges of the objects, in the scene more visible, applying at least two feature detection functions to the first image to detect feature points of objects in the first image, combining outputs of the at least two feature detection functions to select object feature points to be tracked, applying a smoothing function to the second image, applying a tracking function on the second image to track the selected object feature points, and reconstructing a three-dimensional model of the scene from an output of the tracking function.

Abstract: A color look-up table includes a plurality of images recorded on a film. Each of the images being recorded on a separate picture of the film and containing at least a first level and a second level. The first and second levels having different pixel color values and are arranged to form a detectable geometric pattern on each of the pictures. The first field and a second field having detectable boundaries assigned to characterize distortions on the film.

Abstract: A color look-up table includes a plurality of images recorded on a film. Each of the images being recorded on a separate picture of the film and containing at least a first level and a second level. The first and second levels having different pixel color values and are arranged to form a detectable geometric pattern on each of the pictures.

Abstract: A method for managing access to scrambled broadcast or transmitted events received from a variety of service providers (including broadcast television networks, cable television networks, digital satellite systems). Each service provider employs the same public key for descrambling the access information message thereby permitting a user to access events from various service providers without changing the smart card. The method may also be expanded to manage access to a scrambled package of broadcast events.

Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods for adaptive forward error correction (FEC), one use being for video streaming over a wireless network. The apparatus includes an FEC encoder and an adaptive FEC device. The FEC encoder is for encoding k packets of source data into n packets, where n>k, and the n packets include redundant packets. The adaptive FEC device is for adaptively determining a number of the redundant packets to transmit with the encoded k packets, based upon receiving one or more feedback messages. The one or more feedback messages indicate a condition of the wireless network over which the encoded video is to be transmitted.

Abstract: A fine-grain scalable video data apparatus, system, method and data structure is disclosed. An encoder (110) for encoding input video data as minimum bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing a minimum bitrate version of the macroblock data. The encoder (110) also encodes the input video data as intermediate bitrate macroblock data to produce DCT data having DCT coefficients representing an intermediate bitrate version of the macroblock data. An adaptive motion compensator (132) (whether incorporated within the encoder or externally) communicates with the encoder for predicting whether a decoded version of the intermediate bitrate macroblock data has an accumulated predicted error frame energy exceeding a maximum threshold (228).

Abstract: Methods and Systems are provided for converting a two-dimensional image sequence into a three-dimensional image. In one embodiment, a method for converting a two-dimensional image sequence into a three-dimensional image includes determining camera motion parameters between consecutive images in a monoscopic sequence of reference 2D images, wherein the consecutive images comprise a current reference image and an adjacent image, determining a horizontal disparity map for a target image using the camera motion parameters, determining a disparity probability value for each disparity vector of the disparity map, and determining a target image as a weighted average of pixel values in the current reference image using the disparity probability values, such that the target image and current reference image comprise a stereoscopic image pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing reserved connections between end stations, in a network, such as the Internet, capable of providing prioritized communications, comprises a switch in packet communications with end stations. The switch detects and forwards packets that contain prioritized data for priority processing, and packets that include requests for reserved connections according to a given reservation protocol. Output queues associated with egress ports of the switch correspond to different priorities associated with received priority packets. An additional output queue is associated with reserved connection data packets. In response to a reserved connection request, the switch determines if sufficient bandwidth exists in the switch to establish a reserved path within the network, and if so, allocates the and width for the reserved connection.

Abstract: A color look-up table includes a plurality of images recorded on a film. Each of the images being recorded on a separate picture of the film and containing at least a first level and a second level. The first and second levels having different pixel color values and are arranged to form a detectable geometric pattern on each of the pictures.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for generating regions of interest in a video content include identifying the program content of received video content, categorizing the scene content of the identified program content and defining at least one region of interest in at least one of the characterized scenes by identifying at least one of a location and an object of interest in the scenes. In one embodiment of the invention, a region of interest is defined using user preference information for the identified program content and the categorized scene content.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring geometic information from images includes a modulated light source configured to provide light energy at a rate unperceivable by the human eye. A camera is configured to acquire images at a rate at which a differential pair of images is obtained such that one of the pair of images includes light from the light source and the other image of the pair does not include light from the light source. A comparison module is configured to compare the differential pair of images to create a depth map for three-dimension model creation.

Abstract: A system and method for three-dimensional (3D) acquisition and modeling of a scene using two-dimensional (2D) images are provided. The system and method provides for acquiring first and second images of a scene, applying a smoothing function to the first image to make feature points of objects, e.g., corners and edges of the objects, in the scene more visible, applying at least two feature detection functions to the first image to detect feature points of objects in the first image, combining outputs of the at least two feature detection functions to select object feature points to be tracked, applying a smoothing function to the second image, applying a tracking function on the second image to track the selected object feature points, and reconstructing a three-dimensional model of the scene from an output of the tracking function.

Abstract: A method for managing access to scrambled broadcast or transmitted events received from a variety of service providers (including broadcast television networks, cable television networks, digital satellite systems). Each service provider employs the same public key for descrambling the access information message thereby permitting a user to access events from various service providers without changing the smart card. The method may also be expanded to manage access to a scrambled package of broadcast events.

Abstract: A method includes scanning a static background for background three dimensional information, scanning a dynamic foreground for foreground three dimensional information and combining the background and foreground three dimensional information to obtain a three dimensional model.

Abstract: A method for managing access to scrambled broadcast or transmitted events received from a variety of service providers (including broadcast television networks, cable television networks, digital satellite systems). Each service provider employs the same public key for descrambling the access information message thereby permitting a user to access events from various service providers without changing the smart card. The method may also be expanded to manage access to a scrambled package of broadcast events.

Abstract: An adaptative source rate control method and apparatus utilizing a neural network are presented for controlling a data transmission of a media object over a communication network. A back propagation method transmitting control parameters related to the operation of a communications network is used for to dynamically adjust the performance of the network, in view of network parameters being sourced to a point of transmission. The bit rate and quantization level of the data stream are dynamically adjusted and shaped by the neural network in response to control parameters.

Abstract: There are described apparatus and methods for adaptive forward error correction (FEC), one use being for video streaming over a wireless network. The apparatus includes an FEC encoder and an adaptive FEC device. The FEC encoder is for encoding k packets of source data into n packets, where n>k, and the n packets include redundant packets. The adaptive FEC device is for adaptively determining a number of the redundant packets to transmit with the encoded k packets, based upon receiving one or more feedback messages. The one or more feedback messages indicate a condition of the wireless network over which the encoded video is to be transmitted.

Abstract: Interoperability for exchanging on-screen display menus and associated control between common consumer electronic (CE) devices is provided. This interoperability is based on the IEEE 1394 serial bus for the physical and link layers and makes use of AV/C or CAL as the control language. This invention provides for transferring a bit-mapped on-screen display menu constructed by a target device (e.g., digital VCR) to display device (e.g., digital TV).

Abstract: A CODEC system for spatially scalable video data includes a decimate unit for performing DCT-based down-sampling with respect to macro block data of input video data to produce decimated block data representing low frequency part of the macro block data, a first encoder for encoding the decimated block data to produce base layer DCT data having DCT coefficients representing the low frequency part, a first decoder for decoding the base layer DCT data from the first encoder to produce base layer block data, an interpolate unit for performing DCT-based interpolation with respect to the base layer block data from the first decoder to produce interpolated base layer block data, a second encoder for encoding enhancement layer block data obtained from the macro block data and the interpolated base layer block data to produce enhancement layer DCT data wherein the enhancement layer block data representing high frequency part of the macro block data, and a second decoder for decoding the enhancement layer DCT data fro