Abstract: Measurement of the relative timing between images and associated information, for example video and audio. Image mutual event characteristics are recognized in the images and associated mutual event characteristics are recognized in the associated information. The image mutual events and associated mutual events are compared to determine their occurrences, one relative to the other as a measure of relative timing. Particular operation with audio and video signals is described.

Abstract: The apparatus inserts a participant realistically into familiar background media to provide similar results to a completely original movie with multi-camera studio production and editing. An automated and simplified studio has multiple cameras and traditional studio devices such as teleprompters and controlled lighting presented to the consumer as an entertainment product. Previously produced, familiar media are modified to create the background video source and synchronous audio track. The participant is inserted via chroma key and the multiple cameras are used to create traditional establishing shots intercut with close-ups. These are controlled through a video switcher to create a real-time, finished recording that is stored on a digital server for later playback.

Abstract: A surround visual field framework or system and methods are presented. In an embodiment, a surround visual field system comprises a control signal extractor that obtains a control signal that is related to the input stream. The control signal is provided to a coupling rule that links the control signal to an effect on an element of a surround visual field. The effect is applied to the element of the surround visual field thereby creating a surround visual field that has a characteristic or characteristics which relate to an input audio/visual stream presentation. In one embodiment, the surround visual field is displayed in an area partially surrounding or surrounding the input stream being displayed. In embodiments, the surround visual field may be a rendering of a three-dimensional environment. In embodiments, one or more otherwise idle display areas may be used to display a surround visual field.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying a series of consecutive output images which are based on a series of consecutive input images, with the series of consecutive input images including a first image and a second image, is arranged to split the images of the series of consecutive input images in first parts and second parts; and to display a first one of the output images which inc1ude a first block of pixels corresponding to a first one of the first parts of the first input image and a second block of pixels (124) corresponding to a first one of the second parts of the second input image.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an image processing method which generates an image with a blur effect by an image process as if it were taken by a lens with a large aperture size, and can obtain a higher-resolution image. To this end, the method includes the input step of inputting a first image, and a second image which has parallax with respect to the first image, and the image processing step of executing different image processes for first, corresponding regions of the first and second images input in the input step, and second regions different from the first regions in these images, and compositing the first and second images.

Abstract: A special effect device by which a new special picture effect is to be implemented in accordance with a read address control system. The device includes an address signal generating unit which generates a readout address signal for picture signals stored in a frame buffer so tat the picture signals stored in the frame buffer will be output to each of a plurality of corresponding triangular areas of a preset size fractionated from the picture Signals stored in the frame buffer.

Abstract: A key signal control unit for controlling the level of a key signal corresponding to an arbitrary position within a frame area to a level corresponding to a minimum distance from an inner edge of the frame area on the basis of the level of a key signal on the inner edge of the frame area as a reference value so that the frame area appears along an outer circumference of an image corresponding to a video signal. A totally new image special effect is thus made on the video signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of picture display. The invention displays the first picture and the second picture and displaying at least one virtual picture in between the first and the second picture. The motion compensator is included in a DVD player. The method includes: decoding the first and the second pictures from the received bit-stream; creating the virtual picture parameter according to the transition effect; and generating the virtual picture according to the virtual picture parameter by the motion compensator.

Abstract: A novel special picture effect is to be achieved by a read address control system. To this ends, a special effect device includes an address signal generating unit 3 for generating a readout address signal for picture signals stored in a frame buffer 2 so that such a special effect is achieved in which a picture corresponding to the picture signals stored in said frame buffer is rotationally moved about an optional point, provided to the outer rim of a display area at the time of display, as the center of rotation, so as to disappear to outside the display area.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing noise in a digital image comprises the steps of (a) estimating noise statistics based on a set of spatial autocorrelation coefficients and a set of spectral correlation coefficients that correspond to the color channels of the image, where at least one of the spatial autocorrelation coefficients is weighted by at least one of the spectral correlation coefficients, thereby providing a weighted set of autocorrelation coefficients, and where a set of filter coefficients is obtained from the weighted set of autocorrelation coefficients; and (b) synthesizing a synthetic texture by using the filter coefficients to filter a random noise field in each of the color channels, thereby producing output noise fields in each of the color channels that replicate a synthetic texture, e.g., a desired grain appearance, when combined into the digital image.

Abstract: As information to be processed at an object-based video or audio-visual (AV) terminal, an object-oriented bitstream includes objects, composition information, and scene demarcation information. Such bitstream structure allows on-line editing, e.g. cut and paste, insertion/deletion, grouping, and special effects. In the interest of ease of editing, AV objects and their composition information are transmitted or accessed on separate logical channels (LCs). Objects which have a lifetime in the decoder beyond their initial presentation time are cached for reuse until a selected expiration time. The system includes a de-multiplexer (1), a controller (2) which controls the operation of the AV terminal, input buffers (3), AV objects decoders (4), buffers (4?) for decoded data, a composer (5), a display (6), and an object cache (7).

Abstract: Pan, tilt and zoom sensors are coupled to a broadcast camera in order to determine the field of view of the broadcast camera and to make a rough estimate of a target's location in the broadcast camera's field of view. Pattern recognition techniques can be used to determine the exact location of the target in the broadcast camera's field of view. If a preselected target is at least partially within the field of view of the broadcast camera, all or part of the target's image is enhanced. The enhancements include replacing the target image with a second image, overlaying the target image or highlighting the target image. Examples of a target include a billboard, a portion of a playing field or another location at a live event. The enhancements made to the target's image can be seen by the television viewer but are not visible to persons at the live event.

Abstract: A method for post-synchronizing information stream includes obtaining lip-objects from a video signal. The original lip-objects are replaced with new lip-objects which correspond to a translated audio signal. The new lip-objects may be obtained by tracking a further video signal or by using a database with visemes or lip-parameters. For a multi-language information stream, a desired language may be selected at the receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for interactively generating a display signal. The apparatus comprises: a receiver (2) for receiving a broadcast signal (15), the broadcast signal comprising a plurality of datastreams each including image data defining a background object (22–270), and control parameters (28–39); a foreground computer generated imagery (CGI) device (3) for generating a foreground computer generated object (CGO); a mixer (4) for combining the foreground CGO with background object image data to generate the display signal; and interaction means (3) for receiving the control parameters from the receiver, monitoring the position of the foreground CGO, and adapting the display signal with reference to the monitored position of the foreground CGO and the received control parameters.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for digitally compositing an object from an input image onto a destination image. The object is composited from an image having an arbitrary or non-uniform colored background containing some non-static elements onto a destination image with reduced effects from shadows cast by the object and with reduced gaps or holes within the object. Various improvements in the compositing procedure such as shadow reduction and hole filling, and less restrictive requirements regarding the object's surroundings are disclosed. A background model is created and a frame of an input image containing the object is obtained. An alpha image is created in which each pixel is either a zero, indicating it is not part of the object, or a one, indicating that it is part of the object.

Abstract: The method uses three pictures, A, B and C, two of which are substantially similar pictures having images, A, B, and one that is dissimilar, usually a solid color, C. Continuous movement is created by repetitively viewing the series A, B, C. Additionally, each picture can be blended or superimposed to create a blended A/B, C/A and B/C and then the blend put together with the others, in a series, C/A, A, A/B, B, B/C, C. This series is then repeated a plurality of times to create an illusion of sustained, ongoing motion with a degree of three-dimensionality, with synchronous Pulfrich light-filtering available to enhance the effect.

Abstract: The digital television system that has a zoom module. When the digital television system is in a zoom mode, the zoom module receives a full frame, and displays the zoom frame that includes only a portion of the full frame. The zoom module determines a relationship between the zoom frame and the full frame. The zoom module also identifies an object within a zoom frame, and a motion vector of the object with respect to a background of the zoom frame. As the object moves within the zoom frame, the zoom module adjusts relationship between the zoom frame and the full frame so that the object remains within the zoom frame.

Abstract: A sequence of motion images, captured by an image capture system such as a digital camera, are converted into a sequence of modified motion images providing the appearance of motion images captured by the same capture system and subsequently rendered in a post-processing stage to simulate a particular look. The method involves capturing a sequence of motion images using a full resolution image sensor system, then recording the full resolution unprocessed image signals, and providing the recorded full resolution unprocessed image signals to the post-production process, where the images will be subsequently rendered in a post-processing stage to simulate a particular look. Meanwhile, one or more image processing algorithms are applied in the image capture system to the unprocessed image signals to simulate the particular look rendered in the post-processing stage, and the simulated image signals are displayed as a sequence of modified images.

Abstract: Image-based lighting for use in rendering of digital objects is derived from image data collected from a real motion-picture set. The image data includes sets of correlated images at different exposure levels, each corresponding to a selected location. The image data is processed to define an extended dynamic range panoramic image for each selected set location. The image data is color and intensity corrected based on a scaled reference object. At least key lights are modeled for the set by processing a plurality of such panoramic images. Other lighting may be defined by interpolating from the panoramic images to mathematically define a location-specific set of fill lights. In the alternative, other set lighting may be modeled by projecting panoramic image data onto a dynamically sub-dividable light primitive derived from the set geometry. Any desired object may then rendered using the defined lights, and inserted into a corrected real image of the set at the desired location.

Abstract: A computer hardware system for editing a video signal includes, a first signal bus employing a first bus interface, and a second signal bus employing a second bus interface and adapted to carry at least one video signal. The system desirably further includes a general purpose computer connected to the first bus and operating according to a first operating system; and a video graphics computer connected to the first signal bus and the second signal bus. The video graphics computer operates according to a second operating system. The video graphics computer is adapted for editing the video signal transmitted along the second signal bus according to commands from the general purpose computer.

Abstract: An image processing device for generating a 3-D model image of a target object included in an input image, comprises a face image input means for inputting a face image; a 3-D model input means for inputting one or a plurality of 3-D models for each of a plurality of parts; a 3-D model selection means for selecting a 3-D model for an arbitrary part of the plurality of parts based on an instruction input by an operator; a face image mapping means for mapping the face image input via the face image input means to the 3-D model selected by the 3-D model selection means and for displaying the mapped 3-D model; and an image generation means for generating a 3-D still image using the 3-D model selected by the 3-D model selection means and the face image input by the face image input means.

Abstract: In an apparatus for composing image data of a main picture and image data of a sub-picture by a chroma key process, an attribute of an image contained in the sub-picture is detected, a partial area of the sub-picture is set as a chroma key mask area in accordance with the attribute detection result, and composing the image data of the main picture and the image data of the sub-picturee by executing the chroma key process for an area other than the chroma key mask area without executing the chroma key process for the chroma key mask area in the sub-picture.

Abstract: A special effect device by which an entirely new special picture effect is to be implemented in accordance with a read address control system. The device includes an address signal generating unit 3 which generates a readout address signal for picture signals stored in a frame buffer 2 so that, by rupturing a picture portion of an area at an optional position of a picture in the frame buffer, defined by a circle having a radius of an optional size, with the center of the circle as a rupturing point, a folded picture portion will be obtained which has the circumference of the circle as a topological boundary.

Abstract: Displaying visual information from a motion picture in a visual field within a designated extent of a related aural field supports editing of a spatial audio effect for the motion picture. The extent of a related aural field also is displayed. Information specifying a point of origin of a sound used in the spatial audio effect with respect to the visual field is received for each of a number of frames of a portion of the motion picture. This information may be received from a pointing device that indicates a point in the displayed extent of the aural field, or from a tracker that indicates a position of an object in the displayed visual information, or from a three-dimensional model of an object that indicates a position of an object in the displayed visual field. Using the specified point of origin and the relationship of the visual and aural fields, parameters of the spatial audio effect may be determined, from which a soundtrack may be generated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for maintaining smooth video transition between distinct applications. Preferably, the apparatus implementing the present invention includes a processor, a secondary memory and a system memory. In providing a smooth transition between two applications, the apparatus and method provides synchronization of the video and graphics components while transitioning from a first application to a second application. If there is no video component in either application, no action is needed to provide a smooth transition between applications, and when only the first application includes a video component, the video component need only be turned off for smooth transition between the applications to occur.

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 moving-picture processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire metadata including information about each temporal region in an input moving picture with a plurality of temporal regions, a decision unit configured to determine a cutout region corresponding to at least any one of the plurality of temporal regions on the basis of the metadata, and a cutting-out unit configured to cut out the cutout region from an image in each frame of the input moving picture.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image contains a number of objects, which are represented in layers from front to rear, perpendicularly with respect to the two-dimensional image plane. Each object is defined by a polygon, which encloses a distinguishably represented area of the two-dimensional image. A method orders polygons in a plurality of polygons of a two-dimensional image in a sequence defined by layering of the polygons in the two-dimensional image. A first polygon in the sequence is a reference polygon. The method sequentially assigns each polygon in the sequence, starting with the reference polygon, to one of a plurality of layers so that within a given layer no polygon assigned to the given layer (i) overlaps with another polygon in the given layer, and (ii) is included within another polygon in the given layer.

Abstract: A retention memory retains 2D image data picked-up and output by camera portion in association with corresponding thumbnail image data. The 2D image data retained in the retention memory is converted to 3D image data formed of image data for left-eye and for right-eye for stereoscopic vision of the image as desired. A retention portion creates thumbnail image data with a shrunken image based on this 3D image data and stores the created thumbnail image data and the 3D image data in the retention memory in association with each other. The thumbnail image data is created, for example, by reducing the left-eye image data and the right-eye image data of the 3D image data to satisfy a thumbnail size. A listing of thumbnails based on the thumbnail image data in retention memory is displayed on a display portion so that the retained image can be recognized at a glance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for post-synchronizing an information stream. Original lip-objects (lo) are obtained (2) from a video signal (V). These original lip-objects (lo) are replaced (3,4) with new lip-objects (lo*), which correspond to a translated audio signal (A*). Lip-objects (lo) can be obtained from the video signal (V) by using an object-oriented coding technique, e.g. MPEG-4. The coding standard MPEG-4 offers the facilities to manipulate the lip-objects (lo). Several configurations are presented. The new lip-objects (lo*) can be obtained by tracking a further video signal or by using a database with visemes or lip-parameters. The invention is suitable for a communication network, e.g. for video-conferencing. A multi-language information stream comprises a plurality of audio signals (A,A*) and a plurality of lip-objects (lo,lo*) that are each linked to one of the audio signals (A,A*). This gives the possibility to select at the receiver a desired language.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a first input part for inputting a video signal, a second input part for inputting a control signal indicative of a special effect mode to be applied to the video signal, a compressing part for compressing the video signal inputted by the first input part, a memory part for storing the video signal, and a memory control part for, according to the control signal, causing the memory part to selectively store the video signal compressed by the compressing part and a video signal not compressed by the compressing part.

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: The invention relates to a new method of reconstruction of tridimensional scenes. While conventional methods are often limited to the 3D reconstruction of the bounding volume of the concerned objects, the proposed method of recovery of a 3D geometric model from 2D views taken by one single camera, giving an information even about the parts which are hidden in each view, is implemented according to a first depth labeling step, implemented in a sub-system (11) and including initialization and projection sub-steps followed by a refinement process, and to a second reconstruction step, implemented in a sub-system (12). By means of a close cooperation of the 3D depth maps thus obtained for two views of a scene, a 3D model is identified and extracted.

Abstract: A method for rendering a motion blur image comprises generating first information concerning three vertexes in a two-dimensional triangle image as an object at two points of time to obtain second information concerning six vertexes, dividing into three tetrahedrons a triangular prism formed by the six vertexes in a three-dimensional space defined by a pixel coordinate axis of the two-dimensional triangle image and a time axis, and subjecting each of the three tetrahedrons to linear processing to obtain rendering information for a motion blur image.

Abstract: Parallel automated keying allows multiple media productions to be keyed and outputted to a program or preview channel. An automation control system monitors and updates the operating states of a plurality of automated keyers, which support manual or automated production environments. A user interface allows a director, or other personnel, to set key attributes by selecting input sources for a background media production, a fill, and a key associated with the fill source. The operating states are monitored to select an unoccupied keyer. The three sources are selected and routed to the unoccupied keyer, which composites the sources on preview. Afterwards, the director steps or transitions the composite media production from preview to program. As a result, the director is not required to know which keyer is being used on-air to determine which keyer is available for a program channel.

Abstract: Video signal processing apparatus in which at least two input video signals are combined in proportions determined by a pixel key signal to generate an output video signal for compression, at least one of the input video signals each having respective associated compression parameters from a data compression process applied to that video signal. The apparatus functions to estimate the quantity of data which will be produced by compression of a current image of the output video signal, compares the detected quantify of data with a target quantity of data, to determine whether a data overflow is expected, and in the event that a data overflow is expected, determine which blocks of the output video signal can be compressed by re-using compression parameters from corresponding block of one of the input video signals.

Abstract: The 3D position of a subject being recorded for film, video, or digital media creation may be recorded using an inexpensive 3D distance measuring system and recorder attached to a 2D film, video, or digital camera and used to create high quality composite images. The 3D information is used to generate a virtual camera and 3D geometry representing the subject in a virtual scene using a commercial 3D graphics software package. Color keying technology is used to separate the live action subject from the studio background. The live action subject images are projected onto the 3D geometry in the virtual scene. When the virtual scene is rendered, the virtual lights in the scene affect the 3D geometry representing the subject and a composite picture with integrated lighting is created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking a color-based object in video sequences are provided. According to the method, an initial object area in one frame of video sequences desired to be tracked is assigned, and an initial object effective window containing the initial object area is assigned. A frame following the frame containing the assigned initial object area is received as a newly input image, and an object search window containing the initial object area for tracking and the initial object effective window in the newly input image is assigned. Then, the model histogram of the initial object area corresponding to a predetermined bin resolution value and the input histogram of the image in the object search window are calculated. From the calculated object probability image, using a predetermined method, a new object area to which the initial object area moved is obtained in the next frame in which the initial object area of the frame desired to be tracked is given as a previous (tracked) object area.

Abstract: A videophone takes a live picture of the user, sends the live picture during part of a call, generates a processed picture different from the live picture, and sends the processed picture during another part of the call. The processed picture may be prepared in advance, or may be generated by combining the live picture with a prepared picture. Alternatively, the processed picture may be obtained by increasing a quantization coefficient of the live picture, producing a mosaic effect that disguises the live picture. The processed picture can be sent to protect the privacy of the videophone user, or to provide appropriate transition at the beginning or end of the call. The processed picture can also be sent when the call is placed on hold.

Abstract: A fade circuit adjusts the luma as well as one or more chroma components of a main video so that the fade ins and fade outs of the main video do not change the color of an on-screen display image, such as the volume bar. In one embodiment, luma component (Y) is adjusted by subtracting a fade factor from the luma component to form a faded luma component. At the same time, one or more chroma components (Cb and Cr) are scaled by (1) subtracting a predetermined value from the chroma component to form a resultant, (2) multiplying the resultant with a scale factor to form a product, and (3) adding the predetermined value to the product to form a faded chroma component.

Abstract: A system and process for adding a photorealistic rendering of a body of water to a virtual 3D scene or image and creating a video therefrom having interactive water effects. A region of water is added to an image by adding an area depicting the original scene as it would appear if reflected by still body of water. Then, the appearance of the added water region is distorted over a series of image frames in such a way as to simulate how the reflected scene would look if the surface of the water were in motion. The water can have dynamic waves and the user can interact with the water in numbers of ways, including generating ripples on the water surface and creating rain. In addition, these effects can be achieved at full screen resolution with the use of the latest graphics hardware by employing a texture shifting technique.

Abstract: A method for generating a series of images for playback on at least a portion of a display, each image in the series being imperceptibly different from an immediate preceding different image in the series, methods for displaying such images, systems for generating and/or displaying the images and media carrying such images. The images are generated such that each subsequent different image in the image series is different from a prior image by an image difference determined prior to generation of the subsequent corresponding portion of an image. The image series is displayed with such timing that an ordinary viewer cannot perceive the transitions or differences between adjacent or successive images over at least a 5 second interval, yet over time, the displayed scene will progress so that at widely disparate points in time, the displayed images can be perceptibly different, i.e., the scene can be noticeably different.

Abstract: Changes in a current image frame from variations in room light level, and automatic camera adjustments, are determined and incorporated into a clear (reference) frame, thereby resulting in a zero difference in the background region when the clear frame and a current frame are subtracted. Any deviation from zero defines the beginning edge of a transition from background to subject. The location of the outer edge of a transition area is further refined by subtracting derivatives of the RGB signals in each frame, and by the use of a fourth color channel when available. The difference of derivitives (dcu−dcl) identifies the subject to background transition area, whose edges define the inner and outer boundary lines. Shadow areas on the backing are retained and may be transferred to the inserted background scene. Small areas on the backing having the same color and luminance as the subject are prevented from printing through the subject by a second “derivative” alpha channel for the small areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dissolving an image on a display screen. The pixels of the objective image are divided into a plurality of groups in such a manner that the pixels in each group are dispersed in the image. Then one of the pixel groups is selected and the pixel values of the selected group are read from first storage means to multiply them by a weight. The resultant weighted pixel values are stored respectively in the storage locations, corresponding to the selected pixel group, within second storage means, from which the weighted pixel values are read in a predetermined order to display one of the sequential images on the display screen. The selecting, reading, multiplying, and storing procedures are repeated, wherein the respective pixel groups are selected cyclically and the weight is increased or decreased gradually as the repetition progresses.

Abstract: A method for coding data of special effect is disclosed. In the conventional method of coding only the mask data for special effect, a data library cannot be made of the special effect procedure accompanied by motion. In view of this, the data representing a mask pattern and a motion pattern are coded and composited into single data to make a library of the special effect patterns accompanied by image warping. Also, the compressed data for realizing the special effect can also be distributed. Further, by enlarging the shape data using the motion vector for enlargement, the data amount of the mask data for special effect can be reduced.

Abstract: Text and graphics elements may be alpha blended in a way to reduce flicker when the text or graphics are display by a processor-based television receiver. The alpha values are used to intelligently smooth pixels adjacent the element to create television text and graphics.

Abstract: A television system is provided wherein a target region in successive video images is replaced by a matching pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region, using a virtual insertion unit located downstream of the originating site. The system includes television cameras for, when active, producing a sequence of video images of a scene, and a switcher or multiplexer for switching between camera images. A broadcast image processor located with the multiplexer in an outside broadcast van receives the video images and adds layers of graphics and special effects to the video images to produce a broadcast feed. The virtual insertion unit, which is located off-site from the van, receives the broadcast feed and modifies the video images of the broadcast feed by replacing the target region of these images with a replacement pattern adapted to be inserted into the target region.

Abstract: Text and graphics elements may be alpha blended in a way to reduce flicker when the text or graphics are display by a processor-based television receiver. The alpha values are used to intelligently smooth pixels adjacent the element to create television text and graphics.

Abstract: A motion estimation and compensation technique is provided for interlaced digital video such as video object planes (VOPs). Predictor motion vectors for use in differentially encoding a current field coded macroblock are obtained using the median of motion vectors of surrounding blocks or macroblocks. When a surrounding macroblock is itself interlaced coded, an average motion vector for that macroblock is used, with fractional pixel values being mapped to the half-pixel. When the current block is not interlaced coded but a surrounding block is, the field motion vectors may be used individually or averaged. In a repetitive padding technique for an interlaced coded VOP, the even and odd lines of the VOP and surrounding block are grouped. Within each field, exterior pixels are padded by setting them to the value of the nearest boundary pixel, or to an average of two boundary pixels. The lines are then reordered to provide a single padded reference VOP image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video display processor comprised apparatus for receiving digital input signal components of a signal to be displayed, apparatus for converting the components to a desired format, apparatus for scaling and blending the signals in the desired format, apparatus for outputting the scaled and blended signals for display or further processing, and an arbiter and local timing apparatus for controlling the apparatus substantially independently of a host CPU.