Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting a gradual transition picture in a bitstream. The method comprises: accessing a bitstream including encoded pictures; and determining a gradual transition picture in the bitstream using information from the bitstream without decoding the bitstream to derive pixel information.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a first subdividing unit that subdivides an image, a second subdividing unit that subdivides an image subdivided by the first subdividing unit along an axis that is independent from an axis of subdivision by the first subdividing unit, a differential unit that generates a difference between an image subdivided by the second subdividing unit and an image stored in an image storage unit, and a coding unit that codes a difference image generated by the differential unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for encoding/decoding images are disclosed. The method for encoding images comprises the steps of: deriving a scan type of a residual signal for a current block according to whether or not the current block is a transform skip block; and applying the scan type to the residual signal for the current block, wherein the transform skip block is a block to which transform for the current block is not applied and is specified on the basis of information indicating whether or not transform for the current block is to be applied.

Abstract: A method and system of image compression with random access capability are provided. The method includes segmenting an image into blocks, each block including predefined samples; transforming the predefined samples into a frequency domain; applying a first quantization factor to the transformed predefined samples; determining whether application of the first quantization factor results in a bit count that is within a tolerance range of an allowable bit count; and adaptively computing a second quantization factor in response to determining that the bit count is not within the tolerance range of the allowable bit count.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for encoding and decoding videos, and relate to the communication field, and an efficient transformation matrix corresponding to features of each residual block is selected for transformation, which therefore improves encoding efficiency. The solution provided in an embodiment of the present invention is: generating a prediction residual according to input video data; selecting a set of best transformation matrixes among multiple candidate transformation matrixes according to an intra-frame prediction mode and rate-distortion criteria to perform transform-coding on the prediction residual and obtain a transformation result; and generating an encoded stream according to the transformation result and selected transformation matrix index information.

Abstract: A system, circuit and method are provided herein for reducing perceived flicker in video images transmitted using compression and bit rate control. According to one embodiment of the method, a parameter used in the video compression scheme is stored. The parameter stored is one that is subject to adjustment during normal operation of the video compression scheme. Compressed video frame data issued by a compression encoder is used to test for a still-picture condition. When a still-picture condition is detected, the value of the parameter used by the video compression scheme is fixed to the stored value for the duration of the still-picture condition. An embodiment of the system includes an encoder, buffer, bit rate controller, and flicker reduction circuit. An embodiment of the flicker reduction circuit includes a still-picture detection circuit operably coupled to a compressed data path beginning at the output of the encoder.

Abstract: A system an method for determining to select frames from a video sequence that have high visual appeal and can be coded at high quality when frame rates of coded video drop to such low levels that perceptual sensations of moving video are lost. A metric is derived from a candidate input frame, and such metric is used to determine whether to increase or decrease a weight accorded to the candidate input frame. In an embodiment, the metric may be the auto-exposure data associated with the candidate input frame.

Abstract: When an intra prediction parameter indicates a horizontal prediction process, an intra prediction unit adds a value proportional to a change in a horizontal direction of the luminance values of pixels adjacent to the top of each block, which is a unit for prediction process of a coding block, to the luminance value of a pixel adjacent to the left of the block to set a result of the addition as a predicted value of a prediction image, whereas when the intra prediction parameter indicates a vertical prediction process, the intra prediction unit adds a value proportional to a change in a vertical direction of the luminance values of pixels adjacent to the left of the block to the luminance value of the pixel adjacent to the top of the block to set the result of the addition as a predicted value of the prediction image.

Abstract: A method of generating a media file using a media file format in which a set of pictures including one or more pictures is coded and stored such that each picture is divided, in coding order, into two or more slices, and coded data of each slice is stored as NAL unit data, the method comprising: dividing each slice into two or more rectangular-shaped tiles and coding the two or more rectangular-shaped tiles; and providing a slice index box in the media file format such that a value indicating an ordinal position of each slice to which each tile belongs in each picture is described in the slice index box.

Abstract: Methods and devices transform image data, which are transformed by a compression filter before being compressed and stored in a reference image memory. In an extension, an inverse transformation to that of the compression filter is performed by a decompression filter when image data from the reference memory are read out and decompressed. The methods and devices can be used for image compression methods and image decompression methods that use reference image memories.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing H.264 compliant video that lacks B Frames include decoding without the use of a significant video frame buffer. This variant of the H.264 standard may include a flag indicating that the video does not include B Frames. The video may be used in applications, such as computer games, in which processing of B Frames introduces undesirable lag.

Abstract: An image decoding method is provided which includes a time information determination step of determining time information of a current picture, a first reference picture referred to by the current picture and a second reference picture referred to by the current picture; a scaling parameter calculation step of calculating a scaling parameter based on a time distance between the first reference picture and a second reference picture; a weighting coefficient determination step of determining two weighting coefficients based on the scaling parameter; a predictive pixel value generation step of generating a predictive pixel value of the current picture by scaling a pixel value of the first reference picture and a pixel value of the second reference picture using the two weighting coefficients determined in the weighting coefficient determination step; and a decoding step of decoding the current picture using the predictive pixel value.

Abstract: A decoding method includes obtaining random access point (RAP) reference layer number information indicating a number of layers referred to for performing inter layer prediction on RAP images among current layer images and non-RAP reference layer number information indicating a number of different layers referred to for performing inter layer prediction on non-RAP images, from a video stream including images encoded for a plurality of layers, obtaining RAP reference layer identification information for a layer referred to for predicting the RAP images based on the obtained RAP reference layer number information, from the video stream, obtaining non-RAP reference layer identification information for a layer referred to for predicting the non-RAP images based on the obtained non-RAP reference layer number information, and reconstructing a RAP image and a non-RAP image based on layer images indicated by the obtained RAP reference layer identification information and the obtained non-RAP reference layer identific

Abstract: Various embodiments for decoding a current block of a picture are provided. One or more candidates of a first type are derived, with each of the candidates having a first motion vector predictor derived from a first motion vector that has been used to decode a first block. A candidate of a second type is derived, with the candidate having a second motion vector predictor. The candidate of the second type is different from the candidates of the first type. A coded index corresponding to a selected candidate is decoded. The selected candidate is one of a plurality of candidates which includes the candidates of the first type and the candidate of the second type. A total number of the candidates of the first type is less than a predetermined maximum candidate number which is fixed for all blocks in the picture.

Abstract: When a block (MB22) of which motion vector is referred to in the direct mode contains a plurality of motion vectors, 2 motion vectors MV23 and MV24, which are used for inter picture prediction of a current picture (P23) to be coded, are determined by scaling a value obtained from averaging the plurality of motion vectors or selecting one of the plurality of the motion vectors.

Abstract: When a block (MB22) of which motion vector is referred to in the direct mode contains a plurality of motion vectors, 2 motion vectors MV23 and MV24, which are used for inter picture prediction of a current picture (P23) to be coded, are determined by scaling a value obtained from averaging the plurality of motion vectors or selecting one of the plurality of the motion vectors.

Abstract: When a block (MB22) of which motion vector is referred to in the direct mode contains a plurality of motion vectors, 2 motion vectors MV23 and MV24, which are used for inter picture prediction of a current picture (P23) to be coded, are determined by scaling a value obtained from averaging the plurality of motion vectors or selecting one of the plurality of the motion vectors.

Abstract: An image encoding method includes: selecting, for each processing block, one of intra prediction modes specified by a coding standard, and performing intra prediction according to the intra prediction mode, wherein the intra prediction modes include a lower-left reference mode in which a processing block located at lower left of a current processing block is referred to, the processing blocks include a first processing block and a second processing block located at upper right of the first processing block, the second processing block being equal in size to the first processing block, the coding standard defines that information on the second processing block is written into a bitstream after information on the first processing block, and in the intra prediction, (i) selection of the lower-left reference mode is prohibited and intra prediction is performed on the second processing block, and, (ii) intra prediction is performed on the first processing block.

Abstract: A method for luma-based chroma intra-prediction in a video encoder or a video decoder is provided that includes filtering reconstructed neighboring samples of a reconstructed down sampled luma block, computing parameters ? and ? of a linear model using the filtered, reconstructed neighboring samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block and reconstructed neighboring samples of a corresponding chroma block, wherein the linear model is PredC[x,y]=?·RecL?[x,y]+?, wherein x and y are sample coordinates, PredC is predicted chroma samples, and RecL? is samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block, and computing samples of a predicted chroma block from corresponding samples of the reconstructed down sampled luma block using the linear model and the parameters.

Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and system for encoding decoding 3-D multimedia content. In one example, visual content having a plurality of source frames may be processed to create a plurality of first and second type frames from each of the plurality of source frames. The plurality of first and second type frames may be arranged to create modified content, and generating a distinguishing signal for the visual content, which may distinguish the first type frame from the second type frame. In another examples, the present invention may take the form of a method decoding 3-D multimedia content encoded with at least content frames and null frames. The method may operate to receive the 3-D multimedia content, extract at least one content frame, at least one null frame, and display information.

Abstract: Hence a method is provided for determining a quality value of a video stream, comprising the steps of: identifying lost data packets of the video stream; identifying at least two intra coded frames of the video stream; determining intra coded frames having a maintained image quality, based on estimating if a lost data packet is associated with an intra coded frame; estimating a distance between each one of the lost data packets and a next respective, subsequent intra coded frame having a maintained image quality; and generating the quality value, based on the distances. A system and a computer readable medium are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sparsity-based de-artifact filtering for video encoding and decoding. An apparatus includes an encoder (400) for encoding at least a portion of an image by grouping regions within the portion based on a grouping metric, transforming the grouped regions, adaptively performing de-artifact filtering on the transformed regions using a de-artifacting filter (413) included in the encoder, inverse transforming the de-artifacted regions to create replacement regions, and restoring the replacement regions to positions with the image from which the regions were taken prior to the grouping.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for signaling deblocking filter parameters for a current slice of video data with reduced bitstream overhead. Deblocking filter parameters may be coded in one or more of a picture layer parameter set and a slice header. The techniques reduce a number of bits used to signal the deblocking filter parameters by coding a first syntax element that indicates whether deblocking filter parameters are present in both the picture layer parameter set and the slice header, and only coding a second syntax element in the slice header when both sets of deblocking filter parameters are present. Coding the second syntax element is eliminated when deblocking filter parameters are present in only one of the picture layer parameter set or the slice header. The second syntax element indicates which set of deblocking filter parameters to use to define a deblocking filter applied to a current slice.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus for evaluating video quality are disclosed to improve accuracy of the evaluation. The method includes: obtaining information about a transmitted video; resolving the information about the transmitted video to obtain video frame parameters, where the video frame parameters include a compression distortion parameter and/or a video quality distortion parameter with packet loss; and calculating a video frame quality parameter according to the video frame parameters. An apparatus and a system for evaluating video quality are provided. The embodiments of the present invention improve accuracy of video quality evaluation without reference.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating reception of multiple representations of a video signal. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mechanism for receiving plural representations of the video signal corresponding to plural decimated versions of the video signal, associating pictures of the received plural representations of the video signal, and outputting pictures corresponding to information from associated pictures in accordance with a relative temporal order.

Abstract: Disclosed are efficient and user-friendly systems or methods configured to capture and share video data in real time, at a later date, or a combination thereof in an authorized manner via social media. In certain aspects, these systems and methods include capturing video, for example, from a “Jumbotron” during a sporting event or other live venue event in an authorized manner (e.g., abiding by applicable copyright laws) and sharing this captured footage with other via social media.

Abstract: Enriching video-based content with additional content is enabled by defining metadata for a video comprising a place holder and matching attribute. When the video is viewed, a matching server is utilized to select an object to be inserted in the place holder according to the matching attribute. The matching server selects the object according to video content, represented by matching attribute, according to user related information, and according to type of place holder. The place holder may be utilized to dynamically insert an interactive object to the video. The inserted object may be seamlessly inserted to the video.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving at a television processing device an airing schedule for a specified advertisement. The airing schedule includes data specifying past airings of the specified advertisement, a local frequency at which the specified advertisement is to be shown, and a schedule of airings of replaceable advertisements. The device determines, from viewing log data, whether the local frequency for the specified advertisement has been achieved. If the local frequency has not been achieved, the specified advertisement is aired in place of a replaceable advertisement when the television processing device is tuned to a channel of a scheduled airing of the replaceable advertisement at a time of the scheduled airing, and the local frequency of the specified advertisement is incremented. Otherwise, the replaceable advertisement is presented.

Abstract: A distribution control system includes a generating unit configured to generate still image data from content data; a converting unit configured to convert the still image data into video data; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the video data to a communication terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) is proposed for inserting graphics into a television/video signal. The graphics generally includes text portions which are language-specific. For broadcasting the signal in at least two reception regions having different languages (DE, UK), differentiated graphics are therefore needed, which are inserted into the television/video signal in order to obtain the (at least) two television transmission signals to be broadcast in the (at least) two reception regions. For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with at least two text memories (118, 119), one for each one of the (at least) two different languages, for storing, for each graphics, text portions corresponding to each one of the (at least) two different languages, and at least two sub-circuits (renderers 150, 152) for inserting the (at least) two graphics signals into the television signal.

Abstract: A method for generating time marking for synchronous terrestrial broadcasting in at least one single-frequency zone of at least one audiovisual stream via at least one connection in which the at least one audiovisual stream is multiplexed with at least one other audiovisual stream broadcast via the at least one connection, the method including: inserting packets including at least one item of information representing a common reference clock, detecting at least one packet including information representing the number of days elapsed since a predetermined date, calculating the number of loopbacks of a counter during a given period, updating the counter at each packet of the audiovisual stream transmitted, inserting at least one packet including the value of the updated counter in the audiovisual stream in order to form a modified audiovisual stream and transmitting the modified audiovisual stream.

Abstract: A method for transmitting broadcast signals in a transmitter. Internet Protocol (IP) packets are input processed to output data of a plurality of Physical Layer Pipes (PLPs). The IP packets include service data for a service and service information for acquiring the service. The service information includes Electronic Service Guide (ESG) signaling information. When an ESG is delivered in a session that is included in at least one of the IP packets, the ESG signaling information includes identification information for identifying the session and IP address and port information for the ESG. Layer 1 (L1) signaling information is encoded for signaling the plurality of PLPs. A first signal frame and a second signal frame are modulated by an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) method. A first broadcast signal including the modulated first signal frame and a second broadcast signal including the modulated second signal frame are transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, an apparatus for receiving broadcast signals and methods for transmitting and receiving broadcast signals. The method of transmitting broadcast signals includes encoding data corresponding to each of data transmission channel which carries at least one service data or service component data, building at least one signal frame including the encoded data, modulating the at least one signal frame by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) scheme; and transmitting the broadcast signals carrying the at least one modulated signal frame.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining a program clock reference (PCR) value validity, for avoiding inaccurate variable delay reference (VDR) values, and for avoiding a mismatch in a data packet between a sequence number and a packet number for a wireless display extension. The approach involves determining to generate a data packet carrier having an optional PCR value, a VDR) value, and a validity indicator. The approach may further involve processing the data packet carrier to determine whether the data packet carrier has the optional PCR value. The approach may also involve causing, at least in part, a surrogate PCR value to be generated based, at least in part, on a determined absence of the optional PCR value from the data packet carrier.

Abstract: A method includes forecasting demand for media content items of a media distribution system based on historical demand information to generate forecasted demand. The method includes generating a mixed integer program model based on storage constraints of a plurality of distribution nodes of the media distribution system, bandwidth constraints of the media distribution system, and the forecasted demand. The method includes performing a Lagrangian relaxation operation using the mixed integer program model. The method includes determining values of a cost function based on a result of the Lagrangian relaxation operation. The method includes assigning each of the media content items to a corresponding distribution node of the plurality of distribution nodes based on the cost function and the forecasted demand.

Abstract: A media sharing system identifies fingerprints that represent an uploaded video and generates a digest based on the fingerprints. The media sharing system searches for digests of previously processed videos whose digests match the digest of the uploaded video. A previously processed video whose digest matches the digest of the uploaded video is identified as a matching video. For each matching video, the media sharing system retrieves policy information that describes whether the video was found to violate one or more policies of the media sharing system. The media sharing system determines whether to halt processing of the uploaded video based on the retrieved policy information.

Abstract: A network device includes an electronic program guide (EPG) component configured to receive EPG data associated with an EPG from an external EPG server. The network device further includes a manager component comprising a pre-loader configured to pre-render and send first EPG images, associated with the EPG, that are frequently re-used to multiple client devices; a graphics interceptor configured to generate one or more second EPG images based on a graphics call, wherein the graphics call causes a first one of multiple client devices to display the one or more second EPG images; and a window manager configured to track changes in the one or more second EPG images and send a modified EPG image that includes the changes, or a modified portion of an EPG image that includes the changes, to the first one of the multiple client devices.

Abstract: The MEDIA CONTENT SYNCHRONIZED ADVERTISING PLATFORM APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS (“AD-SYNCH”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via AD-SYNCH components, into channel-synchronized product placement advertisement.

Abstract: A method, system, or device to display media segment on an electronic device. The method includes receiving a fingerprint for a media segment and a unique identifier (UID) from an electronic device and determining a media segment ID for the media segment using the fingerprint. The method can include generating and submitting a first query for the media segment ID and the UID in a record database and determining that a first count in the record database for the media segment ID and the UID exceed a first threshold count. The method can include identifying an overlay content segment to display and sending the overlay content segment to the electronic device. The method can include receiving a notification from the electronic device indicating that the electronic device displayed the overlay content segment and increment a second count in the record database for a overlay content segment and a UID.

Abstract: The present disclose relates to a computing cloud serving as a collaboration platform where internet connected electronic devices such as smart phones and tablets can log in to author, to review, to edit, to download and to play back digital content. By using different applications, the user may optionally play the role of an author, a reviewer or a consumer to digital content. User-authored digital content as well as recorded music are all stored in the cloud. Professional editing is possible by making overlay audio tracks and sound effect changes available on the client device and earmarking the timing relations among media clips in each media clip's associated metadata. An edited professional playlist is reusable by replacing some sound tracks in iterative host vs client actions. Personalized media insert is integrated into the normal streaming media as part of the inter-user media services or subscription services.

Abstract: A terminal device acquires a part of an audio-visual content regenerated by a video display apparatus. The terminal device acquires contents information of the audio-visual content based on the part of the audio-visual content. The terminal device acquires the available enhanced service based on the contents information and regenerates the available enhanced service.

Abstract: A control device is provided. The control device includes a communication interface unit which requests and receives menu information from a broadcast receiver, a determination unit which determines a control mode of the control device, a user interface unit which displays the received menu information in a user interface window according to the determined control mode, and a control unit which, if a command to control the broadcast receiver is input through the user interface unit, controls the communication interface unit to transmit the input control command to the broadcast receiver.

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices, systems and techniques relating to a dongle device that is designed to provide broadcast video capabilities to an electronic device. In one example, a dongle device is configured to communicatively couple to an electronic device, wherein the dongle device comprises a multimedia receiver that receives a broadcast that includes multimedia data, and a web server that communicates the multimedia data to a web browser of the electronic device.

Abstract: An interaction system and method for interaction between a handheld device and a television comprises the configuration and connection of a first HDMI transferring module and a television screen in addition to a configuration and connection of a second HDMI transferring module, a touch screen, a gesture managing module and a display managing module. A user interface system and method for interaction between a handheld device and a television can utilize a handheld device having a touch screen to operate the television without requiring the assistance of other hardware units, such as a mouse or keyboard. All the operations can be done by using only the handheld device, thereby reducing the costs of devices.

Abstract: A remote control for a smart TV or a set-top box is disclosed. The remote control includes a capacitive fingerprint sensor, a processor and a wireless transmitter. The present invention takes advantages of the capacitive fingerprint sensor so that every user's personal data and corresponding setting for the smart TV or set-top box are available. Channel (or web-site) content rating can be achieved. Purchasing over TV can be safer than ever.

Abstract: A system includes a server in communication with a first set top box and a second set top box. The server receives a request from the first set top box to access an available tuner of the second set top box, accesses account information associated with the first set top box, and commands the second set top box to stream content from the available tuner to the first set top box according to the account information. A method includes identifying available tuners of set top boxes assigned to different customers, receiving a request from a first set top box to access an available tuner of a second set top box, accessing account information associated with the first set top box, and commanding the second set top box to stream content to the first set top box according to the account information of the first set top box.

Abstract: A data processing device, includes a bus, a demultiplexer which is coupled to the bus, and which receives a content including video data and audio data. A memory interface which is coupled to the bus, and which is connectable to a memory for temporarily accumulating the video data and the audio data output from the demultiplexer in accordance with a delay amount.

Abstract: A method for providing information which is performable by a display device is provided. The method includes: receiving at least one piece of broadcasting program information; obtaining at least one of viewing history information which relates to at least one piece of content that was watched before a predetermined point of time and recording information which relates to at least one piece of content that was recorded before the predetermined point of time; and displaying at least one piece of broadcasting program information from among the at least one piece of broadcasting program information which corresponds to the predetermined point of time on a first region of the display device based on the predetermined point of time, and displaying at least one of the viewing history information and the recording information on a second region of the display device based on the predetermined point of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a method and apparatus for allowing a user to select and view one or multiple programs at random whenever he desires and to suspend viewing in the middle of a program to accommodate an interruption and to continue viewing after the interruption without missing any of the program. In addition, previously stored programs may be viewed at accelerated or decelerated speed, or repeated or portions reviewed, to allow the user to review such in other than real time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a USB docking station and a control method thereof. The USB docking station comprises a micro controller, a first signal multiplexer and a second signal multiplexer, a video signal processor, and a video signal converter. The first signal multiplexer chooses and outputs a first video signal from a first data signal output from a first electronic device. The second signal multiplexer chooses and outputs a second video signal from a second data signal output from a second electronic device. According to a first control signal from the first electronic device or a second control signal from the second electronic device, the micro controller controls the video signal processor to process the first video signal or the second video signal. The video signal converter converts the processed first video signal or the processed second video signal to a video output signal for displaying.