Abstract: A system as described herein enables a user to access auxiliary information when viewing an enhanced performance television signal or program. Particularly, a television signal system is operative, configured, and/or enabled to allow a user to access and/or utilize auxiliary information when viewing a high definition or progressive-scan television signal. Briefly, an exemplary television signal system receives the auxiliary information/data (e.g. closed caption data) on a selected interlaced standard definition input, processes the auxiliary data, and combines or overlays the auxiliary data with a television (video) signal received on a selected input that does not have its own embedded auxiliary information/data.

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: An image processing apparatus receives a broadcast wave and reproduces a first image from a storage medium if a display mode of the image processing apparatus is a first display mode. The image processing apparatus starts recording a second image obtained from the broadcast wave on the storage medium without stopping the reproduction of the first image if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is changed from the first display mode to a second display mode. The image processing apparatus displays the first image and the second image on a display unit if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is the first display mode. The image processing apparatus displays the first image on the display unit but does not display the second image on the display unit if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is the second display mode.

Abstract: A video mixer may be employed to form a transition between two video compositions, for example a fade or a wipe. A video storage device may be associated with the video mixer and plays out a video signal, the timing of which is controlled in dependence upon the progress of the transition made by the said video mixer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining insertion points in a first video stream are described. The insertions points being configured for inserting at least one second video into the first video. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for determining the insertion points includes parsing the first video into a plurality of shots. The plurality of shots includes one or more shot boundaries. The method then determines one or more insertion points by balancing a discontinuity metric and an attractiveness metric of each shot boundary.

Abstract: A system and method permits time-shifting or recording for any tuner input, regardless of whether the tuner input is being used for POP (or PIP) or main viewing window. This allows POP (or PIP) video modes and recording to an external recording device to be carried out simultaneously. In one example system and method, a switch is controlled in accordance with a control program of the television to dynamically select which inputs are routed to the main and sub viewing windows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generating device for sequential interlaced scenes comprising: an interlaced scene generating unit; a video signal input unit, which electrically connects with the interlaced scene generating unit, for receiving a first scene video signal and a second scene video signal, and transferring the first scene video signal and the second scene video signal to the interlaced scene generating unit; wherein the interlaced scene generating unit is able to generate an interlaced scene video signal, and the interlaced scene video signal is combined by the first scene video signal and the second scene video signal in interlacing and by time.

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

Abstract: A movement signal generation apparatus is disclosed which can convert an analog position signal of an optical adjustment unit into digital signals representing a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit and output the digital signals. The movement signal generation apparatus includes an analog signal output section which outputs an analog signal in accordance with the position of the optical adjustment unit, and a digital signal generation section which generates two digital signals in accordance with a movement amount and a movement direction of the optical adjustment unit based on the analog signal.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: A video processing apparatus obtains information describing the amount of displacement of images in multiple predetermined units (such as video durations) imaged by an imaging apparatus from an image at steady state, which is a reference, and displays the images in the multiple predetermined units in decreasing order of amounts of displacement based on the obtained information describing the amounts of displacement.

Abstract: New systems and methods are hereby provided that inherently and naturally resolve the challenges of synthesizing coordinated inputs from multiple cameras. For example, a multi-sensor mediator may collect the input data from multiple sensors, and generate a composite signal that encodes the combined data from the different sensors. The multi-sensor mediator may then relay the composite signal to a sensor controller, as if the signal were coming from a single sensor. A computing device that receives the input from the sensor controller may then generate an output based on the composite signal, which may include processing the composite signal to combine the separate signals from the different sensors, such as to provide a stereo image output, for example. The multi-sensor mediator makes such an output possible by ensuring coordinated input and processing of the input from the multiple sensors, for example.

Abstract: A display controlling device includes a first line buffer, a second line buffer, a buffer controller, a mixer, a de-interlacing device, a de-interlacing controller, a scaling device, a scaling controller, and a window display controller. The window display controller controls the operations of the mixer, the de-interlacing controller, and the scaling controller according to a first coordinate parameter and a second coordinate parameter, wherein a first video frame and a second video frame are displayed on a display device. The window display controller controls the de-interlacing device and the scaling device to selectively operate in either a first clock or a second clock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying the contour of an object that is depicted in an image. An object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object by comparing light intensity values in the images of the object with light intensity values from an image of the background without the object.

Abstract: When one video image (e.g., second video image) is blended or synthesized to video image (e.g., main video image), time base correction is made between both video data. A video data processing apparatus comprising a first video generator generating a first video data having an arbitrary frame rate, a second video generator generating a second video data having an arbitrary frame rate different from the first video data, and a synchronization controller using video reproduction time managed by the first video generator as a reference time, and correcting video reproduction time of the second video generator shifted from the reference time by repeatedly using the second video data to obtain frame synchronization.

Abstract: Techniques for recovering reflectance and illumination from natural image sequences, which techniques can be implemented separately, or combined. The images in a sequence of images can be aligned. The images can also be transformed into the log opponent color domain to increase filter sparseness and reduce chrominance errors. Additionally, a collection of filters spanning frequency space can be employed that reduce low frequency artifacts.

Abstract: Interleaving multiple logical data streams into one physical data stream reduces overhead required to process the multiple logical data streams. Multiple arrays of data values are interleaved into a combined array of data that simulates a frame of data for input to a data port such as a video port. Revised timing and synchronization signals are provided to permit transmission of the combined array according to video data port protocol. The processor includes instructions for locating the various arrays of data values within the combined array.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing space or time resolution of an image sequence by combination of a plurality input sources with different space-time resolutions such that the single output displays increased accuracy and clarity without the calculation of motion vectors. This system of enhancement may be used on any optical recording device, including but not limited to digital video, analog video, still pictures of any format and so forth. The present invention includes support for example for such features as single frame resolution increase, combination of a number of still pictures, the option to calibrate spatial or temporal enhancement or any combination thereof, increased video resolution by using high-resolution still cameras as enhancement additions and may optionally be implemented using a camera synchronization method.

Abstract: Corresponding points are searched based on an error between light beam vectors projected on a projection plane without performing comparison between pixel values at the corresponding points. The necessity for use of cameras having a same camera lens or a same distortion parameter is eliminated, and picked up images of different camera models can be connected to each other. Since original picked up images are pasted directly to an output frame based on errors between light beam vectors without transforming any picked up image once into a pinhole image, deterioration of pixels can be suppressed. Accordingly, picked up images of various cameras which are different in terms of the lens distortion or the camera model from each other can be suitably pasted together.

Abstract: A main operation unit (2) is connected to a control unit (4) which controls image processing units (5) to (9), the main control unit (2) includes a setting means for setting the image processing units (5) to (9) to which a sub operation means (3) is connected to the standard mode or the half-divide mode, the control unit (4) controls the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the main operation unit (2) upon the standard mode, the control unit (4) controls the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the main operation unit (2) upon the half-divided mode and the control unit (4) controls sub circuit blocks (5d) to (5f) within the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the sub operation unit (3). Thus, the image switching apparatus can be composed of lesser circuits and such circuits can be used separately without waste as their uses are changed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer software for applying in real time imperfections to streaming video which causes the resulting digital video to resemble cinema film.

Abstract: A workstation for processing and producing a video signal comprises a video input system, a video graphics processor, and a video output system. The video input system may comprise a video input module, a first video pipeline, and a second video pipeline. The video output system may comprise a receiver, a video pipeline and a video output module. In addition, the video input system may comprise a video input module having a specific configuration and a video processing module having a connector for coupling the video input module, the specific configuration of the video input module setting the characteristics of the video processing module. The video output system may comprise a video processing module having a connector for coupling a video output module and a video output module having a specific configuration, the specific configuration of the video output module setting the characteristics of the video processing module.

Abstract: A method for generating a video effect using a video signal processing device. The method comprises generating horizontal and vertical gating base signals. The horizontal gating base signal is combined with a first modulation signal and the vertical gating base signal is combined with a second modulation signal. An amplitude distribution is generated from the modulated horizontal and vertical gating base signals. A control signal is generated from the amplitude distribution for controlling a mixing stage. A third modulation signal is derived from a sound signal for modulating the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a picture synthesizing apparatus comprising a first synthesis means for synthesizing base picture data with mix picture data to be synthesized with said base picture data; a single-color-picture generating means for generating a piece of single-color picture data or a plurality of pieces of single-color picture data; a select means for selecting one of said pieces of single-color picture data generated by said single-color-picture generating means to be used in fade processing of said base picture data and said mix picture data; and a second synthesis means for synthesizing an output of said first synthesis means with an output of said select means. Accordingly, the picture synthesizing apparatus of the present invention is capable of carrying out processing to synthesize a base picture and a mixing picture and fade processing in an integrated and coordinated manner as well as being capable of carrying out cross-fade processing in addition to single-color-fade processing.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for adapting high resolution input material to display specifications of a particular display device, thereby ensuring that the high quality of the input material is preserved as best as possible in the final video work. The instant invention is an improvement over traditional media editing programs, in that controls are provided to ensure the quality of the final product. Additionally specific movement effects selectable when working with still images are also separately monitored by the instant invention to ensure an efficient application of these effects, thereby preserving the visual quality of the material.

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

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for generating a video output by combining a first video input and a second video input. A first input image is accessed from the first video input and a second input image is accessed from the second video input, wherein the second input image includes a selected element recorded in front of a monochromatic background. A first region and a second region are generated from the first input image. An output image that includes the first region and the second region with a gap separating the first region from the second region is generated. The selected element is placed at least over the gap in the output image, wherein predetermined areas of the first region and the second region remain visible in the output image. The output image is included in the video output.

Abstract: An image synthesizing apparatus according to the present invention comprises coefficient setting means for setting a blending coefficient ?(0???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 ? as follows: A*?+B*(1??), 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 ? set by the coefficient setting means.

Abstract: A video monitoring system using daisy chain is disclosed. The video monitoring system can display a multiplexed image consisting of four or more pictures by bypassing video signals captured by a plurality of video cameras through several stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for independent video and graphics scaling in a video graphics system is accomplished by receiving a video data stream, wherein the video data stream includes video data in a first format. A graphics data stream is also received, and the graphics data stream includes graphics data in a second format. The video data of the video data stream is scaled based on a ratio between the first format and a selected video format to produce a scaled video stream. Similarly, the graphics data of the graphics data stream is scaled based on a ratio between the second format and a selected graphics format in order to produce a scaled graphics stream. The scaled video stream and the scaled graphics stream are then merged to produce a video graphics output stream.

Abstract: A processed (e.g., captured) video sequence is temporally, spatially, and/or histogram registered to the corresponding original video sequence by generating, for each set of one or more processed frames, a mapping from a selected set of one or more original frames to the processed set, wherein (1) each selected set depends on the selected set corresponding to a previous processed set, (2) each mapping minimizes a local prediction error between the original set and the corresponding processed set, and (3) the accumulated prediction error for the entire processed video sequence is minimized.

Abstract: A method for distributing a pre-edited, keyed video clip and matte produced using chroma key processing, the method comprising the steps of storing the keyed video clip and matte in an electronic repository and distributing the raw clip, keyed video clip, and matte in a lossless image compression format over the Internet.

Abstract: An information display device and an information processor for performing, in the case where an image is delivered to information terminals such as a mobile phone varied in display, optimum image processing in accordance with performance of the display of each of the information terminals and content information including a material and an object distance contained in the image in addition to a framework of a color conversion by a color management technology. The information display device and the information processor are also capable of changing parameters of the image processing in accordance with a user image preference and an image texture input by the user.

Abstract: System and method for operating a system including one or more co-located computers, e.g., rack-mounted blades, coupled to one or more remote human interfaces (RHIs), and where content or communication is received from sources, e.g., external content sources, internal or external communications sources, etc., and distributed to the RHIs. A first computing system generates first video signals corresponding to a first image for transmission to a display device in a first RHI. The video manager receives a second image from a source, and inserts second video signals corresponding to the second image with the first video signals to form third video signals. The display device of the first RHI displays a third image based on the third video signals, e.g., a picture-in-picture presentation of the second and first images. The first, second, and third video signals may include video streams and/or audio signals, and may be analog, digital, or both.

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

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus 1 and a video processing parameter setting apparatus 2 comprise a video processing apparatus (visual mixer). A parameter value collectively specifying portion 3 specifies in accordance with the order stored in an arpeggiator pattern memory 7, sets of scene data which collectively specify values of a plurality of parameters stored in a scene data memory 6. A changing process portion 4 changes in a given length of time, the values of video processing parameters from the values currently set on the video signal processing apparatus 1 to the parameter values collectively specified as a set of scene data. The changing process is started at a timing corresponding to a change time and completed at a subsequent switch timing. As a result, the video processing apparatus allows for collective specification of parameters with simple operations and smooth switching between video images at the changing of parameter values.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an edge-smoothing apparatus has a synthesizing unit that generates a main synthesized video signal representing different images, a flag-inserting unit that inserts ID flags into the video data items, respectively, an image-edge processing unit that outputs a reference synthesized video signal from the main synthesized video signal, and selects and outputs a plurality of edge-smoothing synthesized video signals in accordance with a selection signal. A flag decoder discriminates the ID flags and generates the selection signal to prevent the edge-smoothing synthesized video signals for the different images, from being processed together, and generates an edge-smoothing-parameter selecting signal in accordance with the ID flags. Edge-smoothing components are generated by using the reference synthesized video signal from the image-edge processing unit and the edge-smoothing synthesized video signals.

Abstract: A PIP (Picture In Picture) processing apparatus processes a main image and a secondary image and includes a scaling circuit, a memory circuit, a first selecting circuit and a processing circuit. The scaling circuit scales down the secondary image to output a scaled-down secondary image. The memory circuit stores the main image and the scaled-down secondary image. The first selecting circuit is connected with a controlling circuit to receive an image selecting signal, and is connected with the memory circuit to select the scaled-down secondary image or the main image as an output according to the image selecting signal. The processing circuit is connected with the first selecting circuit to process the main image or the scaled-down image.

Abstract: A method for structuring video by probabilistic merging of video segments includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of frames of unstructured video; generating video segments from the unstructured video by detecting shot boundaries based on color dissimilarity between consecutive frames; extracting a feature set by processing pairs of segments for visual dissimilarity and their temporal relationship, thereby generating an inter-segment visual dissimilarity feature and an inter-segment temporal relationship feature; and merging video segments with a merging criterion that applies a probabilistic analysis to the feature set, thereby generating a merging sequence representing the video structure. The probabilistic analysis follows a Bayesian formulation and the merging sequence is represented in a hierarchical tree structure.

Abstract: In a picture signal processing circuit, in the case of converting picture signal data compliant with an analog video standard to a digital video format to obtain progressive data of a digital value, in a line which is included in a picture display period (active period=486 lines) of a digital progressive standard (e.g., the 40th to 525th lines in the second field) and which corresponds to a video display blank period of an analog progressive standard (e.g., the 40th to 42nd lines in the second field), the data is interpolated with data which is the same as the data obtained immediately after the start of a picture display period of the analog progressive standard (data of the 43rd line).

Abstract: A camera has a single lens and multiple flash units distributed around the lens. A set of images is acquired of a scene with different controlled lighting applied by the flash units, one at the time. The images are stored in a memory, and then combined to produce a single stylized image of the scene from the acquired images.

Abstract: A data amount of a still image to be synthesized is reduced to shorten a transmission time and to reduce a memory utilization spent by the image. The display position of the still image to be synthesized is easily changed to improve operation efficiency.

Abstract: A video signal combining apparatus comprises a video signal processing unit which is adapted to combine an output video image stream from two input image streams from first and second sources by dividing an image area of an image of said output video image stream into two regions and applying to said first region image information from said first source and applying to said second region image information from said second source, and a display unit for displaying at least one of said input and output video image streams, characterized in that the display unit is adapted to display a border between said first and second regions superimposed upon an image from one of said sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual mode signal processing apparatus using a picture-in-picture (PIP) window. In particular, the present invention relates to a display apparatus and a function switching apparatus that display two views for DSPs performing different functions in use of a PIP window so that two functions are simultaneously performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for overlaying video from different video sources on a display device. The sources may include a primary video source that provides first image data in the form of a first video signal, and an overlay video source that provides second image data in the form of a second video signal and a fast blank signal. The system encodes the fast blank signal into the second video signal to form encoded image data. The fast blank signal can occupy one bit of the encoded image data. The system stores the first image data and the encoded image data in a frame buffer. A controller reads the first image data and the encoded image data from the frame buffer. The controller processes and decodes encoded image data, extracting the fast blank signal. The controller then uses the extracted fast blank signal to combine the second image data and the first image data, effective to overlay an image from the overly video source onto an image from the primary video source.

Abstract: A device and method for processing a PIP (picture in picture) in a TV, in which a PIP is overlaid on a main picture, thus allowing a user to watch the PIP as well as the main picture even in a region of the PIP at the same time.

Abstract: An image processing method mixing a first image and a second image, each formed of a plurality of pixels. The image processing method includes determining whether pixels forming the first image are transparent or not; selecting a pixels of the second image corresponding to a transparent pixels of the first image; color mixing pixels of the first image which are determined not to be transparent and the corresponding pixels of the second image; and creating a final image formed of the selected pixels of the second image and the color mixed pixels. An image processing apparatus and an image processing method thus perform a fast mixing process for a plurality of layers.

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: The invention provides a reproducing apparatus with which a user can confirm a selection situation about video output terminals before or in connection between an external video-displaying portion and the reproducing apparatus, and can suitably perform the connection between them. Before a reproducing apparatus (1) is connected to a TV apparatus (30) or (31), to which of video terminals a terminal through which a video signal is to be outputted corresponds is visually displayed on a displaying portion (100) provided in a front panel (10) of the front of a main body, whereby even in case of the reproducing apparatus including a plurality of video output terminals, a user can readily and reliably connect a video cable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a real time image insertion system for video utilizes a three-dimensional model of at least one target area within a site for identifying the target area within an original video image of the site, and for rendering a target image and inserting it into the target area of the video image. The target area may be a real, existing surface of the site or an imaginary surface defined only in the model. The model is rendered from the position and angle of a camera that generated the video image. By using a three dimensional model of the site to generate the target image, the resulting image with the inserted target material appears more realistic.