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 system for producing a single view video signal based on a multiview video coding (MVC) signal stream. A MVC signal stream representing multiple spatially related views of a scene, including a base view and at least one dependent view, is decoded to provide multiple decoded video signals representing the spatially related views, with respective portions of the MVC signal stream representing one of multiple temporally adjacent video frames, and the MVC signal stream representing multiple sequences of spatially adjacent video frames. The decoded video signals are processed to provide a processed video signal representing one of the spatially related views using image information from more than one of the decoded video signals. As a result, more image data is used during processing, thereby improving the spatial and temporal image quality.

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 system are provided for navigating and selecting objects within a 3D video image by computing a depth coordinate based upon two-dimensional (2D) image information from left and right views of such objects. In accordance with preferred embodiments, commonly available computer navigation devices and input devices can be used to achieve such navigation and object selection.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user control of the projection of two-dimensional (2D) image information within the three-dimensional (3D) display space of a 3D-capable display device. Advantageously, the system and method disclosed herein allow a user to view 3D video even when the source video includes 2D content, by allowing the user to adjust the z-axis position of the 2D content, thereby causing the 2D content to be projected at a user-specified image depth within 3D space. The user can adjust the z-axis position of the 2D content in real time while contemporaneously viewing the imagery, e.g., via a remote control, and such adjustment can be stored for later use when similar or other 2D content is being viewed.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a single view video signal based on a multiview video coding (MVC) signal stream. A MVC signal stream representing multiple spatially related views of a scene, including a base view and at least one dependent view, is decoded to provide multiple decoded video signals representing the spatially related views, with respective portions of the MVC signal stream representing one of multiple temporally adjacent video frames, and the MVC signal stream representing multiple sequences of spatially adjacent video frames. The decoded video signals are processed to provide a processed video signal representing one of the spatially related views using image information from more than one of the decoded video signals. As a result, more image data is used during processing, thereby improving the spatial and temporal image quality.