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: Video picture signals are received via at least three channels. At least three control instructing operators are provided in correspondence with the channels. Each control instructing operator is operable to give a signal control instruction for the corresponding channel in accordance with an operated amount of the operator. Controller performs signal control on the video picture signals of the channels on the basis of the respective signal control instructions given via the control instructing operators. Synthesizer synthesizes the video picture signals of the channels having been subjected to the signal control by the controller. Video picture signals of two desired channels are designated, and a contact-type operator gives signal control instructions, corresponding to a predetermined position of the operator contacted by a human operator, with respect to the video picture signals of the designated two channels.

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: A video signal processing device includes an address generator to calculate a transformation matrix for three-dimensionally transforming an image to a “blue board” area. The transformation is based on corner positions of the blue board area of a video signal and those of an image area of a source video signal to be inserted. Address information is calculated for reading the source video signal from a memory based on an inverse matrix of the transformation matrix. In this way, the image area to be inserted can be three-dimensionally transformed and automatically inserted into the blue board area, without requiring an operator to input parameters indicative of a post-transformation state.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus and method adapted to realize simplified exertion of special effects on any picture to apply a mosaic or the like thereto. The apparatus comprises a means for encoding the picture to generate encoded data, and a means for controlling the encoding means to exert special effects on the picture. A quantizer normally quantizes only a direct-current component of entire DCT coefficients per block of 8×8 pixels, while setting each of the other DCT coefficients to zero. In this case, the picture is given merely a single color per macro block of 16×16 pixels, so that the picture appears with a mosaic applied thereto. And in a recording medium, a program is recorded for enabling a computer to execute a special effect process according to the method of the invention. Thus, mosaic fade or the like can be performed simply by mere manipulation of the parameters of encoded data without the necessity of decoding even the pixel data of the raster image of such encoded data.

Abstract: A position detecting device for an object within virtual set comprises providing the object with an emitting device and using the device in conjunction with a plain or patterned chroma-key background to provide the exact position of a TV camera or alone to provide a position for another object or actor.

Abstract: Video switching and mix/effecting equipment which performs video switching and mix/effecting by a single circuit configuration on SDTV and HDTV signals.

Abstract: A system and method for wide angle imaging of body lumens are provided. The system comprises at least one imager and an optical system having a plurality of optical paths for imaging images from within the body lumen onto the at least one imager. The system may be incorporated in or attached onto a device that is configured to be inserted into and pass through body lumens such as an endoscope a needle or a swallowable capsule.

Abstract: A system for generating a variety of solid signals and key signals. The system includes a multiple of solid generators, a multiple of key signal generators and a cross-point switch. Each of the solid generators includes a multiple of solid mixers, and each of the key signal generators includes a multiple of key signal mixers. The cross-point switch is arranged to connect any of the solid generators and key signal generators to any of the switch's main outputs, and to connect any of the solid generators to any of the key generators. The system provides for selection of preset delays to compensate for different signal routings. A timing control controls routing and delay selection.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image synthesis apparatus and an image synthesis method. According to the present invention, an image synthesis apparatus, for synthesizing a plurality of images to generate a synthesis image, selects for an image synthesis unit two or more images from among a plurality of images, and stores image information for the selected images, employs the stored image information to generate coordinate transformation parameters that are used to set a positional relationship for the selected images before these images are synthesized to obtain a single image, changes the generated coordinate transformation parameters by using as a reference a position location for an arbitrary image selected from among the plurality of images, provides the resultant coordinate transformation parameters as image synthesis information, and synthesizes the images in accordance with the image synthesis information.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for displaying real time auxiliary information from a secondary source or input signal in combination with a program from a separate primary source. The auxiliary information (e.g. textual, graphical or video images) is selectable and is received through a second, integral or stand-alone tuner. The selected information can be displayed (1) continuously, (2) at predefined regular intervals, or (3) as the (defined) event(s) occur either in real time or in memory to provide a short delay time. The auxiliary information may be part of a currently transmitted data stream or as a separate data stream.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a display control apparatus, a display control method, a display system and a memory medium enabling to automatically realize easily observable display effectively utilizing the display area of a monitor, without any cumbersome operation. The display control apparatus of the invention learns the display resolution of a television monitor based on the voltage level of a line in the image terminal of the television monitor, and causes the television monitor to display an EPG (electronic program guide) matching such resolution. In case the resolution is 480 lines in the vertical direction, “program name only” is selected as the display item and a small font is selected. In case the resolution is 720 lines in the vertical direction, “program name” and “program content explanation” are selected and a small font is selected.

Abstract: In the image display device and method of the present invention, a moving picture plane is composed with a still picture plane and a graphics plane to obtain a composite image plane in a graphics generator. A moving picture area, a still picture area and a graphics area of the composite image plane are specified and detected as binary detection signals on the basis of drawing area indicating information transmitted from a broadcast side or the signal level or composite rate of each image plane before the composition in a drawing area detecting circuit. The detection signals are composed with one another in the levels corresponding to the areas to generate a multi-valued composite detection signal in a detection signal composing circuit. On the basis of the composite detection signal, the contrast, the enhancement of high band components of the luminance signal and the amplitude of the speed modulation signal are controlled every drawing area of a moving picture, a still picture and graphics.

Abstract: A system for overlaying a motion video signal onto an analog signal on a display. The system includes a motion video processing unit for receiving and processing the motion video signal into a signal having an analog video format, a video format analyzer and synchronizer device for receiving the analog signal and for determining video timing parameters and a corresponding original pixel clock of the analog signal and for controlling video timing parameters of the motion video signal to match the video timing parameters of the analog signal determined by the video format analyzer and synchronizer device so as to provide an output motion video signal which is synchronized with the analog signal and a display determining device for determining the display of the analog output signal or the synchronized output motion video signal on the display.

Abstract: A method for enhancing broadcasts, such as sporting events. In one embodiment, data is received to create a synthetic scene comprising at least one dynamic synthetic object. Data reflective of at least one real dynamic object corresponding to the at least one dynamic synthetic object is also received. A synthetic scene is generated comprising the at least one dynamic synthetic object using data reflective of the at least one corresponding real dynamic object.

Abstract: A camcorder operation condition detecting portion (103) reads image data string and detects camcorder on/off information and camcorder operating information. A video splitting portion (104) splits videos into respective shots based on the camcorder on/off information. A subject/background separating portion (105) separates a subject and a background based on the camcorder operating information, etc. A subject motion information extracting portion (106) correlates subject information separated every frame between frames. A video taken space resynthesizing portion (107) resynthesizes video taken spaces based on the camcorder operating information and the background. A shot-to-shot relation calculating portion (108) calculates spatial shot-to-shot relations between a plurality of video taken spaces.

Abstract: A method of blending images of segments of a view includes determining the position of a second segment of the view represented by a second image relative to a first segment of the view represented by a first image; dividing the second image into a first section and a second section, based on the determined positions; drawing the first image on a canvas; and drawing the first section of the second image on the canvas at the determined position so that a portion of the first section masks out a portion of the first image.

Abstract: Linking keyers to background source selections is achieved by defining a key link association table between background sources and keyers for an M/E of a production switcher. Key Add and Key Drop modifiers are provided so that the effects of the key link association table may be modified while making a background source change.

Abstract: A photographic system involves the collection of data from a scene, e.g., a visitor attraction site, that is capable of interactive communication with a user. The attraction site stores content data related to the site, and the user communicates with the attraction site through a camera capable of conmmunication with the site. Besides capturing an image associated with the site, the camera stores predetermined personality data that relates an interest of the user to at least a portion of the content data and includes means for transferring the personality data to the attraction site. The camera further includes means for receiving and displaying the portion of the content data from the attraction site, and a user interface for selecting from the displayed content data that part which the user wants to keep. In this manner, information relevant to a user's interests about a photographed item can be easily requested, accessed and stored with the specific pictures that the user has captured.

Abstract: An image synthesizing apparatus is disclosed which incorporates a deviation detection portion for calculating a parameter indicating the positional relationship between images obtained by photographing a subject such that the subject is divided into sections, an interpolating portion for correcting parallel translation and rotation from the parameter and the images, an exposure processing portion which calculates an exposure correction coefficient from overlap portions of the images corrected by the interpolating portion so as to correct the exposure of the images which must be connected to each other, and an image synthesizing portion for connecting and synthesizing the corrected images to one another, wherein the exposure of each image is corrected before the divided and photographed images are connected to one another so that the overall image is corrected to have natural exposure.

Abstract: An interlaced video signal may be combined with a progressive video signal, such as a graphics signal, by converting the interlaced video signal into a progressive signal. A new frame of the converted progressive signal is constructed from each field of the interlaced signal. The graphics signal is interlaced, then combined with the converted progressive signal. The combined signals may then be transmitted to a display, such as a television set. The interlaced video signal, which is transmitted at twice its incoming speed, remains temporally correct so that operations, such as scaling and 3:2 pulldown, may be performed with minimal resulting artifacts. The small amount of memory used to combine the signals may be embedded in the receiver circuitry.

Abstract: A system for presenting a virtual advertisement or other virtual content in a sequences of frames of a video presentation utilizes data identifying a candidate region in the sequence of frames, a pixel signature for the region, the signature comprising a range of R, G, B values for pixels based on a standard deviation from an average value, and stored virtual content, such as an advertisement, to be implanted in the candidate region or regions. In operation, as frames having the candidate region are processed by an integration system, the alternative virtual content is substituted by default for the candidate region, except if a pixel value in the region falls outside the pixel signature range. The result is an ad that appears to be on a surface in the video presentation, as images that come between the ad and the viewer occlude the advertisement. Apparatus and methods for providing the video presentation and data sets for regions and advertisements are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An image processing circuit includes a processor that receives a value of an original pixel of an original first video image and a value of an original pixel of an original second video image. The processor generates a first pixel-value component from the value of the original pixel of the first original video image, and generates a second pixel-value component from the value of the original pixel in the original second video image. From the first and second pixel-value components, the processor generates a value of a filler pixel, and combines the filler pixel and the original first video image to generate a resulting video image. One can use such an image processing circuit to generate a filler video field from an original video field and to merge the filler and original fields to generate a resulting video frame. Such an image processing circuit often uses less memory and detects inter-field motion more accurately than prior image processing circuits.

Abstract: An image receiving unit receives a first image signal transmitted from a first image transmitting unit and a second image signal transmitted from a second image transmitting unit, synthesizes the first and second image signals, and displays them on the same display screen. The image receiving unit transmits information about display areas of the first and second image signals, i.e., image plane setting information, to each image transmitting unit. In accordance with the image plane setting information, each image transmitting unit reduces the data amount of a display area the first and second image signals are displayed in an overlap manner, prior to transmitting the first and second image signals. Also in accordance with the image plane setting information, each image transmitting unit processes the first or second image signals so as to match a display area thereof, prior to transmitting the first and second image signals.

Abstract: An image processing method useful for producing images of subjects for inclusion in composite images, said processing method utilizing multiple images, including a first image of a foreground subject plus a first background, and a second image of said foreground subject plus a second background. The two images are digitally processed to generate a third image of the foreground subject alone, accurate in color and transparency without any color contribution from either background.

Abstract: When logos or other imagery are to be added to compressed digital video bitstreams, certain constraints are applied to the encoder that generates the original compressed bitstream to enable a video logo processor (e.g., at a local broadcaster) to insert logo-inserted encoded data into the bitstream without placing substantial processing demands on the video logo processor. In one embodiment, areas where logos can be inserted are identified and the encoder is not allowed to use image data within those logo areas as reference data when performing motion-compensated inter-frame differencing for pixels outside of the logo areas. Preferably, the compressed data corresponding to the desired location for logo insertion are extracted from the compressed bitstream and replaced by logo-inserted encoded data. As a result, logos can be inserted into compressed digital video bitstreams without having to completely decode and re-encode the bitstreams, while maintaining the overall quality of the video display.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for combining first and second video streams and a border color into a combined output video stream using a multiplexer and a video combiner. The multiplexer receives the first and second video streams as input and outputs a selected video stream in response to a control signal. The video combiner receives the border color at a first input and the selected video stream from the multiplexer at a second input and outputs a combined output based upon a key received at a key input.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for simultaneously displaying a graphic image (23) (e.g., a control menu of a television receiver or video recorder) and a video image (22). In order to achieve optimal legibility of the menu without fully obscuring the underlying video signal, the graphic image is accommodated within a window (21) and the window is given an adequate color (24) which is additively mixed with the video signal. The mixing factor is preferably controlled in response to the amount of spatial and/or temporal activity of the video signal within the window.

Abstract: The system processes sequences of digital still images to provide real-time digital video effects, and 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: Broadcast standard format video signals such as that adopted by the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) or the European standard format of Phase Alternating Line (PAL) and some broadcast “compatible” video signals are used as inputs to a microkeyer to synchronize a microcomputer's display in a manner that allows full and complete merging of the two signals in the broadcast video domain by, for example, additive (mixing) or non-additive (keying) processes. The required synchronization in turn makes possible incorporation in any video space a variety of computer generated visuals such as illustrative graphics, titling and any other data displayed in the video. The merged video signal from this device may then be displayed on a television monitor, or transmitted, or received, or recorded by a video recorder or processed by a standard broadcast means for example. When applied to any common microcomputer display in its most fundamental form, no additional software is required.

Abstract: Provided is an image synthesizing device with which a specific display region P of a sub-image is synthesized and displayed within a specific display region Q of a main image displayed on a display 9, wherein this image synthesizing device comprises a frame memory with which the data in the synthesis and display region P out of the sub-image data is continuously stored in the order of input, after which the stored sub-image data is read out when the scanning address of the main image data is an address corresponding to the display region Q, and a selector 4 with which the main image data displayed on the display 9 and the sub-image data continuously and sequentially read out from the frame memory are inputted, and when the scanning address of the main image data is an address corresponding to the display region Q, the selected channel is switched from main image data to the sub-image data and outputted to the display 9 where this sub-image data is displayed, which allows the capacity of the frame memory used

Abstract: A system for overlaying a motion video signal onto an analog signal on a display. The system includes a motion video processing unit for receiving and processing the motion video signal into a signal having an analog video format, a video format analyzer and synchronizer device for receiving the analog signal and for determining video timing parameters and a corresponding original pixel clock of the analog signal and for controlling video timing parameters of the motion video signal to match the video timing parameters of the analog signal determined by the video format analyzer and synchronizer device so as to provide an output motion video signal which is synchronized with the analog signal and a display determining device for determining the display of the analog output signal or the synchronized output motion video signal on the display.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a composite image from a foreground image (FG), showing an object or a scene with a substantially monochrome background, and background image (BG) comprising a first processing unit (R4) for producing a control signal (SEP) for each pixel of the foregoing image (FG), reflecting whether an individual pixel of the foreground image is part of the object or part of the monochrome background, based both on the chromatic values of the pixel and on predetermined chromatic values, describing the color composition of the monochrome background, a selection unit (R5) suffixed to the first processing unit (R4), for calculating the chromatic values of an individual pixel of the composite image from, depending on the control signal (SEP), either the chromatic values of the corresponding pixel of the foreground image (FG) or the chromatic values of the corresponding pixel of the background image (BG), a second processing unit for calculating correction values for the chromatic values of an individual

Abstract: An editing apparatus and the like are provided for splicing two data streams of compressed picture data at an arbitrary splice point without breaking down the VBV buffer. The editing apparatus inserts between a main stream and a sub-stream compressed by the MPEG-2/Video Method an inserted stream of which a first picture is a black I picture and succeeding pictures are repeat P pictures of which all macro blocks are skipped macro blocks. In this inserted stream, a VBV delay of a picture to be transmitted next, after a last picture in the main stream, is written as a VBV delay of a first picture in the main stream into the picture header. Further, a stuffing byte of which the data amount is calculated based on the bit occupancy in the VBV buffer by the sub-stream at an arbitrary splice point is transmitted along with the last picture in the inserted stream.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of this invention model and reconstruct binarized images. A grayscale image is modeled using a template matching approach. Each binarized grayscale image value is characterized by a unique set of templates which are rotations of each other. The set of templates allows construction of a look-up table between patterns and grayscale values. The look-up table is provided with a limited number of entries. As a result, the number of entries in the look-up table is reduced. The look-up table thus obtained is used for reconstructing the original grayscale image from the binarized image. The generated image quality is good in comparison with conventional methods. The process may be applied to various halftoning processes including error-diffusion processes.

Abstract: An image processing device has an image composition component that combines a plurality of image signals to obtain a single composite image signal, and an image compression coding component that compresses and encodes the single composite image signal so as to obtain a compression coded image signal.

Abstract: A video transmission apparatus in which an n (the n represents an integer of 2 or more) number of different video data (13), (15), (17), (19) are transmitted via a single transmission line (8) from a plurality of video signal output sections (14), (16), (18), (20) to a video display device (5) and on the video display device (5), the video data that is indicated by a video data switching device (1) is selectively displayed, wherein the video display device (5) comprising; a latch signal generation circuit (40) for generating a latch signal (27) for latching either one of the n number of different video data (13), (15), (17), (19) on the transmission line (8) in accordance with a video switching signal output (2) from the video data switching device (1), and a latch circuit (37) for latching a prescribed video data on the transmission line (8) by the latch signal (27).

Abstract: A video graphics system wherein a large quantity of video data is independently and selectively made available to plural video display devices. The large quantity of video data can be contributed to by plural sources of video data of differing formats. Further, the display devices can also be of varying types, each requiring a different input data format. A multi-sourced video distribution element, also referred to as a hub, serves as an interface between one or more sources of video display data and one or more video display devices. One source of data can be identified as a base image, and other sources of data can be utilized for overlay images integrated into the base image. The base image and any integrated overlay images are provided on a pixel bus internal to the hub. The hub can then be configured as an interface to one or more types of video display devices and/or to another hub.

Abstract: In so-called multi-angle broadcasting for broadcasting one program by using a plurality of broadcast channels, attendant information is transmitted which indicates the composite display position and the size of a video picture. A receiver produces a composite display of the video picture in accordance with the attendant information. This produces, for example in an automobile racing program, a composite display of video pictures of respective cars in combination with a video picture of the entire racing course in accordance with the positions of the respective cars racing along the race course, to allow a viewer to enjoy viewing the positions of the respective cars and the video pictures of the respective cars at the same time.

Abstract: Given two video sequences, a composite video sequence can be generated which includes visual elements from each of the given sequences, suitably synchronized and represented in a chosen focal plane. For example, given two video sequences with each showing a different contestant individually racing the same down-hill course, the composite sequence can include elements from each of the given sequences to show the contestants as if racing simultaneously. A composite video sequence can be made also by similarly combining a video sequence with an audio sequence.

Abstract: A graphics processing device includes a graphic and video blender having an input operative to receive graphics or video data obtained from a frame buffer containing multiple formats of data for display on at least one of an RGB monitor and a television monitor. The processing device has an output and is operative to assign pixel type flags to output pixels in a blended image. A signal scaler is operatively coupled to receive the blended image from the graphic and video blender. A coefficient multiplexor selects coefficients for the signal scaler from a plurality of sets of coefficients in response to the assigned pixel type flag.

Abstract: A method of broadcasting controlling data streams and remote receiving apparatus for using the same are disclosed. A viewer-channel-to-broadcast channel (VCBC) map is employed to map one or more controlling data streams to one or more channels. The VCBC map is stored in memory. When a user tunes to a channel, the VCBC map is checked to determine if a controlling data stream is associated with the tuned channel. The VCBC map is periodically updated and broadcasted.

Abstract: A video signal mixing apparatus and a method thereof, which is capable of minimizing timing jitter caused when onsynchronized video signals are digitally mixed. A signal subtractor subtracts a second video signal synchronized with a clock signal from a first video signal which is not synchronized with the clock signal, and a weighted value extractor divides one period of the clock signal into N intervals, detects the interval where a digital selection signal is generated, among the N divided intervals, and outputs a predetermined value (where 0≦predetermined value≦1) allocated to the detected interval as a weighted value. A multiplier multiplies the weighted value with the output of the signal subtractor and outputs the multiplication result, and a signal mixer mixes the multiplication result with the second video signal and outputs the mixed result as a mixed video signal. Therefore, error causing timing jitter is reduced to 1/N, thereby minimizing dot crawling of the mixed image.

Abstract: An image synthesizing apparatus according to the present invention comprises coefficient setting means for setting a blending coefficient &agr; (0≦&agr;≦1) at a specified value when a value of a specific picture element component included in picture element components A of a first image is a predetermined value; and arithmetic means for performing an operation on the picture element components A, picture element components B of a second image, and the blending coefficient &agr; as follows: A*&agr;+B*(1−&agr;), and performing the operation on all the picture element components A and the picture element components B of a picture element that has the specific picture element component representing the predetermined value by using the blending coefficient &agr; set by the coefficient setting means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data of different sizes begins by processing first data to produce an n-bit resultant. Such processing may be performing an arithmetic function upon the data. In addition, second data is processed to produce an m-bit resultant. Such processing of the second data may also include performing an arithmetic function upon the second data. The processing then continues by mixing the n-bit resultant with the m-bit resultant to produce an m-bit mixed resultant. For example, the first data may be representative of RGB graphics data that is processed by a graphics core to produce an 8-bit resultant. The second data may be representative of video data that is processed by a video core to produce a 10-bit resultant. A mixer mixes the 8-bit graphics output with the 10-bit digital video output to produce a 10-bit mixed output. A digital-to-analog converter converts the 10-bit mixed output into an analog signal.

Abstract: A video display apparatus and method for displaying decoded video frames from an encoded video stream utilizes a display time difference determinator that detects a frame display time difference, on a per frame basis if desired, between a refresh rate based frame display time, and a video playback frame rate display time to generate frame display time difference data. This is done on a continuous basis to detect synchronization problems between video data that is to be displayed simultaneously with non-video data on a display device such as a progressive display screen. A pixel blender blends pixel data from an adjacent frame, such as an already reconstructed previous frame or next frame, to create a temporally adjusted frame based on the determined frame display time difference data.

Abstract: A precision horizontal positioning (PHP) system for precisely positioning two overlaid video images includes a phase-locked loop, a frame controller, and a delay circuit. The precision horizontal positioning system adjusts the phase of a second video signal until the start of active video of the second video signal coincides with the start of active video of a first video signal. The delay circuit is incorporated in the feedback path of the horizontal synchronization signal of the second video signal such that the second video signal is pushed forward in time to align horizontally with the first video signal.

Abstract: A multi-function TV receiver capable of performing the processing related to an object transmitted through the broadcasting and an object which is derived from accessible means other than the broadcasting and improving utility value for users and (broadcasting station) providers and achieving convenience. A first object data multiplexed in the vertical blanking interval is captured by communication means of a tuner 112 and a VBI decoder 120. A second object data which is used in a network including servers is captured by communication means of a CPU 133 and a modem 131. An linking operation associated the first and the second object data is executed by linking means using an I/O interface 137, a graphic controller 135, memories 134 and 136, a received optical data processor 138, a specification table 142, etc.

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: 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.