Abstract: A portable video switching device receives video streams from a multiple number of different video capture devices located remotely and selects one of the video streams for further transmission. The portable video switching device receives video streams via wired, wireless or mobile telecommunication network connection and has video production capability to manipulate the selected video stream to add special effects, fading and the like.

Abstract: A video signal selecting device for selectively outputting one of a plurality of input video signals to a video display apparatus in accordance with an instruction input is disclosed. The selecting device comprises a selector for selectively outputting one signal of the plural video signals, an OSD control section for displaying symbol information on uniformly colored background indicating that the selective output is executed on a screen of the video display apparatus, and a control circuit section for controlling the selective output of the selector in accordance with the instruction input, and for detecting a change of the instruction input to start up the OSD control section.

Abstract: A ticker tape PiP system that provides for viewing the ticker tape image portion from one image signal (e.g., a ticker tape image portion of a television image signal), while viewing at least a portion of an image from a different image signal (i.e., a standard television program image). The ticker tape PiP system includes an image display device, a first tuner and a second tuner. The first and second tuners are configured to receive first and second image signals and to output corresponding first and second video signals, respectively. The ticker tape PiP system also includes a video switching subsystem for receiving the first and second video signals and for selectively switching an output to the image display device between (i) an RGB formatted display signal derived from the first video signal and (ii) an RGB formatted display signal derived from the second video signal that corresponds only to a ticker tape image portion of the second video signal.

Abstract: An improved video production architecture adds an additional transition element for controlling external devices in synchronism with a given transition so that the transition is treated like a simple mix or wipe. The additional transition element is a “Trigger” function that has a value indicating when during the given transition the external device is activated. The trigger function, device controlled and trigger value are set up during preconfiguration of an effect in an effects memory. When the effect is recalled, if the Trigger function is activated on a switcher control panel, then the external device is activated at the time during the given transition specified by the trigger value.

Abstract: An adaptive pixel-based blending method and system of a video processing system including steps of acquiring a first pixel value in accordance with a first index value, acquiring a first blending factor in accordance with the parts of the first pixel value, calculating a second blending factor in accordance with the first blending factor, and generating a overlapped and blended image in accordance with the blending factors and the pixel values of the source images. Thus, multiple source images can be overlapped and blended in a flexible way.

Abstract: According to the signal processing apparatus of the present invention, in a text signal processing circuit, predetermined signal processes are executed to a luminance signal Y and color difference signals U and V in which a ratio of sampling clocks is equal to (4:4:4) and resultant signals are supplied to a mixing circuit. In a video signal processing circuit, predetermined signal processes are executed to the signals Y, U, and V in which a ratio of sampling clocks is equal to (4:1:1) or (4:2:2). The signal Y is supplied to the mixing circuit through a delay adjusting circuit and the high frequency components are removed from the signals U and V by a band limiting filter and, after that, the resultant signals are supplied to the mixing circuit. The signal mixed by the mixing circuit is supplied to a LPF through a D/A converter. In the LPF, the signal is demodulated by the band limiting filter according to (4:4:4).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for simultaneously showing TV images and video camera images and method of the same, the system comprises: a TV interface device for receiving TV image signals; at least one video camera signal receiving device for capturing video camera image signals; at least one multiplexing circuit-switch device connected to the TV interface device and the video camera signal receiving device for receiving the TV image signals and the video camera image signals from the TV interface device and the video camera signal receiving device respectively, and further switching the TV image signals and the video camera image signals; an audio and video capturing chip device connected the multiplexing circuit-switch device to receive and process signals from thereon; and an interface circuit device connected the audio and video capturing chip device with an external display device, such as a computer screen.

Abstract: An image synthesizing system is provided that can prevent image deterioration resulting from synthesis applied to a predictive image to be used for the next frame. The image synthesizing system decodes and synthesizes a main frame and a sub-image compressed in different modes. The image synthesizing system includes a main image frame buffer 122, an alpha blending section 133, and an image synthesis and display 140. The main image frame buffer 122 stores a main image to be referred to in the next frame decoding process. The alpha blending section 133 alpha-blends a main image from the main image frame buffer with a decoded sub-image to produce a translucent composite image. The image synthesis and display 140 superimposes the translucent composite image on the main image.

Abstract: A solid generator allows multiple identical solids to be produced in respective ones of the tiles of a rectangular array of tiles. The tiles may occupy a whole frame, may be shifted relative to the edges of the frame. One row of tiles may be shifted relative to another row. The array may be passed across the frame. The tiles may occupy a part of the frame. A single ramp is defined by R=Ah+Bv_C where A, B and C are signed values, h=pixels along a line and v=lines. Values of A, B and C for various tiles are stored in registers C1, C2, C3, FB1, FB2, FB3 and used in relation to the individual tiles.

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 the picture signals stored in the frame buffer 2 will be output as an array of m×n reduced-size pictures on a display picture surface, where m and n are natural numbers.

Abstract: An interactive video system is provided that includes an input device configured to produce an input signal, and a video-mixing device configured to interpret the input signal and to receive a video-source signal. The video-mixing device includes a video-image processor configured to selectively alter the video-source signal based on the interpreted input signal and transmit a selectively altered-video signal.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for head tracking and color video acquisition via near infrared luminance keying is disclosed. The head of the local user is tracked in real time by uniformly illuminating a rear projection screen that surrounds a display cube with light having a wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum. A near-infrared image of the head of the local user is acquired by a near-infrared camera equipped with filters that discern the difference between the illuminated rear projection screen and any foreground illumination. A color image of the head of a local user and the projection of a remote location are acquired by a color camera, placed in close proximity to the near-infrared camera. A bounding box is then placed around the head of the local user in the near-infrared image. This bounding box is then translated to the view space of the color camera. This translated image is then used to crop the color image. The cropped color image is then transmitted to the remote location.

Abstract: A method for placing overlay elements in images of a digital video so that desirable viewing areas of the images are not occluded by the overlay element, the method includes extracting frames from the video, each of the frames defining an image which may have one or more desirable viewing areas. For each frame, an area is selected in the image for placing an overlay element and the percentage the overlay element overlaps the desirable viewing areas is determined for the selected area. The overlay element is placed in the selected area if the percentage is below a maximum allowed predetermined percentage of overlapping. If it is not, one or more other areas in the image are selected and/or the size, shape, aspect ratio of the overlay element is changed until a position and/or size, shape, aspect ratio is found which minimizes occlusion of the desirable viewing areas in the image.

Abstract: A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling display of a video camera signal received over a powerline network includes a powerline modem for receiving a video camera signal over a powerline network, a security controller for receiving detection signals indicative of a security breach condition, and a signal converter for converting said video camera signal to another format.

Abstract: A digital video mixer apparatus is designed for inputting a video signal representative of a picture from a plurality of input channels, then processing the video signal to apply a visual effect to the picture, and outputting the processed video signal to an output channel. In the apparatus, a parameter value setting section includes a plurality of operators manually operable to set a plurality of parameter values used for applying a desired visual effect to the picture. A sequence control section sequentially feeds the parameter values in accordance with time progress of processing the video signal in order to vary with time the visual effect applied to the picture. A video signal processing section processes the video signal inputted from at least one of the input channels according to either of the parameter values set by the operators or the parameter values fed from the sequence control section.

Abstract: In an image display device and method, a moving picture is composed in a graphics generator with a still picture and graphics to obtain a composite image. A moving picture area, a still picture area and a graphics area of the composite image are specified and detected as binary detection signals. The detection signals are composed with one another in levels corresponding to the drawing areas to generate a composite detection signal. On the basis of the composite detection signal, the contrast, the luminance signal and the speed modulation signal are controlled for the drawing areas of a moving picture, a still picture and graphics. When the video signals of the moving picture plane and the non-moving picture planes are composed with one another and the composite image is displayed, the optimum image quality can be achieved in each of the moving picture and the non-moving picture areas of the composite image.

Abstract: In encoding high-definition video signals, the method includes overlapping panels with a single row in the overlap, selecting the better-encoded one of the rows in the overlap, removing the unselected row, and merging bit streams from the panels. In deciding which one of the rows in the overlap is better encoded, a heuristic approach may be used, for example, a panel with the fewer bits, or with fewer errors or the panel as suggested by the motion vectors. Optionally, panels may be synchronized by copying the selected row in the overlap in place of the unselected row in the overlap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for placing event related information into a video broadcasting so that the added information does not interfere with or obscure the primary action of interest in the broadcast. The disclosed information could be implemented by using instructions from an event information gathering system to trigger the display of one of an appropriate set of pre-rendered animations in the broadcast video via a well known live video insertion system (48). The disclosed invention envisages the animation sequence having at least two parts (FIG. 4), namely a core or base sequence (34) which is always used, and a mid or a variable sequence (56, 58, 60) which is changed according to the actual data that needs to be displayed.

Abstract: A method for inserting live video broadcast into a pre-produced video is provided. A pre-produced video is first stored. An insertion point in the pre-produced video is then identified and stored. Next, a video clip from a live broadcast is saved. The video clip is then combined with the pre-produced video via the insertion point. Finally, the result of the combination is displayed. Alternatively, a feed of the live video broadcast is directly combined with the pre-produced video without having to perform the step of recording the live event.

Abstract: Generation, coding and transmission of an effective video form, scalable portrait video. As an expansion to bi-level video, portrait video is composed of more gray levels, and therefore possesses higher visual quality while it maintains a low bit rate and low computational costs. Portrait video is a scalable video in that each video with a higher level always contains all the information of the video with a lower level. The bandwidths of 2-4 level portrait videos fit into the bandwidth range of 20-40 Kbps that GPRS and CDMA 1X can stably provide. Therefore, portrait video is very promising for video broadcast and communication on 2.5G wireless networks. With portrait video technology, this system and method is the first to enable two-way video conferencing on Pocket PCs and Handheld PCs.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing a video signal is provided for processing an input video signal comprising a plurality of subsequent video images. An additional image is superimposed on the input video signal in accordance with a control signal for producing a mixed video signal. Said control signal indicates the image area for superimposing the additional image. The mixed video signal is subsequently processed by a processing circuit in accordance with the control signal. The control signal indicates a different processing for separate image areas. In that way, a video signal, which has additional image data superimposed thereon may be processed without the occurrence of artifacts originating from a uniform processing of the mixed video signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining video frame sequences with a video display of an interactive program guide (IPG). The apparatus comprises a plurality of compositors that combine background information, video frame sequences and program guide graphics into a single video frame sequence. The sequence is then digitally encoded to form an MPEG-like bitstream. The same background information and informational video is composited with a different program guide graphic to form another video sequence that is also encoded. A plurality of such sequences are produced with each sequence having a different program guide graphic. Each sequence is encoded and then multiplexed into a transport stream such that all the encoded sequences are transmitted to a subscriber's terminal using a single transport stream. As such, the subscriber can transition from one program guide to the next without interruption of the background or video display as the program guide graphic is changed.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying video information by superimposing a plurality of images obtained through a plurality of display systems, each being constituted by a light source, a reflection type liquid crystal panel and an optical system, characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least either of system selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of display systems and modifying means for modifying the attributes of the image obtained through one of the display systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to the insetting of a moving picture in a moving main picture when the picture signals are in an encoded digital format. The main idea is that the picture signals are combined prior to decoding. The frames of the picture to be inset are scaled down by reducing the number of macro blocks in them in such a manner that the picture whole is retained. The macro blocks of a certain area of the main picture are replaced by the macro blocks of the reduced picture and the combined video signal is decoded. The video signals (ES1, ES2) to be combined may be picked up from different sources or extracted from a transport stream where they are in packets. The system according to the invention requires only a single decoder (210), which considerably reduces the amount of computation required by the combination of the pictures. The advantage is emphasized if there are several pictures to be combined.

Abstract: A method of mounting a volume from a tape medium on a tape drive apparatus. The method reads a bar-code indicating the volume from a tape cartridge, attaches the tape cartridge to a tape drive, and detects the current track position on the basis of a longitudinal track. The method then determines whether a beginning volume label or a last used area volume label is nearer to the current track position, reads the nearer volume label from the tape medium, confirms the volume by comparing the nearer volume label with the bar-code, and mounts the volume onto the tape drive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing, the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. A noise component is introduced in the encoding of the plurality of source images so as to mask at least one of the source images during spectral demultiplexing.

Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining a wide field of view comprises a plurality of imaging devices each having a defined field of view and each of the imaging devices having a mechanism for capturing an image at a selected time instant. The imaging devices are positioned such that the field of view of each device overlaps the field of view of each adjacent device. A control module simultaneously actuates each of the imaging devices to capturing an image within the field of view of all devices concurrently. The resulting images from each of the devices are merged to produce a wide field of view image.

Abstract: A video signal processing system for processing a video data VIN and graphic data D&mgr;P includes a filter unit, which receives the video data VIN. The filter unit filters the video data VIN to convert the video data VIN into video pictures formated with a different number of columns and/or lines, and provides a filtered video signal indicative thereof. The filter unit buffers individual pixels and/or lines in a first memory device. A second memory device receives and stores the graphic data D&mgr;P and the filtered video signal and provides stored signals indicative thereof. A third memory device is connected to the second memory, and stores data received from the second memory device. A mixing unit receives and mixes the stored graphic data and the stored filtered video data to provide a video output signal VOUT.

Abstract: In a video mixer (1) in which a video component of the video signal to be mixed and a mixing type are preselectable for performing a mixing operation on said video signal applied to the mixer (1), an additional external function on the video mixer can be controlled in that an additional external function is selectable at the video mixer (1), this function being selectable from predetermined additional external functions, and in that the video mixer (1) generates a control signal during a mixing operation for controlling a selected external function, this control signal changing from a first extreme value to a second extreme value in the course of the mixing operation and serving for controlling the selected external function, an initial value of a variable of the external function being assigned to the first extreme value of the control signal and a final value of the variable of the external function being assigned to the second extreme value of the control signal.

Abstract: A single chip system including a first input channel for receiving digital video input data, a second channel for receiving computer graphics data, means for synchronizing the two channels to one another utilizing timing signals which may be selected to provide the most accurate timing available, means for changing the rate of presentation of the computer graphics signals to match the rate of presentation of the video signals, means for adjusting the format in which the computer graphics signals are presented to the same format as the format in which the video signals are presented, and means for selectively blending the computer graphics and video signals furnished as video input data without modification for presentation on a single output display.

Abstract: An image synthesis system which makes it possible to refer to a decompressed image that has been stored in an image-data buffer as an image for predicting a succeeding frame at the time of MPEG decoding combines main image data that has been compressed by the MPEG method and subordinate image data that has been compressed by a method different from the MPEG method.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile mapping wherein a single camera may be utilized, the camera taking a first image at a first time point and a second image at a second time point, each of the images having geographical coordinates associated therewith, and then generating a virtual image of an element from the first and second images.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a high-resolution digital image from a plurality of starting images formed by pixel matrices acquired at a lower resolution includes combining the plurality of starting images to generate a provisional high-resolution image, and producing from the provisional high-resolution image a plurality of low-resolution images. Each low-resolution image corresponds to a respective starting image. At least a portion of the provisional high-resolution image is processed by modifying pixels thereof to reduce a difference between the plurality of starting images and the plurality of low-resolution images. The processing includes associating with the pixels of the provisional high-resolution image a respective uncertainty measure representing an uncertainty of the pixels, and leaving unmodified at least a subset of the pixels of the provisional high-resolution image having associated therewith a respective uncertainty measure smaller than a threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides an audio/video amplifier comprising an AV-signal receiver for receiving the signals from one or more program sources; a post-processing circuit connected with said AV-signal receiver for processing audio/video signals of said program source(s) or controlling the volume thereof; a microprocessor for controlling said AV-signal receiver and said post-processing circuit; an auxiliary power supply for powering said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor; a main power supply controlled by the microprocessor for powering said post-processing circuit; and a signal identifying/comparing module arranged between said AV-signal receiver and said microprocessor for identifying and comparing input AV signals and outputting the result to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A media production is formed from source media including at least one of audio media and visual media. The source media is received and analyzed to extract therefrom content information associated with a corresponding element of the source media. The content information is examined for at least one of the elements to determine a limited set of production rules applicable to the corresponding element. A user may selectively apply at least one of the rules to a corresponding one of the elements so as to alter the corresponding element, for example in duration, in synchronism with other elements. The altered element is then combined with at least one other of the media to form the media production.

Abstract: Devices for reducing and determining the skew between colour video signals transmitted over at least two different video cables are described. A KVM extender including such devices is also described. The skew reduction device includes a plurality of video signal transmission tracks selectably connectable to each of the video cables to increase the video signal transmission path length so as to more closely matching the total video signal path length for each of the colour video signals. The skew determination device comprises a processing device, a signal generator for applying measuring signals to each of the video signal cables and signal detection circuitry to receive measuring signals transmitted over the video signal cables. Detection signals are output to the processing device which is programmed to determine an indication of the transmission path length difference between the video signal cables.

Abstract: A video system displays information during transition from a first video source to a second video source. During the transition, an MPEG decoder decodes a transition video signal and provides the decoded transition video signal to a video overlay which overlays the decoded transition video signal onto a display during the transition period. In one embodiment, the transition video may be a commercial video or advertisement such that the advertisement is displayed on the display during the transition. The advertisement may be related to the content of the output of one of the video sources. In the event the MPEG decoder is unavailable to decode the transition video during the transition, the video system is capable of utilizing an alternate decoder to decode the transition video.

Abstract: A method of generating an adjustable video display window from an on screen display (OSD) bitmap is provided. The adjustable video display window masks undesirable video artifacts from a video display. The method includes generating an image pattern, the image pattern being produced by a video display processor of the video display. Parameters of the video display processor are adjusted to vary the dimension of the generated image pattern to redefine the periphery of an active region of the video display so that users of the video display are not able to view undesirable artifacts.

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 signal mixing circuit for mixing synchronizing signals and video signals without attenuating these signals, comprising a first semiconductor device for inputting and outputting synchronizing signals and a second semiconductor device for inputting and outputting video signals, wherein said first and second semiconductor devices operate as a buffer amplifier of input signals and said synchronizing signals and video signals are mixed after passing said first and second semiconductor devices respectively.

Abstract: A coordinate light source calculating unit 103 calculates 3D coordinates for points forming one or more objects and performs clipping. A rendering unit 104 performs rendering and outputs the formed CG image to a frame buffer 108. The coordinate light source calculating unit 103 calculates 3D coordinates forming a video display surface. A perspective projection unit 105 calculates 2D coordinates for each point forming the video display surface. An image decoder 106 decodes a video frame, and an image transform unit 107 transforms this image and outputs it to the frame buffer 108, enabling the video frame to be pasted onto the CG image.

Abstract: A method and system provides a face-to-face video conference. The method and apparatus comprise a conferencing system consisting of a conferencing station defining a predetermined motif, an image system for generating a substantially full scale image of a person at the conferencing station so that participants at the conferencing station feel that any images of persons displayed by the imager at the conferencing station are present and face-to-face. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data at a teleconferencing station, the image data including data corresponding to at least one person, and displaying an image corresponding to the image data at the teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at the teleconferencing station views an image of said at least one person, thereby providing a face-to-face presence environment whereat the image of at least one person appears substantially life size.

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: An apparatus and method transfers and displays a superimposed image using a three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) image in a picture upon transferring an information source required for a rapid response. The apparatus and method can be used in sports broadcasting, an election advisory or the like The apparatus and method can calculate and superimpose additional information such as characters and figures expressed by the 3DCG image.

Abstract: Alpha values associated with video mixing operations are sent to a memory on a low pin count bus. The memory is accessible to a video mixer, which retrieves the alpha values to perform a mixing operation. The alpha values for a field are sent to the memory during the field time for a previous field rather than during the vertical blanking interval. The alpha values may be compressed prior to transmission.

Abstract: A digital video stream is digitally scaled to properly display on a device having a horizontal to vertical aspect ratio different than the source aspect ratio leaving a blank area on the device. Graphic data is digitally scaled separately to extend partially or completely into and therefore use the blank area. A compositing blender digitally combines the two prior to a display encoder which produces analog signals for driving the display device.

Abstract: A method for displaying video information, and a program and apparatus that operate in accordance with the method. The method comprises the steps of combining first and second video information to form combined video information. The first and second video information represents first and second video frames, respectively. At least one first program segment is represented by a first number of the first video frames, at least one second program segment is represented by a second number of the second video frames, and the first and second numbers are predetermined to correspond to first and second predetermined frame display rates, respectively. The method also comprises a step of displaying at least a portion of at least one of the first and second program segments represented by the combined information, at one of the first and second predetermined frame display rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for creating video programs in a virtual studio, ensuring the interactive interaction of actors with objects of virtual reality, and also simplification and acceleration of the procedure of creating animated programs. During the filming of an actor 2 in a virtual studio, an image of the actor is superimposed with the image of virtual space formed at the angle of view of a virtual camera with parameters, which correspond to the parameters of the television camera 3. Wherein in order ensure interactive interaction of the actor with the objects of virtual space with the aid of a means 10, the angle of view of the actor is determined and the image of virtual space formed in the unit 8 in accordance with the angle of view of the actor is displayed to him by means of the means 11.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying graphics in a digital television receiver. A data stream which is provided with video data in the digital format is provided. A first YUV signal having a first frequency screen in the digital format is generated from the video data. The first YUV signal is converted into a second YUV signal having a second frequency screen in the analogous format. An RGB signal having a third frequency screen in the digital format is provided Said RGB signal is provided with graphics data. A mixed signal is provided by means of which the second YUV signal and the RGB signal are mixed together.