Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method for automatically authoring video compositions from longer units of digitized video (or a source video) by using short segments of video (or video “cliplets”). The video composition authoring process provides an aesthetically-pleasing layout of data elements to create a video composition. The data elements include multimedia elements, parameter information and description information. Any data elements that are missing but required are automatically selected by the system. The user may then review preliminary video composition results and refine the results if desired. The video composition authoring system includes an element selection and layout module for selecting the data elements in the video composition, and an iterative refinement module that allows the user to change and refine the preliminary results.

Abstract: A method of selecting and editing a plurality of digitally represented still images in a computer environment is provided. The method includes the use of a graphical user interface having a display and a user interface selection device, and includes the steps of opening the data files of the images to be edited, displaying the images, and displaying a task pane including at least one editing task entry having a specified multiple-image editing task command. A group of all or some of the images is formed by the user selecting the images to be edited, and an editing task execution signal is received which is indicative of the user selecting the desired editing task entry on the task pane. In response to receipt of the editing task execution signal, the specified editing task command is performed on the group of selected still images.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method for automatically authoring video compositions from longer units of digitized video (or a source video) by using short segments of video (or video “cliplets”). The video composition authoring process provides an aesthetically-pleasing layout of data elements to create a video composition. The data elements include multimedia elements, parameter information and description information. Any data elements that are missing but required are automatically selected by the system. The user may then review preliminary video composition results and refine the results if desired. The video composition authoring system includes an element selection and layout module for selecting the data elements in the video composition, and an iterative refinement module that allows the user to change and refine the preliminary results.

Abstract: The present invention includes a user interface for displaying and interacting with a video composition generated from a video composition authoring system. The video compositions may include short segments of video (or video “cliplets”). The video composition user interface for displaying the video compositions includes displaying a background area and a plurality of video windows over the background area. Each of the video windows contains multimedia elements such as video, digital photographs, icons, video clipets, and any other type of graphical element. The selection of the contents to fill or populate the video windows is performed by a video composition authoring system. The video composition user interface provides functionality such as text annotation, e-mail feature, title area, cast and credits list generation, and a cliplet drag and drop feature that allows a user to enhance the video composition and have a more pleasant experience viewing the video composition.