Abstract: A method for efficient digital capturing of analog video signals of computer game consoles is provided. The video format of the signal is changed from 480p to 720p, without any scaling artifacts. The number of active horizontal resolution lines and active vertical resolution lines is reduced in the higher definition space, so that the output picture is a pixel-for-pixel transformed replica of the 480p image.

Abstract: This imaging device includes an imaging element, a field rate conversion processing section, and a frame rate conversion processing section. The imaging element converts an image of a photoelectric subject photographically, and outputs a picture image signal which consists of frames at a first frame rate. The field rate conversion processing section converts the picture image signal at the first frame rate into a television signal at a second frame rate which is smaller than the first frame rate. The frame rate conversion processing section converts the picture image signal at the first frame rate into a cinema film signal at a third frame rate which is smaller than the first frame rate, and which is different from the second frame rate.

Abstract: An interpolation system and method is applicable to image process of data size change. The characteristics of the interpolation system are that some simple operations in the system and method are operated by hardware (operator), while some complicated operations are processed by software. Though the demarcation, the hardware for performing interpolation is prevented from complicated composition so as to reduce the cost and the time needed.

Abstract: When a video display system displays an image having an aspect ratio that differs from the aspect ratio of the system's display monitor, the image spans only an “active” portion of the available display area on the monitor. The display system sets the luminance and/or chrominance of pixels in the inactive areas of the monitor to match the average luminance and/or chrominance of a selected group of pixels forming the image in the active area. This helps prevent ghosting by aging the phosphors or other material forming the pixels in the active and inactive areas at the same rate.

Abstract: When an image signal, which was picked up in a 24p image format and temporarily recorded on a temporary recording device, is read in a 60i image format, the image signal is subjected to a 2:3:2:3 pull-down conversion process so that it becomes possible to omit compressing/expanding processes. At this time, the reading operation is controlled on the basis of the figure of time codes so that the pull-down conversion system at the time of a joining image-pickup process is maintained. In this case, by properly switching controlling methods among a plurality of pull-down controlling methods, it is possible to achieve an image conversion system capable of providing an optimal image conversion process in accordance with desired image-pickup purposes and editing processes.

Abstract: A decoder apparatus which includes a de-multiplexer, which is configured to divide motion picture data from a transport stream, a video decoder, which is configured to decode the divided motion picture data, and a first re-formatter on-screen unit, which is configured to display motion picture data and at least one of first and second graphic data on a screen. The first re-formatter on-screen unit converts motion picture data of a first aspect ratio, which is decoded by the video decoder, and first graphics data, which is produced by applying information relating to a caption corresponding to the motion picture data, into a second aspect ratio, when outputting the motion picture data of the first aspect ratio after conversion into the second aspect ratio, without converting the aspect ratio of second graphic data, which is produced by applying information relating to a program guide.

Abstract: An image display apparatus that detects a picture defect and shifts an image region to eliminate the picture defect. The image display apparatus includes a memory unit that temporarily stores an input image signal, a memory control unit that controls a readout start address for the memory unit, a display unit to which the image signal read out of the memory unit is supplied, a detection unit that detects an aspect ratio of the input image signal, and an address control signal generation unit which receives an output from detection unit and generates a readout start address control signal for the memory unit.

Abstract: First and second division patterns are defined so that main areas A and A? are similar to each other in shape, having the same horizontal-to-vertical ratio. Even if an image output apparatus is connected to a display unit having both first and second display screens, the image output apparatus generates an identical image for the main area A or A? regardless of the aspect ratio of the display screen. The main areas A and A? display important information and the like. Sub areas B and B? display auxiliary information. The first and second division patterns may be determined so that the sub areas B and B? are similar to each other in shape like the main areas.

Abstract: In image-data recording processing performed when a video output conforms to the PAL system, a display-signal processing section receives image data having a frame rate of 30 Hz recorded in a memory, through a bus, converts the image data to image data having an NTSC frame rate of 29.97 Hz by a frame-rate conversion method in which thinning out is performed according to the ratio of frame rates, and outputs it to a display section and a codec-IC interface. The display-signal processing section also converts to image data having a PAL frame rate of 25 Hz, and outputs it to a video-output interface. In other words, image data is processed at a frame rate not related to the output, and then converted to image data having a frame rate suited for the output, and output. This invention can be used in digital cameras.

Abstract: Each of image display apparatus, an image display method and a computer program is arranged to select one of a first display mode of displaying an image of an image signal having a first aspect ratio in the image display area and a second display mode of displaying an image of an image signal having a second aspect ratio in the image display area, superpose a character signal upon the image signal having the first aspect ratio in response to a character display command, change the second display mode to the first display mode, when the character display command is input while the second display mode is selected, and display an image of the image signal having the first aspect ratio, on which the character signal is superposed, in the image display area.

Abstract: Provided is a video signal processing circuit capable, in a scale conversion, of rendering a circuit scale small and alleviating a deterioration of a vertical resolution. A vertical scaler is provided with a function of increasing the number of scanning lines of an input video signal. An increasing rate thereof is adjacent to 1.0. In a case that the number of unit output lines is M, the number of unit input lines is N, and the increasing rate is ?, a condition of 0<?<2 is satisfied. That is, ? is adjacent to 1.0. A number-of-a-plurality-of-time reading-out circuit performs a reading-out by a 3-time clock toward the input video signal. In addition, the number-of-a-plurality-of-time reading-out circuit is configured in such a manner as not to select the video signal read out by an address overtaking. A horizontal scaler interpolates the number of dots of a horizontal direction according to the number of horizontal dots of a liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: High-Definition Multimedia Interface Specification, Version 1.2, supports multiple video formats. Currently the HDMI sources and sinks support multiple formats through reconfiguration of the system. The present invention describes the use of a configurable ‘n’בn’ data pixel mapping matrix for video format conversion. This mapping matrix allows the mapping of any existing video format to any other existing or future video format and allows flexibility of connectivity to any transmitter or receiver. Accordingly a more user friendly implementation that provides greater flexibility for development and use of new formats in video applications is shown.

Abstract: An image aspect ratio adjustment system comprises an adjustment module configured to adjust image content to correspond to an aspect ratio of a display device based at least in part on motion within the image content.

Abstract: An image display device includes an image processing unit, a light source assembly, an optical modulator assembly, and a projection lens assembly. The image processing unit is configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals. The light source assembly and optical modulator assembly are each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device. The projection lens assembly is configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface. The optical modular assembly is configured to maximize the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, and includes at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.

Abstract: Pan-scan is provided for a standard 4:3 aspect ratio TV displaying a 16:9 aspect ratio high definition (HD) video stream using the motion vectors that are part of MPEG-encoded streams. Specifically, if, for instance, the MPEG motion vectors indicate an object rapidly moving to the left, the left-most part of the HD video frames are shown, instead of remaining centered on the HD video frames and cutting off the left and right portions.

Abstract: An output system and method, and, more particularly, a multi-output system and method capable of simultaneously outputting data to a plurality of output apparatuses are disclosed. The multi-output system includes: a reception unit which receives data to be output; a storage unit which stores a plurality of different conversion formats; a selection unit which allows a plurality of conversion formats to be selected from the conversion formats stored in the storage unit; a conversion unit which converts the received data into the plurality of the selected conversion formats; and an output unit which outputs the converted data into a predetermined output apparatus.

Abstract: A video image capture device includes an image sensor including an two-dimensional array of pixel elements overlaid with a pattern of color filters and having a vertical resolution different from the vertical resolutions specified for a group of video formats, a frame buffer for storing digital pixel data outputted by the image sensor, and an interpolator module for interpolating the digital pixel data to generate video data in at least three color planes and having a vertical resolution corresponding to a video format selected from the group of video formats. In one embodiment, the group of video formats includes the NTSC and PAL video formats. The vertical resolution of the image sensor has a value between the vertical resolution of the NTSC and PAL video formats. The interpolator module performs interpolation using a set of combined filters, each of the combined filters incorporating a demosaic filter and a scaling filter.

Abstract: A method for managing vertical format converter line memories includes writing a number of first input video lines into the VFC line memories, writing an additional video line into the VFC line memories, and reading respective pixels of the first input video lines and the additional input video line from the VFC line memories in parallel. The reading of respective pixels is commenced prior to completion of the writing of the additional video line. A digital video receiving system includes a somewhat similarly configured video processor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a display device is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input video image having a plurality of active scan lines, controlling the display device to display a plurality of background scan lines on a first display area with a first scan line frequency, and controlling the display device to display an output image on a second display area with a second scan line frequency. A second aspect ratio of the output image is substantially equal to a first aspect ratio of the input video image. The second scan line frequency is substantially lower than the first scan line frequency.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a car navigation processing unit 12 for processing a WQVGA signal, a TV receiving processing unit 15 for processing an NTSC signal, and an image resolution converting unit 17 which carries out an image resolution conversion of the NTSC signal from the TV receiving processing unit 15 to a WQVGA signal. The TV receiving processing unit 15 includes a pixel aspect ratio converting unit 104 for carrying out a pixel aspect ratio conversion of character data acquired from a WQVGA-ready character-font set 2, and a graphics/TV image compositing unit 106 for compositing an output from the pixel aspect ratio converting unit 104 with the NTSC signal, and for outputting a composite signal to the image resolution converting unit 17.

Abstract: In a method of automatically identifying a format of a video signal, where the video signal includes HSync pulses, VSync pulses, and video display data, the video signal is received, information about timing and width characteristics of the HSync pulses and the VSync pulses is extracted from the video signal, and the format of the video signal is determined based on the extracted information.

Abstract: A video decoder in which the video source clock is generated entirely in the digital domain is disclosed herein. By creating a virtual version of the source clock in a numeric oscillator, the amount of noise in the system is substantially reduced. Furthermore, by transferring the digitized video signal, sampled with an asynchronous crystal clock, into the source clock domain, the accuracy of the brightness (amplitude) and color (phase) information can be greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A circuit and a method for maintaining the aspect ratio of images when there is a difference in format between image sources and display panels is provided. Lines are added in the vertical direction both at the top and at the bottom of the display panel in order to make the display panel have the same aspect ratio as the input image. A line enable signal is used to expand the vertical lines to maintain aspect ratio. Previously, the period of line enable signals could not be programmed to vary sufficiently to yield the necessary expansion to allow the aspect ratio of the display panel image to match the aspect ratio of the source image. This design allows the period of the line enable signal to vary enough to match all reasonable aspect ratios of input images.

Abstract: An arrangement for maintaining even tube burn-in. The arrangement identifies active and inactive display regions on a display unit when video content is displayed on the display unit. When inactive display regions are identified the arrangement monitors the duration that the active display regions remain active. After the active display regions become inactive and a predetermined time period has passed the arrangement displays a corrective image on the identified inactive regions. The predetermined time period may be set by a user or based on the user's viewing habits.

Abstract: A ratio between an aspect ratio of a digital image signal and an aspect ratio of a display device is converted and a presence image part 2 of digital image data decoded by a digital image signal demodulating part is compressed laterally and is shifted to the center of an image area 1 made of the aspect ratio of the digital image signal and then an absence image part 3 is used as side panels 4 and digital image data made of the aspect ratio of the digital image signal is formed and outputted. Thus, even when the display device converts an image by a lateral uniform expansion method, a display image without lateral expansion can be outputted on a display screen.

Abstract: When the combination of the image signal and contents each having various aspect ratios is displayed on the display with various aspect ratios, an image display device that generates a proper display screen with simple operation or automatically is provided.

Abstract: A video output device adds a blank on both left and right sides or both upper and lower sides of an input video to produce a video having the same aspect ratio as that of the display screen of the display device, when an aspect ratio of the input video and an aspect ratio of a display device for displaying the video are different. At this time, the brightness of the blank to be added to the input video is adjusted in accordance with the brightness near the boundary between the input video and the blank to suppress a difference in brightness near the boundary.

Abstract: Video is received at a standard aspect ratio. The video includes video content having an alternate aspect ratio. The video content is provided in a letterboxed format with black bars to make up the standard aspect ratio. The video is analyzed to identify portions of the video related to changing video content. A boundary for the changing video content is identified as the alternate aspect ratio. The alternate aspect ratio is then applied to the video to present the video at the alternate aspect ratio. Extraneous portions of the video, such as the black bars, are then discarded from the video to present the video at the alternate aspect ratio.

Abstract: The formatting of a video image frame (10) having a first aspect ratio to yield an image frame having a different aspect ratio is facilitated by establishing a pan and scan pixel coordinate (P) within the image that defines an image capture window for formatting purposes. A predictor (22) determines the pan and scan pixel coordinate by examining the image frame to determine the location therein of the most pertinent activity. The predictor (22) determines the location of the most pertinent activity by examining at least one of: video data, audio data, and other data such as closed captioning information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for video data processing in digital video decoding, such as digital video disk (DVD) decoding, which produces new video data according to main picture data, sub-picture unit (SPU) data, and an aspect ratio. The apparatus includes a sub-picture-unit-decoding and color-determining device, a mixer, a buffer, and an interpolator. The sub-picture-unit-decoding and color-determining device is used for performing sub-picture decoding and color determination on the SPU data, and producing decoded SPU data. The mixer, coupled to the SPU-decoding and color-determining device, is employed to mix the main picture data and the decoded SPU data, and outputting combined video data. The buffer, coupled to the mixer, for storing the combined video data outputted from the mixer.

Abstract: An area is imaged with a non-standard aspect ratio, e.g. wide aspect ratio, digital imager to produce pixels of image data. At least a portion of the produced pixels of image data corresponding to the captured non-standard aspect ratio image is displayed beginning, for a given frame of pixels of image data, at a column of pixels of image data corresponding to a predetermined column of imaged pixels. The number of columns of display pixels is different than the number of columns of imaged pixels. Motion is detected in the imaged pixels so that a motion responsive portion of the imaged pixels corresponding to the captured non-standard aspect ratio image corresponding to a window of the imaged pixels having motion detected therein can be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a television receiver which receives television signals to display images on a CRT display, and includes a JPEG decode unit (21) for decoding JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compressed image data. The JPEG decode unit (21) detects image size of image data after decode processing stored in JPEG compressed image data from a memory card (6). In case the image size is larger than image display area of a CRT display (3) and activity ratio of a memory unit (22) is larger than a limit value, the JPEG decode unit (21) sends the image size to a CPU (25), and concurrently decodes the JPEG compressed image data in the memory unit (22) to generate the image data, and clips away half of the image data along the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for nonlinear scaling of video images. To match the aspect ratios of a video image and the target display area, at least one embodiment of the present invention scales the video image according to one or more nonlinear functions along the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the nonlinear functions are such that the original aspect ratio of the video image is preserved near the center region (or strip) of the image and the image is gradually stretched (or compressed) as it is mapped to the edges. In one example, the scaling is implemented by the texture mapping functionality of OpenGL using graphics hardware. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nonlinear mapping is constructed according to a polynomial mapping; and, the coefficients of the polynomial are adjustable by a user to trade off distortion between the image center and the image edges, giving the user control over the location and the amount of distortion.

Abstract: A de-interlacing methodology generates frames from interlaced video signals by incorporating data from multiple fields into an interpolation-based de-interlacing process. Pixels directly above and below a blank pixel location and pixels immediately before and after the blank pixel location (in the fields immediately preceding and following, respectively, the blank pixel field) can be used to interpolate a pixel value for the blank pixel location. The use of pixel data from multiple fields improves the resolution of the interpolation process, thereby improving output frame accuracy. Adjacent pixel values can also be adjusted to further improve the consistency of the visual display provided by the output frames.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for displaying a video composed of images each comprising a predetermined number M of lines and, a predetermined number N of pixels in each line. Values of a predetermined number P of reference pixels for each line of a current image of the video are stored in memory, where P is less than N. For each line of the current image, the value of a parameter associated with the line is determined, with the parameter corresponding to the number of the reference pixels of the line that are black according to a first predetermined criterion. A first nonblack line and a last nonblack line of the current image are determined to serve as a basis for an automatic reframing of the images of the video before display.

Abstract: There is provided an image display apparatus which automatically detects a picture defect and shifts an image region to eliminate the picture defect. The image display apparatus includes a memory unit for temporarily storing an input image signal, a memory control unit for controlling a readout start address for the memory unit, a display unit to which the image signal read out of the memory unit is supplied, a detection unit of an aspect ratio of the input image signal, and an address control signal generation unit to which an aspect ratio detection output is supplied from the detection unit and which generates a readout start address control signal for the memory unit from the input image signal. When the input image signal having an aspect ratio different from an aspect ratio of image screen display of the display unit is supplied, a readout start address is controlled on the basis of the address control signal generated by the address control signal generation unit.

Abstract: A video signal reproduction apparatus for receiving an information signal including a video signal and a determination signal indicating a type of the video signal, and reproducing the video signal included in the information signal. The apparatus comprises a conversion section for converting the video signal to a progressive scan video signal, and an aspect ratio conversion section for converting an aspect ratio of the progressive scan video signal output from the conversion section and outputting the converted progressive scan video signal to a progressive scan video monitor. The aspect ratio conversion section converts the aspect ratio of the progressive scan video signal based on the determination signal indicating the type of the video signal and monitor information indicating a type of the progressive scan video monitor.

Abstract: The invention converts a digital HDTV or SDTV video and/or audio signal(s) into an analog signal which is compatible with existing analog systems. The compatible analog signal carries the digital video and/or audio in a quasi digital form which provides immunity to analog noise and distortion. Digital video and audio are compressed to provide digital compressed signals that are coupled to a digital to analog formatter where they are formatted into an NTSC, PAL, or SECAM compatible analog signal. The active video portion of the signal uses a multilevel pulse amplitude coded signal to carry the digital compressed signal. The converted analog signal can then be stored or transmitted using existing NTSC, PAL, or SECAM standards and equipment.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for displaying widescreen video images on a stand video display is disclosed. Letterboxing, which occurs when a widescreen image is displayed in its entirety on a standard video display, is removed by enlarging the widescreen image and panning the enlarged widescreen image responsive to a multi-channel audio signal corresponding to the widescreen image.

Abstract: A video compression scheme enables the user to select one of many video compression formats, including the widely-used standard video formats such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and H.263. In one embodiment, the scheme is implemented as a hardware-software combination, with the hardware portion, preferably implemented as an ASIC chip, performing the core compression and the software portion dealing with the detailed formatting. In another embodiment, a 32-bit aligned transitional data format is used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image decoding apparatus, a semiconductor device, and a image decoding method, capable of outputting images simultaneously using different formats. In the image decoding apparatus, an MPEG decoding portion 1 decodes an inputting coded data and stores the decoded data in an external memory portion 12. A decoded data reading portion 2 reads decoded data in the image output sequence from the external memory portion 12 and outputs the decoded data as the decoded data signal B1. A first image format converting portion 3-1 converts the decoded data signal B1 into a prescribed image format and outputs a first image output. Furthermore, a second image format converting portion 3-2 converts the decoded data signal B1 into a prescribed image format and outputs a second image output after synchronizing a second vertical image synchronizing signal A2, which is synchronized with a first vertical image synchronizing signal A1.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for reformatting at least a portion of a digital source image. The digital source image has a number of pixels defining an original format which is to be converted to a destination image in a new format having a number of pixels. The number of pixels of the new format is greater than the number of pixels in the original format. A gradient is estimated at a point within a window which encompasses a plurality of intensity values from the source image. A polynomial is then used to determine a value for the point in the new format within the window. The polynomial is based in part upon the gradient. Values are then determined for additional points in the destination image by selecting a new window and repeating the acts of estimating a gradient and using a polynomial to determine a value.

Abstract: Provided is a display apparatus having an improved structure in which all of current and future personal computer (PC) signals and high definition TV (HDTV) signals as well as normal TV signals can be displayed with optimum picture quality. The display apparatus includes a format converter which inputs a video signal of various specifications, converts the video signal into a video signal having a similar horizontal frequency and outputs the video signal having the similar horizontal frequency, a driver which drives a display unit using the video signal converted through the format converter, and a deflection driver which generates a deflection signal appropriate for a video signal having converted formats based on horizontal and vertical frequencies of the video signal having the converted formats output from the format converter and supplies the deflection signal to the display unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing autoconvergence is described. An image having a first aspect ratio and a plurality of sides is received. The image is displayed on a display having a second aspect ratio and at least one sensor corresponding to each side of the image. The image is moved so that each sensor can detect the corresponding side of the image.

Abstract: A line buffer unit stores the pixel values of image data for respective lines in synchronism with pixel clocks and a horizontal sync signal. An output counter generates a coordinate value to specify a pixel position in second image data based on the count value of predetermined clocks and the horizontal sync signal, and a data request unit converts the generated coordinate value into a pixel position in input image data on the basis of the set scale value. The pixel values of pixels required for arithmetic operations are acquired from the line buffer unit based on this pixel position, and an arithmetic unit calculates the pixel value of a pixel corresponding to the coordinate value. When the arithmetic unit is not ready to execute the arithmetic operation of the pixel value, generation of the coordinate value by the counter is stopped until the arithmetic unit is ready to execute the operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for video data processing in digital video decoding, such as digital video disk (DVD) decoding, which produces new video data according to main picture data, sub-picture unit (SPU) data, and an aspect ratio. The apparatus includes a sub-picture-unit-decoding and color-determining device, a mixer, a buffer, and an interpolator. The sub-picture-unit-decoding and color-determining device is used for performing sub-picture decoding and color determination on the SPU data, and producing decoded SPU data. The mixer, coupled to the SPU-decoding and color-determining device, is employed to mix the main picture data and the decoded SPU data, and outputting combined video data. The buffer, coupled to the mixer, for storing the combined video data outputted from the mixer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image display method and apparatus capable of displaying best quality images even when image signals with a variety of aspect ratios are inputted. The image display method includes restoring a picture frame from a video data stream, detecting an aspect ratio of the picture frame, checking if the aspect ratio of the picture frame is matched with a predetermined aspect ratio of a digital TV receiver, adjusting a vertical size or a horizontal size of the picture frame if the aspect ratio of the picture frame and the predetermined aspect ratio of the digital TV receiver are different from each other, and format-converting the picture frame having the adjusted vertical size or horizontal size in accordance with a selected output format to output the format-converted the picture frame.

Abstract: A video production switcher converts an aspect ratio through the use of an integrated aspect ratio converter. Additionally, by having both converted and native format signals input to a switcher processor, the effective number of inputs can be doubled.

Abstract: A method for scaling an image frame by an off-screen technology is provided. An image frame consisting of n rows and m columns of data is stored into a storage device. The image frame is divided into a plurality of image portions. Then, the plurality of image portions are picked in sequence to a frame buffer register. An image scaling operation is performed for each picked image portion, and then the scaled image portion is cleared from the frame buffer register.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video signal converting apparatus and a display device having the same which may convert a low-resolution video signal from a host into a different-resolution video signal capable of being displayed on the entire screen of a high-resolution supporting display device. The apparatus has a detector for detecting a first resolution signal indicative of a resolution of the first display signal using horizontal and vertical synchronization signals related to the first display, a comparator for comparing the first resolution signal with a second resolution signal indicative of a reference resolution; and a converter for converting the first display signal into the second resolution signal, if there is a difference between the first and the second resolution signals.