Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an imaging method supply an optimum amount of image data to another apparatus. When a PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, a mobile phone determines that the maximum speed of communication with the PDA is low, reduces the amount of moving image data captured by a CCD of the mobile phone accordingly, and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA therefore displays a low-quality moving image on its display unit. When the PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, the CPU of the mobile phone leaves unchanged the amount of moving picture data captured by the CCD and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA then displays a high-quality moving image on its display unit. The foregoing may be advantageously applied to digital cameras.

Abstract: A provider side apparatus provides original digital data together with a digital signature generated by the provider side apparatus, the digital signature detecting whether the original digital data was falsified or detecting a change level given to the original digital data. Upon reception of the digital data, a receiver side apparatus can know the originality of the received digital data or a change level of the received digital data from the original digital data, in accordance with the digital signature corresponding to the digital data.

Abstract: An imaging processing unit signal-processes main picture data outputted from an imaging device. A zoom processing unit subjects the signal-processed main picture data to picture resize processing. A display picture management unit subjects the signal-processed main picture data to resize processing by the zoom processing unit to generate display picture data, aside from the main picture data recorded onto a recording medium at the time of photographing, and temporarily stores the display picture data in a memory area set inside or outside the integrated circuit. A display picture processing unit subjects the main picture data and the display picture data to display processing.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for encoding video pictures captured by a mobile device having at least first and second cameras. The method identifies a first rate controller parameter that is based on at least a first value that quantifies one characteristic of the first camera. The method uses the first rate controller parameter to configure a set of rate controllers to adjust a bit rate for encoding video pictures captured by the first camera. The method identifies a second rate controller parameter that is based on at least a second value that quantifies the same characteristic of the second camera. The first and second values are different, and the difference causes the first and second rate controller parameters to be different. The method uses the second rate controller parameter to configure the set of rate controllers to adjust a bit rate for encoding video pictures captured by the second camera.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a decoder for decoding encoded video data which comprises blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder comprises a reconstruction information receiver which acquires reconstruction information from an encoder regarding reconstruction of the blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder also comprises an entropy decoder which decodes the blocks of transform coefficients into decoded blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder further comprises a coefficient list maker. According to the acquired reconstruction information, the coefficient list maker combines the transform coefficients of the decoded blocks into a first list of transform coefficients in which the transform coefficients of a respective decoded block are interleaved with the transform coefficients of another decoded block.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) processing for video telephone (VT) applications. According to the disclosed techniques, a recipient device defines ROI information for video information transmitted by a sender device, i.e., far-end video information. The recipient device transmits the ROI information to the sender device. Using the ROI information transmitted by the recipient device, the sender device applies preferential encoding to an ROI within a video scene. In this manner, the recipient device is able to remotely control ROI encoding of far-end video information by the sender device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving pixel data for a portion of an image including a blocking artifact, calculating an artifact strength based on a difference between a two pixels on opposite sides of the blocking artifact, performing a local adaptability check using the artifact strength and values multiple pixels on the opposite sides, performing deblocking based on a result of the local adaptability check, applying a soft threshold to the artifact strength to adjust a value of the artifact strength, and re-aligning one or more pixels on the opposite sides based on the original value of the pixels and a pixel index value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a technique for realtime processing of photographed pictures with less memory requirements. An image compressor compresses unit images, and so on of a given source picture individually. By converting reference data of compressed unit images and so on, the image compressor creates compressed data of the source picture. From the image compressor, a reference parameter generator receives original reference data corresponding to each unit image and so on having undergone the reference data conversion. An image decompressor retrieves a plurality of compressed unit images, and so on in an order suitable for a specified image editing operation. The image processor outputs the decompressed unit images after editing them to effect the specified image editing operation.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that preserves the synchronization of the audio and video presented at a secure conferencing site without necessitating decryption, decompression, compression, and encryption of signals at the hub. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and method for synchronizing audio and video in encrypted videoconferences that comprises a plurality of conference sites; and a hub for receiving a compressed and encrypted, composite audio and video signal from each site, for determining a currently active site, and for transmitting said composite audio and video signal from said currently active site to all other sites; said hub receiving a compressed and encrypted audio only signal from each site; wherein said hub routes all incoming compressed and encrypted audio only signals to each site.

Abstract: Supporting a plurality of videoconferencing streams in a videoconference. The method may include receiving the plurality of videoconferencing streams and may include decoding a first videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The method may also include selecting, for decoding, a second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The second videoconferencing stream may not be the first videoconferencing stream. The method may further include decoding, in response to said selecting, the second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to provide a secure room control isolator for a multi-network secure video teleconferencing room that meets the DISA and other standard security requirements. An example embodiment of the invention is a secure room control isolator coupled between a video teleconferencing room controller and a codec, to enable control commands to be sent from the room controller to the codec, but which permits only status information to be returned from the codec to the room controller. In this manner, classified information in the codec cannot be accessed by the room controller.

Abstract: A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a camera, a microphone, and an interface module. The module is coupled a modem connected to a television network and is coupled to a television set and a set-top box. The module decodes encoded audio video signals received from the modem that are part of a videoconferencing session. The module also encodes audio and video signals received from the camera and the microphone and sends the encoded audio video signals to the modem to be part of the videoconferencing session. The module can selectively send decoded audio signals to the television set or can selectively send video received from the set-top box to the television display. In addition, the module can send compressed audio and video signals received from the microphone and camera to the set-top box for processing and delivery to the television display.

Abstract: A video conferencing signal processing system is disclosed. The video conferencing signal processing system comprises a receiver and a sender. An original video signal captured from the sender is capable of being processed into an encoded video conferencing signal by monitoring an output status of a video conferencing module of the receiver and processing the original video signal according to the output status of the receiver. The present invention reduces the consumption of system resources and the necessary transmitting bandwidth for video conferencing.

Abstract: A video capturing device includes a USB transmission interface interconnected with a computer to transmit information and a data processing device primarily formed by an H.264 coding module and an audio coding module. Through the H.264 coding module, the audio coding module and a real-time coding-decoding module in the computer, digital video information, an audio signal, a dynamic data and a static data are received respectively. These data are encoded, compressed, and then transmitted through the USB transmission interface to the computer and then to a remote server. When the compressed information from the remote server is received by the computer, the information is decoded by an H.264 decoding module and an audio decoding module in the computer or the data processing device and then transmitted to an external device. By this external data processing device, the present invention can be carried conveniently and applied to any kinds of computers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a microcontroller which includes a Register Load Assist engine. The microcontroller can include no or minimal non-volatile memory which stores boot data. Thus, most of the boot data can be stored at a non-volatile memory external to the microcontroller. An external circuit can read the externally positioned non-volatile memory and send compressed boot data to the microcontroller. The boot data can be originally stored in compressed form in the external non-volatile memory or it can be compressed by the external circuit. The boot data can be received by the microcontroller and saved in an intermediate location in the microcontroller's internal volatile memory. The RLA engine can then uncompress the boot data and store various portions of it in their final destinations (such as, for example, in respective registers).

Abstract: A recording apparatus is able to suppress instances in which the user misses shutter opportunities or has to abort shooting due to insufficient remaining capacity on a recording medium. When the remaining capacity of the recording medium falls below a threshold, the user is allowed to set a desired recording duration. If it is determined that recording for the set desired recording duration at the target encoding data rate currently set is not possible, recording for the desired recording duration is enabled by automatically setting a recording mode that corresponds to a lower target encoding data rate, for example.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant video conferences. This architecture has a central distributor that receives video images from two or more participants. From the received images, the central distributor generates composite images that the central distributor transmits back to the participants. Each composite image includes a set of sub images, where each sub image belongs to one participant. In some embodiments, the central distributor saves network bandwidth by removing each particular participant's image from the composite image that the central distributor sends to the particular participant. In some embodiments, images received from each participant are arranged in the composite in a non-interleaved manner. For instance, in some embodiments, the composite image includes at most one sub-image for each participant, and no two sub-images are interleaved.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes: an image sensing section for sensing an image of a subject; a detector for detecting a luminance of the subject; a compressor for compressing a dynamic range of the subject image; and a controller for controlling a compression characteristic to be used in compressing the dynamic range based on a detection result of the detector.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmission apparatus and robust stream coding method thereof. The digital broadcasting transmission apparatus includes a robust processor that codes a robust stream of a dual transport stream where a normal stream and the robust stream are combined. The robust processor includes a demultiplexer (DE-MUX) that separates the normal stream and the robust stream from the dual transport stream; a robust encoder that appends a parity to the separated robust stream; a robust interleaver that interleaves the robust stream having the appended parity; and a MUX that combines the interleaved robust stream and the separated normal stream. Accordingly, a receiver of a simple structure can be provided.

Abstract: A display unit has an image presentation section 10 for receiving a plurality of monomedia data and presentation style data describing a presentation style of a frame of each of the individual monomedia data, for generating scaling/combining control information 111 for combining the individual monomedia data, and for generating a composite video frame 103 by combining the individual monomedia data; an image enhancing section 20 for obtaining a correction target region of designated monomedia data in the composite video frame 103 in response to the scaling/combining control information 111, for generating correction data by obtaining interframe difference in the correction target region, and for generating a display video frame 104 by carrying out image enhancing processing of the correction target region in response to the correction data generated; and an image display section 30 for displaying the display video frame 104.

Abstract: A method is described for encoding video. A video sequence is captured at a full frame resolution. Boundaries for an inner region are identified within frames of the video sequence. The video sequence is encoded at the full frame resolution into a bitstream. The bitstream includes a sub-bitstream which encodes for the inner region. Data is embedded within the bitstream. The data identifies the sub-bitstream within the bitstream. In one aspect, the data is a header specifying the inner region. In another aspect, the encoding estimates motion for pixels within the inner region based on pixels within the inner region.

Abstract: A format conversion circuit converts RGB data to YCbCr data. A one-dimensional compression circuit performs one-dimensional compression process on the YCbCr data to generate one-dimension compression image data and provides the one-dimension compression image data to a base band LSI. The one-dimensional compression circuit includes a memory area that is relatively small but sufficient for holding several bytes of data subject to the compression process.

Abstract: An optical system comprises a first image capture device for capturing an image of an observation area, a first display device, a semi-reflecting plate, a concave mirror disposed facing the first display device, and a second display device for displaying a background image. A light beam is scattered by the first display device through the semi-reflecting plate and then reflected by the mirror and the semi-reflecting plate in order to display an aerial image between the semi-reflecting plate and the observation area. A projector projects a light beam toward one of the display devices. The first image capture device is adapted to capture the image of the observation area via said one display device. A alternating control device alternates capture of an image of the observation area by the first image capture device and projection of the light beam projected by the projector.

Abstract: A 3D video communication terminal, system, and method are disclosed. The terminal includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, in which the transmitting device includes a camera and image processing unit, an encoding unit and a transmitting unit; the receiving device includes a receiving unit, a decoding unit, a restructuring unit, and a rendering unit. The 3D video communication system includes: a three dimensional video communication terminal, a 2D video communication terminal and a packet network. The 3D video communication method is processed in a two-way and three dimensional video communication, and it includes: shooting and acquiring video data; acquiring the depth and/or parallax information of short object from the video data; encoding the video data and the depth and/or parallax information; packing the encoded data into the packets according with the Real-time Transfer protocol; and transmitting the packets via the packet network.

Abstract: A digital camera has a signal processor, a high-frequency detector, a sampling processor, and a compression processor. The signal processor generates luminance and color difference data on the basis of image-pixel signals read from an image sensor. The high-frequency detector detects high-frequency components in the color difference data. The sampling processor carries out a sampling process to the luminance and color difference data in accordance with a given ratio of sampling frequencies. Then, the compression processor compresses the sampled luminance and color difference data. When there is a relatively low number of high-frequency components in the color difference data, the sampling processor samples the color difference data with a low sampling frequency.

Abstract: A multiprocessing uncompression mechanism takes advantage of existing multiprocessing capability within a database to perform dynamic uncompression of portions of a partially compressed database table that satisfy a query using processes that may be executed in parallel. Historical information is gathered for each query. Uncompression advice includes user-specified parameters that determine how the multiprocessing uncompression mechanism functions. The multiprocessing uncompression mechanism processes the historical information and uncompression advice to determine an appropriate task count for performing uncompression in parallel processes. The existing multiprocessing capability within the database then processes the tasks that perform the uncompression in parallel.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image capturing device and an image delivery method which is suitably applied to a video conference. The video conference is held between a local terminal and a remote terminal through a network. The device comprises a processor, a video encoder, an encryption engine and a data transmitting interface. The processor is used to process an original video signal for generating a first video signal and a second video signal. The video encoder is for receiving and compressing the first video signal. The encryption engine is for encrypting the compressed first video signal. The data transfer interface is for transmitting the compressed and encrypted first video signal and the second video signal to the local terminal. Wherein, the first video signal is transmitted to the remote terminal by the local terminal through the network and recovered by the remote terminal, and the second video signal is presented at the local terminal.

Abstract: A coding/decoding part performs codes and decodes a given signal in one of a plurality of coding/decoding modes of different bit rates; and a control part sets a predetermined bit rate to be applied by the coding/decoding part in case a given signal is output after being coded and decoded by said coding/decoding part without storage thereof in a predetermined recording medium.

Abstract: Positional and elevation data obtained from a camera unit is correlated with coordinates in an entire image display portion, used as a GUI having positional information to select a specified image with a mouse. Which frame this corresponds to in the entire image is calculated, and further, the position within the clicked frame is calculated. The calculated positional information is converted into positional information and elevation data of the frame. The camera unit is controlled with the positional information and elevation data from the camera unit, and an image of a range indicated by a specified image display frame superimposed on the display portion is taken, and stored and/or displayed. This allows confirmation an image of a range to be photographed beforehand, and the user can tell the relation between the range capable of acquiring images and the photography range at a glance, so desired portions can be continuously monitored.

Abstract: In various embodiments, multiple participants (at endpoints) may connect through a video conferencing system. A screen may display other participants in the conference call. For example, multiple participants may be displayed in respective portions of the screen. In some embodiments, each of the participants may use video conferencing systems that support different resolutions. In some embodiments, a transcoder may resolution transcode signals to allow the conference call participants to be displayed on each participant's respective screen at up to the highest possible resolution supported by the respective screen. For example, low resolution video conferencing systems may be displayed on a high definition screen of a high resolution system at the low resolution of the low resolution video conferencing system while another image on the same high definition screen from a different, higher resolution video conferencing system, may be displayed at the higher resolution.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide video conferencing functionality including using pre-processing and/or post-processing features to provide a video signal, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a video conferencing system can operate to provide a video signal based in part on the use of features of a pre-processing component and/or post-processing component. In one embodiment, a video conference device can include a pre-processing component and/or post-processing component to that can be used to compensate for bandwidth constraints associated with a video conferencing environment.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus control unit, comprising a calculation block, a first control block, an output block, and a second control block, is provided. The calculation block calculates the number of possible photographs. The number of possible photographs is set as the sequential-photographing number. The first control block carries out imaging control for either sequential-photographing or single-photographing. The output block outputs the compressed image signal to the memory. The second control block either repeatedly carries out the sequential control for sequential-photographing, or stops carrying out the sequential control for sequential-photographing and begins carrying out the sequential control for single-photographing when the sequential-photographing number is below a first predetermined number.

Abstract: A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.

Abstract: In some embodiments, spatially realistic audio may be provided for a conference call. Voices from participants on the left side of a display, in a conference call, may be directed through audio on the left side of the display at the other conferencing system in the conference call (similarly for voices from the center and right side of the display). In some embodiments, two speakers may be used in the system to create synthesized stereo sound at a location specified by directional information received as side information along with the existing audio channel. The location may be determined by using beamforming with integrated microphones on a camera or speakerphone. In some embodiments, the audio signal and directional information may be sent in the form of a left audio channel and a right audio channel.

Abstract: A real-time low frame-rate video compression system and method that allows the user to perform face-to-face communication through an extremely low bandwidth network. The system and method employs image cropping and morphing to reduce frame rates. At the encoder side, the system is able to automatically select only a few good faces from the original sequence with high visual quality and compress and transmit them. At the decoder side, the system use image-morphing based rendering method to generate a normal frame-rate video. Experimental results show that the system is superior to more traditional video codecs for low bit-rate face-to-face communication.

Abstract: Compression parameter sets are stored in files separate from the main AV or transmitted separately and prior to any subsequent transmission of AV data. The scope of parameter set identifiers is limited to not more than a Program Chain. Either existing files are extended by including the compression parameter sets directly, or separate files containing the compression parameter sets are created. In order to support easy authoring of compound content, it is proposed to amend each compression parameter set or groups of such parameter sets with scope period information, which can be based on time stamps, on file names, or on sector numbers on the disc. It is additionally proposed to employ an indirect referencing mechanism, where parameter set identifiers are referring to secondary tables, and where the entries of secondary tables are defined to be themselves identifiers referring in turn to entries of a common parameter set table provided once.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for encoding audio visual media signals sourced from preferably a video conference transmission. The technology provided is adapted to receive a video conference transmission from a computer network where this video conference transmission includes at least one audio visual signal and at least one protocol signal. One or more protocol signals are then read from the transmission received with the technology provided applying a selected encoding process to a received audio visual signal, wherein the encoding process selected depends on the contents of a read protocol signal.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting transmission and reception system includes a digital broadcasting transmission apparatus and a digital broadcasting reception apparatus. The digital broadcasting transmission apparatus that includes a robust processor that codes a robust stream of a dual transport stream where a normal stream and the robust stream are combined. The robust processor includes a demultiplexer (DE-MUX) that separates the normal stream and the robust stream from the dual transport stream; a robust encoder that appends a parity to the separated robust stream; a robust interleaver that interleaves the robust stream having the appended parity; and a MUX that combines the interleaved robust stream and the separated normal stream. The digital broadcasting reception apparatus includes a robust decoder that decodes a robust stream of a dual transport stream where a normal stream and the robust stream are combined.

Abstract: A method configured to continuously receive frames from a plurality of video channels and transmit to each of a plurality of participants in a video conference individual frames containing information concerning each of the video channels. The method only transmits at any given instant new picture data for one of the participants in the video conference.

Abstract: A communication system includes a portable phone and a digital still camera. The user selects an image for transmission, and data indicating a frame number of the selected image is sent from the portable phone to the digital still camera. The portable phone sends a re-size instruction to the digital still camera. The digital still camera re-sizes the image data to reduce a data quantity thereof. The re-sized image data is sent from the digital still camera to the portable phone. The image data is sent from the portable phone via a network to a partner communication system. The image data has a reduced data quantity through the re-sizing and hence can be completely transmitted thereto in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for multiplexing a number of video signals, in which to save circuits for compressors the video signals are reduced in their information, combined into a single video signal, and then the video signal is compressed by one compressor.

Abstract: A communication controller receives first ID and second ID indicative of two information synthesizers bilaterally connected to each other from each of the information synthesizers; stores therein the first ID and the second ID associated with each other; and assigns a one of the terminal devices to the first information synthesizer and other of the terminal devices to the second information synthesizer, when both of the first information and the second information from the first information synthesizer match those from the second information synthesizer.

Abstract: A real-time low frame-rate video compression system and method that allows the user to perform face-to-face communication through an extremely low bandwidth network. At the encoder side, the system is able to automatically select only a few good faces from the original sequence with high visual quality and compress and transmit them. At the decoder side, the system use image-morphing based rendering method to generate a normal frame-rate video. Experimental results show that the system is superior to more traditional video codecs for low bit-rate face-to-face communication.

Abstract: A multipoint videoconference server is made to swiftly respond to a video switching request from a terminal and a degree of computational complexity is made lower. A server 300 decodes only m (1<m?n) video streams selected from n terminals and stores video streams that need not be decoded in buffers. When an instruction to switch to another stream is received from a terminal, the server 300 uses data accumulated in the buffers and decodes from the latest I frame by going back to the past before starting to provide a video using the video stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image processing, comprising receiving a video frame, coding a first portion of the video frame at a different quality than a second portion of the video frame, based on an optical property, and displaying the video frame.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for synchronizing separate compressed video and text streams to provide lightweight closed captioning and instant messaging integration with video conferencing. A video encoder encodes a video stream and periodically generates a synchronization frame event. Each generated synchronization frame event has a unique ID. A text recording agent receives the periodically generated synchronization frame events, and generates text packets associating stored text with the synchronization frame event. A video decoder decodes the video stream, periodically generating the synchronization frame event having the unique ID. A text display agent receives the periodically generated synchronization frame events and associates stored text packets with the synchronization frame events.

Abstract: A system and a method allowing simultaneous exchange of audio, video or data information between a plurality of units over a communication network, supported by a central unit, wherein the central unit is, based on knowledge regarding one or more of the units, adapted to instruct said one or more units to generate multimedia data streams adjusted to fit into certain restrictions to be presented on other units participating in a same session.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for synchronizing the transmission of compressed headers in data packets between a transmitter and a receiver having a preferred wireless application which is an improvement of RFC2508. In a system having a transmitter transmitting a plurality of packets each containing a header to a receiver, a method of synchronizing the transmission of compressed headers between the transmitter and receiver in accordance with the invention includes transmitting a current packet from the transmitter to the receiver containing information that the transmitter is prepared to send subsequently transmitted packets in which the headers therein are to be compressed in comparison to the header contained in the current packet; and transmitting from the receiver to the transmitter an acknowledgment packet that the receiver has received the current packet.