Abstract: To provide a technology of properly specifying a process target frame in a dynamic image in accordance with a user's instruction. A frame specifying device plays a dynamic image, receives, when a user performs an operation of instructing execution of a process about a partial scene in the dynamic image, an instruction signal based on the user's operation, and specifies, as triggered by receiving the instruction signal, a frame under the play or a frame distanced by a predetermined length of time from the frame under the play as the process target frame when receiving the instruction signal in the frames constructing the dynamic image.

Abstract: A system and method, the method including stabilizing a video sequence captured by an image capturing system, extracting a subject of interest in the stabilized video sequence to isolate the subject from other objects in the video sequence, determining a trajectory associated with the subject, tracking the trajectory of the subject over a period of time; extracting data associated with the trajectory of the subject based on the tracking; and presenting the extracted data in a user-understandable format.

Abstract: An image-processing device (130) includes a data access section (131) that reads composite image data (10) having one data structure in which a plurality of image data are combined, and a controller (136) that selects predetermined image data from the composite image data (10) and displays only the selected image data on a display section (140). With the above configuration, a plurality of image data are organized in one composite image data (10) to thereby significantly reduce the image data size. Therefore, in such a device as having limited capacity for saving image data or the like, such as a car navigation, mobile phone, or other devices having a small-sized movie display section, a number of images can be displayed by using the composite image data in which a plurality of image data are combined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing video signals, which can selectively freeze any one of two or more images being displayed, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a video decoder decoding at least one video stream in picture units, by using a plurality of decoding frames and at least one freezing frame, a memory storing in picture units the decoded video stream outputted from the video decoder, and a plurality of video processors reading the stored video stream from the memory and transforming the stored video stream to displayable data.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus for receiving a digital broadcast, includes a freeze determining section and a display control section. The freeze determining section determines whether or not a freeze process should be initiated on a basis of a receiving status of the digital broadcast. The freeze determining section also determines whether or not the free process being performed should be terminated on the basis of a receiving status of the digital broadcast. The display control section initiates the freeze process when the freeze determining section concludes that the freeze process should be initiated. The display control section terminates the freeze process being performed when the freeze determining section concludes that the freeze process being performed should be terminated. The freeze process includes displaying a freeze notification on a screen while changing the freeze notification so that a user recognizes the change of the freeze notification.

Abstract: In a video display apparatus and method, video data of video being displayed on a display unit are sequentially updated and temporality stored in a storage unit. The video data stored in the storage unit is written into an external storage medium according to a first external operation, and is read from the external storage medium according to a second external operation. Video based on the video data read from the external storage medium is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for TV frame capture and printing. The system includes a tuner, a processor, a memory, an image compression engine, a display unit, a connecting interface, an interface controller, and a printer. The tuner receives TV signals, and the processor processes the TV signal to generate a TV frame, which is stored in the memory. The image compression engine is controlled by the processor to read a target frame from the memory, and processes the target frame to generate an image file, which is also stored in the memory. The display unit displays the TV frame and image file. The interface controller controls the connecting interface, which is connected to the printer. The printer communicates with the processor through an image transmission standard to receive and print the image file.

Abstract: A video processing system is presented that interleaves video data. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, data from a first field is placed in a frame and is augmented with pixel values in adjacent alternate rows of the frame with pixel values determined from the pixel values in the first field data and pixel values from the second field data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for frame capture and redisplay in a stand-alone television. The method comprises: down-converting a television signal including a plurality of frames; selecting an accepted frame; capturing the selected frame; storing the captured frame; selecting a stored frame; and, displaying the selected frame. Some aspects of the method further comprise: storing auxiliary information with the stored frame, such as time, date, or channel. Then, displaying the frame includes displaying the frame with the auxiliary information. Other aspects of the method further comprise: accepting a remote capture and remote display signals from a television remote control. Down-converted frames are selected for storage, and stored frames are selected for display in response to the remote signals. In other aspects, stored frames are displayed as thumbnail displays. For example, a single thumbnail display, or a group of thumbnail displays can be presented overlying the down-converted television signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a frozen picture to be displayed on a display device in a video data decoding system; the apparatus and method including the steps of receiving video data to be spatially and temporally reconstructed in the decoding system, first determining whether a descriptor of the video data for indicating types of source material from which the video data has originated is in error, second determining whether the descriptor indicates progressive or non-progressive, displaying a frame picture of the video data to construct a frozen picture when the descriptor is not in error in the first determining step and the descriptor indicates progressive in the second determining step, and displaying one of field pictures of the video data to construct a frozen picture when the descriptor is in error in the first determining step or the descriptor indicates non-progressive in the second determining step.

Abstract: A method and device for providing instant replay in an MPEG video decoder. The method and device provides non-MPEG frame tags for correlation of the frames in the decompressed domain to the frames in the compressed domain.

Abstract: An on-location local multicast distribution system and business method therefor. Contemporaneous information is continuously provided to a local distribution unit on a particular event (e.g., a NASCAR race) from multiple input devices, such as video cameras and microphones. The distribution unit simultaneously transmits audio, video and event specific information to multiple uniquely identifiable output devices, each in the hands of a registered attendee. The input devices are in wireless Communication with the distribution unit and the distribution unit is in wireless Communication with the output devices. The uniquely identifiable output devices include a display such as a liquid crystal display and may be for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA). Registered attendees may selecting which of the multiple inputs are received.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for customizing a digital broadcast receiver. Video and audio clips may be captured from a broadcast signal after receiving commands from a user. The captured clips may then be used to provide background images and sounds. Sounds may also be assigned to broadcast receiver events.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the artifacts associated with still frame display and video capture of interlaced video are provided. Tuner 100 receives an interlaced video signal having an image frame with first and second fields. Motion detector 55 detects whether motion is present between the first and second fields. Memory 40 stores one or both of the fields for processing when motion is detected. Processor 30 processes the stored field(s) to provide an image frame with reduced artifacts. Various processing techniques are provided to generate the image frame from the stored field(s), without duplicating the stored field for use as the other field. Memory 40 stores the image frame. If motion is not detected, the first and second fields are both stored to provide the image frame. The stored image frame can then be continuously displayed to provide still frame display, or can be captured for subsequent use.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for frame capture and redisplay in a stand-alone television. The method comprises: down-converting a television signal including a plurality of frames; selecting an accepted frame; capturing the selected frame; storing the captured frame; selecting a stored frame; and, displaying the selected frame. Some aspects of the method further comprise: storing auxiliary information with the stored frame, such as time, date, or channel. Then, displaying the frame includes displaying the frame with the auxiliary information. Other aspects of the method further comprise: accepting a remote capture and remote display signals from a television remote control. Down-converted frames are selected for storage, and stored frames are selected for display in response to the remote signals. In other aspects, stored frames are displayed as thumbnail displays. For example, a single thumbnail display, or a group of thumbnail displays can be presented overlying the down-converted television signal.

Abstract: Image data of still images are created based on data produced by one-dimensionally sampling a sequence of two-dimensionally displayed moving image data in one direction while sequentially moving a sampling position in another direction, and particular frame images are detected in the sequence of moving images based on the moving image data, such that the detected particular frame images are displayed together with a still image based on the created image data along a common time base, thus enabling an operator to immediately recognize an overall stream of moving images represented by the moving image data based on the displayed particular frame images and still image, thereby making it possible to realize an image display apparatus and method capable of readily confirming an outline of the moving images and selecting a desired scene therefrom in a short time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for catching-up on viewing a program on a viewing device. The apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a storing mechanism configured for simultaneously recording and playing back digital video and audio streams. A controller is configured to control the storing mechanism to record and play back the digital video and audio streams. The controller is also configured to determine an accelerated playback speed that allows a viewer to catch-up to a real time viewing of the program. A playback mechanism operatively coupled between the storing mechanism and the viewing device is configured to control a playback speed of the video and audio streams provided to the viewing device from the storage mechanism in accordance with the accelerated playback speed.

Abstract: A signal processing method and apparatus provides a capability of storing a portion of an input signal representing a received program and accessing the stored information to provide a signal component representing a time-compressed version of the portion of the program during a playback mode of operation. When viewed, the time-compressed signal produced during playback provides the portion of the program in a fraction of the original time duration of the portion of the program. Playback occurs at a rate faster than the rate at which new data is stored and, as a result, there will be point in time at which the “past” signal produced during playback and the received signal, or original input video signal, coincide in time. This point in time is detected and the output signal is automatically switched back to the received program signal.

Abstract: A circuit for freezing a video frame having a first field interlaced with a second field. The circuit generally comprises a memory and a filter. The memory may be configured to present a plurality of coefficient signals that define (i) a first coefficient set for the first field and (ii) a second coefficient set for the second field. The filter may be configured to present a new frame in place of the video frame. The new frame may be generated from either (i) the first field and the first coefficient set in response to freezing on the first field or (ii) the second field and the second coefficient set in response to freezing on the second field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the artifacts associated with still frame display and video capture of interlaced video are provided. Tuner 100 receives an interlaced video signal having an image frame with first and second fields. Motion detector 55 detects whether motion is present between the first and second fields. Memory 40 stores one or both of the fields for processing when motion is detected. Processor 30 processes the stored field(s) to provide an image frame with reduced artifacts. Various processing techniques are provided to generate the image frame from the stored field(s), without duplicating the stored field for use as the other field. Memory 40 stores the image frame. If motion is not detected, the first and second fields are both stored to provide the image frame. The stored image frame can then be continuously displayed to provide still frame display, or can be captured for subsequent use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delaying the display of a portion of audio and video broadcast signals received from a remote location. Received broadcast video and audio signals are placed in a first-in/first-out storage queue to enable the control of the playback of the signals. Signals may be placed in the tail of the queue while previously received signals are simultaneously routed from the head of the queue to a television monitor. Passing the signals through the queue creates the delay. The system may be controlled either by input to the receiver from the broadcast facility or by remote or manual control by the user. The control functions that are available to the user are pause, play, fast forward and replay. The control from the broadcast facility is through the ability to “mark” segments of the video and audio program to be immune to the fast forward function, thus guaranteeing that those segments are viewed by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a frozen picture to be displayed on a display device in a video data decoding system; the apparatus and method including the steps of receiving video data to be spatially and temporally reconstructed in the decoding system, first determining whether a descriptor of the video data for indicating types of source material from which the video data has originated is in error, second determining whether the descriptor indicates progressive or non-progressive, displaying a frame picture of the video data to construct a frozen picture when the descriptor is not in error in the first determining step and the descriptor indicates progressive in the second determining step, and displaying one of field pictures of the video data to construct a frozen picture when the descriptor is in error in the first determining step or the descriptor indicates non-progressive in the second determining step.

Abstract: An inputted analog color video signal is converted into a digital video signal by an analog-to-digital converting circuit 13, is then written into a transfer buffer 15, and is digitally processed. That is, with respect to a moving picture which is changed for each frame, black-and-white image data is extracted from the digital video signal stored in the transfer buffer 15, is temporarily stored in a WT buffer memory 21, and is displayed on a CRT. With respect to a still picture whose acceptance is designated at suitable timing while seeing the moving picture, color image data is extracted from the digital video signal stored in the transfer buffer 15, is temporarily stored in a CT buffer memory 28, and is displayed on the CRT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve the vertical alignment of images captured from video. The method shifts a current scanline by an alignment offset detected locally between either the two fields of the image or within a field of the image itself. This aligns the current scanline to more closely correspond with adjacent intra-field or inter-field scanlines, thereby reducing wiggles or jitters in the vertical lines of the image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multiple perspectives of a venue activity to electronic hand held devices are disclosed. A system for providing venue-based data to venue-based wireless hand held device can include at least one processor for processing data captured by at least one venue-based video camera for transmission to remote wireless hand held devices and at least one transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the data to a the remote wireless hand held devices. Wireless hand held devices include a display screen for displaying received venue video data. A method for transmitting venue-based data to hand held devices includes steps of capturing video images from at least one perspective of a venue-based activity using at least one video camera, processing the video images into venue-based data formatted for transmission and use by at least one hand held device and transmitting the venue-based data to at least one hand held device.

Abstract: An analytical system for moving picture regeneration is capable of ascertaining an appropriate method of improving the quality of a moving picture by executing satisfactory analysis of the state of moving picture regeneration. With the analytical system for moving picture regeneration, moving picture codes are decoded and regenerated by respective regeneration units. Thereupon, in each of the regeneration units, occurrence of picture freeze is detected by information subunits for picture freeze occurrence, a throughput is detected by throughput monitoring subunits, and delay in input time of the respective moving picture codes is detected by input-time information subunits and sent out to a display unit. Further, a SNR value is computed on the basis of a restored moving picture and a reference moving picture by respective SNR computation units, and a sum of the throughputs of the respective regeneration units is obtained by a total throughput monitoring unit, and sent out to the display unit.

Abstract: A method provides for the signaling of a still image capture during video capture, the method including a step of receiving a still image frame capture command in a push model mechanism. The method also includes a step for capturing an image frame; and, modifying a set of bits in an image plane in the image frame; wherein the set of bits in the image plane indicates that the image frame is a still image frame. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises display means for displaying a moving image on the basis of input image data; designation means for designating a partial region in a display screen of the display means; and encoding means for encoding the image data. The display means displays a still image of the moving image during designation by the designation means. The encoding means encodes the image data with an image included in the region designated by the designation means of the moving image displayed by the display means being decodable to have higher image quality than an image of a non-designated region.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing analog video data and previewing still video images of the captured analog video data without converting the analog video data into digital image data. The system takes analog video data and converts the data into raw digitized video data. The raw digitized video data is stored in a memory until the data is selected for previewing. Once selected, the raw digitized video data is reconverted into analog video data that presents a still image of the desired data. The system is also able to discard unnecessary portions of the raw digitized video data and store only necessary portions of the raw digitized video data. Preferably, the video capture, preview, and storage technique is used in video printing. When used in video printing, the raw digitized video data is converted into digital image data using a software decoding process.

Abstract: A method and device for providing instant replay in an MPEG video decoder. The method and device provides non-MPEG frame tags for correlation of the frames in the decompressed domain to the frames in the compressed domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-division still picture television system, by which a frame needed by a receiver can be selected by a simplified arrangement. A natural still picture frame including a reference frame is repeatedly transmitted in a certain sequence using the reference frame as reference. In a receiver's device, the reference frame is detected by a reference frame identification signal inserted in the scanning line in the vertical retrace interval, in display picture or sound, and the frame to be displayed is detected and displayed by counting the number of the received frames.

Abstract: A method of providing conversion from YUV signals to RGB signals includes the steps of determining a correspondence value between each of the Y. U, and V pixel values and the corresponding one of the R, G, and B pixel values. Three tables are generated; a Y table, a U table and a V table. During operation, each table may then be easily accessed by indexing the table with the respective Y, U or V input, to provide R,G,B data. The method may be used in a 64 bit embodiment using two registers or one register. Alternatively, the method may be used in a 32 bit embodiment. The conversion method can easily be augmented to provide color adjustment during conversion without any added complexity.

Abstract: A television with hard disk drive comprises an analog video source which may be digitized and stored on a hard disk drive for later playback wherein the stored video data is capable of being played back at a rate slower, faster, or the same as the original analog video signal, thereby providing a viewer with flexibility in viewing a program. Also disclosed is a method for viewing a television program or other video material employing the apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for delivering information to the subscribers (terminals) on a communication network. The information is simultaneously displayed without interfering with the reception and/or display of subscriber's selected data or program.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a plurality of compressed images is disclosed, in which a high quality freeze display is made possible with a high vertical resolution and a multiplicity of compressed images can be displayed at the same time on the display screen without increasing the circuit scale extremely. Different video signals are processed for image compression in a plurality of processing circuits, and a synthesized image is supplied to a display unit for displaying four compressed images on the display screen at the same time. In the case of an image sequence display, the image size is compressed into one half in horizontal and vertical directions respectively by the processing circuits, and the odd and even fields are separately written in field memories. Also, in the case of freeze display, all the lines are written alternately in the field memories without compressing them vertically by a filter circuit.

Abstract: A television receiver with PIP circuitry provides a snapshot feature for freezing the main video display in the PIP display inset by operation of a special key on a remote control keypad. With the television receiver operating normally (PIP deactivated), one operation of the special key switches the main video signal to the PIP input and freezes the PIP display in its largest size and in the position it occupied the last time PIP was activated. A video message informs the viewer that a snapshot feature is operational. A subsequent operation of the special key switches the PIP signal to the PIP circuitry and unfreezes the display as in normal PIP operation. A further operation of the special key deactivates the PIP circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing moving image data so as to obtain stationary image data representative of a desired image frame which is suitable for display on a display device. A moving portion of the image data corresponding to the desired image frame is detected and the image data corresponding to the detected moving portion is interpolated in accordance with a predetermined interpolation technique. A stationary image corresponding to the interpolated image data may be displayed on the display device with relatively high quality. The motion detection and field interpolation processing may eliminate or reduce stripes or the like which may otherwise be present in the displayed stationary image due to a deviation of the image data between the fields of the respective frame. Coefficients utilized for the motion detecting processing may be taken from previously stored values or may be set by an operator.

Abstract: A signal processing device which makes an adjustment of a displayed picture easy. When a game button 31 of a television is pressed, a picture and a sound from a game unit are selected from among a plurality of inputs, an indicator 10 lights up and a predetermined sound is outputted to confirm for the user that the picture and the sound of the game unit have been selected. When the game button 31 is rotated, preset types of adjustment of the displayed picture, for example, a change to the aspect ratio or a change to the position in which the picture is displayed on a CRT, are carried out.

Abstract: In order to suppress undesirable video scenes, such as advertisements during a television program, it is known to suppress the undesirable video scenes by image processing when characteristic images for the beginning and end of the undesirable video scenes are known. Since many broadcasting stations have started to characterize only the beginning of the advertisements, however, the known process does not ensure the return to the television program at the end of the advertisements. The method allows undesirable video scenes to be reliably detected for recording the same or for reliably returning to the television program when the undesirable scenes are suppressed. For that purpose, when the beginning of an advertisement is recognized, an image that precedes in time the beginning of the advertisement is recorded.

Abstract: An image freeze device comprising a still image output mode selector, a write signal generator for outputting a write signal corresponding to an operational state of the still image output mode selector, a counter for counting a number of column addresses and a number of row addresses when driven by a main clock signal and a number of synchronizing signals, address selectors for designating an area corresponding to the column address and row address outputted from the counter, and a memory for storing image data in an area designated by the address selectors when the memory is write-enabled by the write signal outputted from the write signal generator and for outputting the image data stored in the designated area when the memory is output-enabled by an applied field signal. In case a still image is needed, the image freeze device can selectively project the formerly projected image alone through an image display device.

Abstract: Installation and method for freezing audiovisual data streams, which installation comprises a video freeze control (2) which in equipped to receive a freeze command signal (FR) to be generated by a user and to detect a predetermined marker in a videosignal read from a memory (1), and, after receipt of the freeze command signal and detection of the marker, to supply a video control signal (VSC) for a video switch (4) and a video stop signal (VS) to interrupt reading of the video signal (VID), which video switch comprises a first input, to which the video signal (VID) read out is fed, and a second input, which is connected to a video stuffing generator which generates a video stuffing signal (VIDSTUFF), wherein the video switch (4) connects its output to the second input if this receives the video control signal (VSC) and otherwise connects its output to the first input; at the point in time when reading of the video signal is interrupted, reading of an associated audio signal (AUD), if applicable, is also inte

Abstract: A synchronizing signal creating circuit which can feed stable synchronizing signals even after input signals stop. it is constituted of gate circuit 804 makes signal (G) into logic level 1 and outputs to switching circuit 818 when the still picture creating apparatus which executes processing with the synchronizing signals created by synchronizing signal creating circuit 80 executes creation or output of still pictures, and when frame synchronizing signal (IFP) and the frame pulse do not synchronize. Switching circuit 818 selects contact point b and outputs numerical value (V.sub.DC) to digital/analog converting circuit 816 so the operation of PLL loop stops. Consequently, in this case, voltage control oscillating circuit 820 creates signals (HCK) with a frequency corresponding to numerical value (V.sub.DC) and in other cases, creates signals (HCK) with a frequency determined by the operation of the PLL loop.

Abstract: A video signal receiver receives a plurality of video channels simultaneously carrying, offset by a transmission interval, a single video program, selects one channel from which to obtain the program for display to a user, and achieves a pause function in the display of the transmitted video program by temporarily storing a segment of the video program equal to the length of the transmission interval and obtaining the remainder of the program at a later time from the same or another channel.

Abstract: A still picture generating apparatus which can create still pictures without deterioration in the picture quality from MUSE signals having a frame memory 32 for executing motion compensation by moving the position of the stored data by signals MVH and MVV and executes frame insertion processing by functioning together with switch 30. When the freeze operation is carried out, switch 30 selects the contact point a side and freeze encoder 62 outputs the motion vector as is in the first timing period, a signal which is half the motion vector in the second timing period, and numerical value 0 in the third timing period to frame memory 32 as signals MVH and MVV. By the operation, the positions of the data of two fields stored in frame memory 32 are superimposed by being frame inserted by the aforementioned operation and still pictures are created by executing a prescribed process.

Abstract: The use of video/audio signal streams such as in the past have been distributed by broadcast over radio frequency bands or by cable distribution, or made available from video recorder/player devices such as cassette recorders or video disc players, or made available from direct, live sources such as cameras, game systems or computers. In accordance with this invention, programs stored in memory devices associated with microcontrollers controlling the display to a user are constructed in a language which uses layered statements, each of which can have a description portion, an action portion, and a unique connecting character.

Abstract: Instant replay is provided in the picture-in-picture portion of the television display without requiring compression and decompression techniques. A string of consecutive fields is received and decimated. A plurality of non-consecutive fields is selected and stored in DRAM. Fields are continuously stored until a user selects to view the last stored frames. The last stored frames are then replayed in the PIP portion of the television.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a high quality still image from a series of interlaced video fields of the type employing local motion detection between first and third fields of the series, merging the first and second fields in areas of no motion and performing spatial interpolation on the first field in areas containing local motion, including removing dominant motion from the second and third fields prior to local motion detection.

Abstract: Television viewers are presented with the opportunity to be diverted during intervals such as display of commercials, delays pending initiation of a near video on demand signal stream, and the like. The diversions take the form of overlaying on a frozen or continuing moving frame of visual images various game playing constructs manipulable by the remote control used to perform other control functions for the display device. The display device may be a television receiver linked to a set top device, an intelligent television receiver, or a personal computer provided with television image reception and display capability. Overlaying occurs over a frozen frame in certain disclosed diversions and over moving images in others. The accompanying audio signal stream may also be modified.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus provided with a signal processing circuit including a memory capable of storing inputted video signals of one frame. In response to an operation of a manually operable freeze key, writing the video signals to the memory is inhibited, and reading the video signals from the memory is continuously performed. In response to a continuous operation of the freeze key in excess of a predetermined time period, the video signals of one frame are periodically written to the memory, and the video signals in the memory are continuously read. Various special effects can be given to images upon an operation of the single freeze key.

Abstract: Allowing the ability to specify a general frame format and to automatically recognize similar frames at later points in time. A user initially selects the type of frame by watching a particular program such as the weather portion of a newscast and selects the desired frame using a hand-held control unit similar to the present hand-held control units for VCRs or television sets. When the frame appears on the television set, the user presses a button on the hand-held control unit, and the apparatus stores the frame that is presently being displayed. The apparatus then analyzes the stored frame to determine a set of recognition parameters. Those parameters are used to recognize similar frames in subsequent broadcast segments and to store one of those recognized frames for each broadcast segment. The user also specifies a time period during which the system will search for the specified frame. Further, the audio portion of a program segment is stored as long as frames are being recognized in that segment.