Abstract: A video image decoding and composing apparatus includes: a composing information memory for storing composition information; an arbitrary shape object decoding means for decoding a coded signal of an arbitrary shape object video image; a shape memory for storing a shape signal which is decoded by the arbitrary shape object decoding means; a texture memory for storing a texture signal which is decoded by the arbitrary shape object decoding means; a rectangular shape object decoding means for decoding a coded signal of a rectangular shape object video image; a video image memory for storing a video image signal which is decoded by the rectangular shape object decoding means; a composing means for composing the shape signal stored in the shape memory, the texture signal stored in the texture memory, and the video image signal stored in the video image memory, in accordance with the composition information stored in the composition information memory; a position indicating means for indicating a position in the c

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and a method for processing images are provided whereby it is possible to register a plurality of mask patterns, to select a desired one among the plurality of registered mask patterns, and to cut-out a desired part of a taken image by using the selected mask pattern to synthesize a new image, which is stored. In addition, it is also possible to extract a part of an image or the whole of an image of a stored taken image to be registered as a mask pattern.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus for processing picture signals of different formats comprises a memory 20 for storing input picture signals, read-out means 21 for simultaneously reading out the picture signals stored in the memory in terms of a preset number of the picture signals as a unit, and interpolation means 22 for interpolating picture signals for a preset position by executing preset calculations on the plural picture signals read out. For picture signals of an HD format, the picture signals are simultaneously read out in terms of the four pixels as a unit to execute four-point interpolation processing.

Abstract: A display device including a camera is used by inserting it in the direction of a user's gaze. Alternatively, an image of the same area as that of a scene from a windshield of an automobile may be obtained and the image may be displayed by using an information providing apparatus installed in the automobile. A system provides information to the user by adding a two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics object to an image taken by the camera. The information is directly added to a scene in the direction of the user's gaze and is displayed to the user. Thus the user can easily understand the relationship between the information and the position to which the information is added.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video signal switching apparatus having editing function to select an arbitrary video signal from plural video signals or carry out synthesis thereof, which allows an operation unit to be of modular configuration every respective functions to electrically connect adjacent modules of panel modules (22A to 22D) which serve as respective operation modules to each other by relay bases (23), (24) to carry out transmission of signals between both modules, and to allow connection between the panel modules (22A to 22D) and the relay bases (23), (24) to be connector connection to thereby have ability to freely change layout of the panel modules (22B to 22D) of division size in which 19 inches rack size is fundamental in accordance with fondness of operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing multiple signals is provided. The method and apparatus utilize the timing information of one of the multiple signals as a reference clock for synchronizing multiple signals. The method and apparatus utilize selectively gating the clocks of the other signal processing chains in order to allow control by the reference clock.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model is created to represent an environment to be captured on video. A camera is fitted with pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors. An operator selects a location in the environment. The three-dimensional model is used to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the location selected by the operator. Information from the pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors is used to transform the three-dimensional coordinates to a two-dimensional position in the video from the camera. Using the two-dimensional position of the video, a graphic is properly added to the video such that the graphic appears to be at the selected location in the environment.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with a display device to display images on a display screen so that the images displayed on the display device can be edited and processed for joining of the images. The image processing apparatus includes an image specifying device to specify two or more images to be joined together on the display device. An image arranging device arranges the images specified by the image specifying device in such an order as to join the images together, and a display control device controls the display device to display the images arranged by the image arranging device. A joining point specifying device specifies any one joining point for each image so that vertically or laterally adjacent images displayed by the display control device can be joined together by referring to the joining points. A joining device joins adjacent images together by referring to the joining points specified by the joining point specifying device.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital broadcast delivery method which copes with various broadcasting systems from one set of digital contents by effectively using the characteristics of digital contents. As a method of achieving the object, a super-high definition video image having a resolution higher than that of a conventional broadcasting system are input to a digital contents editing device according to the invention, and a video range (e.g., two portions) in the super-high definition video image is delivered to a receiving terminal. In the receiving terminal, different video images can be viewed and heard by a broadcasting system in conformity with a conventional broadcasting system.

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: Video information intended to be reproduced on a television screen (1) often includes additional information such as graphics information (3) or subtitles (4) in addition to the main information such as film images (2). This additional information is transmitted separately, so that the user may choose whether the additional information is to be displayed or not. In the disclosed method the transmitted video signal comprises information relating to the duration (25) for which the additional information is to remain on the display. With this method the additional information can be displayed exactly for the duration of the desired time. When a video disc or tape is used for transferring video information, this is advantageous in trick modes, such as Fast Forward.

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: An image fusion is carried out using a look-up table. The look-up table is addressed by the different kinds of images that will be used to carry out the fusion. Each address in the look-up table contains a precomputed image fusion between the two different kinds of images.

Abstract: An encoder and encoding method for inserting logos into a digital television signal. The logo insertion is performed at the front end of the encoder (e.g., prior to compression) by sharing the video capture frame buffer of the encoder, so there is no need for a separate logo inserter with a separate buffer, and encoding cost are reduced. An alpha blending function receives logo image and logo alpha map data for blending with input video data. The input video is retrieved from the frame buffer, and written back to the frame buffer after blending with the logo data. Subsequently, the frame buffer contents are provided to a pre-processing function for filtering and film mode detection. For a film mode frame, a drop field decision is provided from the pre-processing function to the frame buffer to drop the redundant field. The pre-processed video data is then provided for conventional compression processing. In an HDTV embodiment, several compressors are provided which each receive a panel of a video frame.

Abstract: A video signal processor comprises a first input for receiving a compressed first video signal including parameters associated with the frames of the signal and relating to the compression. A decoder decodes the compressed first video signal while preserving the parameters in association with the frames. A second input receives additional video information to be combined with the first video information. A combiner superimposes the additional video information on the first video information. An encoder encodes the combined video information. The encoder reuses the preserved parameters for encoding at least parts of the combined information which are not derived from the superimposed video information.

Abstract: The connected elements of an input image are obtained and grouped based on the relative positions of the connected elements and the similarity in thickness. Then, the character recognition level of a group is obtained by performing a character recognizing process. The obtained character recognition level is weighted by the area of a rectangular area. Using a total of the weighted values as an evaluation value of the group, the evaluation value is obtained for all combinations in all groups. The combination of the groups having the highest evaluation value is extracted as a character string.

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: Video mosaicing is commonly used to increase the visual field of view by pasting together many video frames. The invention provides for image mosaicing for general camera motion, including forward camera motion and zoom. After computing the motion between the images in a sequence, strips are selected from individual frames such that the strips are approximately perpendicular to the optical flow. The strips are warped such that the optical flow becomes parallel, and are pasted to a panoramic mosaic. The warping transformation on the strips, which results in making the optical flow to be parallel, can be modeled by an oblique projection of the image onto a cylindrical surface whose central axis is the trajectory of the camera. In addition, this invention uses view interpolation to generate dense intermediate views between original video frames, such that these intermediate views are used to overcome effects of motion parallax when creating panoramic mosaics.

Abstract: A method of providing visual documentation of a surgical procedure. The method includes providing at least one video camera for generating a video signal in a digital format, the video signal representative of a stereoscopic view pair of a surgical subject. A template is created having a graphical content pertinent to the subject of the stereoscopic view pair. The template is displayed such that the template is overlaid contemporaneously with the stereoscopic view pair.

Abstract: A first signal representing a reduced size video program is transmitted from a central location to a plurality of user terminals in a television signal. A second signal representative of an EPG is generated at one of the user terminals. The first and second signals are linearly combined and applied to a display monitor to display the reduced size video program and the EPG on the screen of the monitor simultaneously in a PIG format. In one embodiment a plurality of reduced size video programs are transmitted in the television signal and one of them is selected for display in a PIG format by marking the program listing in the EPG corresponding to the selected reduced size video program with a cursor.

Abstract: A digital signal encoding, editing and transmitting method enabling seamless coupling of plural video bitstreams without causing disruption of a decoder buffer. In coupling a second bitstream from an encoding unit 20 to the trailing end of a first bitstream from an encoding unit 10, an encoding unit 12 imposes limitations in encoding for securing a data buffer volume required for startup of the second bitstream in the vicinity of the trailing end of the first bitstream responsive to the control signal from a terminal 14, while an encoding unit 22 imposes limitations in encoding for securing a data buffer volume required for startup of the second bitstream in the vicinity of the leading end of the second bitstream responsive to the control signal from a terminal 24.

Abstract: A media pipeline with two channels processes sequences of digital still images. A blender is provided so as to enable simple effects on these two streams of video data such as dissolves, wipes and chroma keys. Complex arbitrary three-dimensional effects and other effects may also be provided using an external interface. Thus, a system for processing sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects includes first and second channels for communicating first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video. A controller directs still images to one of the first and second channels. A blender, having a first input connected to the first channel, a second input connected to the second channel, and an output, provides a combination of the first and second sequences of digital still images at a rate for simulating video.

Abstract: An image acquiring unit acquires a two-dimensional image from a digital camera and a stereoscopic image from a stereo image storage, and sends those images to a pixel replacing unit. The pixel replacing unit replaces pixels, among the two-dimensional image, corresponding to an object such as a pattern depicted in the stereoscopic image, by pixels of the object. An image providing unit transmits a thus generated completed image to the user. Part of the two-dimensional image is displayed stereoscopically by a stereoscopic image.

Abstract: An image composition apparatus includes a composition processing unit comprising a composition position determination unit for receiving a shape signal and an image signal which are outputted from an image decoding unit, and determining a composition position of an object as a foreground image; a shape boundary determination unit for determining the shape and boundary of the object; an arbitrary-shaped frame generation unit for generating an outline or frame of the object on the basis of information relating to the shape and boundary of the object; and a pixel composition unit for compositing a target pixel (pixel to be processed) of the object or an arbitrary-shaped frame pixel that is generated by the arbitrary-shaped frame generation unit 4c, with the corresponding pixel in the background image. Therefore, a composite image, in which an outline or an arbitrary-shaped shape is added to an arbitrary-shaped object, can be generated.

Abstract: Image templates are extracted from video images in real-time and stored in memory. Templates are selected on the basis of their ability to provide useful positional data and compared with regions of subsequent images to find the position giving the best match. From the position data a transform model is calculated. The transform model tracks the background motion in the current image to accurately determine the motion and attitude of the camera recording the current image. The transform model is confirmed by examining pre-defined image templates. Transform model data and camera sensor data are then used to insert images into the live video broadcast at the desired location in the correct perspective. Stored templates are periodically updated to purge those that no longer give valid or significant positional data. New templates extracted from recent images are used to replace the discarded templates.

Abstract: A method of combining a foreground image and a background image includes scaling up a pixel of interest, which is positioned along an edge between a subject and a key colored backing, into a plurality of edge subpixels. The pixel of interest is included in a digital antialiased foreground image. A corresponding pixel of a digital background scene is also scaled up. The corresponding pixel is associated with the pixel of interest and is scaled up into a plurality of background subpixels. For each of the edge subpixels, if a color of the edge subpixel matches the key colored backing, a respective new color of the edge subpixel is determined as a function of one of the background subpixels, which is associated with the edge subpixel. Also, the new color is stored to the edge subpixel. After all the subpixels have been evaluated, the edge subpixels are scaled down to a new pixel of interest.

Abstract: There is provided an image combining apparatus comprising an image input unit for entering photographed images, an image memory for temporarily storing the entered images, a corresponding point extracting unit for extracting the corresponding point information between the images stored in the image memory, a photographing method discriminating unit for discriminating the photographing method at the photographing operation based on the extracted corresponding point information, a combination process unit for appropriately combining the images according to the discriminated photographing method, and a combined image memory for storing the combined image. The corresponding point extraction unit extracts the corresponding points between two images, and the photographing method discrimination unit discriminates whether the translational photographing method or the panning photographing method is used. The combination process unit executes combination of the images, based on the discriminated photographing method.

Abstract: A method of providing a video enhancement to an interactive television content page, includes providing a graphical overlay with a transparent section; providing a graphical underlay capable to show an underlay content; and displaying the underlay content through the transparent section. An apparatus for providing a video enhancement to an interactive television content page, includes a display engine capable to display a graphical overlay having an associated transparent section and to display an underlay content on a graphical underlay and through the associated transparent section; and a processor communicatively coupled to the display engine and capable to execute the display engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus where a source delivers graphics data to a target, which receives and displays the graphics data. The source of the graphics data controls how the graphics data is to be displayed at the target. The source transmits a display control signal prescribing a manner in which the video signal is to be displayed in relation to the graphics data. A target receives the video signal, the graphics signal, and the display control signal, and combines the video signal and the graphics data in the manner prescribed by the display control signal to form a combined display at the target.

Abstract: An image frame synchronizing apparatus and a method thereof which receive image signals from a plurality of image signal sources, detect a synchronous signal from the image signal of one image signal source among the plurality of image signal sources, and synchronize the image frames of image signals from the image signal sources according to the frame synchronous signal, in order to display the images in one frame unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic circuit 100 and method for enhancing an image, in particular used in TV-applications. The known circuit comprises a N-dimensional image enhancement filter 130 for receiving a low-pass-filtered image signal and at least one also—low-pass-filtered—further image signal; all image signals representing different pixels of said image. An intermediate signal output from said filter 130 is combined with a high-frequency component of said image signal in order to generate an enhanced image output signal. It is the object of the invention to improve an electronic circuit 100 and method for enhancing an image such that the costs for their implementation are reduced without loss of quality in the output image signal.

Abstract: An image compositing and compression method based on the creation and processing of parallax differences in motion photography. A parallax scanning MOE lens creates discrete parallax differences in the objects in the recorded scene that are perceived by the viewer as enhanced texture and depth when displayed. Using parallax differences in a captured scene, a computer can detect objects for the purpose of creating image compositing mattes. This method allows matte passes to be filmed on location at the time of principal photography, thereby saving costly additional blue/green stage production shoot days associated with traveling matte techniques. In addition, because the mattes are based on parallax scan differences in the recorded scene and not on a uniform color and luminance process, certain conflicting scene subject colors will not have to be avoided. Also, because the matte scenes are recorded on location, the lighting in each of the various elements matches in the final composited image.

Abstract: A video apparatus, for instance a video player, comprises a first digital source (e.g. a media player) of a first video digital stream and a video encoder (for generating analogue video signals based on said first video digital stream. The video apparatus also has an input for receiving first analogue video signals comprising synchronization signals.

Abstract: The video signal processing method of this invention is employed in a video signal processing apparatus that includes a plurality of signal processing parts, each for executing signal processing, for processing two or more digitalized video signals in parallel, and the video signal processing method includes the steps of selecting one or more video signals from the two or more digitalized video signals; and obtaining an object video signal by selecting, from the plurality of signal processing parts, signal processing parts used for signal processing of the selected video signals in accordance with a mode of the object video signal and executing the signal processing in the selected signal processing parts in an order in accordance with the mode of the object video signal.

Abstract: A composite image generator for combining a prestored composite background image, a prestored composite foreground image, and a composite interior image is disclosed. The composite interior image is preferably generated by the composite image generator by interlacing a prestored interior image with a captured digital image. Portions of the composite background image are deleted or hidden based on the composite interior image. Similarly, portions of the composite interior image are deleted or hidden based on the composite foreground image.

Abstract: When multiple cameras (CAM1) to (CAM8) for shooting the periphery of a local vehicle are mounted on the vehicle, and when obtained camera images are to be synthesized to display a synthesized image on the screen of a display device (16), the pixel data for the camera images constituting the synthesized image are compensated for, so that differences in the pixel data for adjacent camera images is reduced. For example, the pixel data are corrected so their values equal the average values of the pixel data for the adjacent camera images. Therefore, an easily viewed image, produced by synthesizing the images obtained by the multiple vehicle cameras, can be displayed on the monitor device (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device [to display]* at least two overlapping images (M, S) within one combined picture (G), wherein a third video signal (VMS) is generated from a first video signal (VM) containing the video information for a first image (M) displayed in a first active region (A1), and from a second video signal (VS) containing the video information for a second image (S) displayed in a second active region (A2), the third video signal containing video information for an image displayed within an overlap region (A12) of the first and second regions (A1, A2). Missing words supplied by translator.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing data streams meant to be displayed concurrently at an end station, but delivered by separate delivery networks is disclosed. In one aspect, apparatus and methods for marking one of the data streams relative to the other are taught, including insertion of frame numbers in vertical and horizontal blanking intervals, the numbers referring to frames in the other stream and related to timing markers, and inserting such numbers by pixel data alteration. In another aspect, apparatus and methods are taught for receiving and re-synchronizing the data streams at a delivery point, including decoding of the relationship data inserted in one data stream referring to the other data stream. Re-synchronization is accomplished by controlling the separate data streams in separate buffer pipelines by a single controller. In a preferred embodiment one data stream is a live video data stream and the other is an annotation stream having added material to be displayed with the live video data stream.

Abstract: The image decoding apparatus includes first clock reproducing means 20 for reproducing the first clock signal 21 from a time stamp signal 19 extracted from a digital transport stream 5, decoding means 8 for decoding a digital video stream 7 and outputting the first digital video signal 9 synchronizing with the first clock signal 21 and having the first frame frequency, graphic generating means 10, overlaying means 12 for overlaying the first digital video signal 9 and the graphic signal 11 and outputting the first overlaid digital video signal 15 synchronizing with the first clock signal 21, and digital-to-analog converting means 16 for converting the first overlaid digital video signal 15 into an analog signal 17, and an image without any missing frames or display disturbances can be provided even when the digital video signal and the graphic signal are displayed being overlaid.

Abstract: It is intended to enable main image data from a video camera and background image data recorded on a recording medium to be chromakey-combined with each other naturally at a low cost. When a video switcher chromakey-combines main image data that is produced by imaging with a video camera with background image data that is reproduced from a magnetic tape by a VTR, the main image data is chromakey-combined with the background image data such that the VTR is caused to perform a reproducing operation on the magnetic tape based on time codes that are stored in a control device as one of a pair of information and the operations of the video camera and a video camera stage are controlled based on camera control information as the other of the pair of information.

Abstract: Motion information for an object and background information are broadcast-transmitted on a transmitting side. On a receiving side, the motion information and the background information are received, and one of a plurality of character models previously stored is selected. A character image is generated using the selected mode and the received motion information. The character image and the received background image are synthesized and displayed on one screen. The viewer can select a character of his or her own liking, and can view the broadcast-transmitted program as a program in which the particular character appears.

Abstract: Combining first and second video streams into a combined output video stream by inputting a first transition proximity map listing proximity values for pixels in a video frame made up of lines of pixels, each proximity value indicating a distance from a pixel to a video transition, applying a mapping function to convert each proximity value to a key value indicating the relative amount of the first and second video stream to be included in a combined output video stream, and combining pixel values of the first and second video streams based upon respective key values.

Abstract: A video signal mixer with a parabolic signal mixing function, especially useful in scene-by-scene color correction systems and “blue screen” video masking applications. The mixer effects mixing two independent signal sources while smoothly controlling the rate of change during mixing. An input stage receives a first video signal and a second video signal. The mixing circuit mixes the first video signal with the second video signal based on a predetermined parabolic function. An aperture signal circuit in the mixer allows a degree of operator control over the parabolic function. An output stage provides a parabolized output signal. The output signal, which comprises the mixture of the first video signal and the second video signal, eliminates discontinuities in regions of the signal which would otherwise produce discontinuities in prior art types of video signal mixers.

Abstract: A processing device performs region identification of an input image, and then performs an intra-region recognition process. The type code of each region and the individual code of a recognition result are then displayed, so that a user can modify both of the results of the region identification and the recognition process at one time. Furthermore, the processing device displays an original image close to the recognition result. If no correct answer exists among recognition candidates, code is added to the original image, and the original image with the code added is handled as a recognition result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending a plurality of image input layers include processing that begins by converting each of a plurality of image input layers that have a color base that differs from a color base of a display into a image layer having the color base of the display, thereby producing converting image layers. The color base of the image input layers and of the output include the colorimetries of various standardized video signals, color space, and/or any other defining display characteristics of video signals that is currently standardized or maybe standardized. Further note that an image input layer corresponds to a window, a background and/or a display area of a display, where the display is capable of presenting more than one image, where the images originate from different video and/or graphics data sources (e.g., a television signal, and a computer application display).

Abstract: Image data is processed to produce control data in which the control data has a region in which varying values define softness. Within said softness region a sub-region is defined in which control values are set to values equal to those outside the softness region.

Abstract: A method for the digital manipulation of a video image, in which an object is located and replaced by another object. To account for ambient lighting effects, a base set of appearance parameter values for the first object is determined, such as average values of hue, saturation and luminance. Selected regions of the object are analysed and in respect of each selected region the extent to which actual appearance parameter values deviate from the base set of apparatus parameter values is determined. The method includes storing data representation of the positions of the regions and the respective deviations from the base set of values. The first object is replaced by a second object, and the method then includes the step of applying to regions of the second object adjustments to appearance parameter values by reference to the stored data.

Abstract: Real time effects are provided by using tracking information to define values for parameters of an effect. The tracking information also may be combined with parameters for various effects that operate on the position, rotation, scale, skew and perspective of objects in an image. The values defined for the parameters of an effect may be represented in a transformation matrix used in a real time digital video effects processor.

Abstract: An image control device for use in a computer system which includes a microprocessor, a bus coupled to the microprocessor, a video memory coupled to the bus and a display device. A write controller is also provided which is coupled to the bus and which controls writing of an image signal into the video memory by supplying a write address to the video memory. The write controller operates to change a range of the write address according to a plurality of write address parameters set by the microprocessor so that a memory area of the video memory into which the image signal is to be written is changed according to the range of the write address. Further, a size of an image represented by the image signal to be written into the video memory is changed.