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: A method for image scaling. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for image scaling that begins by selecting an input pixel from a first image. An input edge characteristic is determined from an input window associated with the input pixel. The input edge characteristic is determined from a plurality of predetermined edge characteristics that are associated with sets of filter coefficient vectors. An output window is generated by filtering the input window with a corresponding set of filter coefficients associated with the input edge characteristic. An output image is generated by repeating the above for a plurality of input pixels associated with the first image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is capable of displaying a first image obtained from a broadcast wave and a second image reproduced from a storage medium on a display unit. The apparatus comprises a first image processing unit adapted to increase a size of the first image if an instruction for temporarily stopping a reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the secod image are displayed on the display unit; and a second image processing unit adapted to decrease a size of the second image if the instruction for temporarily stopping the reproduction of the second image is detected while the first image and the second image are displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sub picture control apparatus and method for a TV that can achieve an effective viewing of the sub picture. The apparatus includes a region data extracting section (52) for extracting region data included in a broadcasting signal tuned by a second tuner (43), a second luminance/chrominance (Y/C) separating section (45) for separating a chrominance signal and a luminance signal from the broadcasting signal selected by the second tuner (43), a region extracting section/scaler (46) for extracting a video signal of a region corresponding to a specified region information and performing a picture size adjustment with respect to the extracted video signal, and a control section (53) for controlling a region extracting section/scaler (46) to extract the video signal corresponding to a region information extracted from the region extracting section/scaler (46) and controlling a video processing section (48) to process an output signal of the region extracting section/scaler (46).

Abstract: Method and system for audio synthesis of a digital data file representing an assembly of information-bearing sounds in digital form. One or more spaced apart data segments are designated as key blocks and are removed from the original data file. The remainder of the data file is encrypted or otherwise encoded and communicated to a selected recipient on a first channel. Locations, sizes and separation distances of key blocks from each other within the original data file and a selected portion of the encoding or encryption key are placed in a data supplement. The removed segments and data supplement (optional) are communicated to the selected recipient on a second channel and/or at another time. The original data file is recovered by using the data supplement information, or using already available information, decoding or decrypting the encoded or encrypted data file and replacing the removed segments within the data file remainder.

Abstract: A system for increasing the resolution in the far field resolution of video or still frame images, while maintaining full coverage in the near field. The system includes a camera connected to a computer. The computer applies a specific zooming scale factor to each of line of pixels and continuously increases the scale factor of the line of pixels from the bottom to the top to capture the scene in the near field, yet maintain resolution in the scene in the far field.

Abstract: Upon scaling input image data and outputting the scaled image data, an address arithmetic processor determines phase information, which indicates the distances between the position of the pixel of interest after scaling and neighboring pixels of an original image, in accordance with the scale of that scaling, a coefficient arithmetic processor calculates filter coefficients in a filter process in accordance with the determined phase information, and a filter processor executes the filter process of the input image data by convolution operations on the basis of the calculated filter coefficients and outputs multi-valued image data. An LUT converts the density of the multi-valued image data in correspondence with the density characteristics of a printer, and a binarization processor binarizes the multi-valued image data and outputs binary image data to an image storage unit.

Abstract: A CCD is driven so as to output a video signal at a rate of one line out of four up to an enlargement ratio of 2×. If the enlargement ratio of 2× is surpassed, the CCD is controlled so as to output a video signal at a rate of one line out of two. Since resolution of the image represented by the video signal output from the CCD is raised, an image having a comparatively high resolution is obtained even when the image is enlarged by an electronic zoom function.

Abstract: A remote unit includes: a receiving part that receives image signals superimposed on other signals via a first network; an outputting part that outputs the image signals to a second network; a separating part that separates the image signals from the other signals; and an adjusting part that adjusts delays of the image signals.

Abstract: A sub-picture image decoder is disclosed, which essentially uses a sub-picture buffering unit to temporarily store at least one sub-picture data, an adjustment unit to store plural types of adjusting parameters, a control unit to compare the sub-picture data with the sub-picture display formats stored in a look-up table. The control unit receives adjusting signal generated by an input unit to retrieve corresponding adjusting parameter and adjust the corresponding sub-picture image for display according to the adjusting parameter.

Abstract: A video apparatus with image memory function has a memory of three ports (one for write, two for read), memory read control units corresponding to two independent read ports and adapted to read a desired area (first area) from a first read port and an area (second area) which contains the first area and is wider than the first area from a second read port, and a memory write control unit. With this construction, an input video signal is written to the memory, starting with a write head address designated by the memory write control unit, the first and second fields to be read during the next field are determined during the period of vertical blanking, a next write head address is determined to be after the first area, and a signal of the first area is delivered as an output video signal.

Abstract: In one aspect and form of the invention, a converter receives first visual information from a computer system. The first visual information is conventionally used for generating an image for a first display element. The converter receives first selection data from the computer system identifying at least a first portion of the image, and generates second visual information for generating a second image for a second display element. The second image corresponds to the first portion of the first image. The size of the second image relative to the second display element is controllable by a user and may be selected to be different than the size of the selected portion of the first image relative to the entire first image or relative to the first display element. For example, the second image may be of a size corresponding to the size of substantially the entire second display element.

Abstract: Data intended to be displayed on a higher resolution display such as a non-interlaced display used as a computer monitor may be converted for display on a lower resolution display such as an interlaced display. The conversion may be done in a way that preserves the intended frame format while enhancing readability. For example, in one embodiment, the frames intended for non-interlaced display may be preserved in size for display in the same frame format on a lower resolution interlaced display. Local magnification may be selectively implemented for particular regions to enhance the readability of those regions. Upon selection, such local magnification may provide pixel loss and color corrections in addition to local magnification. In this way the frame format may be preserved while enhancing readability.

Abstract: A digital signal processing apparatus for parallel executing a plurality of data processes with a single common command is disclosed, that comprises a plurality of input storing means, each of which is composed of a plurality of storing elements, an input controlling means for controlling the input storing means, a calculating means, having a plurality of element calculating means corresponding to the plurality of the storing elements of the input storing means, for parallel calculating data stored in each storing element of the input storing means, a data storing means, having a plurality of storing elements corresponding to the plurality of element calculating means of the calculating means, for storing calculated result data of the element calculating means corresponding to the storing elements, a plurality of output storing means, each of which is composed of a plurality of storing elements corresponding to the plurality of element calculating means of the calculating means, for storing the calculated res

Abstract: A machine vision inspection system and method that increase the resolution of object image-data without physically manipulating the physical optics of cameras used during inspection. The exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a system and method that perform what may be characterized as a digital zoom. Using this digital zoom, the resolution of object image-data provided by a camera may be artificially increased. Moreover, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a determination may be made regarding whether portions of the object image-data are under-resolved, and based on that determination, a local digital zoom may be performed on that under-resolved portion of object image-data to increase the resolution of that portion of object image-data.

Abstract: The two dimensional sample rate conversion capabilities of a video display system are used to produce three-dimensional effects. Linear and non-linear scaling is applied to a video image to convey a sense of depth. The three dimensional effects are used to increase the visual appeal of existing and new feature sets in display systems. A multi-faceted object representation, such as a representation of a cube or a pyramid, can be used to display different video images on each facet of the representation. By appropriately scaling each image on each facet, an impression of depth is achieved. The images on the different facets can be selected to represent different aspects of a common theme, such as datacast information related to a primary source of information. Channel changing on a television can be presented as a rotation of the multifaceted object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for dividing and shifting television picture and its operating method, which comprises a Set Top Box and a controller both connected to a television; the Set Top Box capably converts input analog video signal to the television into output digital video signal to display video picture capably divided into a contracted picture and a controlled picture on the screen, and once the television is switched on, the television screen is always displayed said contracted picture and said controlled picture simultaneously; and the controller have a controlling key used to divide and shift TV picture, when said controlling key is pushed the video picture is displayed into full size on the television screen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resolution conversion apparatus for converting an original digital image into a digital image having a different number of pixels in accordance with an instructed conversion magnification factor. In the apparatus, a determination circuit determines the number of pixels to be interpolated in each block of the original image and positions where they are interpolated in accordance with the conversion magnification factor. The block includes a predetermined number of pixels of the original image. A converted image generation circuit generates pixel data for the interpolation pixels at the positions where they are interpolated in accordance with a predetermined interpolation equation whose coefficients are determined with the positions and data values of the pixels in the block, and combines the pixel data for the digital original image and the generated pixel data to output a converted digital image. The interpolation equation includes spline functions and Bezier functions.

Abstract: An expanded-image generating apparatus is provided for original image data, in which a plurality of pixels is arranged in a matrix, so as to obtain expanded-image data partitioned into a plurality of blocks, each of which is composed of a plurality of pixels When the magnifying power regarding at least one of a direction along width and a direction along length in the original image data is set, a pixel arranging processor arranges each pixel in the original image data at a position corresponding to a center position of each of the plurality of blocks in accordance with the magnifying power. The expanded-image data corresponding to the magnifying power is generated at pixel generating positions corresponding to the each block by applying a fluency transform to each pixel in the original image data at the position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting font size in an electronic program guide display are provided. A multiple channel broadcasting system generates an electronic program guide identifying channels and corresponding programs in a broadcasting system. The broadcast system determines a number of characters to be displayed in an area of an electronic program guide. The broadcast system determines a number of display pixels available for display of the characters. The broadcast system adjusts the font size of the characters to display the number of characters within the number of pixels available.

Abstract: An S.A.P. receiver is provided which does not require a conventional television set to obtain the S.A.P. audio. A tuner is coupled to an S.A.P. decoder and the audio program is output to the user. Thus blind and sight-impaired persons can receive S.A.P. programming without having to purchase a complete television receiver that relies on a user's ability to see alphanumeric on-screen menus.

Abstract: A circuit for converting a selected portion of graphics data generated for a computer display for presentation on a selected portion of a television display including a first data path for transferring graphics data from a frame buffer memory storing graphics data to a television display without changing the size of the data, a second data path for transferring graphics data from the frame buffer memory storing graphics data to the television display while selectably changing the size of the data, the second data path including circuitry for selecting a portion of the television display to present the selected data transferred by the second data path, and zooming circuitry for enlarging data transferred by the second data path to fill the selected portion of the television display, and means for selecting data stored in the frame buffer for display.

Abstract: An image zooming apparatus and method for zooming a specific portion of an image in a vertical direction for a digital TV is disclosed. The present apparatus includes a line memory unit for storing the input images; an input data controller for storing the input data in the line memory unit according to a type of the input image and zoom magnification; a zoom controller for receiving zoom area information and zoom magnification from a user, and controlling the data storage in the line memory unit and the processing of the stored data; and data processor for providing a zoomed image according to the control of the zoom controller. The present invention allows a user to zoom an image area of interest and re-zoom a zoomed image area of interest, thereby providing a user-friendly device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method for operating a decoder. The method comprises receiving, on a first channel, an electronic program guide data stream comprising multiple video streams which have been encoded and multiplexed for transmission on the first channel, each video stream comprising a low resolution version of a high resolution video stream which is being simultaneously received on a separate channel; decoding the electronic program guide data stream into frames, each frame defining a mosaic-style image comprising image areas for images in the electronic program guide data stream corresponding to images from each of the multiple video streams; and displaying each of the frames on a display screen coupled to the decoder.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus comprising: a selection unit which selects a portion of a first image for magnification; and a magnification unit which magnifies a portion of a second image corresponding to the portion of the first image, the second image being a higher resolution image than the first image.

Abstract: A digital enhancement method enhances a subsection of video. Video is received by a receiver from a sender. The video includes information or displaying a video image. The subsection of the video for digital enhancement is selected. The selecting the subsection of the video for enhancement includes partitioning the video image into the selected subsection and a remainder unselected subsection. The selected subsection is digitally enhanced by the sender to provide the video including a digitally enhanced subsection. The video including the digitally enhanced subsection is received by the receiver from the sender.

Abstract: A video display device, such as a television, having a picture-in-picture (PIP) display and a processor. The processor detects cues, such as color/texture/events/behaviors, etc., present in a primary display image, that is overlaid by the PIP. These cues are utilized by the processor to determine important and relatively unimportant portions of the primary display image. The processor then determines whether a change in a display characteristic of the PIP leads to the PIP obscuring less of an important portion of the primary display image, and if so, the processor changes the display characteristic of the PIP. Display characteristics of the PIP that may be changed by the processor include the PIP position, size, and transparency. The processor may also utilize a combination of the detected cues to determine important and relatively unimportant portions of the primary display image. The processor may also change combinations of display characteristics of the PIP.

Abstract: Input image information from an input terminal is stored in a line buffer for several lines and smoothed, and then an interpolation value for plural pixels is obtained by an interpolation unit. Further, maximum and minimum values are detected from information of a noticeable pixel and its peripheral pixels. An arithmetic unit performs calculation by using these detected values (interpolation value, maximum value and minimum value) and a predetermined value to obtain a high-resolution output value h(k). By this calculation, a jagless clear high-resolution image can be obtained even in a case where a contrast of inputted low-resolution information is deteriorated.

Abstract: A system and method of performing “on-the-fly” zooming (i.e., while the video display is in-motion) having infinite value scaling is provided to give the user the ability to zoom-up by any amount while viewing. The variable “on-the-fly” zooming function is performed by a user employing a user interface device, such as a mouse, to select a window of random size in a display screen which is playing an in-motion video display. The information obtained by the user interface device is converted into scaling information and base address information and are stored into temporary registers. On the next video synchronization signal, the scaling and base address information are loaded into registers used to perform scaling on the pixel data retrieved from the frame buffer area in the video system. The new base address ensures that the pixel data is retrieved so that only the data within the window is scaled. The retrieved video data is then scaled using the new scaling information.

Abstract: A method for transforming a video file provided to a computer into an object in a zooming universe established in such computer, which zooming object may be enlarged and panned by manipulation by a user via a computer input device. At the time a video file is opened in a video player library on such a computer, a zooming engine is enabled on the computer and a zooming universe is enabled therefrom. Frames of the video file being played on the computer video player library are copied to a video object in the zooming universe and displayed there. By manipulation of the parameters of the bounding box enclosing the zooming video object, through use of a computer input device, the user is able to scale and pan the video image in the zooming universe display up (or down) to a desired viewing size and perspective.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resolution conversion apparatus for converting an original digital image into a digital image having a different number of pixels in accordance with an instructed conversion magnification factor. In the apparatus, a determination circuit determines the number of pixels to be interpolated in each block of the original image and positions where they are interpolated in accordance with the conversion magnification factor. The block includes a predetermined number of pixels of the original image. A converted image generation circuit generates pixel data for the interpolation pixels at the positions where they are interpolated in accordance with a predetermined interpolation equation whose coefficients are determined with the positions and data values of the pixels in the block, and combines the pixel data for the digital original image and the generated pixel data to output a converted digital image. The interpolation equation includes spline functions and Bezier functions.

Abstract: An enlarging ratio or reducing ratio detecting apparatus for detecting an enlarging ratio or reducing ratio of digital image data in which the enlarging ratio or reducing ratio of an image is unknown. The apparatus has sectioning means for sectioning the digital image data into horizontal or perpendicular block sizes; conversion means for frequency-converting sectioned blocks into a two-dimension representation; addition means for adding frequencies of the blocks and obtaining a sum of the frequencies; retrieval means for retrieving frequencies at which energy is collecting using an added result; calculation means for calculating an enlarging ratio or reducing ratio based on a retrieved result; and restoration means for restoring an image from image data having the calculated enlarging ratio or reducing ratio.

Abstract: Magnification/reduction is achieved by a single FIR filter under the control of a Digital Differential Analyzer (DDA) as would be used to simulate a perfectly straight line on a two-dimensional raster. The single FIR filter combines the processes of interpolation, filter, and decimation. The DDA is programmed with the desired magnification/reduction ratio and provides signals that control shifting of input samples into the FIR filter and selection of FIR coefficients for the FIR filter.

Abstract: The device for outputting video signal includes a magnification alteration processing section that alters the magnification of image data expanded in frame memory in such a manner that the number of pixels in said frame memory and the number of pixels of the display area of a display section are equal. Furthermore, there is provided a control section that performing control so as to decide whether or not the magnification alteration processing of the image data by the magnification alteration processing section is to be executed when the image data is being converted into video signals.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus for picture-in-picture applications where the number of pixels n in the horizontal direction of an original picture, the number of pixels m in the vertical direction thereof, the number of pixels N in the horizontal direction of the converted picture, and the number of pixels M in the vertical direction thereof are supplied to a dividing device. Thus, ratios A=N/n and B=M/m are obtained. The inverse number 1/A of the value A is cumulated by circuits. An address generating circuit generates addresses at four points for calculating a density value a of a converted pixel corresponding to the integer part of a cumulated value &Sgr;(1/A). These addresses are supplied to memories. The pixel data at the four points that are read from the memories are supplied to respective multiplying devices. The decimal part of the value &Sgr;(1/A) is supplied as an interpolating coefficient p to a multiplying device. A coefficient (1−q) is supplied to a multiplying device.

Abstract: An automatic picture adjustment system for a monitor connected to a personal computer (PC), capable of automatically performing the picture adjustment such as adjustment of the horizontal or vertical position and size of the picture, compensation for the side pincushion and trapezoidal distortion, etc., without employing a separate picture adjustment equipment. The picture adjustment system includes a timing information providing section provided in the PC for providing timing information for the picture adjustment of the monitor, a computation control section provided in the monitor for computing a picture adjustment value of the monitor utilizing the timing information, and a conversion driving section for converting the computed picture adjustment into a DC picture adjustment signal and for driving the monitor in accordance with the picture adjustment signal to display on a screen of the monitor a picture adjusted with the picture adjustment value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using the discrete cosine transform (DCT) to resize an image. To reduce an image, the method and apparatus exploits the convolution-multiplication property of the DCT to implement the anti-aliasing filter in the DCT domain, then the filtered coefficients are operated on to produce DCT coefficients of the reduced-size image. To increase an image, the DCT coefficients of the original image are operated on to produce coefficients of the larger image, then the convolution-multiplication property of the DCT is used to implement an anti-imaging filter. These DCT operations can be applied to the image as a whole or can be applied to non-overlapping blocks of the image.

Abstract: The generation of progressive output video from interlaced source video is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a computerized system includes an interlaced source video and a progressive output video. The interlaced source video has a number of lines and includes a first field having odd lines and a second field haveing even lines. The progressive output video has a number of lines half that of the number of lines of the interlaced source video. Each line of the progressive output video heavily weight weights a corresponding line of each of the first field and the second field of the interlaced source video. Desirably, each line of the progressive output video also lightly weights an immediately successive and an immediately preceding line of each of the first field and the second field of the interlaced video source.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating at least a selected area in a picture is disclosed herein. The picture and the selected area are displayed on a video display means, and the user can optionally adjust the position and size of the selected area. The apparatus including the following devices. A first converting device that is used to generate a digital signal and a pointer defining signal according to a computer video signal. The picture is transferred from the computer video signal, and the selected area is defined in the pointer defining signal. A first adapting device that is utilized to adapt the format of the computer video signal to suit a digital display format corresponding to the pointer defining signal. A storage device determines said display timing of all the pixels of the picture. A pointer generating device generates a plurality of edge of the selected area according to the pointer defining signal.

Abstract: An over-scanning amount for display of video images is adjusted by varying the amount of signal information by inserting or deleting pixels at spatio-periodic intervals along the horizontal scan. A judgement is made to determine if the over-scanning amount needs to be increased or decreased. If the over-scanning amount is to be decreased, pixels are deleted. If the over-scanning amount is to be increased, pixels are inserted. When pixels are inserted, the signal information for each inserted pixel may be a duplicate of the information for the pixel to the immediate left or right, or it may be an average of the information in those immediately adjacent pixels.

Abstract: A method of generating an upsampled target pixel positioned between two lines of input source data includes the step of comparing pixels of different lines of the source data in a region surrounding the upsampled target pixel to be generated in at least two different directions. An interpolation direction based on the comparison is selected and interpolations between selected pixels of the source data in the determined interpolation direction are carried out to compute intermediate pixels on a line segment passing through the upsampled target pixel. An interpolation between the intermediate pixels is carried out to generate the upsampled target pixel. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interpolation interval Vdp obtained by the picture sizes of the original picture and the converted picture is cumulated by an adder. In the odd field, a selector selects [0.5] as an offset corresponding to an odd/even field determination signal. In the even field, the selector selects [0] as an offset corresponding to the odd/even field determination signal. In a vertical blanking interval, the offset is selected as an output. Thus, in the odd field, the offset value [0.5] is added to the cumulated value of Vdp. Thereafter, Vdp is cumulated again. Corresponding to the cumulated value, a line read address n and linear interpolating coefficients qn1 and qn2 are obtained. When Vdp is cumulated, offsets corresponding to the scanning start points in the odd field and the even field are added. Thus, the interlace accuracy is kept.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a partial magnification of a monitor screen, includes: a microcomputer having a program for controlling the size of the monitor screen which receives the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals H-SYNC and V-SYNC and generates horizontal and vertical control signals by using those synchronization signals, and thus controlling the magnification of the monitor screen; a horizontal and vertical signal processor for receiving a voltage control signal according to a vertical size magnification of the monitor screen output from the microcomputer, and outputting a control voltage according to the voltage control signal; an S-shaped correcting and switching circuit for receiving an S-shaped correcting signal and a switching control signal output from the microcomputer, and for controlling the horizontal size of the screen; and a vertical deflection IC for receiving the control voltage according to the voltage control signal for magnifying the vertical size of the monitor screen output

Abstract: In a method of generating an enlarged image signal by the use of a field memory, an image signal enlargement processing cycle constituted by n-th to (n+5)-th fields is repeated so that each one field of image signals read in the order of the n-th to (n+5)-th is sequentially processed by a signal processing circuit into video image signals. The signals are supplied by interlaced scanning to a video image reproducer such as an external television or video projector so that an image is displayed on a display screen in the order of an odd-line field and an even-line field. An area to be enlarged is sequentially written into an odd-line block and an even-line block of a field memory and can continuously be moved on the basis of a designation signal from a microcomputer, so that an enlarged image can be scrolled on the display screen.

Abstract: An image display obtains a high quality enlarged or reduced image, by making the output image almost the same level of the inputted image. An inputted image signal is transmitted to a discrete cosine transformer and transformed to frequency band information. The image information transformed to the frequency band is transmitted to a memory controller and stored in a frame buffer. Image information read out from the memory controller is implemented enlargement/reduction interpolation at an enlargement/reduction interpolation section. The image information enlarged or reduced is transmitted to a reverse discrete cosine transformer and restored to image information and then outputted. In this image display, even the image is enlarged or reduced, the part of frequency of the image is kept as it is, the deterioration of the image quality is decreased largely.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video signal processing apparatus for converting video signals based on a desired transmission system such as NTSC, PAL, MUSE or any other system so as to conform to a display unit of a desired screen system such as XGA, VGA or the like. The apparatus has a feature that it is provided with a PLL circuit for changing a sampling frequency used by an analog-to-digital converter for converting inputted video signals into digital signals in accordance with the sort of the transmission system of the video signals, and a controller for controlling picture element interpolation of the digital signals performed by a picture image magnifying circuit for magnifying the video signals horizontally and vertically, in accordance with the sort of the transmission system of the video signals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resolution conversion apparatus for converting an original digital image into a digital image having a different number of pixels in accordance with an instructed conversion magnification factor. In the apparatus, a determination circuit determines the number of pixels to be interpolated in each block of the original image and positions where they are interpolated in accordance with the conversion magnification factor. The block includes a predetermined number of pixels of the original image. A converted image generation circuit generates pixel data for the interpolation pixels at the positions where they are interpolated in accordance with a predetermined interpolation equation whose coefficients are determined with the positions and data values of the pixels in the block, and combines the pixel data for the digital original image and the generated pixel data to output a converted digital image. The interpolation equation includes spline functions and Bezier functions.

Abstract: A method of inserting a high resolution image into a low resolution interactive image provides a greater sensation of virtual reality (presence) because increased magnification of the low resolution image, typically a wide angle image, reduces the sensation of virtual presence in the image. For example, according to the invention, as an image of the wall of an art gallery becomes magnified in a virtual presence experience, a rectangular or other planar image portion such as a painting that the user zooms on is replaced with a high resolution image stored and associated in memory. The virtual presence may be achieved by high resolution scanning a desired section of an image portion for overlay into the image scanned into a second memory at lower resolution. The high resolution image for insertion may be a dewarped portion of a fish-eye lens captured interactive image.

Abstract: A video processing system that processes vertical column of pixels from individual fields is disclosed. The video processing system processes pixels from an even field independent of the pixels in the odd field, and vice versa. The video processing system preferably includes a system memory for storing fields of input video images and a vertical filter coupled to the system memory via a data bus. The field data is retrieved from the system memory by the vertical filter and processed as individual fields. The vertical filter preferably calculates a 2.times. enlargement of the input image, although the filter can be adapted to enlarge by different factors if desired. The enlargement process generally involves representing an input image with twice as many lines of pixels values as the initial image. The values that are used to represent the enlarged pixels are preferably weighted averages of the pixels from an input pixel field.

Abstract: There is disclosed a resolution conversion apparatus for converting an original digital image into a digital image having a different number of pixels in accordance with an instructed conversion magnification factor. In the apparatus, a determination circuit determines the number of pixels to be interpolated in each block of the original image and positions where they are interpolated in accordance with the conversion magnification factor. The block includes a predetermined number of pixels of the original image. A converted image generation circuit generates pixel data for the interpolation pixels at the positions where they are interpolated in accordance with a predetermined interpolation equation whose coefficients are determined with the positions and data values of the pixels in the block, and combines the pixel data for the digital original image and the generated pixel data to output a converted digital image. The interpolation equation includes spline functions and Bezier functions.